Funding options

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Funding options

There are different funding options available to assist with studying abroad costs.


The level of funding which is available to you is determined by the type and length of the opportunity that you are taking part in. Below is a list of funding opportunities available to you, but it's always a good idea to do your own research and find more external options you may be eligible for.

Please be aware that no funding opportunity is guaranteed, and you should not rely solely on grants to fund your time studying or working overseas. We recommend that you develop a budget plan for your overseas experience, which you can do by downloading the budget planning calculator spreadsheet (link requires login to the intranet). You'll need to consider your budget for studying abroad, as well as any additional fees along the way, such as financial requirements and visas.

If you are going abroad for a term, you are responsible for paying full tuition fees to UEL for the year during which you are abroad. If you are spending the full academic year abroad, you pay a reduced tuition fee to UEL. Your host institution will not charge you a tuition fee as this has been waivered as part of our exchange agreement, however it is important to check for any additional fees such as fees for registration, examinations, insurance, facilities, etc.

The Turing Scheme

The Turing Scheme is the UK government’s global mobility programme to provide funding for outgoing international opportunities in education and training across the world, replacing the Erasmus+ exchange scheme. This funding allows organisations to provide students from UK universities, colleges, and schools with the chance to develop new skills, gain vital international experience and boost their employability. They can also develop a wide range of soft skills, language skills, and cultural competencies.  
Students who are successfully awarded a Turing Scheme grant will receive:


  • Cost of living grant
     
  • Travel expenses (disadvantaged background only; see below)

Eligibility


The Turing Scheme funding is available to undergraduate and postgraduate students as well as recently graduated students (within 12 months of graduating). To be eligible for Turing Scheme funding, students must be:
 

  • Currently enrolled (in any study cycle) or recently graduated (completing traineeship within 12 months of graduating)
     
  • Participating in a placement for a minimum of 4 weeks
     

Home (UK) or international students (please note: international students wishing to participate in mobilities taking place in their home country do not qualify for the Turing fund)
 

  • Not receiving any other funding for the same placement (e.g., Erasmus+ funding, Student Finance England)
     

The Turing Scheme recognises widening access opportunities as a key priority. Students considered to be from a disadvantaged background will receive an additional amount to cover cost-of-living as well as travel expenses. To increase the participation of disadvantaged groups, there is a focus on providing mobility opportunities to students who meet the following conditions:
 

  • Annual household income of £25,000 or less
     
  • Recipient of Universal Credit or income- related benefits because they are financially supporting themselves or financially supporting themselves and someone who is dependent on them and living with them, such as a child or partner
     
  • Care leavers and participants who are care experienced. This refers to anyone who has been or is currently in care or from a looked after background at any stage of their life, no matter how short, including adopted children who were previously looked after or those who access the Care Experienced Bursary in Scotland
     
  • Participants who have caring responsibilities. A carer is anyone who has a commitment to providing unpaid care to a family member or friend who could not cope without their support
     
  • Estranged Participants. A participant is estranged if the participant has had no contact with their biological/adoptive parents) for 12 months or more, or their relationship with their parents has broken down within the last 12 months and they do not expect this to change in the near future
     
  • Refugees and asylum seekers

Funding Rates


The Turing Scheme grant is intended to contribute towards the cost of international mobilities but is not expected to cover the full cost. The grant rates are determined based on the duration of the mobility and the destination country. Destination countries are categorised into 3 groups based on cost of living.

How to Apply


There is no need to make a separate application to be considered for Turing Scheme funding. Students who apply for outgoing global mobility opportunities through Global Experiences at UEL will automatically be considered to receive Turing Scheme funding and will be contacted by email with details of their eligibility after the application deadline.
For more information about the Turing Scheme, eligibility requirements, and grant rates, visit the Turing Scheme website.

Student Finance England travel grant

You may be eligible for a travel grant to cover the cost of any necessary travel and expenses related to you studying or working abroad as part of your degree. This funding option is recommended for students who do not qualify as disadvantaged background under the Turing Scheme but who may be looking for additional funding to help cover travel costs and other expenses in addition to what they've received from the Turing grant.

Eligibility


You may get a grant to cover some of your travel expenses if you normally live in England and: 

  • You’re studying abroad as part of your course
  • You’re on a study or work placement through Erasmus or the Turing Scheme

You can apply for:

  • Up to 3 return journeys between your home and the overseas institution during a full academic year abroad
  • Help with essential expenses, medical insurance and travel visas

Funding Rates


The amount you receive depends on your total household income. This means your income, if you have one, combined with that of your parents or guardians, or spouse or partner if you live with them. Do not count income from other family members you live with. You may be able to apply for your children’s travel costs if you’re a single parent.

How to Apply


You can apply for your travel grant from Student Finance England, which will then send you a travel grant application form. If you are from Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, there is a different process. Check the relevant Student Finance web pages for Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland.
For more information about the Student Finance England travel grant as well as eligibility requirements and funding rates, visit their website.