The Erasmus Programme - studying in Europe

The Erasmus Programme is part of the European Commission's Life Long Learning Scheme (LLP) which seeks to promote mobility amongst students and staff in EU member countries. If you are visiting a partner University in the EU you may be able to eligible for the Erasmus grant. The grant amounts to approximately 370 euros per month, although this figure varies from year to year depending on how many students apply. 

The grant is facilitated by the International Relations Office (IRO), and is dependent upon successful completion and submission of certain paperwork both before, during and after your time on exchange. If you are accepted to attend a European University for your exchange you will be asked to complete an Erasmus application form and learning agreement. These forms should be submitted to the Faculty Exchange Team who will approve them before passing them on to the IRO. The IRO will contact you when necessary to organise completion of any remaining paperwork necessary in order to ensure payment of your grant. Please make sure you attend the IRO's funding briefing in March to ensure you are fully informed as to how the grant will be paid. 

International Scholarships & Awards

If you are not visiting Europe there may be opportunities to secure additional funding for your trip. As a first step, we suggest visiting the British Council website for the latest news and information: www.britishcouncil.org/learning-opportunities-for-uk-students.htm

DUO Award - Singapore

Students visiting either Singapore Management University or Nanyang Technological University may be eligible to apply for the DUO-Singapore Exchange Fellowship Award, offered by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Singapore. This award looks to promote exchanges between European and Asian ASEM member countries. The merit based award is for a pair of exchanges between each University and Surrey. Each student is awarded a maximum of 4000 Euros for one semester of up to six months, covering airfare, accommodation and living expenses. If you have been nominated to attend either Nanyang or SMU for your exchange we will look to nominate you as a candidate for the DUO Award. Further information can be found at: http://www.mfa.gov.sg/duo.

Hong Kong Scholarships of Excellence 

Students accepted to attend a Partner in Hong Kong’s are encouraged to apply for the Scholarship of Excellence. Up to ten scholarships funded by the Department of Innovation, Universities and Skills are available in any one year. Each scholarship is worth up to GBP 4,000. The application period is from the 1st February to the 8th April 2013. Further information and an application form can be found at: www.britishcouncil.org.hk/sfe.

Global Korea Scholarship

The purpose of the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) is to provide international students with an opportunity to conduct advanced studies at higher educational institutions in Korea, to develop global leaders and strengthen Korea-friendly networks worldwide. For further details and eligibility criteria, please follow the link: www.niied.go.kr.

BUTEX Scholarships 2013/14

BUTEX offers scholarships annually and is now accepting applications for its UK Scholarship Programme 2013/14. The deadline is 31st May 2013.The Scholarship is open to all undergraduate students currently registered at a UK university which is BUTEX affiliated. To be eligible to apply you must have;

- been offered a study abroad or exchange place at any institution in the USA or Canada.
- your study abroad or exchange place must be for the academic year 2013/14
- your place must be for a minimum of one semester

The value of each scholarship is £500 and will be paid to the winners once they have arrived and registered at their host university. For further details of how to apply for this scholarship please link to www.butex.ac.uk.

Funding from Student Finance England

If you are a British national or EU national residing in the UK for more than 3 years, you may be eligible to apply for additional funding from Student Finance England (SFE) to fund your time spent studying abroad. Students with a household income of less than £50,695 are typically eligible for an additional loan of £3,267 per semester and an additional maintenance grant of £1,492 per semester spent abroad. These additional loan and grants are approved on a sliding scale according to household income. The maximum loan and grant per semester are £3,267 and £1,625 respectively. Funds are usually paid in three instalments. Students starting their studies before October can ask for an early first payment. 

Student Finance England are also able to offer a travel grant to all those students applying for a means adjusted loan or grant. The travel grant covers the cost of travel expenses above £303.00. Students are able to claim back all additional costs above this amount if they meet the eligibility criteria. Students should indicate on their main application form when and where they will be studying abroad. SFE will then issue a travel grant form and expenditure form. These will also be included in your Pre-Departure Pack from Surrey.  

For further information please visit Student Finance England:  www.sfengland.slc.co.uk. We are happy to provide confirmation of your exchange and sign and stamp forms from SFE. Please visit us in 13MS01 or email: fbelexchange@surrey.ac.uk.

Students who study abroad are still entitled to receive their normal student loan and maintenance grant, and you should apply for this in the normal way. You should make sure that Student Finance England are fully aware of your plans to study abroad when you make your main application. 

Surrey Scholarships & Bursaries

If you are receiving a scholarship or bursary to study at Surrey you will continue to be eligible for it in 2013/14. Second year students studying abroad for a full year in 2013/14 who are eligible for Surrey bursary awards should also receive a fee waiver of £350 and a cash bursary of £1000. Students with a household income between £25,000 - £30,000 who decide to study abroad for a full year should receive a fee waiver of £850 and a cash bursary of £500.

The Margaret Westwood Bursary

For a student to be eligible for the ‘Margaret Westwood Travel Bursary’ (valued at £500) he/she must be a home student preparing to undertake a full year of study either in a US or a Canadian University. To qualify for this bursary, the criteria for assessment are as follows:
-  Financial need
-  Academic performance
-  Student’s personal statement
-  Cross cultural awareness

Details of students accepted to go on exchange by the Faculty will be passed on to the IRO administrator who will invite eligible students to apply. The successful candidate will be selected by a panel.

Hardship Fund

In addition to the above, the Student Finance Office at the University of Surrey is able to offer hardship loans and grants to students who find themselves in financial difficulty. Students are able to apply to the Hardship Fund at any time, and money can often be transferred directly into a student's bank account, whether they are in the UK or abroad. For more information please refer to the Student Services website: www.surrey.ac.uk/currentstudents/money/support/hardship.