Study Abroad

If you are considering spending part of your degree studying abroad it is important that you sort out your finances before you leave the UK.

The information on this page advises on the likely support available to you for study abroad - this is distinct from a year in industry/sandwich year, whether in the UK or overseas, for which the funding is different.

Do I have to pay tuition fees?

Can I apply for a tuition fee loan?

Can I receive a University Bursary/Scholarship?

Am I entitled to Maintenance Loans and/or Grants?

Can my loan and grant payments be brought forward?

Am I eligible for a Travel Grant?

Am I entitled to any financial support through the Erasmus Scheme?

Is there any additional funding available from the university?

Is there anything else I can do to maximise my income?

Further Information

Do I have to pay tuition fees?

Yes, during 2012-2013 the University of Leicester will charge a reduced tuition fee to those students studying a year abroad which is not part of the Erasmus scheme:

• Students who started from 1 September 2006 onwards, but before 1st September 2012, and did not defer entry from 2005: Fees will be £1,725
• Students who started before 1st September 2006, or who deferred entry from 2005: Fees will be £680
• Students who start their courses from 1 September 2012 and may study a year abroad later in their studies: Fees are expected to be £1,250 for a year in industry (this may rise with inflation in future years)

If you are studying abroad as part of the Erasmus scheme, you may be entitled to a full tuition fee waiver. For updated information contact the University's Erasmus Team.

Can I apply for a tuition fee loan?

You can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan to cover this cost in the same way as you have done in previous years.

EU students in receipt of fees-only support will be entitled to apply for fees in the normal way

Students from England apply to Student Finance England.  If you are not from England, go to your relevant authority's website:

Northern Ireland: SFNI    Scotland: SAAS    Wales: SFW

Can I receive a University Bursary/Scholarship?

Students do not qualify for a University Bursary or Scholarship during study abroad, whether through the Erasmus scheme or not. 

Am I entitled to Maintenance Loans and/or Grants?

If you are usually entitled to a Maintenance Loan and/or a Maintenance/Special Support Grant, you remain eligible when studying overseas as part of your course. In fact, you will be entitled to a slightly higher level of Maintenance Loan when you are studying abroad.

When you apply for loans and grants it is important that you inform Student Finance England that you will be studying overseas during the academic year so that they assess you for the higher rate of loan - be clear on your application that this is study not placement.

Can my loan and grant payments be brought forward?

It is common for the academic year to begin earlier at an overseas institution than in the UK.

The Student Loans Company has discretion to release your first instalment early. 

To request early release of your first instalment:

Am I eligible for a Travel Grant?

A Travel Grant is available to full time students who receive means tested loans/grants and are studying abroad as part of their course. If you are eligible the Travel Grant can help to cover the costs of all necessary qualifying travel, as well as expenses for essentials such as visas, vaccinations and medical insurance.

To be eligible for a Travel Grant you must:

The amount of Travel Grant depends on your household income and your actual costs. The first £303 of travel costs are disregarded. Therefore, if you are entitled to a Travel Grant you will be entitled to claim back all applicable costs, less the first £303.

You must provide evidence  (photocopies - keep the originals safe)of all costs, including the first £303.  Evidence must show proof of payment, not an itinerary or quote

The method and class of travel, along with all other expenditure, must be reasonably incurred.  For example students must purchase the most cost effective tickets using the most economical and practical form of transport (e.g. train instead of flying and standard class instead of first-class tickets).

If eligible, you can be reimbursed for:

Travel Grant fact sheet

Once you have applied for your student funding in the normal way a travel grant claim form should be automatically provided to eligible students (this will appear in the 'view correspondence' section of your online account with Student Finance England).  If you believe that you are eligible but have not recieved the form, contact your funding authority to request the form:

Student Finance England: SFE   Northern Ireland: SFNI        Scotland: SAAS    Wales: SFW

When can I apply for a Travel Grant?

You can apply for a Travel Grant at any time during the academic year; there is no limit to how many travel grant applications you can submit, providing the first one exceeds £303 in total costs. Funding will be assessed and paid on an ad hoc basis therefore you will not have to wait until your next instalment of student finance to receive the Travel Grant.

Am I entitled to any financial support through the Erasmus Scheme?

Erasmus (European Region Action Scheme for the Mobility of University Students), is an exchange programme which allows higher education students to participate in study placements, work placements, or combined study and work placements abroad. Erasmus placements last from a minimum of three months to a full academic year (defined for such purposes as at least 24 weeks excluding weekends and the usual holidays). Students do not stay in higher education for additional time as Erasmus placements are an integral part of the course, unlike sandwich placements.

The International Office within the University of Leicester oversees the administration of the Erasmus scheme. For up to date information on the Erasmus Grant that may be available during your Erasmus year, please speak with your Department's Study Abroad Co-ordinator or contact the International Office.

Is there any additional funding available from the university?

Hardship Funds: Home (UK) students who have applied for the maximum maintenance loan that they are entitled to, and who are experiencing financial difficulties, are entitled to apply to the Access to Learning Fund once enrolled and in receipt of their funding.

Is there anything else I can do to maximise my income?

Before leaving the UK ensure that you have done all that is possible to maximise your income and limit your expenditure to avoid potential financial difficulties when overseas.  The overseas University may be able to advise on local costs, and particularly how/where to find accomodation within your budget.  You will find it helpful to draw up a realistic budget

General budgeting advice

Where can I get further information and advice?

For further advice contact a Student Finance Adviser.

The University of Leicester’s International Office can provide information and advice regarding the Erasmus Scheme and studying abroad

The Direct.Gov website provides further information on how you can apply for student funding during each year of your undergraduate course.