Study abroad

Studying abroad as part of your degree is a life-changing and confidence-boosting opportunity like no other. It’s your chance to experience another culture, make new friends and broaden your outlook on life. 

Employers value graduates with international experience. Being able to adapt to new surroundings and learning important life skills while studying abroad could put you ahead of the competition when you graduate.

We have one of the widest ranges of study abroad opportunities in the UK. Most of our courses offer the chance to apply to study abroad, either for a short programme or for a full year. 

You don’t need to be fluent in another language to study abroad – at many partner institutions the teaching is in English. If you are keen to learn a language, our Language Centre is available to help you develop your language skills before you go. 

Find out more about studying abroad or read student blogs about their experience of studying abroad. 

Study abroad year

We have over 300 university exchange partners worldwide – including many of the world’s top-ranking institutions in the USA, Canada, Europe, Australasia, Asia, South Africa and Latin America. Find out more about our worldwide partner universities.

Studying abroad is popular so places for placement opportunities in some countries might be limited. Destinations may change each year; when you’re ready to apply our Study Abroad team can help you to research which placement is best suited to you.

Video transcript: Study Abroad with the University of Leeds – Ben Barrett.

Summer schools

Short placements are a great chance to experience study and life in another country without taking a full year out. You could take part in a subsidised summer school in locations such as Europe, Asia or Latin America.

Research opportunities abroad

Participating in a research programme abroad allows you to develop your research skills and knowledge in a specific area of interest, and gain valuable experience that can boost your professional profile.

Leadership programmes

Our fully-funded international leadership programmes provide the opportunity to develop your leadership skills and collaborate with students from around the world to tackle issues facing governments and societies. 

Turing Scheme

Study Abroad placements may be eligible for a Turing Scheme grant. The Turing Scheme is the UK government's programme to provide funding for international opportunities. For more information please see the Turing Scheme pages on our For Students website.