Partner Institution Programme

Your opportunity to study anywhere in the world!

You can study abroad through our International Student Exchange Program (ISEP) or via one of our Partner Institutions as a Direct Exchange or Study Abroad student for a Semester or Full Academic year.

• Exchange partnerships allow students to study abroad without having to pay the host institution fees. Students will only pay the appropriate Ulster tuition fee and will be responsible for their accommodation and flight costs.

• Study Abroad partnerships allow students to study at a university where we do not have an exchange agreement. They can attend the university and pay the host institution's tuition fees and their Ulster tuition fees along with accommodation and flight costs.

Students will be required to be nominated to their chosen partner institution by their Ulster University Study Advisor. After the nomination has been received and accepted further details will be sent. You will be required to apply direct to your host institution and provide them with the documentation they require. You will also need to ensure that you obtain the correct visa for studying  abroad.

You will find a list of our current partners below for Academic year 2025/26  All Partnerships are subject to annual review.

Deadline to Apply -  1 April 2025

Eligibility

In order to be eligible to apply you must meet all of the following criteria:

• You must be on a degree programme that allows for a semester or a year abroad as part of the course
• You are a registered 2nd year student at the time of application for the following academic year
• You are in good academic standing
• You must have approval from your course director who will be required to complete a Study Abroad Release Form

Academic Recognition

• Academic credit will be transferred from your host institution​.
• Students studying abroad for a full-year will receive a Diploma in International Academic Studies (DIAS)​.
• Your study abroad year will also contribute towards your EDGE award.

Costs and Funding

Student Finance NI Travel Grant

The full-time undergraduate Travel Grant is offered by Student Finance NI is funding to help cover reasonable costs for travel for eligible study related periods abroad.

It's only available to students on eligible courses, when you give your course information as part of your student finance application, you will be informed if you are eligible for the travel Grant.

Student Finance NI Travel Grant Information

Turing Scheme

By applying & successfully securing a place with one of our Partner Institutions we will attempt to secure funding for your 2025/26 year abroad.

Turing Scheme - Information

How to Apply

1) Consult with your course director/placement tutor and find out if your course allows for a semester or placement year abroad.

2) Once the above is confirmed, research which of the above institutions you would be interested in applying to and then seek approval from your course director/placement tutor by asking them to sign our Study Abroad Release Form and send it to the Global Opportunities  Team  

3) You will then be required to complete our internal application form by 1 April 2025.

4) Once we receive both forms we will contact you and your course director/placement tutor to begin the nomination process. This involves you being  nominated to your  host institution who will then send you further guidance on how to apply to them as  a Study Abroad  student.

*Nominations & Applications deadlines will apply and will vary by institution. Approximate timings are below:

• Nomination  Deadline for Semester 1/Full Year -  May
• Application  Deadline for  Semester 1/Full  Year -  June
• Nomination  Deadline for  Semester  2 -  October
• Nomination  Deadline for  Semester  2 -  November

Go Global Stories!

Have a read at what our past students Nia, Conor and James had to say about the Partner Institution Route.