If you’re planning to study, work or volunteer abroad, there may be funding available to help cover your costs.
The type and amount of funding you can apply for will depend on your destination, your experience and how long you’re abroad. Funding isn’t guaranteed, so we recommend planning ahead and budgeting early.
If you need help understanding your options, you can contact the Student Mobility Team via the Student Centre.
Funding opportunities
As well as the options listed below, we recommend researching other potential sources of funding.
Turing Scheme
The Turing Scheme is a UK government initiative that supports international study and work placements.
Funding is available for eligible students taking part in a degree-related experience abroad, subject to the outcome of our annual bid.
For more details, see our Turing Scheme page.
Global Experience Bursary
This bursary helps support undergraduate and postgraduate students with short-term global experiences, including study, research, work and volunteering.
It aims to ensure that funding is available to students from all backgrounds and courses.
For more details, see our Global Experience Bursary page.
BUTEX Scholarship
If you're going on a student exchange, you may be eligible for a £500 scholarship from the British Universities Transatlantic Exchange Association (BUTEX).
For more details, visit the BUTEX website.
Student Finance England travel grant
If you aren't receiving travel funding through the Turing Scheme, you may be eligible for a travel grant from Student Finance England.
You’ll need to cover the first £303 of travel yourself, but costs beyond this will be covered by Student Finance England.
The grant can also cover additional costs such as visas, vaccinations and medical insurance.
For more details, visit the student finance page for your region:
Scholarships for Excellence – Hong Kong
UK citizens planning to study in Hong Kong can apply for up to £3,000 from the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.
For more details, visit the European Funding Guide website.
UNESCO Fellowships
UNESCO offers scholarships for study and research in select areas abroad.
For more details, visit the UNESCO website.
Budgeting for your time abroad
Experiences abroad can be exciting and rewarding – but they also come with costs. Here are some budgeting tips to help you prepare.
Things to consider when planning expenses
- Programme fees – check for tuition, administration or activity fees
- Accommodation – compare costs for student halls, private rentals or homestays
- Visas – factor in application fees and other related costs
- Insurance – we provide cover for most outgoing students, but some host universities require you to purchase health insurance
- Food – research whether meal plans are included or if you’ll need to budget for groceries or eating out
- Transport – look up local travel costs and options
- Other costs – don't forget to budget for mobile data, WiFi and any utilities
Choose an affordable destination
The cost of living can vary widely between countries – think about your budget when selecting where to go.
Create a realistic budget
Build a detailed budget that covers your expected costs. Use online tools and local price comparisons to help.
Contact us
For general help and advice, get in touch with our Student Mobility Team via the Student Centre.