Going abroad: FAQs and resources

• Find study and work abroad opportunities, funding advice and case studies on Universities UK
• Get country-specific job market insights and career tips on GoinGlobal
• Get country guides, job listings and practical tips for moving abroad on  Just Landed
• Get discounts in over 130 countries with an internationally recognised student ID from the ISIC card

• Connect with students across Europe and explore events, support and accommodation tips on the Erasmus+ Student Network
• Explore job opportunities across the EU through the European Employment Services (EURES)
• Read honest student reviews and get university tips from iAgora
• Learn about EU policies and services for citizens on the European Education Area

• Check UK government travel advice for more than 225 countries on Travel Aware
• Get advice on vaccinations, health and travel from via TravelHealthPro
• Find the British embassy in your destination via the GOV.UK embassies page
• Find country guides and support if you're a British national living abroad on the Help and services around the world page on GOV.UK

Argentina

Explore universities and student services at Study in Argentina.

Australia

Search courses, institutions and scholarships on the official Study in Australia website.

Belgium

Prepare for studying in Wallonia–Brussels with Study in Belgium.

Canada

• Explore Canadian schools for international students on Study in Canada
• Learn about international education initiatives via the Canadian Bureau for International Education

China

Find scholarship and study information through Study in China.

Denmark

Find practical guidance on higher education, living and working in Denmark on Study in Denmark.

France

• Explore higher education and student services in France via CampusFrance
• Read foreign policy updates and guidance from France Diplomatie

Germany

• Learn about study and research options through DAAD
• Discover practical advice for studying or working in Germany on Studying in Germany

Japan

• Get comprehensive advice on studying in Japan from Study in Japan
• Find local support through Japanese embassies worldwide

Netherlands

• Explore Dutch higher education opportunities at Study in Holland

Nordic countries

• Get information on the Nordic region and worldwide relations on Norden
• Learn about Sweden and its international initiatives from The Swedish Institute
• See what Finnish universities offer international students at Study in Finland

Spain

Find education and exchange programme information on Spain Exchange.

USA

• Access resources on studying in the USA via Education USA
• Learn about scholarships, pre-departure and visa advice at the Fulbright Commission
• Get study and accommodation advice on International Student

An exchange lets you spend a semester or year abroad studying at one of our partner universities.

Eligibility depends on your course – exchanges are generally only available to undergraduates.

Check your course's eligibility in the Global opportunities section on Blackboard.

Studying abroad helps you see your subject from a new perspective and experience things you may not otherwise. You'll learn about a different culture, make new friends and develop skills that can help you stand out when applying for jobs.

We have exchange agreements with universities around the world, such as the USA, China, Canada, France, Spain and Australia.

Timing depends on your course:

• If you’re going on a full-year exchange, you’ll usually go between your second and third year
• If you’re going on a semester exchange, you’ll usually go in the first or second semester of your second year

For specific dates, check the Global opportunities section on Blackboard.

You’ll need an average of at least 55% across all your course modules before you go.

You'll also need an agreement from your Academic Exchange Coordinator. You can find their details in the Global opportunities section on Blackboard.

To stay up to date with application dates, check for announcements in the Global opportunities section on Blackboard.

Application process

• You'll start by submitting an application to us
• If you're successful, you'll receive a conditional offer for your host institution
• The Student Mobility Team will then nominate you for exchange, and you'll begin the host university's application process

Please note: Your exchange isn't confirmed until you receive a final offer from the host institution.

Your Academic Exchange Coordinator is responsible for exchanges on your course. 

You can find their details in the Global opportunities section on Blackboard.

You can’t take part in a student exchange unless it’s part of your degree programme, but there are other short-term opportunities you can explore, including:

• summer schools
• international internships
• international volunteering

Yes. You must remain registered with the University during your year abroad.

Some courses include optional or required placements abroad.

Check with your academic department to find out if this applies to your course.

There are a wide range of short-term opportunities you can take part in abroad, including:

• summer schools
• international internships
• international volunteering

You can also find opportunities in the Global opportunities section of Blackboard.

There are a wide range of short-term opportunities you can take part in abroad, including:

• summer schools
• international internships
• international volunteering

You may also be eligible for funding through the Global Experience Bursary.

You're responsible for covering the cost of your exchange, including:

• travel costs
• accommodation costs
• visa fees
• insurance costs
• general living costs

Costs vary depending on your destination. You can find estimated living costs for some universities in the Global opportunities section on Blackboard.

Semester exchanges

If you're doing a semester exchange, you’ll pay your tuition fee to the University of Westminster, and you won’t pay any tuition fees to your host university.

Full-year exchanges

Depending on the Westminster college you study at, you may be eligible for a discounted tuition fee of up to 15%. For details, contact the Student Centre.

You won't pay any tuition fees to your host university.

We offer several funding options – learn more on our Funding your experience abroad page.

If you're eligible, the Student Mobility Team will contact you and guide you through the process.

For more details, see our Turing Scheme page.

If you're doing a student exchange, you'll receive your student loan as usual. You can also request a different payment schedule to help manage costs.

You may also be eligible for a Student Finance travel grant. For details, see our Funding your experience abroad page.

You're responsible for arranging your accommodation, but if you’re going on an exchange, your host university should provide support and housing options during the application process. 

For short-term opportunities, contact the organisation you're working or studying with directly for advice.

You’ll usually need a visa for student exchanges. This depends on:

• your destination country
• the length of your stay
• your nationality

Make sure you research this well in advance. The same applies to short-term opportunities.

If you're currently on a UK Student visa, you must notify the UKVI Compliance Team about your trip. You can contact them via the Student Centre.

Yes. You must provide evidence of travel insurance before you go.

We recommend comprehensive insurance that covers:

• medical emergencies
• trip cancellations
• lost baggage and money
• pre-existing medical conditions
• any activities you'll take part in

For more details, see our Before you leave page.