International Exchange at Newcastle University

What is the Exchange programme?

The Exchange programme welcomes students from our partner universities across the globe. You do not pay tuition fees to study with us.

We offer:

• an airport 'Meet and Greet' service
• our International Welcome of events and activities
• an award-winning Student Wellbeing Service, Library and Careers Guidance Service
• opportunities to volunteer, both on campus and in the community
• 165 sports, social clubs and societies to join
• an inclusive community that celebrates diversity
• access to world-class sporting facilities

If you're not from a partner institution but would still like to study abroad with us, please consider the Study Abroad programme instead.

Studying with us

As an exchange student, you can choose modules from the subject areas agreed between Newcastle University and your home university. Please check with your home university before you apply, so you know exactly which subjects you are allowed to take and whether there are any restrictions.

When you submit your application, please tell us which modules you are interested in. Please note, these choices are not final. Your official module enrolment will only be confirmed after you arrive on campus. We cannot guarantee that the modules you list in your application will be available when you arrive. This is because:

• some modules may clash in the timetable
• some modules require approval from the module leader
• places may be limited

To help you explore your options, we group our modules into different faculties and schools. Most students take three to five modules per semester. Our full course load for a semester is 60 credits.

Our faculties are:

• Humanities and Social Sciences
• Psychology and Biomedical, Nutritional and Sport Sciences
• Science, Agriculture and Engineering

Before you begin choosing modules, we strongly recommend reading our Module Guidance. This guide explains important terms, levels, credit values, and any exclusions. It will help you select suitable modules and avoid problems later.

Key terms

Here are some key terms we may use throughout the application process

English language requirements

If English is not your first (native) language, you must provide evidence of your level of English language level.

Any English language certificate you submit as evidence must be less than three years old at the time you start your exchange with us (in September each year).

How to apply

• To apply, your home university must have an exchange partnership with Newcastle University.
  • First, your university will nominate you.
  • After we accept the nomination, we will send you an email invitation to apply.
  • Please follow the instructions in your invitation email and submit your application before the deadline.

• The application form will ask you for:

  • basic personal information
  • your contact details
  • a motivation letter (please tell us why you would like to study at Newcastle University and what you hope to gain from your exchange)
  • the modules you would like to study at Newcastle
  • an English language test certificate (if required)

• You will also need to upload several documents, including:
  • a valid passport
  • your academic transcript
  • any required English language evidence
  • some subject areas may ask you to submit additional materials, such as a portfolio. (Architecture, Music and Fine Art)
  • We recommend preparing these documents well before the deadline.

• After you submit your online application, you will receive an automated confirmation email. We process applications on a rolling basis, but there may be delays during busy periods.
• You will receive notification of the outcome of your application by no later than 31 May for full‑year and Semester 1 applications and by 30 November for Semester 2 applications.

What happens next

Once submitted, a member of Global Opportunities will check your application to make sure you have provided all the required information and documents. We will contact you if anything is missing or unclear.

Next, your application will be reviewed our School Exchange Coordinator for the subject area that you have been allocated to. They will look at:

• your academic background
• your motivation letter
• your module choices

Most applications are successful, however, sometimes we issue conditional offers. This usually means the School Exchange Coordinator is happy to host you but would like you to change one or more of your module choices. If you receive a conditional offer, we will guide you through what to do next.

Any further documents needed for immigration or visa purposes will be sent to you later in the process.

Applying for a visa

• It is your responsibility to check whether you need a visa/ETA before travelling to the UK.

• If you are coming to Newcastle for one semester only, you may need to apply for a Standard Visitor visa or an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before you travel.

• If you are coming for one full academic year, most international students will need a Student Route visa.

• You can check whether you need a visa on the UK government website. Please make sure you look carefully at the requirements, cost and processing times.

• Our University’s Visa Support Team can give you advice and guidance about UK student visas, as well as information on what you need to do after you arrive.

• If your application to study with us is successful and you have accepted your placement with us. We will send you a Student Visitor visa letter or a Student Route visa letter (whichever is applicable), which you can use to support your visa application.

Timelines

See below information on our term and semester dates. Check the International Welcome webpages for details on recommended arrival dates prior to classes starting.