The Turing Scheme has been launched to replace the Erasmus+ programme, which the UK is no longer participating in having left the EU.

The new scheme will provide funding for more than 41,000 students in study and work placements across the world during the 2021-22 academic year. Funding for the scheme is now confirmed for the next three years to 2024-25.

Studying abroad is a fantastic opportunity to broaden your horizons and gain valuable skills and experience which will look great on your CV. Like the idea, but not sure if you can afford it? Find out more about the Government’s new Turing Scheme (fun fact: named after English mathematician and cryptologist, Alan Turing) and how it could be a growth opportunity for you.   

How does it work?

Schools, colleges, and universities across the UK can apply for government funding. If successful, they are then able to provide their students with funding to support study and work placements abroad. For 2021-22, funding is being provided for more than 28,000 higher education placements, more than 6,000 further education and vocational education and training placements, and more than 5,000 school placements, in over 150 destinations across the globe.

How much funding could I get?

Much like the cost of a plane ticket, it depends on where you’re going and how long you’re going for.

For example, if you were a higher education student going to Spain for a placement:

  • For placements lasting between four and eight weeks, you could be eligible for £120 per week. For placements lasting over eight weeks, you could be eligible for £335 per month.

Students from disadvantaged backgrounds on a higher education placement could be offered a higher cost of living grant, of up to £147.50 per month for four to eight weeks, or £445 per month for a placement over eight weeks, plus funding towards travel costs – based on the distance of the round trip. In 2021-22, more than 19,000 (48%) of the placements approved for funding are for participants from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Students with special education needs and disabilities (SEND): Additional funding is also available to cover up to 100% of costs for support directly related to the additional needs of students with special education needs and disabilities (SEND). This will also cover risk assessments to make sure students will be able to equally access and participate in all elements of their placement. 

Find out more about funding on the Turing Scheme website.

For help with travel costs, you may get a grant to help through the following organisations, depending on where you live:

Will my tuition fees be paid?

You can apply for full student finance as usual. You should not need to pay additional tuition fees in relation to a study placement abroad, because under the Turing Scheme universities are expected to waive tuition fees for the placement.

Will I need a visa?

It depends on where you’re going! Check the GOV.UK website for guidance for UK students studying abroad in the EU and advice for UK nationals living abroad.

Where can I find out more?

Visit the Turing Scheme website for more information.

Your university or college will be able to give you details about opportunities to study abroad through the Turing Scheme. Contact them directly for more information.

If you live in Wales: The Welsh Government has also announced a new international learning exchange programme, for students from Wales, which will run from 2022 – 2026.  Students in Wales will continue to be able to participate in the Turing Scheme.

If you live in Scotland: The Scottish Government has announced the creation of the Scottish Education Exchange Programme in its 2021-22 Programme for Government. Further details on the programme will be available soon. Students in Scotland will continue to be able to participate in the Turing Scheme.