Exchange costs
On this page you will find information about how much it costs to go on a student exchange. Please note that all costs are approximate, and will vary according to host institution, city, country, and year of exchange.
Since the UK left the EU on December 31 2020, there may be able additional costs relating to visas and insurance for students travelling to destinations in Europe, and some countries / institutions may require proof of funds up front in order to sponsor a study visa. There has also been the introduction of the Turing Scheme, providing financial help to students studying at any of our partners around the world. Find further details about Turing further down the page. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns.
How much will it cost to go on a student exchange?
- You will need to do your own research into usual living costs etc. at your specific destination.
- You do not pay tuition fees to your host institution while you are abroad, you will continue to pay them to ENU in the usual way either through your funding body or personally.
- It is your responsibility to let your funding body know that you will be going on exchange.
- Due to the changes in the economic climate around the world and increased cost of living, students are recommended to augment their estimated costs by 20 - 30%.
- We cannot stress enough the importance of students’ research into all living costs when looking at the budget for their destinations of choice. In recent years, actual costs vs projected costs have been vastly different and can impact on students’ ability to go on exchange.
| Item | Overseas | Overseas (ISEP Exchange) | Europe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application Fee | n/a | $100 non-refundable application fee and $425 placement fee if placed | n/a |
| Visa |
|
Same as for Overseas (direct partners) |
Students may require a visa and additional arrangements to go on exchange. Requirements and costs will vary per country and length of stay. |
|
Insurance |
|
$120 per month | Personal arrangement (Edinburgh Napier University also provides cover) |
| Flights | Dependent on destination. Students undertaking a compulsory exchange may be eligible for additional funding towards the cost of flights, insurance and visas from their funding body. Check with them directly to find out. | ||
| Accommodation and meals | Dependent on destination |
Invoice sent one month before exchange, but payable in instalments |
Dependent on destination |
| Other costs | Daily travel, course materials, utilities, socialising | Daily travel, course materials, utilities, socialising |
Daily travel, course materials, utilities, socialising German universities may charge a semester fee of around €300 per semester, which may include free local travel |
| Proof of finances needed 3-5 months before exchange |
|
n/a | Some countries will require evidence of funds. Each host institution will provide details on what is required and when as part of their application process. |
Students are encouraged to do their own research into the living and travel costs before applying and use the suggested cost breakdown only as a guide. In the current economic climate, the estimated costs may vary greatly compared to the actual costs involved. Researching living and travel costs before applying will avoid disappointment about the actual vs projected costs.
Grants
The Turing Scheme was introduced for the academic year 2021/22 to replace the Erasmus+ scheme post-Brexit. The Turing grants are destination- and duration-based grants which are designed to contribute to the costs of studying abroad. The Turing Scheme has been confirmed to run until at least the end of the 2024/25 academic year. Students should be aware that there is likely not to be sufficient funding for every student to receive a Turing grant to support their exchange (as an indication, in 23/24 we received sufficient funding to award Turing grants to about 50% of our outgoing exchange students). It is therefore important that students base their exchange costs and budget on the basis that they will not receive a Turing grant. Students will be contacted directly and via the Student Exchanges Moodle Community site with further information on timelines and criteria once the exchange places are allocated.
Approximate exchange rates (as of September 2023 - rates will vary)
1 Australian dollar = £0.51 / 1 NZ dollar = £0.47 / 1 Canadian dollar = £0.58 / 1 US dollar = £0.79 / 1 Euro = £0.86
Can I work while studying abroad?
Exchange students may work as follows while they are enrolled at their host institution:
- Australia: up to 20 hours per week during term-time and 40 hours per week during vacation, on or off campus.
- Canada: If you have a study permit you may work up to 20 hours per week during the semester, and full-time during vacations on or off campus. If you do not have a study permit, you may only work on your host university’s campus, and this type of work may be hard to obtain. In some cases, you may need to apply for a work permit.
- New Zealand: up to 20 hours per week, on or off campus, during semester or vacation.
- USA: up to 20 hours per week but only on your host university’s campus and it may be difficult to find such work.
Please note different regulations may apply depending on your nationality. You should always check with the immigration authorities of the country where you hope to study for latest information. You should not rely on finding employment when abroad, as this cannot be guaranteed.
Other sources of funding
- Santander Mobility Scholarships are available to single trimester or full year exchange participants. Information about applying will be sent to students once they have been allocated an exchange place in February each year.
- Student Mobility & Small Project Grants (these funds are normally awarded to project type activities rather than a regular exchange experience). Applications are open year round.
Queries regarding the two sources of funding should go to the Development and External Relations team at development@napier.ac.uk
For those HE students who do not meet the criteria for additional support, you may get a grant to cover some of your travel expenses. Find out more depending on whether you normally live in:
- England - visit GOV.UK for more information
- Scotland - visit SAAS for more information
- Wales - visit Student Finance Wales for more information
- Northern Ireland - visit nidirect and Student Finance NI for more information
Try using an international cost of living calculator to check if you can afford expenses.
Got questions?
Contact the Global Mobility Team at studyabroad@napier.ac.uk