To help you make the best possible application to study on exchange we have prepared some guidance to support you through the application process.
What are we looking for from applicants?
To be studying in the second year of an undergraduate programme where it is possible to study on exchange. Please contact studentexchange@dmu.ac.uk if you are unsure about this.
Performing well academically, averaging a grade of 2:1 or above and on target to progress to the next level of study
To have attended a mandatory information session about studying on exchange
Demonstrable interest in learning about new cultures and languages
Actively and engaged in student life and/or initiatives at DMU (e.g. clubs, societies, volunteering).
How to choose the right universities to apply for?
When applying to study on exchange there are a number of factors you need to consider to make sure you choose appropriate host universities. Outlined below are some of these key factors that we recommend you explore further when looking at universities and speaking with our team.
Academic offer – your chosen universities will need to offer courses and modules that broadly align with your studies at DMU. We recommend that you check our partner matrix for an overview of the programmes on offer at each university.
Location – consider whether you would benefit from being closer to home with access to cheap flights back to the UK, or if you are comfortable with being further away with less opportunities to travel home throughout the year.
Finances – the cost of living varies significant by country; therefore, we recommend you think carefully about your personal financial circumstances and potential budget. To help you understand costs better we have included a cost comparison to the UK on each partner university advert.
Disability & wellbeing support – If you currently receive disability support or have a diagnosed condition that requires support or adjustments, this will be an important factor to be mindful of when selecting your university. While support may be available at the universities, it may not be readily available in English or to the same extent that it is at DMU. We recommend you contact our team or the DMU Global Disability Officer at disglo@dmu.ac.uk who will be able to provide support and guidance on this.
What do I need to do before applying?
Start researching about the student exchange (application process, host universities, finance etc.) as early as possible. We recommend that you do this six to twelve months before applying.
Contact your personal tutor and programme leader for advice, and to check that you can study abroad as part of your degree.
Attend a mandatory information session to learn about the process, destinations on offer and to hear from former and current exchange students. After doing so, you can book a 1-1 appointment for more personalised advice.
How do I write a good application?
You will need to choose two preferred host universities in your application. We recommend that choose you universities with different ‘competitiveness ratings’ to give you the best chance of being successful. Research your choices and make sure you can demonstrate this in your answers.
Be specific in your responses, and avoid making general comments about why you want to study abroad. Instead, focus on your why you want to study at that particular university.
Talk about what you will do to be a good representative of DMU whilst you are on exchange. This may include getting involved in societies and student life, volunteering and your study interests.
Click here to find out more about the application form and find further tips. Please note, this guidance is applicable to all DMU Global opportunities.
Prepare, draft and revise your answers before submitting the application form. There is no need to rush the application submission, but also try to avoid leaving it to the last minute.
How does the selection process work?
The Global Mobility Office will review your answers alongside feedback about your academic performance and attendance.
In cases where we receive many applications (usually universities in North America and Asia) you may be invited to attend a short interview with our team. This will allow us to find out more about your motivations, interests and suitability.
You will receive the outcome of your application within two weeks of the deadline passing.
The application process is competitive as there are limited places available at each partner university. This means that not all applicants who meet the criteria will be offered a place to study on exchange at their preferred university. Where possible, we will try to offer you an alternative destination.
If you are successful, you will receive comprehensive support in preparation for your student exchange journey, including pre-departure sessions and 1-to-1 appointments.
I have been accepted my place to study on exchange. What’s next?
There will be a process that you need to follow prior to travelling overseas and beginning your exchange year. This will be discussed with you in preparation sessions over the next few months and you will be provided with support by the Global Mobility Office and your host university.
Some important information is available below to help you prepare:
Support
Comprehensive support is offered to students who are abroad and can be accessed in the following ways:
By contacting the Global Mobility Office via email, phone or MS Teams at any time – no prior appointment required.
The DMU Global team will check-in with you regularly whilst overseas through online forms and drop-ins
Settling-in support: This includes a number of virtual meetings (usually 4-6) with the Student Exchange Officer or a Disability Officer during the first weeks/months of your experience. These are scheduled once you have your timetable so you know when they are coming up and are designed to raise any issues you may be experiencing during the beginning of your time overseas. This is offered to all students that would like to use it.
Students with special educational needs and disabilities who normally receive support through a specialist mentor whilst at DMU are able to continue accessing appointments with a specialist mentor virtually whilst they are overseas. The hours of support available can be arranged around your timetable whilst overseas. The support being received is also reviewed by the Disability Officer to make any changes if required. This support is subject to availability of Turing Scheme funding (external to DMU). If funding is if not available, alternative arrangements will be discussed with you directly.
Single Point of Access Appointments (SPA) are available to students on exchange. These are appointments bookable on the day via MyGateway. SPA appointments last 45 minutes, and are an opportunity to discuss your situation with a member of support staff from Wellbeing Services. You may be supported to access other internal and external services and within the appointment an action plan will be devised with you, including the next steps.
Students can access welfare services at their host institutions and should research these services prior to departure so they are familiar with how to access support.
Insurance
All students will need to purchase appropriate medical insurance for the duration of time spent overseas. Some host universities offer insurance coverage in association with a provider they work with. In this case, students are recommended to purchase their policy with the recommended provider unless the university offers the opportunity to complete a waiver form. This allows students to purchase a policy independently as long as it meets the coverage requirements of the host university/country.
Medical insurance may also be a pre-requisite for visa applications or can feature in the host university application process. We also recommend that you purchase travel insurance to cover personal possessions.
For students going to the EU, you can apply for a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) to access necessary state-provided healthcare. Further details of what is meant by medically necessary healthcare, how to apply for the GHIC and who is eligible to apply can be found here.
Visas and immigration
All students (apart from EU nationals studying in an EU country) will require a visa or resident permit to study abroad. You will receive detailed information regarding any immigration requirements from your host university.
You will need to have been formally accepted by your host university before you can apply for a visa or residence permit. Your place is confirmed upon receiving a letter of acceptance, which is required to start your visa application. Depending on the immigration rules of your host destination, you may be required to attend an interview or book an appointment to provide your biometrics at the local embassy.
Visa or resident permit applications have varying costs that students will need to factor into their budgeting. This commonly includes a visa application fee, as well as potential costs towards a police or medical certificate. Students may also be required to demonstrate proof of funds to support oneself while studying in that destination. The amount you are required to show will be provided to you by the host university or in the visa application instructions. This information can be obtained by consulting the local embassy website for your host destination.
Guidance to support students through the visa process can be accessed via this resource.
