Study Abroad Processes

There are many factors to consider when deciding if Study Abroad is for you. In basic terms there are two options for students to take part in an international mobility experience; as part of their degree in the ‘sandwich year’ (usually between 2nd and final year) or in the summer after the academic year has ended on an International Short Programme. 

We have partners all over the World, with the majority of partners teaching in English, however there is the opportunity for students to learn the native language during their studies, which we would encourage. Students must consider the costs associated with studying abroad.

Current students should submit an enquiry via the 'Help and Support' section of your Student Portal. You are current student if you have recently enrolled or have been sent an email about enrolment. To access your Student Portal you will need to have enrolled on your programme first.

At Northumbria we want to ensure that all students have the opportunity to have an international experience while studying at Northumbria.  Our dedicated International Mobility team support students from their first weeks at Northumbria, ensuring all students are aware of the different opportunities to study abroad, whether this be as part of the degree programme and/or taking part in an International Short Programme over the summer after the academic year ends.

Students will be asked to book a one to one with a member of the International Mobility team to fully support the decision to study abroad and make sure that they are choosing the best destination for their degree and future career.  

The Study Abroad Handbook guides students through the application process.

The team make the application process as simple as possible.  All students need to do is research the options available for their degree programme, then submit a motivational statement and a financial statement to demonstrate they have done their research on the programmes and partners available, as well as the costs associated. Students who opt to study abroad in their sandwich year pay a reduced tuition fee for that academic year (15% of their normal tuition fee) and do not pay any tuition fees to their host university, although study abroad does incur costs for travel, visas, vaccinations, insurance, accommodation etc. Students are required to fully research and consider these expenses before applying.

Study abroad applications are open each from December-early January each year, usually with a second round of applications to fill remaining places in early March. Any current 1st year students looking to plan their study abroad application for 2026/27 can find full information about the Study Abroad programme via the dedicated pages on the Student Portal.

The International Short Programmes are open for applications from October to mid January, with a second round in early March.  Current students can find full information about the ISPs and the available locations on the dedicated pages on the Student Portal.