Studying abroad for a semester, full-year or your entire degree can be a fun and rewarding experience which can improve both your personal life and employment prospects.

Every year, approximately 20,000 UK students choose to spend time studying abroad. This accounts for 7.8% of the UK’s undergraduate student population. The majority of students that decide to go abroad do so by spending their penultimate year of studies in a different country. However, it is becoming increasingly common for students to choose to spend their entire degree outside of the UK.

Our dedicated guide will help guide you through the whole process.

 

Studying Abroad: Know Before You Go

As with any big decision in life, it’s important to weigh up all of your options in advance. We’ve put together some of the most essential factors when considering studying abroad.

 

Deciding Where to Study Abroad

If you have decided you are interested in studying abroad, then the chances are you have considered the countries or cities you would be keen to move to. With high-quality education available across the world, it can be a considerable challenge to narrow it down to a single country. There are several factors to take into account, such as the opportunity to experience an entirely new culture, whether you would like to live in a different climate and any language barriers presented.

To help you make a decision on the country that feels right for you, take the time to explore our guide on places to study abroad.

Choosing and Applying For Your Course

Once you have decided on the country or city you are interested in, take the time to research the institutions available and the courses they offer. For instance, you may want to consider how your potential universities rank globally. Why not visit their websites to explore the content you will learn and how the teaching is conducted?

Another important factor to consider is the language the course will be taught in. If you can speak a second language, it opens up a whole host of other options for studying abroad.

Finally, are you planning to take a single semester or an entire year out of your UK-based degree? Whichever the case may be, get in contact with your home university. They will be able to approve the course you are applying for.

Applying For Funding

Tuition fees abroad vary widely. Certain countries, such as Australia and the USA, set very high fees for international students. Conversely, other countries such as the Netherlands and China are more affordable. Discuss funding options with your chosen university to see if there are scholarships or bursaries available that you may qualify for.

For more information on this, take the time to read our page on the costs of studying abroad.

Obtain Your Visa

For studying outside of the EU, you must make sure you obtain an appropriate visa as part of your application. Make sure you don’t wait until the last minute to organise this as delays can occur. Likewise, take into consideration whether you will be required to renew your visa at any point during your time abroad.

If you’re planning to study in an EU country, be sure to speak to your home university first. They can talk you through your options the application process and fee rates as a non-EU third-country national may differ after Brexit.

Budget For Your Trip

Alongside your tuition fees, you should consider the overall living costs in the country you will be studying in. This includes accommodation, grocery prices and leisure activities. Our dedicated page on the costs of studying abroad has all the information you need to help make sure you budget effectively for your time abroad.

Be Prepared

In the months leading up to your move abroad, there are several things you are required to prepare:

  • Be sure to take out comprehensive travel insurance while in the UK. There are numerous student insurance options available.
  • Some countries may require you to have vaccinations before you travel. Similarly, other countries, such as New Zealand, have specific healthcare obligations that you must be able to meet.
  • A visit to your GP for a full healthcare check-up before your big move is important. You can take this time to organise any ongoing prescriptions or medical requirements you may have before you leave.
  • Ensure your passport is valid for the entire length of your stay. While renewing a passport aboard is possible, it often involves long waiting times.

 

More Information

Studying abroad can be a life-changing and unforgettable experience. However, before you make any big decisions, it’s important to do your research. Luckily, Developing a Student is here to help with our dedicated guides on:

Feel free to contact our team if you have any questions, we’d be more than happy to help.