Study abroad

Studying abroad is an exciting option with lots of potential benefits. Find out if doing a degree or part of a degree abroad could be right for you.

Why study abroad?

Living and studying in another country can give you an unforgettable life experience.

You will gain skills valued by employers. Studying abroad can make you stand out from other graduates when you apply for jobs.

International study gives you the opportunity to:

• Develop confidence and independence
• Improve communication and language skills
• Meet new people and make friends from across the world
• Develop different cultural and social perspectives

UCAS has useful information to help you decide if studying outside the UK is for you.

Studying abroad as part of a UK degree

Many UK universities offer exchange programmes or partnerships with overseas institutions. This allows you to spend time abroad while completing your degree.

All applications to higher education courses in the UK are made through UCAS.

If your degree course is with a UK university, and you meet other eligibility criteria, you can apply for finance with Student Finance Wales. They also have extra help for students studying abroad.

Students cannot directly apply for some funding. The funding is dealt with by (or through) the education provider - for example the university, college or school.

This includes funding from:

• The Turing scheme
• Taith study or work placements
• Erasmus+

UCAS has information about:

• Travel grants
• Funding schemes
• Where to find scholarships and bursaries

Doing a full degree abroad

Make sure that you research and plan well if you are thinking of doing a full degree abroad. The university application process, course fees and cost of living in other countries will vary.

You will need to think about how to fund the course. You cannot apply for funding from Student Finance Wales if you start and complete your course outside the UK.

The university you're considering might have information that could help. For example, funding or scholarship opportunities.

UCAS has useful information including what to expect if you want to apply to study your whole course abroad.

Deciding where to study

Prospects has tips for studying abroad and information about studying in different countries. It includes things like student visas, course fees and study exchanges.

Each country they cover also has:

• Information about language requirements
• A comparison to UK qualifications
• Links to more information

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