How do I apply?
Eligibility
To be eligible to apply and to be offered a place on one of our study abroad exchange programmes, you must meet the following criteria:
| Semester Abroad | International Year | |
| Year of Application | First Year (Level 4) | Second Year (Level 5) |
| Grade Average | 60% in both Semesters of Level 4 Pass all Modules Total 120 Credits |
60% in Semester 1 of Level 5 AND 54% overall for Level 5 Pass all Modules Total 240 Credits |
| Excluded Subjects | Biomedical Science Chemistry Geology Geoscience Law Physcology and Counselling Psychology and Geography (Sem 1 Only) All subects in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences |
All subjects in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences except Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation and Exercise Science. |
| What do I study? | You study modules which are identical to what is taught at Keele. Dual honours students must divide these equally between both subject areas. | At least 40% of your modules must relate to you Keele subject area. Dual honours students must divide these equally between both subject areas. |
Register your interest
To stay up-to-date with information sessions, events and deadlines register your interest with us by filling in this form. This will ensure you have help and guidance throughout your application process.
Do I need a language to study abroad?
You do not need to be fluent or have a qualification in another language to study abroad. The majority of our partners teach in English, however this cannot be guaranteed for all subjects so you need to look on the host university website. Some partners may require a certain level of their language in order for you to study some classes.
If you would like to learn another language before you go abroad, take a look at the opportunities offered by the Language Centre including: French, Spanish, German, Chinese and Japanese. You may also be able to take a language class alongside your studies while you are abroad or as part of Online Linguistic Support.
- Modules: Are there enough modules available (taught in English) for you to pursue your academic interests and match modules? Make sure there is enough available to avoid disappointment.
- Location: Would you prefer a city-based or campus-based experience? What are the transport links like?
- Accommodation: Not all universities guarantee on‐campus housing. Make sure you have an idea of where you will be living, any deadlines to apply for accommodation and overall costs including deposits. You may have to share a room and take out a meal plan if you study in the USA or Canada.
- Funding: Research what funding is available, as well as the cost of living and any upfront costs. Consider all additional and unexpected costs. Check out the money advice page for more information.
- Spaces: Check that there is space available at the partner universities you wish to apply for.
You can find all this information on partner websites and by accessing our Partner Information Library.
To receive an application for the international year or semester abroad, you just need to complete a short quiz and answer ten questions correctly. This is to make sure that you are aware of the key pieces of information you need to know before you apply. All of the answers can be found within our website and you can take as many attempts as it takes to get ten correct answers. Click the link to Request an Application (Not available until Global Opportunities Week)
The deadline to request and application is 12pm on Monday 2 November 2020. Applications will then be sent on this date to all students who have requested one.
Throughout the application period there will be application workshops and student-led events with other applicants and exchange students. There will also be a chance to meet with Peer Advisors, the Global Opportunities Team and Subject Tutors to support you in your application:
- Peer Advisors: Keele students who have returned from their study abroad placements are on hand to run social events, provide advice and guidance for researching partners and share their experiences.
- Global Opportunities Team: Run application workshops, support with applications and answer any questions about the study abroad process.
- Subject Tutors: Assigned to you once you have received an application, they will confirm whether your module choices meet the minimum requirements to study abroad.
Once you have completed your research and decided on your top three destinations, you need to submit your application which includes:
- your top three choices of host university for each semester;
- a 600 word personal statement outlining what you want to achieve from your time abroad and how your proposed hosts will allow you to do that;
- provisional module lists which have been signed by your subject tutor(s);
- a reference from an academic member of staff;
- and a brief budget outline for your top 3 choice destinations.
The deadline for your application is Friday 8 January 2021.
Your application will be reviewed and given an overall score. Following the release of Semester 1 results in February 2021, students who meet the minimum grade criteria will have their applications ranked, and spaces will be allocated based on the strength of these applications.
Once you receive confirmation that your application has been successful you need to prepare for your arrival at the partner university. This includes:
- Registering for modules/classes
- Visa paperwork and interviews
- Insurance (Keele travel insurance, health insurance and any waivers)
- Immunisations and health requirements
- Accommodation
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Flights and transfers
Your host university will be in contact with you about deadlines and requirements.