Semester abroad funding

Financial support available from Student Finance England for students studying abroad for one semester as part of their course.

This guidance is for students who are eligible for support from Student Finance England (SFE).

If you are from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland and have financial questions about a year abroad, email the Money Advice and Funding team: money-advice@bristol.ac.uk

Support available from SFE will depend on how many weeks you spend per academic year working or studying overseas as part of a year abroad. 

Types of funding

You can receive your tuition fee and maintenance loan from Student Finance while you are abroad. The amount you will receive depends on whether you study abroad or undertake a work placement abroad.

For more information or to discuss funding, contact the Money Advice and Funding team: money-advice@bristol.ac.uk.

You may be eligible for a means-tested travel grant from Student Finance England if:

  • you receive Student Finance England funding, and
  • you are studying at an overseas institution for at least 50% of any term in the academic year, and
  • your household income is below £39,796

Students on work placements are not eligible for the travel grant.

If eligible, you can apply to claim back study abroad related costs such as:

  • flights
  • visas
  • health insurance

More details on eligibility and what you'll get:

If you are from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland and have financial questions about a year abroad, email the Money Advice and Funding team: money-advice@bristol.ac.uk.

You may be able to continue to receive any Bristol bursaries that you are eligible for in Bristol while abroad. This may depend on whether you study abroad or undertake a work placement abroad.

For more information visit the UoB Bursary webpages or email the Money Advice and Funding team: money-advice@bristol.ac.uk.

Scholarships and grants for studying abroad

Professional societies

Professional societies can offer travel awards to their members. Check with societies such as the Institution of Mechanical Engineers or the Royal Aeronautical Societies for more information.

Other external organisations

Depending on your personal situation, you may be able to bid or apply for funds through organisations listed on Turn2Us.

Studying in the UK for 10 weeks or more - 2025/26 academic year

If you will be studying in the UK for 10 weeks or more, you are eligible for the same funding package as previous academic years, including the same support towards tuition fees.

If you are studying overseas for more than 50% of a term, you will get the overseas rate of loan in that term’s instalment. You may also be eligible for the travel grant, depending on your household income.

Study abroad for one semester and study at Bristol for one semester 2025/26

If you are studying abroad for one semester and studying at Bristol for one semester as part of a three-year degree, you can apply for:

  • Tuition fee loan to cover the cost of tuition fee (£9,535)
  • Maintenance loan:
    1. For Study Abroad: Means-tested loan at overseas rate (minimum: £5,838 maximum: £12,076)
    2. For Bristol semester: Standard means-tested loan at Elsewhere rate, pro-rated (minimum: £4,915 maximum £10,544)

Term 2 loan rate will be paid at the rate you are doing more of.  

  • Travel grant available for students studying overseas for a single semester and if your household income is below £39,796.
  • University of Bristol Bursary available for those that meet the eligibility criteria.

Your Student Finance England application

Tips on completing your application: 

  • You can begin your application from March 
  • Keep the institution as University of Bristol 
  • Enter Study Abroad or Elsewhere (for study in Bristol) under each term. In Term 2, enter which you are doing the most of in that term.
  • We will find out if we receive Turing funding in July and will contact all eligible students to notify them after this date. If you are applying to Student Finance before July, please select 'No' to the question of whether you are receiving Turing funding. 
  • If you have any problems, email the Money Advice and Funding team: money-advice@bristol.ac.uk.

Course Abroad form

You do not need to complete a Course Abroad form, even if Student Finance England (SFE)/Student Finance Wales (SFW) ask you or the University to do so. The Bristol Abroad team will directly inform SFE and SFW that you are on your semester abroad. 

SFE/SFW will not be able to give you an accurate funding assessment until your study details are accurate so you must inform us of your exact placement dates, including any breaks e.g. Winter or Easter via email to: bristol-abroad@bristol.ac.uk