International study

Studying a degree outside the UK can be very appealing - studying your subject in another country as an international student, experiencing another culture and developing language skills.

Please note, if you are a current University of York student thinking about studying abroad as part of your York degree, have a look at the relevant information on summer and year abroad opportunities from the Global Opportunities team.

Planning to study a degree outside the UK

  • Allow time to plan your application. Start as early as 12-18 months beforehand. Prospects Guide has a suggested checklist to help you prepare
  • Check the acceptability of your existing academic qualifications. A First, 2:1 or Masters degree will meet most eligibility requirements, but British first degree programmes can be shorter than elsewhere, so views on academic standards can vary
  • Check if you need to take a Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT)
  • Ensure your postgraduate qualification will be recognised if you plan to return to the UK for employment
  • Which documents will you need to send to the admissions department? Start collecting them together well in advance. This may include a copy of your transcript, degree certificate and references.
  • Check visa regulations and likely total costs; you may need to provide evidence of sufficient funds for your course's duration
  • Duration of courses and timing of academic year may be different from UK universities, eg a PhD may take five years or more (rather than 3-4 years in the UK)
  • You will need excellent language skills and motivation. You may find some European institutions offer courses taught in English, especially in the Netherlands and Scandinavia
  • Have a look at our World Links page to find country specific links to information and resources.

Scholarships, bursaries and loans

You can also contact universities direct as they may have specific grants or scholarships.