How to apply

Application form

The 2023/24 Study Abroad Application is now closed. 

Subject and college specific talks about the application process took place during September and October 2022, you can find more information on those on the Resources page of our website. 

You will need to have researched up to 12 institutions, be aware of potential module choices, and looked at the financial costs for your choices.

Your subjects may by referred to as a different name at the host university which is something you need to be aware of:

• English look under "Language & Literature"
• Criminology look under "Justice" or "Criminal Justice"
• Politics look under "Political Science", "Government & Politics", "Political Studies"
• International Relations look at the Politics entries
• Geography look under "Environmental Sciences", "Ecology", "Biology", "Sociology", "Anthropology", "Social Sciences"

Most host institutions will provide guidance for the cost of living on their incoming exchange student webpages. The easiest way to get to these pages is to search for the partner university + incoming exchange. This will take you directly to the relevant webpages for you as an exchange student. 

If you have any questions about your application please contact the Outbound Study Abroad team.

Managing your expectations

As indicated in the Eligibity tab, competition for places at the most popular destinations can be incredibly high: as demand grows the grade averages that are awarded places at these institutions also grow.  Approximately 40% of students receive their first choice of institution but you should not assume that [X] grade average guarantees you a placement at [Y] destination. 

Approach your choices with a flexible and open mind, diversify the institutions you list on your application and be amiable to a wide range of possible destinations for your time abroad.

Mitigation

The University requires that all mitigation applications are made at or before the point of assessment.  Therefore it is not possible for late mitigation applications to be considered as part of the Study Abroad application or allocation process.

However, it is acknowledged that on some occasions a student may have submitted a timely, valid, evidenced mitigation application relating to their performance in first-year assessments, and this was accepted by their College’s Mitigation Committee, but no action was deemed appropriate due to the formative nature of stage one.

If a student in this situation is very close to the minimum criteria for making an application (i.e. their average is 58.00 or higher), then they should ask the Chair of the College’s Mitigation Committee (or other appropriate representative) whether they are supportive of the student being considered eligible to apply for a Study Abroad placement, on the basis of the existing mitigation application and evidence.  If they are, then the Chair of the Mitigation Committee (or representative) should confirm this in writing to the Study Abroad Coordinator in the student's College.

It is essential that this is done in advance of the deadline for applications for placements, as these requests cannot be considered after the allocation process has begun.  If possible, it is recommended that students inform the Mitigation Committee in their mitigation application of their desire to apply for Study Abroad the following year.

Any consideration of mitigation would only relate to the student's eligibility for a Study Abroad placement, not their priority in the allocation process.  Priority for a place cannot be given on the basis of mitigation of one student over another student with higher proven marks.  The student's final approved marks (as confirmed by the College Assessment, Progression and Awarding Committee) will be used for determining priority for placements.

What happens next?

Below you will find information on applying to your host university.  Please also see the Researching your placement section of our website which includes links to the University of Exeter insurance policy, information on the upcoming Pre-Departure conference and resources to help you prepare for your time abroad.

• The Outbound Team will nominate you to your host university - there is no need for you to do this.  
• We will then contact you with further information about the application to your host university. This will be done in order of host university application deadlines.  Please note: you will be contacted about your application but this may be at a different time from your friends and peers who are going to different institutions.  Do not be concerned: it simply means their application deadline is before yours and you will be contacted in due course.  We ask that you remain patient and refrain from emailing us to ask when you will be contacted about your application.
• You will be sent information relating to your application. You are reminded that it is your responsibility to complete this application and gather any supporting documentation.  Make a note of any deadlines and ensure you meet these as failure to do so may impact upon housing and visa applications.  If you fail to submit your application and documentation on time you will be liable for any financial penalties issued by your host university and/or the authority issuing your visa.  
• Most students studying abroad will be required to obtain an appropriate visa or permit to allow you to study in the host country as an international student. Please note that the Outbound team is not qualified to offer visa advice. Please be aware that immigration legislation changes frequently and without warning, so please check the relevant embassy and immigration website for the most up-to-date information.  You should be aware that taking the necessary steps to acquire your visa is your own responsibility and you may incur costs, for example TB blood tests or medicals, in order to obtain your visa.  If your visa is refused you will be responsible for any costs incurred.