Turing Scheme
Funding to help students undertake international opportunities in education and training across the world.
The Turing Scheme is the UK Government's funding programme to help students undertake international opportunities in education and training across the world. UWE Bristol make an annual application to the scheme for funding to support you to embark on a range of international activities.
Eligible activities
If you are undertaking one of the following activities for the 2023/24 academic year, you may be eligible for Turing Scheme funding:
- Student Exchange (also known as Study Abroad)
- Overseas work placements (your placement must be approved through the employability activity confirmation process)
- Think Pacific (international volunteering)
- Project Zulu (international volunteering)
How do I apply?
There is no formal application process. Instead, the Activity Managers for each of the eligible activities listed above will apply on your behalf. The outcome of UWE Bristol's funding bid to the Turing Scheme will determine the levels of funding available across UWE Bristol, and whether the maximum grant can be provided.
How much funding is available?
Funding levels are determined by three factors:
- Destination country – rates are based on cost of living groupings as determined by the Turing Scheme
- Disadvantage – see criteria for disadvantage as determined by the Turing Scheme
- Length of overseas activity – minimum period four weeks, maximum period 12 months
Funding is only provided in respect of the specific period of activity that takes place within a single academic year, which the Turing scheme defines as the period from 1 September to 31 August.
Turing Scheme student grant rates 2023/24
View grant rates for four to eight week placements and over 8 week placements for countries/territories in groups 1, 2 and 3.
Group 1 (high cost of living countries)
See cost of living groups for a list of Group 1 (high cost of living) countries.
| Standard rate | Disadvantaged rate | |
| Placement duration - four to eight weeks | £136.25 per week | £163.50 per week |
| Placement duration - over eight weeks | £380 per month | £490 per month |
Group 2 (medium cost of living countries)
See cost of living groups for a list of Group 2 (medium cost of living) countries.
| Standard rate | Disadvantaged rate | |
| Placement duration - four to eight weeks | £120 per week | £147.50 per week |
| Placement duration - over eight weeks | £335 per month | £445 per month |
Group 3 (lower cost of living countries)
See cost of living groups for a list of Group 3 (lower cost of living) countries.
| Standard rate | Disadvantaged rate | |
| Placement duration - four to eight weeks | £120 per week | £147.50 per week |
| Placement duration - over eight weeks | £335 per month | £445 per month |
Additional travel grants for students from disadvantaged backgrounds
In addition to the higher student grant rate, students from disadvantaged backgrounds will also benefit from a travel grant based on the distance between the home and the destination organisation:
- 10-499km - £165
- 500 – 1,999km - £250
- 2,000 – 2,999km - £325
- 3,000 – 3,999km - £480
- 4,000 – 7,999km - £745
- 8,000 – 12,000km - £905
- 12,000+km - £1,360
How do I receive funding?
For students undertaking short term activities between four to eight weeks, Turing Scheme grants are paid to students in one lump sum directly into a bank account.
For students undertaking long term activities between eight weeks and 12 months, Turing Scheme grants are paid to students in two instalments, at the start and end of the period abroad. The first payment will represent 70% of the entire grant entitlement, followed by the final 30% at the end of the period abroad.
The Turing Scheme is in addition to any funding received from Student Finance England. This might include:
- Tuition Fee Loans
- Maintenance Loans
- Disability Support Allowance (DSA)
The Turing Scheme is also in addition to any funding received from the UWE Bristol Employability Bursary.
Funding examples
View three different funding scenarios and what that student would be eligible for.
Example one
- A student is undertaking a 10 month exchange year at a partner University in Bordeaux, France (group 2 for cost of living).
- The student has been means tested by Student Finance England and has a household income below £25,000 so is considered eligible for the higher rate of grant.
The student is eligible for a maximum Turing Scheme grant equivalent to £445 per month for 10 months = £4,445.00, plus a maximum travel grant of £250 based on a travel distance between Bristol and Bordeaux of between 500-1,999 km.
Example two
- A student is undertaking a work placement in Amsterdam, Netherlands (group 2 for cost of living) from 1 September to 31 August.
- The student is not considered financially disadvantaged so is eligible for the basic grant rate.
The student is eligible for a maximum Turing Scheme grant equivalent to £335 per month for 12 months = £4,020.00.
Example three
- A student is undertaking a four week international volunteering opportunity in Fiji (group 3 for cost of living) organised by UWE Bristol and Think Pacific.
- The student is care-experienced so is considered eligible for higher rate of grant.
The student is eligible for a maximum Turing Scheme grant equivalent to £147.50 per week for 4 weeks = £590, plus a maximum travel grant of £1,360 based on a travel distance between Bristol and Fiji of over 12,000 km.
You may also be interested in
Study abroad funding opportunities
UWE Bristol students going abroad through an exchange programme are eligible for a range of grants and fee discounts as well as support from Student Finance bodies.
Placement costs and finance
Find out what you can expect to be paid for a placement, the costs of a placement and financial support that may be available to you.
UWE Bristol Employability Bursary
This bursary is available to students undertaking certain employability activities.