Eligibility
- When can I study abroad?
- Are all programmes for a full academic year?
- I'm a Joint Honours students; is it possible for me to study abroad?
- Can I study abroad in two different places?
- Can I choose to study somewhere that is not listed under Where can I go?
- What grades do I need?
- What other criteria are important in the selection process?
- What is the application process?
- Do I need to speak another language to be able to study abroad in Europe?
- Can I study abroad in my home country?
- What happens if I'm selected to study abroad and fail an exam at the end of second year?
- I'm a postgraduate student; can I study abroad?
When can I study abroad?
- Study abroad at sub-honours level is not permitted.
- Most programmes are aimed at Junior Honours students.
- Study abroad at Senior Honours level is permitted is some subject Study Abroad programmes, but is not permitted on any St Andrews Abroad programmes.
Are all programmes for a full academic year?
No, some programmes are available for either a semester or a full academic year.
Other programmes are available for a full academic year only.
I'm a Joint Honours student; is it possible for me to study abroad?
Yes, a lot of students who study abroad are Joint Honours.
If you are a Joint Honours student and are applying to a St Andrews Abroad programme, BOTH Honours subjects must list the programme - see Where can I go?
If you are a Joint Honours student and are applying to a subject Study Abroad programme, you must include a Letter of Permission from your other School with your application (this does not apply if you are Joint Honours within the School of Modern Languages).
Can I study abroad in two different places?
If you participate in a St Andrews Abroad programme for a full academic year, you may not then go abroad again in your final year as you must spend two Honours semesters in St Andrews.
If you are studying abroad on a School programme, it may be possible to split your Junior Honours year and spend each semester at a different institution. For example, a student studying French and Spanish may wish to spend a semester in France and a semester in Spain. You should check with your Study Abroad Co-ordinator whether this is possible in your subject area. You should also consider the additional challenges involved in splitting a year in this way as it means adapting quickly to two new academic cultures.
If you wish to spend one semester abroad on a School programme and one semester on a St Andrews Abroad programme, you may apply to do so (with the permission of your School), but please note that, where there is competition for St Andrews Abroad places, priority may be given to students who do not have a second placement planned.
Can I choose to study abroad somewhere that is not listed under Where can I go?
No. Study Abroad for credit is permitted on existing University approved programmes only.
What grades do I need?
Honours entry is a minimum requirement for all programmes.
Applicants to St Andrews Abroad should have a minimum average grade of 13.5 in their intended Honours subject(s) at first level. Application is competitive and the main criterion is a strong academic record.
Subject Study Abroad programmes have their own entry criteria; for details, see the partner university's profile from Where can I go?
What other criteria are important in the selection process?
Study Abroad is a wonderful opportunity but may also be a challenging, and at times, difficult, experience. We're looking for students who are independent, highly motivated, responsible and mature. We're also looking for students who will be good ambassadors for St Andrews; who will make the most of opportunities at the host institution and integrate with the host student community. Study Abroad is, above all, an academic experience, and often the best applications are those which also demonstrate particular interest in the academic opportunities available at a host institution.
What is the application process?
For details of the St Andrews Abroad programme, see St Andrews Abroad.
Each School Study Abroad programme has its own application process, so please ensure that you check the application procedure and deadlines with your School. Study Abroad Co-ordinators will be able to advise you on the requirements for their programmes. Application to some programmes may include an interview, so be prepared for this. If you are called for interview, it is likely that the panel will ask about the research you have done on the host institution and country.
Do I need to speak another language to be able to study abroad in Europe?
While many of our European exchanges are aimed at students of Modern Languages, there are opportunities for students in other subjects, and several partner institutions offer courses in English as well as the host language.
If you are an Erasmus student, it may be possible to undertake a language course prior to commencing your exchange; see Preparatory courses for details.
Can I study abroad in my home country?
This is not prohibited, but you should think carefully about your reasons for applying to the programme and be prepared to make a good case to the selection committee. For competitive programmes, the selection committee may give priority to students whom they feel will benefit the most from the opportunity to experience another culture.
What happens if I'm selected to study abroad and fail an exam at the end of second year?
It's important to note that if you are offered a place on an exchange or Study Abroad programme in Junior Honours, this offer is conditional upon the successful completion of your second year. If you fail to make Honours entry, you will be unable to participate in an external programme. If you are Joint Honours and fail one subject, you should discuss your options with your School as early as possible.
I'm a postgraduate student; can I study abroad?
There are several exchange programmes available for research students; check with your supervisor for available options in your discipline.
As most postgraduate taught programmes are a year in length, it is not usually possible to study abroad.