UK Students Studying Abroad

Introduction

Are you a UK national thinking of studying abroad? Advantages could include the opportunity to learn another language and culture; additional skills and experience to help you gain employment afterwards; and in some cases financial savings due to lower fees or cost of living.

It has become relatively common for UK students to study or work in another country as part of a UK degree, whether as part of an ERASMUS or other exchange, or as a sandwich year or work experience programme.

You can also take an entire degree abroad. Many other EU countries still charge no fees, or fees which are very much lower than those in the UK, both at undergraduate and postgraduate level, making these very affordable options. Some universities may also offer financial aid or scholarships (e.g. in the US) and sometimes particular measures are in place to attract international students - for instance international students taking PhDs at New Zealand universities now pay the same fees as New Zealand students.

If you want to study abroad, you will normally need to start researching possibilities 12-18 months in advance to allow sufficient time for making an application, completing any tests (including language tests) required, obtaining visas and finding funding.

What formalities do I need to consider?