Studying outside the UK

Coronavirus (COVID-19) update
There is a limited exemption to the rules surrounding study or placement abroad. This only covers the period of the COVID-19 pandemic emergency as declared by the UK government.

If you undertake any academic activity in the USA then your entire programme of study is ineligible for Federal Loans.

If your programme includes a period of study at an institution outside the UK you may still be eligible for Federal Loans. Your time abroad:

• Must not be more than 25% of the total length of your programme of study
• Must not be in the USA
• Must be at an approved institution participating in the Federal Aid (Title IV) programme. See a list of approved institutions.

You will not receive loans for non-academic placements outside the UK, even if you have academic approval to spend time abroad.

If your study or placement abroad is not with an approved institution then you cannot receive loans for the time away.

PhD students

At the end of your formal period of enrolment, you may take extra time to write up your thesis.

You can spend up to one extra academic year writing up your thesis in the USA without affecting your overall eligibility for Federal Loans. You cannot receive Federal Loans during this time.

This is the only exception to the rules regarding academic activity in the USA outlined above.