Study abroad

The Turing Scheme provides funding for UK students to take part in life-changing opportunities to study or work abroad. These grants contribute to the costs while you are away.

For the 2025-26 academic year, Birkbeck has secured funding to support student placements lasting from just two weeks to one month, so whether you want a short summer experience or a longer placement, there’s something for you.

Studying abroad offers a unique opportunity to:

• gain a fresh perspective on your studies
• develop valuable skills to boost your employability and personal growth
• build confidence working in diverse, international environments
• deepen your understanding of your degree and explore new subjects
• immerse yourself in another culture, from local food and music to everyday life.

Employers increasingly look for 'global graduates' who are culturally aware and adaptable. Studying abroad can help you stand out in the job market.

"It was an amazing experience in the most fantastic setting and all the staff, and especially the students, were most welcoming. I enrolled in four classes which were very stimulating (global history, materials history, the problem of property and an advanced writing class). I also surprised myself by how much of my own writing I was able to do and I really feel that I have broken the back of my PhD now. Living in the centre of Florence was amazing and as my university card gave me free entry to all the state museums, saw a huge amount of art and history. I also managed to visit many surrounding towns and countryside as well as a few longer trips. I do hope that the exchange continues as it is a wonderful opportunity for anyone."

- John, PhD History student.

There will be opportunities for both language and non-language students. Destinations currently being considered include Europe, Japan, Indonesia, Morocco and India.

Each placement offers unique learning, volunteering and cultural activities. Full details will be made available before applications open.

The Turing Scheme offers a contribution towards your costs. The amount varies depending on destination, placement duration and whether you meet the Department for Education's (DfE) 'disadvantaged' criteria. If you don't receive funding, you may still be able to participate in some programmes.

Support available includes:

• Standard living-cost contributions:
  • £21-£23 per day (disadvantaged)
  • £17-£19 per day (non-disadvantaged).
• For students who meet the DfE 'disadvantaged' criteria only:
  • travel grants from £250 to £905 (depending on country)
  • 'Readiness to travel' grants (for eligible costs such as vaccinations, visas)
    additional support for SEND/disability needs.

Any current Birkbeck student can apply, provided it does not conflict with your degree programme commitments. Priority may be given to language students applying to a country where they study the language, but we expect plenty of places to be available, so don’t be discouraged from applying.

Anyone can apply for Turing Scheme funding, but please note that the DfE prioritises students from disadvantaged backgrounds who might face particular challenges meeting the cost of an international placement.

You may be considered 'disadvantaged' if you meet any of the following (not exhaustive) criteria:

• household income of £42,875 or less
• receipt of Universal Credit or other income-related benefits
• experience of being in care or as a care leaver
• caring responsibilities, estranged from family, or Refugee/asylum seeker status.

We can check your individual circumstances at the point of application.

Visa restrictions apply in certain countries. Non-UK passport holders may have different requirements, depending on the destination.

Application details will be available later this year.

• Applications open: Mid-December 2025
• Early-bird/specific country applications close: Mid-February 2026
• Applications close: April 2026
• Placements abroad: mid-July to late August 2026

Keep an eye on the Student Bulletin and this page for updates.

We are currently partnered with universities throughout Europe and Japan, where you can undertake study abroad if part of your agreed degree programme.

Our partners include:

• Universite Lumiere Lyon 2
• Leuphana University Luneburg
• Ludwig Maximilians Universität München
• University of Potsdam
• European University Institute
• University of Wroclaw
• Universidad de Alicante
• International Christian University (ICU)
• Ochanomizu University
• Hosei University
• International Christian University
• Waseda University
• Kansai University
• Sophia University
• Hokkaido University of Education
• Nanzan University.