How does it work?

• Students on most degrees can go abroad for a semester in their second year of study.
• Students on a degree with an integrated year abroad go abroad in their third year of study.
• Students on a Modern Languages degree live abroad in their third year, and study or work in the countries of their main languages of study.
• Students on a degree with an integrated third year in industry can do part or all of the year abroad, if your department approves it.
• Students in any year and on any degree can go on a Short Programme.

Aberystwyth University has partners all over the world. We have a whole separate section here about where you can go. Begin by choosing your department then follow the links through to our partner universities own web pages. We encourage you to research several destinations and select three, as there are limited places available at each. 

Why do we ask you to pick three universities?

The application process for studying abroad can be competitive. Some of our partners have their own grade requirements. They also have limited spaces available, so we ask you to choose your top three destinations. If a partner you are eligible for is oversubscribed, we use a selection process based on your academic standing at AU. We also look at your degree scheme and the suitability of your choices. With your help and the help of your departmental coordinator, we match you to the best possible option for your study subject.

• If you are studying at a partner university you choose 30 ECTS credits per semester from the modules they have available (equivalent to 60 Aberystwyth University credits). These credits will not contribute to your overall grades at Aberystwyth but you do need to pass the semester or year. Your credits studied abroad are transferred on a pass/fail basis. This means that they don't affect your AU average, but you do have to pass the correct number of credits to fulfil your degree requirements
• If you are studying abroad in your second year, the module choice is very important and could limit your choice of available placements. Although you will not add any time to your degree by choosing to study abroad in your second year, it will place a heavier weight on your grades in the Aberystwyth semester of that year.
• If you are a Joint Honours student you need to be particularly careful with your module choices and to speak to the Departmental Exchange Coordinators from both your departments to make sure you fulfill the required credits for each.
• Studying on an integrated year abroad placement, in your third year, gives you the maximum flexibility as to what you can study.
• Your department may require you to complete some assessed work or a portfolio during your time abroad. You can confirm the details of how your time abroad will be assessed with your Departmental Exchange Coordinator whose details you can find under the relevant subject header.

• When you are on a student exchange you continue to pay tuition fees to Aberystwyth University. The tuition fees are waived at the host institution.
• You do not pay for student accommodation at Aberystwyth University while you are abroad. You will need to apply for accommodation if you want to live on campus when you return from studying abroad.
• You must consider budgeting for travel, visa, health insurance, accommodation and living costs - these can vary widely depending on the destination. Read the website of your host university carefully. The Global Opportunities team will be happy to advise you.
• If you receive a Student Loan you can apply for it as normal. Notify your Student Loan Company that you will be studying abroad as soon as it is confirmed.
• We will also advise you on any grant funding available to you to support your time abroad.

• Most of our partner universities offer modules taught in English. If you don't speak the host country's language, check their course catalogue or module list to make sure they offer enough credits (30 ECTS) in your subject taught in English.
• If you are going to a non-English-speaking country, learning even a little of the language will contribute greatly to your experience and your skills and make your time abroad easier and more enjoyable. There are many free apps that can help you get started. 
• You can also learn a new language or improve existing language skills through Aberystwyth's Modern Languages lifelong learning programme and/or Language Exchange Platform

• The Global Opportunities team will be happy to advise you on any general matters to do with your time abroad, including travel, costs, student life overseas and possible destinations. We will also help you with your applications, help you understand what is involved, keep you aware of our deadlines and chase you to fill in necessary forms! 
• Your academic department also has a Departmental Exchange Coordinator who will be an important contact to assist you with academic matters and guide you in choosing what to study during your time abroad. Your Departmental Exchange Coordinator is responsible for ensuring your module choice at the partner university will satisfy the department's requirements for your time abroad. You can find contact details for your Exchange Coordinator under your subject in the Where Can I Go? section.
• If you are an integrated industrial year student, your department has an Industrial Year Coordinator to guide you in choosing a work placement and help is also available from the Careers Service. Find out more about including an overseas placement in your integrated year in industry.
• Your host university will advise you about practical matters on their side, including registration, accommodation, immigration, and academic requirements of their institution.

The timing of your application depends on when you want to do your study abroad and how long you want to go for.

If you want to go for a full academic year or for the first semester, the closing date for applications is the February before you want to go. If you are planning to study abroad for the second semester, the closing date is the May before you want to go.

Application processes and deadlines vary a lot between countries and universities  - some universities' academic years start much earlier than ours, so do get in touch with us as soon as you think you would like to go and the team can advise you appropriately.

Yes, things do not always go to plan!