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.
- Study EU - study choice portal, courses taught in English in the EU
- Studee - find and apply for university courses abroad
- Euraxess - EU site for professional researchers
- International Student - USA school search
- Fulbright study in the USA
- Times Higher Education World University Rankings
- QS World University Rankings
- Post study work visas - a brief guide from Times Higher Education to post-study work visas in US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Germany
Scholarships, bursaries and loans
- Prospects checklist for sources of funding
- Study Abroad Scholarships from the Leverhulme Trust (not UK or USA)
- International Education Financial Aid for scholarships and loans
- Postgrad.com information on fees and funding
- European Funding Guide for EU study
- DAAD funding guide (PDF
, 1,325kb) for academic mobility between UK/Ireland and Germany - EduCanada scholarships
- Fulbright study in the USA
- IIE Funding for US study
You can also contact universities direct as they may have specific grants or scholarships.