This page outlines the financial and support resources available to students preparing for a study abroad experience. It covers everything from tuition and living costs to wellbeing and careers support, helping you plan your year abroad with confidence.
Funding you will receive
Turing Scheme funding
The Turing Scheme is the UK government’s global programme for studying and working abroad. It provides funding to help students with the costs of living and travelling during their international placement.
For 2025-26 academic year, DMU has been awarded funding through the UK Government’s Turing Scheme to support students taking part in study and work placements abroad. The amount of funding students are entitled to will depend on the cost of living of their host country:
Group 1 destinations
(higher cost of living)
£420 per month
(£540 for students
from disadvantaged backgrounds)
Group 2 destinations
(lower cost of living)
£360 per month
(£480 for students
from disadvantaged backgrounds)
Check which countries fall into each group on this page.
Additional Turing Scheme support for disadvantaged backgrounds
Alongside the higher grant rate, students from disadvantaged backgrounds will also receive funding towards:
- One return journey travel costs based on the distance between the UK and your host country
- Travel readiness reimbursement for visas, passports, and health insurance costs
The definitions of what constitutes a student from a disadvantaged background used can be found here.
Support for students with SEND
Up to 100% of actual costs can be covered by the scheme for support directly related to SEND needs, if these cannot be provided by your host institution. You can contact Global Disability Officer for further details regarding this and to discuss your individual situation.
Fees you will pay
Tuition fee
To study abroad you do not pay tuition fees to the host university; instead you pay a reduced tuition fee to DMU. This fee includes the ongoing support from the DMU Global, and all other services offered by DMU including: Library, DSU, Student Services, Counselling and Welfare. The current tuition fee for students studying abroad is as follows:
Deposit
If you are offered the opportunity to study on exchange, a refundable deposit of £100 will be payable at the time of accepting your place. The deadline for acceptance and payment will be 14 days after being notified you have been selected.
In accordance with the student agreement, if you withdraw your place within 14 days of having accepted, the deposit payment can be refunded however if you withdraw after this, the deposit would be lost.
Student exchange fees
For students going on exchange you will need to pay for housing, as well as covering the costs of meals. Other costs such as accommodation and meals will vary by destination. If you are offered to study via ISEP, please visit the ISEP page [hyperlink TBC] for how fees work for this option.
Loans & grants you may be eligible for
Any loans, grants or scholarships you are entitled to are not affected by studying on exchange. This includes the Tuition Fee Loan, Maintenance Loan, and Maintenance Grants.
UK Tuition Fee Loan
If you normally apply for a UK Student Loan, you are strongly advised to apply for one for your period abroad. Being an exchange student does not affect your eligibility to apply for one. However, you should only apply for the tuition fee loan amount that you have been requested to pay by DMU. For example, if you only have to pay £1,427 to DMU during your year abroad, you should only apply for a tuition fee loan to cover that amount.
As an exchange student, you are entitled to have the maintenance part of your Student Loan. Your tuition fee loan should be in line with what you have been asked to pay to DMU.
It is your responsibility to supply full information of your period abroad to your academic department and to Student Finance for your funding. This information will be used to ensure that University records are correct and the correct tuition fee is applied.
Once your study abroad plans are confirmed, DMU Global will share your information with the university Student Funding team who will in turn pass this information to Student Finance electronically.
Students who have not been eligible for a Maintenance Loan or Grant in the first two years of their study may still be eligible for it, for their year abroad. Please check with the relevant funding body.
Other financial support from Student Finance England
Travel Grant
You may be able to claim a retrospective travel grant from Student Finance following your period abroad. The travel grant is income-assessed and can cover reasonable costs as decided by Student Finance England. Check the Travel Grants web page for more information.
If you indicate on your SFE application that you intend to apply for the travel grant, Student Finance may ask you to complete their ‘Course Abroad Form’ and obtain a signature from DMU.
How to apply
- Apply for student finance for your study abroad using your student finance account. You can register and set up an account if you don’t already have one.
- You’ll then receive a ‘Course Abroad Form’.
- Once you’ve filled in and returned the form, you’ll automatically receive a travel grant form if you’re eligible.
Keep all receipts for any expenses you want to apply for – you’ll need to send photocopies when you apply. Subsequently, the money will be paid direct into your bank account.
For further information on the travel grant, please contact Student Finance directly.
Other financial support options you could explore include visiting DMU’s Student Finance page for budgeting and other support. You can also look for any other available scholarship options such as the BUTEX’s Sustainability Abroad Scholarship.
Wellbeing and disability support you can access
Comprehensive support is offered to students who are abroad and can be accessed in the following ways:
Careers support you can benefit from
Details will be available soon