Outgoing students
Why go abroad
Going abroad as part of your degree is an exciting, once in a lifetime, experience. As well as experiencing another culture, it's also a great chance to build a global network. Studies have shown that students who study abroad were:
- More likely to gain a 1st or 2:1 degree.
- More likely to secure a graduate job 6 months after graduating.
- More likely to receive a higher wage, upon starting work.
Source: Universities UK Gone International: rising aspirations report
Who can go abroad
Not all degree programmes offer semester exchanges. Check with your College Mobility team if you can go on exchange as part of your degree.
To be eligible for a semester abroad, you must:
- Be in your second year of study at undergraduate level by the time the exchange takes place. Note that you will apply in your first year.
- Be registered, and in full time attendance at UAL.
If you don't meet the requirements to go on exchange, you can consider either a Summer Programme or a Placement Year (DPS).
Where you can go
You can only apply for an exchange with an existing UAL partner. Research the locations you can study at before you apply for the exchange.
You should consider the following when researching your options:
- Attend information sessions held throughout the year.
- Check which university and location matches your interests.
- Start networking: chat to visiting students or returning UAL students about the University you have in mind.
- Speak to one of our Global Ambassadors.
- Look at student stories.
- Get advice from your College Mobility team or your Course Leader.
- Budgeting: what funding opportunities are available? How much are you able to afford to support you through your time abroad?
When you can go abroad
Most exchanges happen in the second year of an undergraduate degree.
When you can go, and how long you can go for, will depend on your College and course.
Students applying for summer or other short term programmes will usually go throughout the summer months (June-September).
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
You won't pay tuition fees to the host University. You will continue to pay tuition fees to UAL.
Students on a DPS year will have their rate reduced by approximately 20%.
You will need to tell Student Finance that you will be studying abroad. They will assess how much loan you can get. Your loan amount is dependent on your location of study and the local cost of living. This can mean you would get less of a maintenance loan than you would if you were to continue living in London.
Funding schemes
Funding is available to support your mobility abroad, via the Turing Scheme Programme.
The total duration of all Turing grants received may not exceed 12 months between 1 September 2023 - 31 August 2024.
How to apply
Before submitting your application, make sure you have:
- Spoken to your College Mobility team and course lead first.
- Checked you are eligible to apply for the exchange, including which semester you can apply for.
- Attended or received materials from the information briefing explaining the international exchange programme from your College Mobility team.
- Researched your destination.
Read through our application guidance and apply for the exchange.
Your place is only guaranteed when
- Your application is approved by both UAL and the host University.
- You comply with visa/entry requirements
- You comply with financial requirements.