FAQs

Q1 How many places are available at each University?

This varies between universities and can be as few as 1 place up to 6 or 8

places for all Strathclyde students. Some Universities may have no places
available in a given year if we are out of balance with that University. The
important point to be aware of is that places are limited and you are likely to
be competing for a place with quite a few other Strathclyde students.

Q2 How are exchange places allocated?

Places are allocated according to:

• the number of places (in semesters) available at each partner University

• the number of applications received from Strathclyde students for each
partner University and if they are for one or two semesters.
• how your department has ranked you within your course (exceptional,
above average, average, below average)
• your current average mark from 1st year (this may include provisional marks
in some cases)
• if the Universities you have selected in your application offer a good match
in terms of classes with the equivalent Strathclyde classes.
• any other relevant information which may be available regarding your
suitability to study abroad.

In most cases, the main allocation criteria is the ranking by your department
and your current average from 1st year.

Q3 Can I request to be placed at the same university as another

student?

You both should request this in your application, however due to the limited
places available and the expected demand, this may not be possible so you
should be prepared to go on exchange on your own.

Q4 Do I have the option to go for one or two semesters?

In principle yes, but we advise you to consult with your Departmental

Exchange Adviser to check if there are any restrictions on this depending on
the structure of your classes. If your classes are run on a year-long basis, it
would be difficult for you to leave/rejoin a class if you were to go abroad for a
semester. Your Departmental Exchange Adviser will also confirm when it fits
best for your study abroad (i.e. which year and which semester). It is helpful
to let your department know that you're interested in applying to study
abroad as early as possible to check they support your plan.

Study in Australia/New Zealand

You can only go to Australia or New Zealand for one semester due to the
timing of their semesters and their fit with Strathclyde’s academic year. You
would normally go in Strathclyde’s 2nd semester (which is their 1st semester).

For all other destinations, if you wish to apply for one semester, you would go
on exchange in semester 1, then return to Strathclyde for semester 2.

Eligibility & application process

Q5 When will I be notified whether I have been awarded a provisional
place on the exchange programme?

For students interested in studying abroad in session 2021/22, the application

portal will be open from Friday 15 January until Friday 29 January
2021. You will be notified about the outcome of your application (by the
Exchange Team at Strathclyde) by end February 2021.

Q6 Are SBS students eligible to apply through the Recuitment and

International Office?

No, SBS students must apply through their own Faculty. The SBS Exchange
Team will hold separate Information Sessions for SBS students.

Q7 What happens once I have been offered and accepted a place at a

host University?

Once you have been offered and accepted a place on the exchange
programme by Strathclyde, Strathclyde’s Exchange Team will nominate you to
your host University. The host University or Strathclyde’s Exchange Team
will subsequently contact you with further information concerning the host
University's application procedure which you will require to follow.
Q8 Is the host University likely to reject my application?

Once you have been selected and nominated to a host University by

Strathclyde, your application is unlikely to be rejected. The host University
may however contact you regarding the availability of some of the classes you
are interested in taking, and you may require to identify alternative
classes. This is quite normal. Very occasionally a student may need to
withdraw from the exchange process if they are unable to find a suitable
alternative for an essential class.

Accommodation options
Q9 What are the typical housing arrangements?

This varies depending on where you are going and what the housing
arrangements are there. This ranges from campus accommodation in a
shared room (which is fairly common in the US and in Singapore) to finding
your own accommodation in the private sector.

We strongly advise you to read the feedback from previous exchange

students on MyPlace as this often includes information or recommendations
around housing arrangements. You should also read the Fact Sheets as they
may also contain information about the accommodation arrangements at the
host University.

You will also receive further information about housing arrangements from
your host University once you apply and have been accepted by them.

Q11 How does Strathclyde obtain my marks from my host university?

At the end of your exchange you'll receive an academic transcript from your
host University listing your marks/grades. Your Strathclyde department, faculty
or school will review your performance and decide how much credit to award
you.

Some departments may simply award you the equivalent Strathclyde credit for
the classes you successfully passed. Other departments may translate your
marks from the host university into equivalent Strathclyde marks, particularly if
your marks count towards your final degree classification at Strathclyde. It is
recommended that you seek confirmation from your department, faculty
or school on this point before you depart.
Q12. What if I fail any of my exams?

Your Strathclyde department is likely to invite you in for a chat to discuss your
performance and to decide how much credit they are able to award you for
your period of study abroad. They'll also agree with you how you are going to
make up the shortfall in credits.