Apply to study abroad by 29 November

See more of the world and broaden your cultural and academic horizons by spending a year studying abroad.

You don’t need to be a language student or necessarily even know another language to go on exchange - there are opportunities for students in most subject areas to experience the excitement of a year abroad.

Where could I go?

The Study Abroad section of the International Office currently sends over 650 University of Edinburgh undergraduate students on exchange each year to a wide range of destinations spanning most continents of the world.

We currently offer undergraduate students the opportunity to apply to two exchange programmes:

• Erasmus (within Europe)
• International exchange (outwith Europe)

Who can apply?

These programmes are open to undergraduate students. The majority of students apply in second year to go on exchange for their third year of study. Not all degree programmes allow for a year abroad, but most of those in the College of Humanities and Social Science, and the College of Sciences and Engineering do. If you are unsure whether your course allows for a year abroad, check with your School.

What about living costs?

If you get a place on the Erasmus programme, you'll receive a grant to help with the extra costs of living and studying abroad. You can get further advice on financial matters from the Study Abroad office.

Gain valuable intercultural skills

A recent international survey found that many employers value inter-cultural skills as highly as formal qualifications. They are seeking employees who are:

• tolerant
• adaptable
• open to new ideas
• aware and accepting of cultural differences
• able to work in diverse teams
• effective communicators

An exchange period can help you develop these skills and much more.

What do students say?

Whilst you will undoubtedly have a huge amount of fun, you will also be enhancing your academic profile and in a competitive job market – what I believe stands out is this kind of experience working and living internationally

As a person who in the past was only too happy to remain stagnating in a safe comfort zone, my time on Erasmus has engendered in me a sense of adventure and a predisposition to seize every opportunity

Read blogs and testimonials to find out what previous exchange students have got out of their years abroad:

How to apply

Applications for 2014/15 opened on 1 November 2013. The deadline for both Erasmus and International Exchange applications is 5pm on 29 November 2013.

To find out more about how to apply, as well as how exchanges work and who to speak to for advice, visit the Student Exchanges webpages.

Further information

Join the eXchange 360 society to contact students who went on exchange last year, are on exchange in Edinburgh currently or, like you, are thinking about going on exchange:

Find out about other opportunities abroad such as volunteering, work placements and summer schools on the International Office website: