The application for students wishing to go on exchange for semester one, semester two or the full 2025–26 academic year are now open!
Current students can view full eligibility and further information on Global Opportunities Blackboard.
Please note that the application deadline is Monday 3 February 2025 at 11.59pm.
Preparing to apply for an exchange
In advance of completing the exchange application we would recommend you undertake the following steps in preparation:
- Read our exchange application guidance document on Global Opportunities Blackboard
- Research the institution(s) or countries you are interested in. You can find a list of the options available to you on Global Opportunities Blackboard
- While researching, consider potential costs of the host country and host institution(s). Remember to factor in accommodation costs, living costs, travel costs and other costs such as those associated with insurance and visas. For destinations such as the USA, students have to demonstrate a certain level of financial support when they apply for a visa. Ensure you know if this is required for your destination
- Look at module catalogues on Blackboard for the institutions you have selected and find out who your Academic Exchange Coordinator is
- Please contact the Disability Learning Support Team if you require any additional support or adjustment; the Student Mobility Team works with them to ensure that all students make the most of their exchange opportunity
- Be aware that where possible, students are allocated one of their three choices. However, exchange places are subject to availability and cannot always be guaranteed
- More detailed advice and guidance on how to apply can be found on Global Opportunities Blackboard. You can also watch a presentation regarding the exchange application and how to prepare for that in the Global Opportunities Week resources on Blackboard
Eligibility/approval criteria:
- You must be fully enrolled as a Westminster student to take part in an exchange
- You must be enrolled on a programme in which a placement abroad in 2025–26 is either a compulsory requirement or is an optional route on the programme
- If you are excluded or withdraw from your studies at any stage, your exchange place will be terminated
- You must be in good academic standing - this means maintaining an average of 55%. Participation is also contingent on progression into the academic year in which you will go abroad
- If you are not able to progress to the next academic year due to a referral or failed module, your exchange place will be withdrawn
- If you are required to complete a referral and are holding a place at a university in the Southern Hemisphere where the programme of study commences in July or August, the place will be withdrawn
- Please note that some exchange partners require students to be holding an average mark of above 55%
- You must apply for exchange on time via the Engage online application. Applications after the deadline will not be considered
- You must ensure that you are selecting universities that are open to your programme of study
- You must ensure that you meet any language requirements of the institutions you are applying for. This is particularly important if the language of instruction is not English
- Before applying, you should ensure that you are aware of the financial undertakings of the year abroad and that you have researched and budgeted and made your choices accordingly
- Follow advice and guidance from your Academic Exchange Coordinator regarding the most suitable study abroad options for you
- If you are successful, the terms and conditions you must adhere to before, during and after your time abroad can be found on our Terms and conditions page
Students with additional needs
If you wish to undertake a study exchange and have additional support needs, the first step is to discuss it with your Academic Exchange Coordinator.
You can also contact our Disability Learning Support team for confidential advice.
The Student Mobility Team would also be happy to meet with you and help you prepare for your exchange. Please do not hesitate to contact the team if you have any questions or require additional support.
Regardless of the global opportunity you are undertaking, it is important to speak to relevant colleagues at Westminster to allow us to support you before, during and after your exchange.
Next steps
Once the application deadline passes, the Student Mobility team will assess all applications. The team will then work with the Academic Exchange Coordinators to complete the allocation of available places.
If you are successful, and are offered a place, you will then need to complete a second application to the university that you have been nominated to. The Student Mobility team will guide and support you through this process though.
Further information and guidance to help you prepare can be found on the webpages below. These pages will provide you with helpful checklists and tips to ensure that you are fully prepared for your time abroad.
- Before you leave – what you need to do prior to leaving
- While you’re away – what you need to do when you’re away
- When you return – what you need to do once you have returned
The Student Mobility Team will also provide advice, guidance and support through each stage of your mobility journey. If you are uncertain about any aspect of your global opportunity, please do not hesitate to contact the team.