Undergraduate - Short study courses

As an undergraduate, there are several options of doing short courses overseas as part of your degree.

If you are studying for a foreign language degree, then your individual college or university may run specific exchange programmes. There are also plenty of options for students that want to spend a term or two abroad for other reasons - and many courses are taught in English.

Your international student office can give you information on specific partnerships they have with international universities and these programmes usually run for a semester or two.

Erasmus

The EU Erasmus programme is a hugely popular European student short course scheme that allows higher education students from across the EU to move to other European countries for a short study period. Programmes are anywhere between three and twelve months (one academic year) long and students of any discipline can apply.

The Erasmus programme is a hugely beneficial scheme and allows you to learn a new language, discover a foreign culture and gain independence. It also looks great on a CV and can help you stand out in the job market.

In order to be eligible you’ll need to have completed your first year at university, but you won’t necessarily be required to speak a second language. You will also be allocated an Erasmus grant - more information is available on our Erasmus funding page and continue to get a student loan from the UK if you already receive one. Erasmus Students do not pay fees to their overseas institution; if you go for the full academic year (24 weeks) you will also benefit from a contribution towards your UK tuition fees.

The British Council’s Erasmus website has extensive information on the Erasmus programme.