This page outlines the financial and support resources available to students preparing for a study abroad experience. It covers everything from funding, tuition and grants to wellbeing support, helping you plan your year abroad with confidence.
The UK has rejoined the Erasmus+ programme from 2027, giving DMU students the opportunity to benefit from Erasmus+ funding when studying or working abroad. The availability and amount of Erasmus+ funding will vary depending on the destination, duration and type of mobility.
What funding is available for students?
The funding available to DMU students studying on exchange will vary depending on the destination. See more details below:
Europe: funding very likely
Erasmus+ funding is expected to be available for all students studying on exchange in European destinations, subject to the final 2027–28 funding arrangements and eligibility requirements.
North America: funding competitive
Erasmus+ funding for studying on exchange in the USA and Canada will be more limited and extremely competitive. This means that not all successful exchange applicants to these destinations will receive Erasmus+ funding, and funding cannot be guaranteed.
Please also note that Erasmus+ funding will not be available for students who will be studying on exchange in the USA through ISEP.
Asia: no Erasmus+ funding
Erasmus+ funding will not be available for students studying on exchange in Asian destinations. If your application to an Asian destination is successful, you should therefore be prepared to fund your exchange without Erasmus+ funding. However, many Asian destinations have a lower cost of living than the UK, so we encourage you to consider the overall cost of your exchange when choosing your destination.
Please note that students undertaking an international work placement outside the EU Member States or third countries associated with the Erasmus+ Programme will not be eligible for Erasmus+ funding for their placement.
How much funding could I receive?
The detailed 2027-28 funding levels will be confirmed, as shared by the National Agency, in due course.
As an indication only, based on the funding ranges currently available under the Erasmus+ programme, students may receive approximately £500–£600 per month, depending on the destination, mobility type and applicable funding rate. Please note that these figures are indicative only and should not be used as a confirmed funding amount.
Additional funding, subject to eligibility and approval, may also be available:
- Students from disadvantaged backgrounds may also be eligible for an additional monthly top-up to their Erasmus+ grant, subject to the final 2027–28 funding arrangements and eligibility requirements.
- Students who have additional costs because of a disability, health condition or other individual circumstances may be eligible for additional funding to help cover these costs.
Help with travel costs
Students studying on exchange or undertaking an international work placement may also be able to claim eligible travel expenses through the Student Finance England Travel Grant, subject to the relevant eligibility criteria and funding rules. Please see the ‘Other financial support from Student Finance England‘ section below.
Students receiving Erasmus+ funding may also be eligible for additional Erasmus+ funding towards travel costs. The amount available will depend on factors such as the distance travelled and whether sustainable/low-emission transport is used.
Further information about Erasmus+ travel funding and eligibility will be provided once the 2027–28 funding arrangements have been confirmed.
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 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 £1,465 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 available to students studying abroad and can be accessed through several channels. To ensure a well-supported experience, it is recommended that students familiarise themselves with these options prior to departure.
Turing Scheme (2026-27)
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 2026-27 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.