Exchange programmes

 


The most affordable way to get a taste of university life abroad is through an exchange programme, where you’re enrolled at a British university but study part of your course overseas. You remain eligible for a UK student loan and may even have access to grants to help with living costs.

 

One of the best-known exchange schemes is the Erasmus+ programme. Although the UK has now officially left the EU, current projects will continue until their funding ends. As well as whatever maintenance loans you’re eligible for at home, through Erasmus+ you’ll receive a grant to cover the additional costs of living abroad. You don’t usually pay tuition fees to the international university and the fees due to your UK institution are waived for the time you’re away.

 

Not all courses are suitable for this programme, so check with your institution (or proposed institution) in the first case. ISEP (International Student Exchange Programs) runs an exchange programme that may be more suitable for those looking to study further afield than Europe.

 

Studying your whole degree overseas

If you want to study an entire degree abroad, you’ll usually have to apply to universities independently. This can be financially difficult as loans aren't available from the Student Loans Company if you study outside the UK.

 

Bear in mind:

 

Living expenses can be difficult to fund as in most cases there are no loans or grants to cover them

Many universities and countries ask for high fees paid upfront

You can self-fund your study through part-time work but some countries don’t allow you to work while you study

Finding a job abroad can be hard if you don’t speak the local language well, so consider working in the UK beforehand and during breaks

You can take out a personal loan from a UK bank but unlike a student loan, repayments will be due immediately and interest starts accruing as soon as you access the loan

Scholarships

There are scholarships available for international students at universities around the world. These can be awarded on merit or need, and vary in the amount provided. However, competition is tough, especially at undergraduate level.

 

Look at the websites of universities you’re interested in to find out what schemes you may be eligible for. Some UK organisations provide awards to help UK students study abroad, such as the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission and Rotary International. You can search databases at InternationalScholarships.com and ScholarshipPortal.eu.

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