International exchange is a non-compulsory, competitive programme with partners across four continents which include some of the best universities in the world. Students taking part in this exchange will experience a different teaching and learning environment and have the opportunity to take modules that might not be available at Nottingham or in the UK at all. This means you can choose to give your degree a regional focus by choosing modules that concentrate on the local area or undertaking fieldwork at unique sites in the local area, like the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.
Approximately 60% of the students that apply are allocated a place.
The opportunities listed here are correct as at the time of publishing and for the application year 2024/2025. Please be aware that study abroad options may change at any time for a number of reasons, including curriculum developments, changes to arrangements with partner universities, travel restrictions or other circumstances outside of the university’s control. Every effort will be made to update this information as quickly as possible should a change occur. Please note that, in order to be accepted on to a study abroad programme, you have to achieve the relevant academic requirements as set by the university AND meet the selection criteria of both the university and the partner institution (though the partner institution is under no obligation to accept you).
Where can I study abroad?
We have international exchange partner universities in the following regions, to check which of these partners are available to apply to for your degree please look see the Global opportunities by school pages.
Please note that some partners may not be available for exchange for a particular academic year, if this is the case it is stated in the country page, next to the university's name.
For information on which partner universities are available for your school/department, please see Global opportunities by school.
Application information
To be eligible to apply for International exchange, you must be a current undergraduate student at the University of Nottingham UK campus. Please visit Global opportunities by school to check if international exchange opportunities are available for your degree programme.
Students require a minimum overall academic average of 60% in order to be eligible to apply and a 65% average for Australian or New Zealand universities.
For the vast majority of schools/departments, the credits gained whilst studying abroad through this programme will count towards your Nottingham degree.
Each school/department participating in International exchange has a member of academic staff who acts as the study abroad academic adviser and is responsible for approving your academic study while abroad, and for providing advice and support on all academic matters. To find out the name of your academic adviser, please see Global opportunities by school.
Students wishing to submit an application for International exchange will need to have their proposed modules at their chosen partners checked by their school/department academic adviser before submitting their application.
The International exchange application will open at the end of November and close at the begining of January. Exact dates will be released later.
International exchange application process
Step 1
Check your school/department on Global opportunities by school to see where and when you can study abroad. Attend or listen to our global opportunities presentations and sign-up for one of our Q&A sessions, details can be found on the events page.
Step 2
Read the International exchange FAQs
Step 3
Speak to your school/department contact to discuss your options, a member of the Global opportunities team or attend one of our in person presentations or online Q&A sessions.
Step 4
Check your modules are available at the universities you are interested in, this is particularly important for students who have compulsory modules. Please get in contact with your school/department academic adviser for help determining what modules you should be choosing, to find the contact details of your adviser please see your Global opportunities by school.
Step 5
Speak to your school/department contact to discuss your options, a member of the Global opportunities team or attend one of our in person presentations or online Q&A sessions.
Step 6
Make sure the universities and countries you are thinking of applying to are right for you, by doing your research. Consider your personal interests and what you want to get of your placement. Research the academic culture of the universities, the cost of living in the countries and the costs specific to each partner or country ie. health insurance, accommodation and visas.
If you have a a physical disability, a long-term medical condition, a Specific Learning Difference (SpLD) e.g. dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD, a sensory impairment or mental health issues then you should read the Study Abroad for Disabled Students guide and you may also wish to speak to your Disability Liason Officer in your School.
LGBTQ students should read the Studying Abroad Guide for LGBTQ students. The rights and protections afforded to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in the UK will not be the same around the world therefore it is important to be fully aware of what rights, protections and attitudes a country may have before deciding on a destination for studying abroad.
Step 7
Write your personal statement.
The statement is an 7, 050 character (1,000 word) question that should demonstrate your reasons for applying for the programme and the universites you have chosen. The question asks:
Please explain your reasons for applying for International exchange and the partner universities you have listed in this application:
- Your motivations (academic and/or personal)
- What you want/hope to achieve from the experience
- How the universities you have chosen will help you achieve your aims for your study abroad
Step 8
Read the information prior to beginning your application, including the Conditions for applying section, the Data Protection statement and the International exchange FAQs webpage. When you are ready, begin the online application which takes about 30 mins. There is no save option so it is important you check what information is required within the Conditions for applying section and FAQs before starting the online process.
Application FAQs
For a comprehensive summary of tuition fees, loans, scholarships and bursaries visit the study abroad finance page.
Students who are accepted to study abroad through International exchange continue to pay tuition fees to the University of Nottingham; no tuition fees are payable to the host university. Students who study abroad during 2025/26 will be eligible for a tuition fee reduction.
For general information on costs at each of our partner universities, please see our country pages.
For information on financial support from Student Finance England, Northern Ireland or Wales please download the relevant factsheet from Student Services.
Information for nominated students
Nominated students who are studying abroad during 2025/6 will be enrolled onto the Study Abroad Outgoing Students Moodle page for pre-departure information relating to immigration, finance, health and safety abroad, and advice from previous students.
Further information
Any questions?
If you have any questions about International exchange please contact the Global opportunities team.
For academic questions please contact your school/department academic adviser. To find out the name of your study abroad academic adviser, please see Global opportunities by school.