Studying in another country could be the experience of a lifetime. Enhance your degree by developing important global skills such as knowledge of other countries, language skills, intercultural awareness, adaptability and confidence.
Broaden your horizons by adding an international dimension to your CV – essential to achieving success in today’s fast-changing, global environment.
At Solent, we want to give students the opportunity to have an international experience – these come in the form of course specific exchange opportunities, summer schools, course trips and international work placements.
Summer schools
Current Solent students who are interested in experiencing new cultures and ways of learning in another country have the opportunity to participate in a European summer programme offered by our partner universities.
For some of the summer schools, current students are offered places without programme fees. Sponsorship may also be available for successful applicants as a contribution towards the cost of travel and accommodation.
International study exchanges
Solent University is seeking to support as many students as possible to have an international experience, but the opportunities available will depend on students' individual circumstances. To study abroad as an exchange student you must:
- be enrolled as a full-time student at Solent University,
- be on a course that has an exchange agreement with one of our partner universities
- have completed at least one full year of higher education, but are not in your final year,
- have a discussion with your course leader and get written approval,
- have a grade average of 2:1 (60-69%) throughout the first year,
- have a satisfactory attendance record.
Solent University has bilateral agreements with 20 universities in Europe and North America, most of which teach in English. You can see the full list of partner universities and exchange opportunities by country here.
Immerse yourself in a new cultural experience by spending a semester or a full year abroad as part of your degree in one of these countries:
- Belgium
- Canada
- Denmark
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Ireland
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Spain
- Sweden
Please contact international.exchanges@solent.ac.uk to discuss your options.
Unfortunately we are unable to create new partnerships with countries on request.
Tuition fees
Solent students who go to an exchange at one of our partner universities do not have to pay any tuition fees to the host university - annual tuition fees are paid as normal to Solent University. Students who spend a full academic year abroad can benefit from a tuition fee reduction of 85%.
If you receive a student tuition fee loan and/or a maintenance loan you will continue to receive this throughout your period of study abroad. Students must inform the Student Loans Company of their intent to study abroad and for how long. For support and advice on this, please contact international.exchanges@solent.ac.uk.
Funding
Erasmus+ exchanges
Subject to availability, Solent students studying at one of our European partners as part of the Erasmus+ programme may be eligible for funding via the Erasmus+ scheme. The amount of funding students receive will depend on their destination country, as well as individual circumstances.
Funding
| Countries | Study placement monthly grant amount |
|---|
| Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Sweden, Norway |
€420 |
| Belgium, France, Germany, Netherlands, Spain |
€370 |
Students who have disabilities/special educational needs or who come from a socio-economically disadvantaged background could benefit from an additional €120 a month. Please let the international exchanges team know if you feel you fall within one or both of these categories.
The Erasmus+ grant is non-repayable, as long as the period of exchange is completed in full. Students who return from their exchange earlier than planned may be required to repay the grant for the months they did not complete.
Students going abroad may also be able to claim back some of their travel costs. Find out more here.
Non-Erasmus+ exchanges
Scholarships may be available for Solent students who have opted to study abroad at one of our partner universities in North America. Contact international.exchanges@solent.ac.uk to find out what funding is available.
Before you apply, make sure you know what options are open to you by checking our list of partner universities. Once you have found a destination that interests you, it is your responsibility to carry out the necessary research into the modules you will be studying at the host university. These will need to be discussed with and approved by your course leader before you submit your application.
All candidates should be prepared to have a brief informal meeting with the International Office before their place can be confirmed. Contact international.exchanges@solent.ac.uk if you have any questions.
Before you head off on your exchange there are a few things you'll need to do:
- Do your research. It is your responsibility to look into the host university you would like to study at and what course offerings are available to you.
- Discuss and agree your study plan with your course leader. This will include which modules and how many credits to take at your host university. This information will form your learning agreement.
- For all Erasmus+ exchanges you will need to review and complete the grant agreement in order to receive funding.
- Complete your risk assessment. You are required to provide an address and contact details for while you're away.
- Take out adequate insurance. Insurance should cover any additional travel and unexpected medical expenses while you are away. The international exchanges team will need to see proof of your insurance policy before your placement can be finalised.
- Plan and prepare. While the international exchanges team will assist as much as possible with advice and general information on non-academic issues, it is your responsibility to arrange transport, transfers and accommodation, etc.
Visa and passport requirements
If you are a student from a non-EU country and you require a visa to study in Europe, you must ensure you apply for one in good time for the country you are applying to go to on an exchange. The international student support adviser in the Student Hub will be pleased to advise you on this matter.
If you wish to study in North America, please note that you will require a visa. It is your responsibility to make arrangements to obtain a visa in good time before your departure.
United States of America visa information
Canada visa information
It is important that while you're away you will still represent Solent and are reminded to adhere to the requirements of your degree programme and the code of conduct agreement you will sign before your departure.
Student requirements
All students on an exchange must fulfil the following:
- Arrival confirmation form signed at the beginning of your exchange by the international coordinator at the host university and submitted to international.exchanges@solent.ac.uk.
- Check your course timetable on arrival and confirm all your modules are still available and consistent with your course - adjust your learning agreement as required.
- Attend classes and complete assessments adhering to the code of conduct contract signed prior to your exchange.
- Departure confirmation form signed at the end of your exchange by the international coordinator at the host university and submitted to international.exchanges@solent.ac.uk.
Sharing your experience
On your return you are required to provide feedback on your experience. For Erasmus+ students this will be in the form of an 'end of mobility' report that is issued by the British Council. This is a multiple-choice survey that students must complete in order to receive their final payment.
For non-Erasmus+ exchanges, a similar report will be issued by the international exchanges team.
Keep in touch
We'd love to hear how you're getting on while you're away. Tag us or mention us in your social media posts:
- Instagram: @SolentUniversityInternational
- Twitter: @SolentUniInt
- Facebook: Solent University International
We may ask students to assist in the promotion of outgoing study and work opportunities at various events via the role of international student ambassador.
Here’s what some of some of our students had to say about their time abroad:
The exchange student life has been full of joy as we became close to one another and I have understood that diversity brings us closer.
Lenka went to Finland
It has completely changed me as a person. Being given the opportunity to place myself in another environment in another country, along with many other international students is something I will never forget.
Leanne went to The Netherlands
I can now say I have friends from every corner of the world! Having all of these friends enabled to pick up a new language as well! It was such a valuable experience.
Toby went to Canada
International work placements
Work placements under the Erasmus programme provide an excellent opportunity to gain first-hand work experience in an international environment. They can be undertaken as part of your degree, or immediately after graduation.
Depending on the availability of funding and provided you fulfil the eligibility requirements, you may be entitled to some funding under the EU-funded Erasmus work placement programme. To be eligible, the placement must be either a credited part of your degree, or a graduate placement. Please speak to the International Office to receive advice on what placements are eligible.
Solent Futures offer careers advice and support for Solent students seeking work experience or graduate employment.
What our exchange students say
Aaron Wallace
BA (Hons) Graphic Design student, Aaron Wallace spent a semester studying at Kristiania College in Oslo, Norway - this is what he had to say about his experience.
"Norway is an adventurous place with nature and outdoor activities. The university course was flexible, and I appreciated the feedback I received for my work. The Norwegians I met were friendly and seemed to be interested in other cultures. My favourite places in Oslo were the Viking ship museum, Sognsvann Lake and the ski jump. It has been an adventurous experience for me - one that I'll remember for years to come."
Anushka Monteiro
BSc (Hons) Web Design and Development student, Anushka Monteiro studied at Hogeschool Rotterdam, The Netherlands, as part of her second year.
"I had various opportunities to meet Dutch students, but also many other international students living there, and learned about their cultures. The programme was fun! We worked on designing an innovative solution for a real-world problem, and also enjoyed study trips to Barcelona, Antwerp and Dusseldorf. I have learned many things - the most important being how to apply what I've learned in the real world."
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