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Choosing where to study

Studying abroad

Is studying abroad worth it? It can be a great opportunity for you and your career. Find information on funding and other opportunities for UK-resident students.

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CONTENTS

  1. Why study abroad?

  2. How to fund studying abroad

Why study abroad?

Studying abroad is much more than just an extended holiday. It’s an academically rewarding and culturally enriching experience. It challenges your existing knowledge by introducing you to new perspectives and ideas. Courses at many universities offer the option to spend up to a year abroad – or you could study your whole course in another country, if you can afford it.

Here are five reasons to consider studying overseas.

1. It’s not much more expensive than the UK

You may think studying abroad is expensive, but studying at home isn't necessarily cheaper than studying a degree-level course overseas for a semester or two. Countries like France and Germany have a similar cost of living to the UK, while others can be cheaper.

Regarding tuition fees:

  • If you’re only at an overseas uni for part of a year – such as with the Turing Scheme – tuition fees may be waived
  • If you intend to study your whole degree abroad, some public unis in Europe charge lower fees to than the UK

2. You’ll have a great chance to travel

Although studying abroad means you’ll spend a lot of time on your studies, there will also be many opportunities to travel. What’s more, the new friends you make will provide opportunities for places to visit in the future. Remember that travelling can be expensive so look at getting a part-time job beforehand to save some money.

3. You can learn new skills

Overseas study could bring new perspectives to the subject you’re taking, or you may learn a new language while immersed in that culture. Wherever you head, you’ll gain new experiences and skills simply by living in a different country – meeting other students, buying food, navigating public transport and travelling to see the sights.

4. You’ll grow as a person

Leaving home to study in a new country is a big step for any young adult to take. It presents a whole host of challenges – culture shock, homesickness and language barriers to name a few. You’ll overcome these obstacles, and in doing so, become a more confident and adaptable person, as well as gaining a greater insight into other cultures you may otherwise not encounter.

5. It'll make you more employable

Many people have degrees, so the graduate job market is highly competitive. It’s important for graduates to stand out from the crowd and studying abroad is a great way to show you have unique experience.

According to Universities UK, students who go abroad are 9% more likely to gain a 2:1 or 1st and are 24% less likely to be unemployed. There's good reason for this. Studying abroad shows you're willing to go out of your comfort zone and can work in different environments alongside different types of people. It builds your confidence. It also gives you something different and interesting to talk about at interviews.

Diverse group of students studying together

How to fund studying abroad

Making the decision to study overseas is one thing. Working out how you're going to pay for it is where the real challenge begins. In addition to any tuition fees and living costs, other costs will include visas, health insurance and travel.

Study abroad programmes

The most affordable way to get a taste of university life outside the UK is through a study abroad programme, where you’re enrolled at a UK 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.

Students at UK universities can participate in the Turing Scheme – as long as their institution has been awarded funding. It enables students to take international placements in countries around the world, in particular supporting students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

The Welsh Government has launched its own exchange programme, Taith, to run alongside the Turing Scheme.

Students in Northern Ireland may be able to access Erasmus funding, through an agreement with the Irish Government.

Finally, ISEP (International Student Exchange Programs) runs an exchange programme that may be more suitable for those looking to study further afield than Europe. The university you study at in the UK must be an ISEP member or affiliate. ISEP scholarships may be available to ‘students who can demonstrate financial need’ but they only offer a relatively small amount of support.

If you’re a UK-resident undergraduate who’s studying abroad for a year or less, you’ll still be eligible for a maintenance loan. This may be at a higher rate if you’re going overseas. You may also be able to apply for a travel grant.

Studying your whole degree overseas

Studying an entire degree abroad can be financially difficult as loans are not available from the government if you study outside the UK. The only exception to this is for students from Northern Ireland and Scotland, who can get a loan to study a degree at certain institutions in the Republic of Ireland.

Bear in mind:

  • Living expenses can be difficult to fund and you may need to prove you’ve got enough money up front to support your living costs each year
  • Many universities and countries ask for fees paid in advance
  • 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 to study abroad

Scholarships may be available for UK-resident students who hope to study abroad, although they’re more often available at postgraduate level. Awards can be based on merit or need and vary in the amount provided. However, competition is tough, especially at undergraduate level.

If you’re already at university, check first with your own institution and also on the website of any overseas university you’re interested in to see if there are schemes you may be eligible for. You can also search databases at InternationalScholarships.com and ScholarshipPortal.eu.

Overseas scholarships for UK students include:

  • Fulbright if you’re heading to the USA
  • BUTEX (British Universities Transnational Exchange) for undergraduates affiliated with a member uni – whether it’s where you study or where you’re going on exchange
  • John Speak Language Trust if you already have basic language skills for your destination and plan a career related to the export trade

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