How to apply as an Exchange/Study Abroad Student

Before you are nominated to study with us, you will need to confirm that your home university has a student exchange/study abroad agreement with us.

Once confirmed your home institution must send an email nomination on your behalf to goglobal@ulster.ac.uk

Nominations must include the following:

• Applicant's full name
• E-mail address
• Proposed length of stay (Semester 1, 2 or Full Year)
• Subject area
• Level (Undergraduate or Postgraduate)

Once we receive your nomination e-mail you will be invited to complete our application form.

Go to the online application portal.

1.  Create a log in ID and password

• the login ID must be unique to you and up to 9 characters
• the PIN must be six numeric characters
• remember these details as you will be able to save and return to your application as many times as you like before finally submitting it.

2.  From the drop-down menu select the application type: Exchange/Study Abroad.

3.  In the programme choice drop down menu select Study Abroad.

4. Enter your campus, subject and semester of study.

Once we receive your application you will be asked to forward further documentation as outlined below:

a) Transcript

To assess your application, your latest transcript of results is required from your home institution. This must include your current Grade Point Average (GPA) and modules (classes) completed to date.

Our GPA requirement is 3.0 or equivalent (57% or above)

All transcripts submitted must be official and in English and include:

• Name of your home institution/university
• Name of your programme of study, course or major
• List of all completed modules (courses) to date
• GPA or equivalent

Please note: If your original transcript is not in English, you must provide an official translation (stamped by an official translator).

b) English Language Requirements

All international applicants (EU nationals included) are required to show evidence of a minimum English language level in order to be accepted onto our Study Abroad programme.

You can demonstrate that you meet the English language requirements using the following tests/qualifications that have been approved by the university.

You do not need to provide evidence of your English language if you are from one of the countries listed in the exempt category.

c) Passport

You are required to send a copy of your valid passport. Your passport will need to remain valid for the entirety of your stay plus 6 months.

d) Portfolio

If you are intending to study within the Belfast School of Art or Architecture, you will be required to send an e-portfolio clearly showing your practical experience in the areas you wish to study in.

You will receive an acceptance e-mail once your documentation and application have been assessed.  Your acceptance e-mail will confirm which Faculty you will be assigned to and which campus you will be based. It should also be printed and for use at the UK border as proof of your intended studies at Ulster University.

Once you have been accepted you should check what visa you will need to give you the right to study in the UK. The following guidance is available:

• How to apply your Student Visa
• How to apply for your Standard Visitor Visa
• Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)

Please note: The Home Office has introduced an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to ensure that anyone who wishes to travel to the UK, has permission to do so in advance of travel.  This means that all non-visa required nationals who are not applying in advance for entry clearance, will now have to apply for an ETA before they travel to the UK.

For information on your country refer to the following guidance.

Most nationalities can apply for an ETA from 27 November 2024 for entry into the UK from 8 January 2025.

Once you have received your acceptance e-mail and you know your visa requirements you should make arrangements to apply for accommodation:

• Accommodation Advice
• Information on how to apply for accommodation
• Register to attend an accommodation webinar

PLEASE NOTE:

ISEP: If you are an ISEP student you must apply for accommodation as outlined in your ISEP contract. You are not required to pay anything to accommodation unless you are paying the difference for a higher rate of accommodation.

Study Abroad/Exchange Students from outside the European Union: If you are a student from outside the EU and you will be studying at Ulster for Semester 1 or a Full Academic Year you will be guaranteed an offer of accommodation provided that your completed application is received by 14 August in the year of admission.

An offer of accommodation for Semester 2 will be guaranteed provided a completed application form is received by 14 December in the year of admission.

Study/Exchange Students from the European Union: If you are a student from within the EU you may be offered accommodation provided there are vacancies remaining.  This is not guaranteed.

You will be required to select your modules before you arrive at Ulster and you will be required to submit a module request form.  All modules must be selected from our module lists by campus as these are modules that have been verified as the suitable for study abroad students.

Ensure you have read through the following module information and are clear on the subject levels of each modules before you submit your module request form.

• Information on module selection

You will receive a series of communications from our Global Opportunities team relating to Welcome/Orientation week at Ulster. These communications will provide information relating to our meet & greet service at the airport, accommodation advice, confirmation of your modules and details of enrolment and much more!

Once we have received your module request form we will review your modules ensuring they are available and that you do not experience any timetabling clashes. You will receive an e-mail confirming your final modules 1 to 2 weeks before teaching commences.

• Exchange/Study Abroad Welcome
• Pre-Arrival Information
• International Student Orientation Programme