Study abroad: How to apply

Apply for an exchange place

1. Research your options 

Start by assessing your options and deciding what’s best for you - whether that is a formal exchange or some other kind of study abroad. You’ll want to think about:

• Why you want to study abroad
• Where you want to go
• How your choice will affect your degree
• Which of our partner organisations is the best fit with your wider university and career goals

If you know where you want to go, we can help you get there. Or, if you are still making your mind up, we can talk you through your options.

If you are a languages student on a four-year course that requires overseas study, your tutors will explain your options. For all other students, you can contact the Study Abroad team or the exchange coordinators in your faculty - or come along to one of our events during the autumn semester. 

2. Apply to the Manchester Met exchange programme

Before you can apply to study abroad, you’ll need to apply to join our exchange programme. That means picking five preferred destinations, completing an online form, providing an academic reference and writing a 400-word personal statement. We’ll assess your application, looking at your grades, attendance, engagement and how well you would represent the University. If we decide you are eligible, we will do our best to allocate you a place. 

3. Apply to your host university

Once you’ve joined the exchange programme, you still need to apply to your allocated host university. The process differs between universities, as does the timetable for a decision. We’ll support you throughout, and recommend you to your chosen host.

4. Apply for your visa 

Once you’ve got a firm offer from your host university, you’ll need to start sorting out practical arrangements, including getting a passport if you need one, plus visas and vaccinations for some countries.

5. Attend pre-departure briefings

Everyone in our exchange programme must attend briefings with our team before they leave. You’ll get to know the Manchester Met staff who will be supporting you while you are overseas, plus the other exchange students. As well as covering the practicalities, these sessions are about building the network to help you get the most out of your exchange journey.

All student travel is subject to approval. Approval can only be granted if Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and the University’s travel advice allows.

Apply for a scholarship

The various scholarships for UK students studying abroad each have different eligibility criteria, application processes and deadlines.

We can guide you through what you need to do to give yourself the best chance of securing funding.

You may also be eligible for a travel grant. For eligibility criteria and application details, visit the UK Government website.

Below you can find a list of available scholarships.

Apply for other study abroad schemes

As a student with us, your study abroad options aren’t limited to exchange programmes. You can also choose:

• Field trips: Field trips are organised through your course, so you’ll be notified of any opportunities as part of your lectures. You won’t normally have to apply. 
• Internships and volunteering: Our Rise programme includes opportunities to do overseas internships and volunteering over the summer. Details of how to apply are on our Rise website.
• Summer schools: Some of our exchange partners host short placements of three to six weeks in July and August, covering academic and cultural topics. The application process differs between host universities. You’ll normally apply direct to the host university around March, but get in touch with us early, so we can support you in making your application.