Spending a year or even just a term abroad can be an incredibly enriching experience and one that you will remember throughout your life, but funding study abroad needs to be thought about before committing yourself.
There are different options open to you depending on where you intend to go and how long you will be staying for.
Do you still pay tuition fees while abroad?
Each university will have a different arrangement but usually any fees due will depend on how long you are away, the type of exchange you are undertaking and your tuition fees status as well as whether the year abroad counts towards your degree.
Do you still get your student loans to study abroad?
Eligible students studying on a course at a UK university or college, who study outside the UK as part of their course, can apply for full student finance.
In addition, there are some special provisions if you are studying for at least the majority of a term abroad in which case you could get:
- the study abroad rate of Maintenance Loan
- a Travel Grant – to cover some of your travel costs.
What additional costs will you incur if you spend a period of study abroad?
You will also have to think about any vaccinations you might need plus making sure you have good medical and possessions insurance.
Specialist student travel insurers Cover4Insurance have a Study Abroad package which has been specifically designed for a period of study abroad for UK students and includes trips back home, personal possessions (a much higher value than a normal travel policy would include) laptops and cover for course fees that traditional travel insurance policies exclude. You can get a quote here
Study abroad scholarships
There are a variety of different scholarships offered which can help with funding study abroad. You can search for more funding opportunities on The Scholarship Hub.
Erasmus Study Abroad
This programme is available to any student registered at a university or college that holds an Erasmus Charter for Higher Education. You will go to study at one of your university’s partner organisations. Eligible students receive an Erasmus+ grant to help towards the extra costs involved with studying abroad. This can be up to €350 a month, depending on the country you visit.
Global Study Awards
These awards are worth up to £10,000. Applicants must be able to demonstrate the potential to contribute to society through their studies; a strong commitment to developing their career; a sincere interest in increasing intercultural understanding and exchange. Open to prospective students in all countries worldwide.
Butex Study Abroad Scholarships
Open to all undergraduate students who are affiliated to a BUTEX Full Member institution. Scholarships are for study abroad either for a whole year or just a term.
Fulbright Awards for Postgraduate study in the USA
Open to UK students who expect to achieve or have already achieved a 2:1 in their undergraduate degree and wish to go to the USA for any master’s or doctoral degree at any accredited US university, as well as for independent research projects.
Generation UK China Scholarships
Open to UK students who wish to undertake a period of study in China. You should either be on track to gain a 2:1 or above or already have achieved it.
Japanese Government MEXT Scholarships
Applicants must by UK citizens and be under the age of 21 in April of the year they wish to depart. You must have completed 12 years of education.
The John Speak Trust
Awards of £500 are open to natural born British citizens over the age of 18 who have a basic knowledge of a foreign language (GCSE minimum) and would like to study or work abroad to gain deeper understanding and knowledge of that language and culture to enhance their career prospects.
Sir Philip Reckitt Educational Grant
The Sir Philip Reckitt Educational Trust (SPRET) aims to help people in the East Riding of Yorkshire and Norfolk expand their educational horizons. The Trust pays grants towards travel & subsistence and helps with funding study abroad & in the UK. The amount awarded varies.
The Anglo-Tefl Scholarship
Get 120 hours of accredited TEFL English language teacher training and then spend 3 weeks abroad gaining practical experience. Not only is this paid for but it then qualifies you to go and work abroad anywhere in the world.
British American Foundation of Texas Scholarships
Open to any student studying a STEM or business subject at college or university in Texas. Scholarship covers academic tuition fees only and award amount varies.
