Spending part of your degree studying in another country builds independence, language skills and international experience that a purely UK-based course simply cannot offer. For the 2026/27 academic year, the Turing Scheme is the main funded route for UK students wanting this experience, and it opens the door to a far wider range of countries than Erasmus ever did. From 1 January 2027 the UK rejoins Erasmus+, so students planning a placement for 2027/28 need to know how the two schemes fit together.
This guide explains how UK students can study abroad, how the Turing Scheme works, what changes when Erasmus+ returns in 2027, and what to plan for around visas and costs.
Ways UK Students Can Study Abroad
- A study exchange during your degree, spending a term or year at a partner university abroad as part of your existing UK course.
- A full degree abroad, applying directly to an overseas university rather than a UK one, often at a lower tuition cost in countries such as the Netherlands or parts of Scandinavia.
- A short-term study or work placement, lasting anywhere from a few weeks to a year, often arranged and funded through your university.
- Postgraduate study abroad, pursuing a master’s or doctorate at an overseas institution once you have completed your first degree.
Funding Your Time Abroad: Turing Scheme and Erasmus+
The Turing Scheme is the UK government programme funding international study, work and volunteering placements for UK students. It replaced the EU Erasmus+ scheme after Brexit, and unlike Erasmus, which was limited mainly to European countries, the Turing Scheme funds placements anywhere in the world. The 2026/27 academic year is its last year: the UK rejoins Erasmus+ on 1 January 2027, and the Turing Scheme will not operate in 2027/28.
| Scheme | Where you can go | Who applies | When it applies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turing Scheme | Any country worldwide | Your university applies for funding on your behalf | 2026/27 academic year only, its final year |
| Erasmus+ | EU countries and other programme countries | Your university or college applies for funding on your behalf | From 1 January 2027, with the first student placements in the 2027/28 academic year |
Both schemes contribute towards travel, visas and living costs, with the exact amount varying by destination and personal circumstances. Turing placements last from four weeks up to twelve months.
For Erasmus+, the first funding call opens in November 2026, with deadlines in February and March 2027 and results in June to August 2027. The first UK student exchanges start in the second half of 2027, which in practice means the 2027/28 academic year. You cannot apply to Erasmus+ yourself: your university or college applies for the funding and then selects its own students.
Which scheme applies to your placement year?
If your placement starts before the summer of 2027, it is funded through the Turing Scheme, so ask your international office about its internal deadlines now. If your placement starts in autumn 2027 or later, it will be an Erasmus+ placement, so ask whether your university is bidding in the first funding call and which partner universities it covers. Because your university must apply and select participants under both schemes, the first step is always to check with your international office or study abroad coordinator whether your course offers a funded placement and how to apply internally.
Visas and Practical Requirements
Since the UK left the EU, UK students generally need a visa to study in EU countries, something that was not required under Erasmus. Requirements vary considerably by destination, so it is worth checking the specific rules for your target country well in advance.
- Check visa requirements early, since processing times and required documents vary significantly between countries.
- Confirm your course will transfer credit, ensuring study completed abroad counts towards your UK degree.
- Arrange accommodation in advance, either through the host university or independently, depending on what your placement offers.
- Sort health cover and insurance, since NHS access does not automatically extend to time spent studying abroad.
Budgeting for Time Abroad
Costs vary enormously by destination, but a few funding sources typically combine to cover a placement:
- Turing Scheme or Erasmus+ funding, which contributes towards costs but rarely covers everything, with the exact amount depending on destination and personal circumstances. For 2026/27 it is Turing funding; from 2027/28 it is Erasmus+ funding, applied for by your university.
- Continued student finance, since eligible students typically keep receiving their usual maintenance loan while on an approved placement abroad.
- Personal savings and part-time work, particularly important in higher cost-of-living destinations.
Why Studying Abroad Is Worth Considering
Beyond the obvious cultural experience, employers consistently value the independence, adaptability and language skills that time studying abroad demonstrates. It also broadens your personal network internationally in a way that is difficult to replicate through a UK-only degree.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still study in Europe as a UK student after Brexit?
Yes, though you will generally need a visa to study in EU countries, unlike under the previous Erasmus scheme. The UK rejoins Erasmus+ on 1 January 2027, with the first funding call opening in November 2026 and the first student placements in the 2027/28 academic year. For a placement in 2026/27, the Turing Scheme is still the funded route.
Is the Turing Scheme ending?
Yes. The Turing Scheme runs for the 2026/27 academic year and will not operate in 2027/28. From 1 January 2027 the UK is part of Erasmus+ again, so students planning a placement for 2027/28 should ask their university about Erasmus+ rather than Turing funding.
How do I apply for the Turing Scheme?
You cannot apply directly. Your university applies for Turing Scheme funding and selects participating students, so check with your international office or study abroad coordinator about internal application processes.
Will I still get my student finance while studying abroad?
Eligible students typically continue receiving their usual maintenance loan while on an approved study or work placement abroad, though it is worth confirming your specific circumstances with Student Finance England or your relevant funding body.
Do I need to speak the local language to study abroad?
Not necessarily. Many international placements, particularly in Northern Europe, offer courses taught entirely in English, though basic language skills generally improve the overall experience.
Studying abroad turns a standard degree into a genuinely international experience, but it takes planning well ahead of your placement. If funding your time abroad is a concern, our guide to UK scholarships covers additional funding routes worth exploring alongside the Turing Scheme and Erasmus+.
Before you apply, check our guide to the student visa so you know which visa you need and when to apply for it.
