How to Apply
We're here to guide you through the Study Abroad application process and prepare you for your upcoming adventure!
Application guidance
We normally open our application form in February each year. Please be aware of our application deadlines. If you require a deadline extension, contact the Study Abroad Team well in advance.
Semester 1 (Fall) Application Deadline: 31st May
Semester 2 (Spring) Application Deadline: 31st October
To apply for Newcastle University's Study Abroad Programme, please use our online application system. As part of the application process, you must create an account, complete questionnaires and provide supporting documentation.
Study abroad
Spending a semester or full academic year at Newcastle University as part of a degree programme in your home country. Study Abroad students are not the same as Exchange students.
Module
At Newcastle University, the term ‘module’ simply means a course or class.
Study Abroad students must study 60 Newcastle credits (30 ECTS) per semester. Please see our Module Catalogue for more information.
Academic transcript
This is an official university document that lists the classes, modules, or courses you have taken. We will ask to see a transcript from your home university as part of the application process. You will need to provide a certified English translation if your transcript is provided in another language. We will also issue you a transcript on completion of your studies here at Newcastle to document the modules (classes) you have completed.
Semester One transcripts are released in mid-March and Semester Two transcripts in early July.
Eligibility criteria
To be eligible for the Study Abroad programme you must:
- have studied for at least a year at your home university before enrolment at Newcastle
- be enrolled at your home university
- have a minimum GPA of 2.8 (or equivalent)
- have IELTS level 6.5 or higher (or equivalent certificate) if you are a non-native English speaker
English Language requirements
Please refer to our government website to clarify whether you need to prove your English Language level.
If you are required to prove your English Language, you can refer to our English language requirements website for details on how to do so using the correct qualifications for evidence.
For EU nationals coming for one semester on a Standard Visitor visa
You’ll need to demonstrate that you have a minimum level of B2 in English. In lieu of a listed certificate, we can accept a confirmation letter from your home university that you meet our language requirements or stating that your degree is taught/assessed in English.
Visa requirements
You may need a visa to come to the UK to study and this will depend on your personal circumstances. Visit the UK government’s official website to check.
If you need help understanding the information the UK government provides, please refer to our Visa and Immigration Information webpage or the UK Council for International Student Affairs website.
For help understanding the new ETA process, please refer to the UK government's official website and our Electronic Travel Authorisation webpage.
You should carefully check what you need and research the cost, requirements, and timescales. We will automatically send you the relevant letter for either a Standard Visitor visa or a Student Route visa.
For students who join us for semester 1 and later decide that they wish to remain in Newcastle for the entire academic year, it will be necessary to apply for a Student Route Visa. Approval from Newcastle University and your home institution is required. Students who wish to extend their studies beyond semester 1 will need to notify the Study Abroad team by October 31st at the very latest.
Supporting documentation
Your application must be accompanied by all the supporting evidence requested on the form:
- transcript(s) of studies from your home institution
- English Language Certificate – if English is not your native language
- personal statement – a piece of writing explaining why you wish to Study Abroad at Newcastle University. Please include what you hope to achieve and what you can contribute to our university community. Aim for between 500 to 800 words.
- provisional module choices – suggestions of the classes you’d like to take in Newcastle
- image of the passport page showing your personal details
- examples of work/portfolio (for Fine Art and Architecture only)
Module choices
At Newcastle University, classes are called ‘modules’. Students typically study three to four modules each semester. Modules carry different amounts of academic credit and a full semester’s course-load at Newcastle University is 60 credits.
We have a specially designed online Module Catalogue for Study Abroad and Exchange students. It is important that you read the Module Catalogue Guidance Notes as it explains the terminology used and indicates any exclusions.
Study Abroad students may choose modules across different Schools (in different subject areas) and can select based on individual preferences and academic requirements. We do ask students to indicate module choices to us at the application stage, but students should be aware that all selections are subject to potential timetabling clashes and module leader approval. It isn’t until students arrive on campus that they formally register for modules. If you need help selecting modules at the Application stage, please do not hesitate to contact the Study Abroad Team to ask for advice.
Application decision
We review applications on a rolling basis from the end of March for Semester 1 / Full Year applications and the start of October for Semester 2 only applications. We aim to provide applicants with our selection decision within three weeks of receiving your application after this time. Successful applicants are asked at this stage to formally accept our offer to study with us but will not be asked to provide any form of financial deposit. Tuition fees are to be paid when you begin your programme of study.
Fees and costs
2025/26 tuition fees
If your home university does not have an exchange agreement with Newcastle University, then Newcastle University will charge tuition fees at the rates below. Some Study Abroad students will pay Newcastle directly, where some will have an arrangement where their school will pay the fees on their behalf. Students may consult with their home schools to find out which arrangement applies to them.
- Single Semester Study Abroad Tuition Fee (all programmes/subject areas) - £10,000
- Full Year Study Abroad Tuition Fee (all programmes/subject areas) - £20,000
- Single Semester 'Pre-Med' or 'Pre-Health' programme (with experiential features) - £10,500
- Full Year 'Pre-Med' or 'Pre-Health' programme (with experiential features) - £20,500
Additional costs
Students are responsible for other fees and costs including:
- insurance
- accommodation
- travel
- living costs
Non-EU students who attend Newcastle for the full academic year will be responsible for Student Visa costs, plus a healthcare surcharge. This covers eligibility for NHS medical services for the duration of your studies.
Fortunately, Newcastle is known to be one of the most affordable cities in England. Our guidance on living costs should also help you to manage your finances. If you would like to speak to a financial advisor at the university you can email the team at: student.fin-supp@ncl.ac.uk
Scholarships
Some Study Abroad students may be eligible for scholarships.
Sports scholarships
We offer varying scholarship awards (up to £500) to encourage Study Abroad athletes to continue participating at a competitive level during their time at Newcastle University.
Our comprehensive benefits support package includes:
- strength and conditioning support
- professional coaching
- physiotherapy and sports massage
- lifestyle support and mentoring
- access to the sport scholars’ workshop programme (covering topics such as sport psychology strategies, nutrition, rehabilitation and recovery)
Applicants should ideally have NCAA D1-D3 playing experience in one of the following sports:
- American Football
- Basketball
- Field Hockey
- Golf
- Lacrosse
- Rowing
- Tennis
- Volleyball
- Women’s Soccer
Other sports may be considered. NAIA and Collegiate Club student-athletes may also be considered. They must also be:
- registered as a Study Abroad student at the Newcastle University for the current academic year
- competing in First Team fixtures during their time at Newcastle University
Register to receive further information about the Study Abroad Sports Scholarship
Butex scholarships for non-EU students
As an institutional member of Butex (British Student Mobility), Newcastle-bound students can apply for a £600 scholarship. The deadline for applying for this scholarship is mid-June every year and more information can be found on the Butex website.
Timeline for Semester 1 only
Here are some of the key dates to remember for your application and academic timeline if you are planning on studying with us for Semester 1 (Fall) only.
Study Abroad students should be aware that ordinarily Newcastle University’s Semester 1 runs over Winter break and into January. However, we do allow Semester 1 students to return home in December and, where necessary, undertake ‘Alternative Assessments’ to complete their studies early. There is no requirement to stay or return to Newcastle in January because we appreciate for many students, they will be resuming studies in their home country.
Arriving in Newcastle
The Study Abroad team will provide in-depth pre-departure support to everyone who is offered a place on our Study Abroad programme. This includes clear instructions on when to arrive and recommended modes of transport. The Timelines listed above include approximate dates for arrival (for both semester 1 and 2) but students are strongly advised not make travel arrangements until the Study Abroad team have given approval.
For students joining us in September there are nearly two weeks of welcome activities for you to get involved with before classes start. For students joining us in January there is a single week of activities prior to starting class.
- Our nearest airport is Newcastle International Airport (15 minutes by car to campus, 20 minutes by Metro to Campus).
- Our nearest train station is Newcastle Central Station (5 minutes by car to campus, 5 minutes by Metro to Campus).
For students flying into Newcastle Airport during designated times, staff will be waiting to provide a warm welcome and to provide transport to university accommodation. Students are urged to sign up for this ‘Meet and Greet’ service several weeks before they are due to travel.
Students who arrive outside of designated times or arrive by train must organise transportation to their accommodation independently. The Study Abroad Team will provide advice prior to travel.