Study Abroad Funding
You can get funding for studying abroad from a range of sources.
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Funding comes from the Erasmus programme and Santander Universities. We review the opportunities each September based on what grants are available.
We are waiting to hear more from the government about how Brexit will affect Erasmus funding. See our Erasmus and Brexit statement for the latest information.
Applications to study abroad for a term are currently closed. We hope to launch applications early next year although we will continue to monitor the ongoing situation with Covid-19 (Coronavirus).
Erasmus+ (term or year abroad funding)
Study placement grants
All students undertaking study placements at an Erasmus+ partner university receive a grant to support with travel and living costs
You will be asked to sign a grant agreement to receive this grant. This documents confirms the total grant, dates of the mobility and payment terms.
Key details:
- Your Erasmus+ grant will be paid in GBP into your UK bank account
- The exchange rate we use to convert the EUR amount into GBP is set annually by the European Commission
- Your Erasmus+ grant allocation will be worked out using the dates provided in your learning agreement
- You will receive 80% of the grant before your exchange and the remaining 20% upon completion of your exchange/traineeship and of all paperwork
- See the current grant rates
Students from low income backgrounds
Erasmus+ also offers students who have a household income of under £25,000 an additional €120 top-up per month for study (2019-20 rates).
An application form will be provided to all students.
Students with disabilities
Erasmus+ offers additional funds for disabled students to cover any additional costs required for support or equipment while abroad. Information will be provided for students who declare a disability during the application process.
Non-Erasmus study abroad funding
Partner university that is not part of the Erasmus+ programme
The following amounts will be awarded to students studying at a partner university that is not part of the Erasmus+ programme.
Living costs: up to £1000/applicant
Travel: up to £500/applicant
The amount awarded will depend on the number of applications received and the estimated costs of the placement. The funding is a contribution towards costs and may not cover all expenses.
Student Finance
Home/EU students
Home/EU undergraduates should still apply for Student Finance in the normal way.
There is a section on the application form about studying or working abroad for part of the year which needs to be completed (if you’re completing a traineeship outside of the academic year this doesn’t apply).
You will still receive a maintenance payment for the term you will be away but it will be paid at the Overseas rate, rather than the higher Living in London rate which you receive as a Goldsmiths student.
If you completed your student finance application before you knew you were taking part in the Erasmus+ programme, you’ll need to inform the Student Loans Company (SLC) later that you will be studying or working abroad.
For further details on student loans contact the SLC (slc.co.uk). If you need detailed advice, the Student Centre has advisors who specialise in Student Finance.
Travel grants
Students receiving student finance from Student Finance England or Wales can claim for additional support if eligible for the following:
- up to three return journeys between the UK and the overseas institution they are studying at
- the cost of a child/children’s fare between the UK and the overseas institution if it’s necessary for a lone parent who’s also a student to take them abroad
- mandatory medical insurance, visas and medical expenses for the purpose of studying abroad
Once you have applied for your student finance, if you are eligible to apply for a Travel Grant, you will automatically be sent the correct forms to complete.
Students who are studying abroad must complete the Travel Abroad Expenses Form.
You will also need to ask Goldsmiths to complete the Course Abroad Form.
You can apply for the Travel Grant at any time during the academic year and there’s no limit to how many forms you can submit.
Goldsmiths
Access to Study Abroad bursaries
A limited number of mobility bursaries between £100 - £800 are available to co-fund Erasmus+ study placements for underrepresented undergraduate students.
The eligibility criteria are outlined in Go Abroad Widening Participation Criteria.
If you are eligible, you can apply for this as part of your application for Study Abroad funding.
Green travel fund
We also have some awards available for students who are looking to travel to their placement using a more sustainable form of transport. See our travel page for more information on the Green Fund.
Receiving funding
Before receiving your funding, successful applicants will need to submit a range of paperwork including:
- A signed grant agreement
- A travel insurance risk assessment form
- A learning agreement with your host university outlining your module choices
- Bank details form
You may also need to complete an online language test.
You will then be paid 80% of the grant up front. The final 20% will be paid to you upon completion of the placement and submission of the following:
- Confirmation of completion of the placement
- Post-placement questionnaire
- End of placement language test
- Case study submission – written, video, photo, blog
If the length of your study period changes or you do not complete your study abroad, you must inform the and may be required to pay back all or part of the award.
Impact of Brexit
Goldsmiths has Erasmus funding and partnership agreements in place for 2021-22 and in some cases for 2022-23. Please visit our Erasmus page for the latest information on Goldsmiths participation in Erasmus and any impact of Brexit.
Students should also keep updated on any changes to immigration requirements relating to their overseas placement as a result of Brexit. Please consult our Immigration and visa page for more information.