Study exchange

To be eligible to do a study exchange for one or two semesters at the University of Surrey, you must:

• Be registered on a full-time higher education degree programme at one of our exchange partner institutions.
• Have a minimum cumulative GPA: 2.6 on the 4.0-point scale, 3.3 on the 5.0-point scale, 4.6 on the 7.0-point scale, or the equivalent.
• Non-native English speakers must meet the English language requirement for your degree programme at Surrey. Requirements vary between courses - see the Entry Requirements section of the relevant undergraduate (bachelor's) or postgraduate (master's) course overview.
  • Students who need to apply for a Student visa (stays of over 6 months, or working AND studying for 6 months or less) must submit with your application one of our accepted English language qualifications at the required level for your Surrey course.
  • Students applying for a Standard Visitor visa or obtaining entry permission as a Visitor at the UK border (stays of 6 months or less; no work) can either submit one of our accepted English language qualifications or a letter from your home institution confirming that you meet the English language requirement of your chosen Surrey course and providing your CEFR level (minimum CEFR B2).
• Be studying in an appropriate subject area and at an appropriate level. The subject(s) and level(s) are usually specified in the institutional exchange agreement (undergraduate/postgraduate/doctoral) - your exchange/international office will be able to provide guidance on eligible subject areas and levels.
• Be able to identify a suitable, full-time study programme for your stay at Surrey. For taught courses, full-time study means taking 60 Surrey credits/30 ECTS credits per semester - typically 4 modules of 7.5 ECTS each.

If your cumulative GPA or other results are slightly below our academic requirement, you are welcome to email us your transcript of records and a list of the Surrey modules you are hoping to take, as we may be able to give you a conditional offer based on your next set of results. 

If you need a Student visa for your stay and you don't have the required English language evidence for your chosen programme, you will need to take one of our accepted tests as soon as possible. If you are not able to get the results to us before our application deadline, we will accept it within a month of the deadline. Email us as soon as possible to let us know when you expect to receive your results, and once you have received them, upload your test certificate to your exchange or study abroad application.

Exchange agreements can be either subject-specific or university-wide, which allows you to take elective modules outside your main subject. Most subjects offered at Surrey are available to exchange students. Your academic department or exchange/international office at your home institution will be able to give you guidance on your programme and module options and any study requirements. 

• Some students will need to identify similar modules (course units) to those you will be missing at your home institution ('matched modules') and get them approved by your home institution.
• Others will have some flexibility to choose your own study programme ('mobility window' or 'free electives').
• Some partner institutions will have pre-approved lists of modules that you can take at Surrey.

Our searchable Programme and Module Catalogue provides detailed descriptions of each undergraduate and postgraduate degree course and each module that we offer.

You must choose modules: 

• At an appropriate level for your study background, and
• From one Surrey degree programme and one year of study, as far as possible. 

Note that our:

• Undergraduate programmes are three-year subject-specific courses, with students taking eight modules/60 ECTS of credits in their chosen subject each year (no electives)
• Postgraduate programmes are one-year intensive courses so study abroad students can only come for one semester.

Exchange students must study full-time at Surrey, which typically means taking 4 modules per semester, totalling 60 Surrey credits/30 ECTS credits.

We recommend choosing your modules (or at least three out of four per semester) from one degree programme and one study year/level (undergraduate Year 1/FHEQ Level 4, Year 2/FHEQ Level 5, Year 3/FHEQ Level 6, or postgraduate/master's Level M/FHEQ Level 7) to avoid timetabling issues.

Choose a degree programme - start by checking out our undergraduate/postgraduate course overviews to identify the programme most similar to your degree programme. If you are not a native English speaker, also check each programme's English language entry requirement on the programme overview (given as an IELTS test score - for other English language test scores equivalent to the IELTS score, see here).

See our detailed programme descriptions - go next to our interactive Programme and Module Catalogue, select the appropriate academic year for your stay at the top, search for the relevant Undergraduate/Postgraduate programme description(s), and scroll down to the programme's module listings. These are arranged by study year (undergraduate Years 1, 2 and 3) and by semester (semester 1/semester 2/year long). Australian students: please note, our semesters are the opposite to yours - semester 1 runs Sep-Jan; semester 2 runs Feb-Jun.

Choose your modules - Try to select at least three but ideally all of your modules in each semester from one degree programme and one study year/level to reduce the risk of timetable clashes. This is particularly important in the biosciences, physical sciences and engineering subjects where the timetables are busier and vary weekly to accommodate laboratory/practical classes. 

Please only select modules appropriate for your level of study: undergraduate module codes have 1, 2 or 3 after the first three letters to denote the study year (e.g. SOC3044 is a 3rd year Sociology module) and postgraduate/Master's module codes have an M after the first 3 letters (e.g. PHYM053 is a Master's-level Physics module).

Click on each module title to see a full module description. The description includes the school/department running the module, detailed module content and contact hours, the semester(s) in which it is available (most run only once a year), the method(s) of assessment, any prerequisites (previous study requirements or exclusions for exchange students), any caps (class size restrictions), and whether the module is compulsory or optional for Surrey students. Exchange students are not obliged to take compulsory modules but are less likely to have timetabling issues by taking the prescribed combination of compulsory and optional modules in each study year. Please do not select modules with (DUFE) at the end of the module title as these run at our campus in China.

Choosing alternative modules - We also ask students to select at least one alternative, back-up module for each of your top module choices (if possible), particularly if you have chosen from more than one programme or study year. This is in case any of your top choices are not approved (e.g. you don't meet the module prerequisite or you don't have enough relevant background in the subject) or any capped modules are oversubscribed or, when the study timetables are published just before your arrival, you find you have unresolvable timetable clashes.

Integrated master's - If you are an advanced-level undergraduate student in your own educational system, we may be able to consider you for certain master's/M-level modules from our integrated master’s degrees –  eg. MMath, MEng, MChem. Please consult the appropriate Academic Exchange Coordinator before listing these on your learning agreement. You must have a subject-specific cumulative GPA of 3.0 on the 4.0-point scale or the equivalent, and a minimum of 3 years of subject-specific study.

Electives - if you need to take one or two elective modules from another programme or department to fulfil requirements at your home institution, please choose Year 1 modules only (the first number in the module code should be '1' e.g. SOC1037 is a Year 1 sociology module) as you won't have the necessary background for higher-level modules. Please provide a few alternative choices, in preference order, in case any are full or have timetable clashes.

For electives in more technical subjects and modern languages, you will need to provide evidence of previous study in the subject, even for Year 1 modules. For modern languages, you may have an oral test in your first week at Surrey to ascertain the appropriate level for you.

Minor/joint degrees - if you need to take one or more modules towards your minor or your joint degree, you will probably need to select lower-level modules as you won't have the necessary background for higher-level modules. 

Timetables and timetable clashes - study timetables are published just before the start of each semester so if you have timetable clashes, we will aim to replace one of your clashing modules with one of your alternative choices before your arrival (starting with your first alternative). If your alternatives don't work or you haven't provided any, we will need you to get approval for one or more new replacement modules just before or after your arrival.

Some modules or programmes may not be available to exchange students.

Semester - Most modules are only available once a year, in either the first or second semester. A small number of modules are year-long and run over both semesters. Take care to only select modules that will be running when you will be at Surrey. On the Catalogue, the semester is indicated next to each module title on the programme descriptions and at the top of each module description under ‘Module Availability’. 

DUFE module availability - Modules with '(DUFE)' at the end of the module title are not available to exchange students as these are running at our campus in China.

Prerequisite/Co-requisite modules - Some modules require prior study of one or more other modules or the equivalent at your home institution (prerequisites). Others should ideally be taken alongside a related module (co-requisite) unless you have already taken a similar module. These will be indicated in the 'Prerequisites/Co-requisites' section of the module description. 

Capped modules - Some modules have a deliberately restricted class size. The maximum number of students on the module is indicated under 'Module cap' on the module description. Most capped modules are on our English Literature, Creative Writing and Year 3 Psychology optional modules. Priority for these will be given to students taking a relevant degree, so capped modules may not be available as electives or to students studying a different degree, and places will be confirmed nearer the time of your arrival.

Module and Programme exclusions - Module and programme exclusions are detailed in our guidance document 'Important Tips for Choosing Modules', so please read relevant subject-specific section(s) carefully. The main programme exclusions are: acting and musical theatre, film & video production and creative music technology, a few of our master's business programmes, health sciences programmes outside subject-specific exchange agreements (nursing/midwifery/paramedic science), our pathway programmes (the first number in the module code is '0') and continuing professional development courses. Places on our chemistry programmes are also very limited.

Popular modules - we may restrict the numbers of exchange students on modules that are popular as electives (e.g. sociology) to maintain a balance in the classroom and to avoid them becoming oversubscribed. Places on these will be confirmed after the timetables have been published.

The academic year at Surrey is divided into two semesters:

• Semester 1 (autumn semester):  September-late January.
• Semester 2 (spring semester):  late January/early February-June.

The orientation, semester and vacation dates for study abroad students are available on our key dates for visiting students page. 

UK bank holidays and University office closure dates are available on our key dates page.

Taught courses are normally assessed by a mix of in-person and online tests and examinations, coursework and assignments - check out the module descriptions in the Programme and Module Catalogue for details.

You will be assessed at the same time and in the same way as the other students on your course, so if assessment is by in-person examination, you must be able to stay at Surrey until the end of our exam period in January or May-June (see our key dates). In-person exams can not be taken early or at a student's home institution. If you need to leave Surrey early to resume classes at your home institution or to do an internship, you must select modules assessed by coursework/assignment and provide alternatives in case your top choices are not possible.

Students who have a January semester start date at their home institution are advised to come to Surrey either for the full year or for our semester 2 (February-June).

Students on taught courses receive a formal Surrey transcript of records 5 weeks after the end of the semester, which their home institution uses to transfer their credits to their home degree.

We run Courses in Language and Skills for Study (CLASS) completely free of charge and you can register online for up to 3 courses per semester.

Our courses for non-native English speakers include grammar, pronunciation, speaking and academic writing.

We also offer subject-specific courses for electronic engineering students and students who need to write laboratory reports.

In addition, we have courses suitable for native speakers who wish to improve their academic writing, presentation or employability skills.

Weekly classes last between 50 minutes and 2 hours, and courses last between 4-9 weeks. 

There is no homework or exams. At the end of each course you can download an attendance certificate as evidence that you have completed the course.

Find out more about the Courses in Language and Skills for Study (CLASS) 

Language software

If you wish to learn a modern language other than English, the University provides free access for all students to the language learning app, uTalk, where you can learn over 25 languages. The app can be used on all compatible devices - you just log in with your Surrey university details.

Film and TV in other languages

All students have access to satellite TV in the Language Study Area with foreign language channels and AV equipment to watch DVDs from our film collection. You can also access a lot of content online, including TV series and films in different languages. After your arrival, you can log in to our film and television page on SurreyLearn for more details about the channels we have available and other options for listening to film and TV in other languages.

Our Global Graduate Award (GGA) offers full-year students the opportunity to take one of two free extracurricular modules, worth 15 Surrey credits/7.5 ECTS credits.

GGA classes run from September-May, involve independent study and assessments, and on successful completion the module and credits appear on your Surrey transcript. They cannot be taken as one of your core modules.

The two courses are:

Global Graduate Award in Sustainability

Our Global Graduate Award in Sustainability will improve your understanding of the world we live in. On this course you will gain an in-depth understanding of a wide range of issues affecting the sustainability of our planet including.

Global Graduate Award in Entrepreneurship

This optional mini-module will help you develop the knowledge, skills and mindset of an entrepreneur. The Global Graduate Award in Entrepreneurship is made up of workshops and coaching, plus a fully-funded field trip, hackathon and hands-on challenges to create hype, run the campus incubator and sell your ideas.

For further details and to apply online by the September deadline, visit the GGA page.

As an exchange student, you won’t need to pay tuition fees to Surrey, though you may need to pay a small admin fee to your home institution. 

You will need to cover all your living costs, including accommodation, clothes, transport, books and stationery, food and entertainment, any visa fee, travel insurance with some health insurance, travel to the UK and any other travelling you do while you are here. The UK government estimates that students living outside London need around GB£1,136 a month to cover living costs and accommodation.

The rent for University accommodation includes: utility bills, broadband, cleaning of communal areas, belongings insurance inside your room, maintenance repairs, 24/7 security, and welfare and support services. You can arrange to pay the total amount in full or by instalments.

Modest charges are made by some faculties or departments for supplementary materials or services, for example, photocopied handouts. For some courses you will need to pay for safety uniforms, field trips, etc. If your course has any additional costs you will find a breakdown of these in the Fees & Funding section of the Undergraduate/Postgraduate programme page. 

Further information can be found on our additional costs page.

Our budgeting page gives you an idea of average living costs and advice on how to budget.

Study abroad students are eligible to apply for university accommodation and we can usually offer accommodation to all of our visiting students, although it is not guaranteed. 

Where is the accommodation?

We have accommodation on the main Stag Hill campus near the academic buildings and further accommodation at our new student residential village, Manor Park, which is a 20-minute walk/5-10 minutes by bus from the main campus. See our campus map (PDF).

What is the accommodation like?

Most of our accommodation is in small blocks of flats, each flat with a shared kitchen and bedrooms for around 5-10 people. All Manor Park bedrooms are ensuite, whilst Stag Hill offers both ensuite and rooms with shared bathrooms. We have a small number of shared, duplex rooms and rooms for students with additional needs, as well as catering for lifestyle preferences such as single sex, quiet and alcohol-free, and for students with financial difficulties. For details of rooms in the different price bands, special requirements, and what is included in the rent, see our accommodation pages.

Prices and payment options

For the price band options and payment details, see our prices and payment page.

How to apply

Applicants will be sent their Surrey student number and invited to apply in June/November, listing your price band order of preference and any special requirements.

Room allocations

We will aim to offer you one of your top choices. Room allocations are made in August and late November/early December. Students pay a £250 advance fee payment to secure their room, and this is taken off the rent invoice sent to your Surrey email address around 14 days after your arrival.

For full details of our accommodation, see our Accommodation pages.

Renting in the private sector

For guidance on finding a room to rent nearby in the private sector, see our privately rented accommodation pages.

Your home institution must officially nominate you to Surrey via our online nomination form before you can apply to Surrey. 

Most of our partner institutions have a formal student selection procedure for exchanges as there are usually a specific number of exchange/study abroad places available. Find out when your home institution’s application deadline is from their exchange/Erasmus/international/study abroad office, and apply or register your interest with them.

Your home institution will send their nominations to Surrey via our nomination form. The nomination includes your:

• Full name
• Email address
• Subject of degree at home institution (or proposed main subject at Surrey if different)
• Level of study at Surrey (bachelor's/master's/doctoral)
• Period of stay -  either:
  • Semester 1
  • Semester 2
  • Full year (semesters 1 and 2)
  • Other specified dates (for research project and nursing/midwifery/paramedic science students only).

Once we have received your nomination, we will email your home exchange coordinator to let them know that your nomination has been approved and you may apply.

You and your exchange/study abroad office will receive an email in April/September with information about applying to Surrey and a link to our online exchange application form.

Supporting documents

In the meantime, please note the supporting documents below that you must upload as part of your online application. We recommend that you start preparing these well in advance.

Please note: Please submit all supporting documents as PDF files. 

• Transcript of records covering each year of your degree so far, in English (most institutions can provide this)
• A copy of your passport photo page (must include all your details; if you don't have a passport or it is due to expire within 6 months of the end of your stay, please apply for a passport as soon as possible. NB. We no longer accept EU national identity cards)
• Surrey Learning Agreement form. Students taking taught courses should list 4 preferred modules (totalling 30 ECTS credits), plus at least one alternative (back-up) module for each in case any modules aren't possible or you have mixed programmes/study years and have timetable clashes. It is only possible to take 30 ECTS per semester, unless you are coming for both semesters and wish to take one of our full-year extracurricular Global Graduate Award modules (7.5 ECTS). At least 3 of your modules should be from the same programme and study year/level. Modules should be listed on your learning agreement in order of preference and in semester order.
• Further Information form (pdf) - please list a) the modules you are currently taking this semester; b) if your Surrey module choices have prerequisites (required previous study), list any modules you have taken that meet those prerequisites, c) if any of your Surrey module choices are capped (have a limited class size), give your reason for selecting those modules.
• Non-native English speakers only:  a) Students coming for longer than 6 months or coming for 6 months or less but wanting to work as well as study will require a points-based Student visa and must submit with their exchange application one of Surrey's accepted English language qualifications at the required level for your main Surrey programme (see your chosen undergraduate or postgraduate course page for the course's English language requirement). NB. We can not accept qualifications which do not meet the minimum requirement for your course and can only accept your most recent test results. Please ensure you get your English language qualification in good time to apply to Surrey. If you already have a language qualification, make sure it has not expired - IELTS, TOEFL and a few other certificates must be no more than 2 years old when you start your Surrey course. b) Students coming to Surrey as Visitors for 6 months or less and only studying may submit either one of our accepted English language qualifications or a letter from your home institution confirming that you meet the requirements of your chosen Surrey course and giving your CEFR level.
• Postgraduate/doctoral students only: Bachelor’s/Master’s degree certificate, as appropriate (pdf)
• Nursing/Midwifery/Paramedic Science students only: police check certificate (pdf) - you will also be required to provide evidence at a later stage of certain immunisations.
• All of these supporting documents should be uploaded and submitted with your online exchange application to Surrey by the application deadline. Missing documents will result in delays. On submission, students will receive an automatic application receipt acknowledgement email.

Submit your online application and supporting documents

All of the supporting documents should be uploaded and submitted with the online application. Incomplete applications cannot be considered. On submission, students will receive an automatic application receipt acknowledgement email.

Once your Surrey Department has approved your application and provisional study programme, we will send you a formal acceptance email in late May-end June for autumn entry or late October-late November for spring entry. If there are any issues with your application or module choices, we will contact you before then.

There are new UK visa rules for study in the UK after 2020. All non-UK/non-Irish students will either need to obtain a visa before travelling or enter the UK as a Visitor, depending on their nationality and length of stay - check if you need a visa here. 

• Students coming to study in the UK for more than 6 months or wishing to work as well as study require a Student visa - we will email you a Confirmation of Studies (CAS) number for your visa application once you have been accepted.
• Students studying in the UK for 6 months or less either require a Standard Visitor visa (visa nationals) or can enter the UK as a Visitor without applying for a visa (non-visa nationals), depending on your nationality - we will either email you a visa sponsor letter for your visa application or a formal acceptance letter to show at the UK border.

For visa advice, contact our International Student Advice team: Email: internationalsupport@surrey.ac.uk.