How much will it cost?
Studying or working abroad during your studies can be an exciting and invaluable experience. Before you decide, you should also think through the cost and funding implications of your time abroad. It is worthwhile to note that going abroad is not necessarily an expensive option. The cost of living in many countries is lower than the UK and will also depend on your personal lifestyle.
Tuition fees
All UK and EU students on a full academic year study abroad, work placement, or British Council language assistantship (BCLA) will pay a reduced tuition fee.
If you spend a term studying or working abroad, your tuition fee will be the same as if you completed the full year at NTU.
There is no tuition fee to pay to the host university, although there may be some other fees and charges (e.g. insurance, student union membership, sports membership, travel passes). Some of these will be optional, some mandatory.
Short-term, external and volunteering opportunities normally carry a fee. The cost of these will vary based on the location and duration of your stay.
Is there any funding available?
Most students continue to be eligible for any funding normally received from Student Finance England, including the Maintenance Loan. Similar arrangements are in place for Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish students who are receiving support from their national funding councils.
In addition, if you are in receipt of means tested support from SFE (or other funding councils), you should also be eligible to receive an additional, non-repayable, travel grant to assist with overseas travel costs. Find out more about the funding available for studying or working abroad in the Student Finance England guide.
All students who participate in the Erasmus+ programme are eligible to apply for a generous, non-repayable (conditions apply), Erasmus+ Grant to help with the cost of travelling and living abroad. Supplementary funding is available to support students from disadvantaged backgrounds or with additional support needs. The funding and amounts of these grants are subject to availability and will be calculated based on the duration and destination of your study or work abroad.
For other opportunities outside of Europe, you can apply for an NTU Travel Scholarship.
External funding sources are also available. Funding may come from embassies, cultural and language centres, charities or trusts so we would strongly recommend that you do your own research, for example using European Funding Guide.
What other costs do I need to consider?
You’ll usually be responsible for all travel related costs, such as transport, visas, vaccinations and any additional insurance charges. Your living and travel costs will vary depending on the location and length of your time abroad.
We normally advice students to consider the following when preparing a budget for their time abroad:
- Travel costs
- Local travel
- Accommodation
- Food and general consumables
- Clothes
- Medical costs
- Entertainment/holiday/travel/tourism
- Visa application costs (if applicable)
- Miscellaneous items
- Emergency funds
- Any additional application or administration fees
To make budgeting easier, NTU Global team have put together a simple worksheet which you can use to help outline expected costs and draw up a realistic budget. Download Budgeting Worksheet (right click and 'Save As' to download).
Other sources are also available. For example, Numbeo is a great place to start researching the average cost of living in different countries.
