Frequently Asked Questions

You can go on an exchange if you are a full time undergraduate student at the University of Surrey. You need the support of your department, and you need to be in good academic standing. You need to be able to cover the cost of the exchange (including travel, living expenses, accommodation, visa etc), although Erasmus students will get a grant towards this.

There are also some opportunities for postgraduate students to go on an exchange, in particular in Engineering for project work.

If you are a student going on an Erasmus exchange you are eligible to apply for an Erasmus grant.

UK students receiving a student loan and/or grant can still claim their loan whilst they are on exchange. If you are on any element of the means tested loan you are eligible for a higher loan rate and travel grant for costs exceeding £303, plus your visa costs and medical insurance from Student Finance England (SFE).

Students going outside of the EU can apply for a BUTEX Scholarship. A grant of £500 is given to successful applicants.

Many outgoing PhD students going to Kyushu Institute of Technology in Japan have in the past received a JASSO Scholarship which pays approximately £750 towards travel plus £380 per month of their stay. 

There are other opportunities available.  Please see the International Scholarships page.

Surrey students studying abroad at a non-Erasmus partner for a full year pay reduced fees at Surrey and no fees at the host University – this means you are paying less fees than you would in a normal year. Students studying abroad for one semester pay standard fees at Surrey and no fees at the host University.

Students going on an Erasmus exchange in 2013/14 for the full year pay no tuition fees at Surrey or the host University.

It is not possible to provide an estimate of how much it will cost as this depends on a number of factors. However, you will need to consider the following:

• Accommodation
• Travel costs
• Insurance
• Visa (if applicable)
• Living expenses, eg food
• Other costs, eg study books

Some countries (eg the USA) require proof that you have sufficient funds to cover your time abroad. You will need to ensure you find out what the current requirements are and have proof that you have sufficient funds.

You will need to make arrangements with your host university to get your transcript. Your department at Surrey will advise you on how your credits will be transferred.

The British Council website has links to country guides for a number of European countries.

Third Year Abroad has information for students going on a study exchange abroad. It's primarily targeted at language students, but has information relevant to non-linguists too.

Just Landed is a useful website which covers international destinations as well as European. It covers things like finding housing and setting up a bank account.

Study in Europe has information about studying in all the EU countries, and each country-specific section has links to banks, places to look for housing, and local transport.

Monetos has guides to living in Germany, France, Spain, Italy and the Netherlands, including information on opening a bank account, visiting a doctor, and renting a house.

Have a look at the British Council’s work placement webpage and their Student Guide to Work Placements.
 

Please email s.hedley-boxall@surrey.ac.uk and we will be happy to answer it.