Reducing the cost of study or work abroad

Study and work abroad bring many benefits but it can also bring additional expense. We want to make international opportunities accessible to all our students, not just the privileged few. The following guidance is intended to help you identify and access study and work abroad options which are more financially affordable, and to provide clear guidance about the financial commitments involved. 

If you're planning to go abroad to work or study, think about:

• Costs you need to consider
• Budgeting for your time away
• Tuition fees
• Student loans
• Other financial support and advice

Find out more about costs, budgeting, fees and funding

Funding for mandatory WP students 

If you're required to go abroad as part of your degree programme, we have funding from the Turing Scheme available to support this. Unfortunately, we don't currently have any funding to support students going on non-mandatory (ie. optional) exchanges or placements.

Find out more about Turing Scheme funding

Short programmes and virtual opportunities

If going abroad for the whole year or a semester isn't what you're looking for right now, we also offer some short programmes and virtual opportunities.  Some of these prioritise funding for students from a WP background.

Short term and virtual opportunities

Partner funded exchanges

The Swiss European Mobility Programme (SEMP) supports eligible students going to Switzerland on exchange. 

Find out more about SEMP

Most affordable countries and destinations

Some countries are more affordable to live in than others. Smaller towns and cities are often more affordable than capital cities or well known destinations.  They can also give you a more 'authentic' local experience. The cost of travel to and from your host country will also vary - you may be able to find budget travel to some destinations and staying closer to the UK will be more cost-effective.

Find out where you could go on exchange

Working while abroad - where can you work on a student visa?

You may be able to find work while abroad to support your finances. Check with the consulate or embassy for your proposed destination country about your eligibility to work, and any related visa requirements. Many countries don’t allow international students to work while on a student visa.

Find out more about visas

Scholarships and financial support

The University administers a range of funds to support you if you are finding it difficult to manage your living costs or participate fully in University life because you are struggling financially.

Find out about financial support at University of Edinburgh