STUDENT STUDY ABROAD GUIDE

INTERNAL APPLICATION PROCESS

Student
Be enrolled on My Global Story Provide updated and relevant
Canvas Course
Attend all briefing sessions e.g.
Go Global Fair
Proactively follow application
procedures and adhere to all
deadlines e.g. follow the rules available
that the top 3 partner
universities are from 3
different countries from 3
different bands
Ensure you are enrolled on a
4-year programme (either
when entering the University
or by completing a Course
Transfer form)
Responsibilities
SAE Office
information for 2023/24 on
My Global Story Canvas Course
Hold the ‘Go Global Fair’ for
students to find out more
about the opportunities
Hold regular drop-in sessions
to discuss their priorities and
options when choosing their 7
universities
School
Approve students’ applications
to study abroad and
communicate this to SAE
Office – checking the academic
and wellbeing level of a
student
Provide students with course
transfer forms

Only lists partner universities

on their application that they
would be willing to attend

Do sufficient independent
research into your host
university and ensure the
academic subject offerings
available will be appropriate to
your interests and you meet
academic and language entry
requirements

Declare any disabilities or

health conditions that may
affect your application or
period abroad as early as
possible to ensure appropriate
assistance is provided –
prepare an individual support
plan and attach to application
form
 Agree that your placement
cannot be changed to a
different institution once you
have been allocated a study
abroad destination

Who can apply?

Students require approval from their Exchange Tutor in their School/Department. Students can find
the contact details for their relevant Exchange Tutor here.

Students should have received a first-year average of 60% to be guaranteed an allocation (this is 55%
for University of Birmingham Dubai). Students with lower grades can apply (if they are approved by
their Exchange Tutor), but depending on demand and available places at partner universities, they
are not guaranteed an allocation.

Study Abroad Degree programme Length of Time abroad Application

period degree

One Semester* Specific to certain 3 years Semester abroad Year 1

Schools in Year 2

Full Year abroad BA/BSc 4 years Year 3 Year 2

programmes
Full Year abroad MSci/MEng 4 years** Year 3 Year 2
Programmes
Full Year abroad MSci/MEng 5 years Year 3/4 Year 2/3
Programmes
*course approval dependent/** course requirement dependent

Will my period abroad count to my degree?

The Year Abroad is assessed as a Pass/Fail, meaning it does not contribute to the overall degree
classification. A Semester Abroad counts towards 12.5% of your overall classification. MSci and
MEng degree programmes may be calculated differently.

Where can I go?

Students can apply to study at one of our 300+ partner universities. Check out our interactive map
with our current exchange partners: interactive map. Places may be limited and subject/language
specific. Students can list both University wide and Departmental-specific options on their
application form.
What do I study?

Students study a selection of modules at their host university – there is flexibility to study modules
outside of your UoB degree programme. Students require approval from their Exchange Tutors for
the modules they wish to study while abroad. Students have to be able to study modules related to
their subject and in the language of instruction.

Host universities call modules and subjects different titles e.g. Human Geography does not mean the
same outside of the UK.

How do I apply?

Students select 7 choices of universities (or 8 choices if this includes Dubai) – ensuring they comply
with the Country and Banding rules (top 3 partner universities from 3 different countries and 3
different bands), as detailed on My Global Story Canvas Course. We use a student’s first-year
average alongside their Statement of Research.

What should I include in my statement of research?

For all applications, students will need to include a statement of research (maximum. 700 words)
which outlines the reasoning for those specific universities. Students may include academic reasons,
extra-curriculum reasons or personal reasons for choices. We advise that students research their
chosen universities to back up their choice and explain why they have chosen each particular
university. Focus on the departments and the modules they offer, their ethos and reputation and
perhaps the common links to studies or research interest? Is there a particular chosen course? Do
these universities offer any specific clubs or societies? Are there any personal reasons for needing
these universities (e.g. religion, relatives, sexual orientation, disability)?

Can specific personal considerations be taken into account when I am allocated a place?

The team can take into consideration factors that are important so if a student has personal reasons
for requesting a specific destination (e.g. religion, race, sexual orientation, disability), please
highlight this on your application and how this has influenced their preferred choice in the personal
statement.

Am I able to contact partners directly with questions about Study Abroad?

Until a placement has been confirmed we request that students do not contact our partner
universities directly. Please ask the relevant Exchange Tutor in the first instance or the Study Abroad
& Exchanges Team who are best placed to answer any questions. If there is a specific situation
where we need to contact a partner in advance of a confirmed placement, this should be done
through official University of Birmingham channels, via the Study Abroad & Exchanges Team or
relevant Exchange Tutor.
When will I find out the destination I have been allocated?

The team aim to allocate all students a place as soon as possible however it’s a complex process and
as such we cannot provide a specific date. The Study Abroad & Exchanges Team will be in touch with
students who applied via their University of Birmingham email address to confirm their
allocation. This usually takes place in January.

Will I be allocated to one of my preferred destinations?

The team will always endeavour to secure an exchange place for as many students as we possibly
can, but due to high demand in some countries (namely USA, Canada and Australia), we cannot
guarantee a destination in all top 7/8 choices (depending if Dubai has been selected). We encourage
students to consider a number of different destinations in different countries to improve their
chances of success.

Can I reject my place and take another of my options?

No, if a student decides to reject the place offered from their list of 7/8 (depending if Dubai has been
selected), they are withdrawing their application. If a student is offered an Alternative allocation,
they are able to enter the pool. We are unable to offer a student another of their 7 choices, even
one that was a lower option. This is due to the number of applications. We ask that students do not
selection an option that they are not prepared to attend. 98% of our returning students confirmed
that they have had ‘the best year of their life’ regardless of their destination. Students who
challenge themselves to choose non-traditional destinations have a truly rewarding experience and
gain significant personal development skills.

What happens if I don’t get allocated to one of my choices?

If a student is not offered a place in one of their 7/8 choices (depending if Dubai has been selected),
this is because of extremely high demand and unfortunately due to the scoring we undertake, the
application did not score highly enough. However, if the student has a first-year average of higher
than 60, we endeavour to offer students an alternative place at one of our partner universities that
are available. We encourage students to fully consider alternative destinations. After the first round
of applications we will open up the "Pool", students who did not secure a place are welcome to
apply for as many of the places that remain as they wish.
PRE AND DURING MOBILITY
Responsibilities

Student SAE Office School

Regularly check your UoB
emails, and keep in contact
with your SAE Office and
School
Ensure your notifications on
Canvas are turned on for
updates from the 2023/24
Canvas Course
Attend all briefing sessions e.g.
pre-departure events
Proactively follow application
procedures and adhere to all
deadlines
Use resources available to
research and find your own
accommodation overseas
Obtain documents (ie visas
etc) necessary to travel to, and
study in, your host country
Hold general Next Steps and Advise on academic matters
Pre-departure sessions for your studies prior to and
following allocation during your period abroad
Inform students when they Point students in the direction
have been successfully of pastoral support, if
nominated to the partner required, while you are abroad
university
Provide students with further
information about the
application process for your
host university via Canvas
Hold Application Support
Sessions to support you
through this process
Provide you with relevant
information about your host
university
Provide practical country-
specific advice

Complete the Study Abroad Provide practical support for

Checklist e.g. Risk Assessment you while you are abroad
and UoB Travel Cover

Remain registered at the

University of Birmingham

Ensure you study the

equivalent of a full academic
load at UoB (120 credits)

Behave in a professional and

responsible manner, with
respect for staff and students
 at Birmingham and at your
host university

What documents will I be asked to provide for my host university application?

You may be asked to provide:

• Personal Statement/CV
• Nomination Letter (provided by SAE Team)
• Reference/Academic Letter (to be requested from Exchange Tutor)
• Certificate of Enrolment (to be downloaded from Verify)
• Transcript (to be downloaded from Verify)
• Financial evidence (Student Finance confirmation letter, bank statements)
• Medical Certificate/documents (GP)
• Some students may be asked to provide an audition/portfolio e.g Music students

How does finance work?

Students continue to pay their tuition fee to UoB while studying abroad, but do noy pay tuition fees
to host universities. If eligible students can still apply for Student Finance while abroad.

Students Period abroad Fees to pay

Home Full year 15% of full fee
International Full year 50% of full fee
All students One semester Full fee for year

There may be additional costs that have to be considered which may be mandatory.

The majority of destinations require students to provide financial evidence (of a specified amount)
as part of their application.

Students have to consider the costs of possible visa applications, accommodation, living expenses
and travel.

Students are able to receive Student Finance (tuition fee and maintenance loans) whilst studying
abroad. You may also be eligible to apply for reimbursement of some travel costs through SFE if you
are a means-tested student. You will be automatically sent a Course Abroad Form and Travel Grant
Claim Form if you are eligible.

Students may be able to receive funding from the Turing Scheme, although this is not guaranteed.

Considerations:

• Research how to do your banking abroad - e.g. online banking, travel money cards, does
your bank have special arrangements for overseas banking?
 o Look into cards such as Monzo, Revolut and Starling
• Finance England/Wales will not be able to pay your loan until you have completed online
registration at UoB.
• If you have changed onto a four year degree, have you informed your bank that you are
graduating a year later?
• Have some cash and small notes available for when you arrive

Do I book my own transport?

Students are responsible for booking their own transport to their host country. Key considerations:

• Is airport transfer offered by your host university?

• Make sure you have cash available on arrival and are aware of tipping norms in your host
country
• Be aware of and meet all entry requirements
• Is it easy to get a taxi/bus/train?

How do I apply for accommodation?

This is a student’s responsibility and depends on the host destination. Often partner universities do
offer university managed accommodation but some don’t. Students may prefer to organise their
own accommodation, but this is ultimately the students responsibility to manage and organise. Key
considerations:

• Location and address

• How to collect keys
• Will your accommodation be open/accessible at your scheduled time of arrival?
• Are you able to book temporary accommodation so you have plenty of time to search for
accommodation on arrival?
• Get in touch with students who have already studied abroad in your destination city
• Be aware of accommodation scams – it is preferable to view the accommodation in-person,
verifying the actual landlord, seeing the tenancy agreement

Do I need a visa?

Students will likely need a visa to study abroad (following Brexit, this now includes Europe). This
does depend on their nationality however and host country entry requirements.

What about insurance?

Students are required to register for free UoB Travel Cover if successful in applying to study abroad

Students may be required to purchase additional mandatory insurance from their host university or
host country.
Students studying in Europe are able to apply for a Student GHIC card.

How do I settle in?

Find out about the induction and orientation programmes arranged by the host institution for new
international students so you can make sure you arrive in time to attend these events. Attending
orientation and induction programmes is an excellent way of finding out important information
about the time you will spend at your host institution and in the host town/city. They also give you
the opportunity to meet other students on the programme.

Healthcare

Visit your doctor/GP at least six weeks in advance for a check-up and to obtain any vaccinations
required by your destination country and/or host university

If you are on medication, speak to your doctor/GP about whether it will be available in your host
country and ask for a letter to explain your health condition and/or medication.

If you’re studying abroad for a year, register with a local doctor as soon as possible

Arrival

• Please confirm your safe arrival with family and friends – and let us know by completing the
Study Abroad Check In Assignment
• Update your address and contact details once you arrive
• Check local safety and security advice
• Attend all induction and orientation programmes offered by the host institution
• Register with the host institution
• Enrol for modules (if not completed beforehand)
• Please regular check your UoB email as regularly as you can as this is how we will contact
you and provide any updates
• Get involved and enjoy the experience!
Engage as much as possible with your host institution and in activities in your host country to
promote UoB as an incoming host destination for prospective students. You are our representatives
while studying/working abroad and we are sure people would love to hear of your experience of the
UK and UoB specifically.
POST MOBILITY
Responsibilities

Student SAE Office School

Obtain your transcript from
your host university and
provide this to the SAE Office
and your School
Give feedback about your
experience including intel/tips
for future outgoing students
Register for final year modules
at Birmingham
Support your Returners’ Processing of transcript and
journey back to Birmingham awarding student onto next
by running a range of events academic year
and ensuring My Global Story
Canvas Course is updated and
relevant
Provide you with the
appropriate form to enable
feedback

Participate in the GAP

Programme

Support incoming exchange

students settle into life at UoB

Support the Go Global Fair, by

promoting your host
institution or country

Transcripts

Transcripts are provided in various different forms; some institutions will sign a document for each
individual exam taken, whereas other institutions will provide a final transcript at the end of the
year, outlining the modules you have followed and the exam marks you obtained for each.

Some institutions will automatically send a copy of your transcript to Birmingham after your period
of study abroad. However, other institutions require you to order transcripts and will mail them
directly to you rather than to the University of Birmingham.