Find out what you need to do to apply to study abroad.
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Applications for the year and term abroad open each year in early December and usually close in early to mid January. You must apply through Essex Abroad and late applications cannot be accepted.
To study abroad during 2024-2025 the application portal will open on Monday 4 December 2023 and close on Wednesday 17 January 2024 at 11.59pm. All eligible students will be contacted directly with the link to the application portal.
If you need support with your application you can attend our application drop in on Tuesday 12 December or book a one to one with the outgoing team.
Remember you must meet the eligibility criteria listed above including having a year abroad as part of your degree. The deadline to add a year abroad to your degree is the end of the autumn team in your second year. If you've missed this deadline and still want an international experience, please check our summer abroad webpages.
We understand that studying abroad is a big decision. Deciding where in the world you would like to go is an even bigger decision which should not be rushed.
You need to achieve at least a 50% average Year 1 mark in order to be eligible for the Study Abroad programme.
Study abroad places are competitively allocated based on your 1st year mark (after those students on a compulsory degree such as American Studies or Modern Language or those studying Marine Biology), so the higher your mark, the higher your chance of securing a place at one of your preferred universities.
We'd strongly recommend attending our briefings in the Autumn term to learn more about the application and allocation process.
You cannot fail a core module in Year 1 or Year 2.
If you fail a non-core module in your second year, there are several options for you.
Remember that you can fail a maximum 30 credits of non-core modules over both Year 1 and Year 2. If you fail over this amount, you will not be able to study abroad.
Read the rules of assessment for more information and come to speak to Essex Abroad office if you have any questions about this.
Committing a disciplinary offence can affect your right to undertake a period of study abroad or affect the countries in which you are permitted to study. You may be prohibited from studying abroad if you have been convicted of a serious offence such as, but not limited to:
Essex Abroad will liaise with the University of Essex Proctor with regards to offences which have been committed.
Students are required to inform Essex Abroad of any conduct matters arising since commencing their study at the University of Essex or that arise once they have applied for their year abroad.
Please refer to the Code of Student Conduct for more information and speak to Essex Abroad regarding any restrictions that may be imposed on you.
Academic offences such as plagiarism or false authorship are classed as a separate offence. Students who have committed an academic offence may have an impact that will lower their mark(s) and this may in turn affect their study abroad options as University allocations are actioned based on first year mark.
Although a small number of study abroad destinations require knowledge of another language, the majority don't. You don't have to be fluent in another language to study abroad. Most of our partner institutions offer modules which are taught in English. There is always the option to study the local language, either in extra-curricular language classes or even in for-credit modules.
If you're studying a modern languages degree then you will have to take classes in local languages. This may also be a requirement for students of European studies or Latin American studies. You can check your language requirements with your Language Coordinator.
If you wish to add a year abroad to your studies you should request this by the end of the Autumn Term of your second year. Do check that you meet the eligibility criteria listed below. If you have any queries please check with the Essex Abroad team. Once you have added a year abroad to your studies you must inform Student Finance England.
If you are interested in undertaking a term abroad you would study abroad in the autumn term of your final year. You must meet the study abroad eligibility criteria listed below. The term abroad is only currently available to students from the following departments - History, Interdisciplinary Studies Centre, American (US) Studies, Liberal Arts, Philosophy, Art History, Psychology and East 15.
If you wish to remove a year of study abroad you need to submit an online change of course request. You must inform Student Finance England of your change of course. You may wish to consider taking part in one of our short term programmes which usually take place over the summer months. These range in duration, cost and location and are a great opportunity to gain an international experience.
We run lots of different sessions throughout the year to provide you with essential information about going abroad. From first year and second year briefings to funding chats and country low-downs, we've got it covered.