Studying abroad for your entire degree qualification

Due to the recent tuition fee changes in the UK, many more UK students are now considering studying for their entire degree at a university elsewhere in the EU or the world.

Funding arrangements for studying a complete degree abroad will be different depending on your chosen country. Tuition fees could be higher or lower than in the UK, and in some countries there are no tuition fees at all. Students could find that studying abroad is more expensive - or less expensive - than studying in the UK. Living costs are lower in many countries around Europe but research is crucial before committing to anything as there may be different requirements for fee payments, accommodation deposits or other costs than in the UK.

The level of maintenance support you get will differ from what you might receive if studying in the UK. You may not get any living cost support at all. You may not also be able to work to support your studies if there are working restrictions for international students. Even if you're eligible to work you may not be able to find a job if you do not speak the language of the host country. You may also need to be able to prove you can support yourself from your own funds before you're issued with a study visa.

Funding your studies in an EU country

For financial support, UK students should apply to the funding agency in the country they're looking to study, as well as asking the university or college they're interested in for further information. Information about financial support in EU countries can be found on the ‘Your Europe’ website: http://ec.europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/education/index_en.htm

UK citizens have the right, subject to certain conditions, to study or work in another EU country. They also have the right to be treated equally with domestic students in terms of the course fees they pay. This may not be the case with Maintenance Grants, loans or other help with living costs.

Funding your studies in a non EU country

As with international students who wish to study in the UK, you may well be charged much higher tuition fees than a home student wishing to study the same course. The cost of your degree and the level of funding you're entitled to will vary greatly depending on the country.

If you're interested in studying at a North American university then ask your questions and find answers in the ‘studying in North America’ forum on The Student Room.

Other sources of funding - grants and scholarships

Some UK charities and educational trusts give grants for overseas study. Some overseas bodies also award scholarships and these tend to be very competitive. The UKCISA website has links to some of these, and UNESCO offers more advice for students looking for a scholarship to study abroad.

UKCISA: advice for UK students studying abroad www.ukcisa.org.uk

UNESCO: guide to studying abroad www.unesco.org.uk