How to Apply

Follow our guide to discover how to research your options and what to expect from the application process.

Step one: Attend information sessions

For most students, it is mandatory to attend a GO Information session prior to submitting your application. These sessions are for your benefit: we'll introduce the opportunities available, discuss the application process and get you thinking about important aspects you need to consider, to make sure this opportunity is right for you. 

You will not be able to apply if you do not attend a GO information session. 

We'd also strongly recommend you speak to your School Exchange Coordinator (SEC) prior to submitting your application. Your SEC can give valuable advice on partners and academic matters which will form a huge part of your experience abroad. Discuss the available modules at partners to make sure they meet the requirements of your degree programme. This is particularly important if you are going abroad for a single semester, since your credits will transfer back to Newcastle University. Many schools will host an information session in Semester 1. 

 

Sign up for a GO information session

Step two: Do your research and select your partner university preferences

Read our guide to choosing the right opportunity and make sure you're aware of which partner universities you are eligible to apply for. 

We recommend creating a shortlist of partner universities. Make sure to consider what's important to you and research your shortlist thoroughly before moving forward. 

Remember, you have five preferences for a reason! Try to use all of them in case we're unable to offer you your top options. Equally, make sure you are comfortable being allocated to any of your top five preferences - if you don't want to go, don't include them. 

Step three: Prepare your application

Applications are submitted via Terra Dotta - our online placement management portal. You'll need to select the programme that is relevant to you (whether you are studying or working abroad and when you're going: full year, semester 1 or semester 2). 

As part of your application to go abroad, you'll be asked to answer written questions to demonstrate your motivation to study abroad. 

The questions are similar to job applications, its vital you use examples and evidence your points clearly. The Careers Service has some fantastic tips on submitting applications and offers appointments for support.

It's important that you take the time to write the best application you can. The answers to the questions will be marked against the assessment criteria. The higher your score, the more likely you are to get one of your top choices.

Our Global Ambassadors' have created some helpful resources below.

Assessment criteria and marking rubric Support presentation FAQ's Attend a personal statement drop in session

Step four: Apply to Global Opportunities

The formal application process contains two steps:

1. applying to Global Opportunities
2. applying to your allocated partner university

Your application to GO will include several sections and is in Terra Dotta. This application will be marked which will determine which partner university you are allocated to. 

You'll be asked to:

• answer questions, demonstrating your motivation to study abroad (see step 3 above)
• read important information and confirm you understand it
• list your five shortlisted partner universities, ordered by preference
• indicate modules you're interested in at each exchange partner, along with why you're interested in each partner
• request a reference from your School Exchange Coordinator

Different deadlines and processes apply to students in the School of Modern Languages, the Business School, the Law School and students studying Fine Art. Please contact your School Exchange Coordinator for more information.

 

What happens next?

Once you have submitted your application, it will be reviewed and marked by your School Exchange Coordinator and the Global Opportunities team.

We aim to email you with the outcome of your application around the start of February.

If you have been successful, we will allocate you one of your chosen exchange partner universities. Allocations are based on:

• the marks awarded for your application
• your preference order
• the number of exchange places available at each of our partners

If your application has been unsuccessful, we may discuss alternative placement options with you.

We'll host the Next Steps webinar w/c 8th February 2027 which will give you more information on what to do next!

If you are a Modern Languages, Law or Fine Art student, allocations are made by your School. For further information please contact your school exchange coordinator. 

 

Step five: Apply to your exchange partner university

• You'll need to formally accept your your allocated partner university (this is usually done via a form that we'll send to you).
• The GO team will then nominate you to the partner. Nomination opening times differ between each institution (they can range from February - June) so don't be alarmed if you don't hear immediately, or if your friends have been nominated and you haven't. 
• Once the partner has accepted the nomination, you will need to complete an application directly with that partner.
  • the partner will contact you directly (or we'll send you instructions) giving instructions on how to do this.
  • this is mostly just an administrative process to make sure that both you and your partner university have all the information needed for your placement.
  • this will usually happen between March and June, depending on the partner’s deadlines.
  • you will usually be asked to submit a transcript, a personal statement and a list of courses you would like to study.

You should start preparing for your placement straight away since some processes, such as applying for a visa, can take a very long time. However, we'd recommend waiting for formal acceptance before booking accommodation/flights. 

Most non-EU partners will ask you to provide evidence of financial support during your exchange. In some cases, you may also need to provide health certificates and other supporting materials or documents. The Global Opportunities team will help you to complete this process.

The partner university will notify you once your application has been accepted.

Step six: Prepare to go abroad!

Once you have received confirmation of your acceptance, you can start preparing to go abroad.