The UK's departure from the European Union has resulted in many changes to University of Westminster students planning an exchange or a work placement in Europe. Please see our guide to the new immigration rules, changes to health insurance, and our participation in the Erasmus+ Programme.
Erasmus+ Programme
As a result of the UK’s departure from the EU, UK institutions can no longer participate in the Erasmus+ Programme. Funding for outward mobility is now provided by the Turing Scheme.
Turing Scheme
The Turing Scheme allows UK universities to support student exchanges and work placements as well as certain short-term opportunities across the world, focusing especially on students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
The availability of funding will be contingent on the success of an annual institutional bid for funding.
You can find out more information about the scheme on the Turing Scheme website.
Visas and entering the EU
There are important immigration changes for UK citizens travelling to and residing in EEA countries from 31 December 2020.
UK nationals
Students who hold a British passport and are planning to undertake their exchange or work placement in the European Union would be able to do so without a visa for no more than 90 days in any 180-day period. Staying longer than 90 days in the host country requires a visa.
Please see the additional information on visas and entry requirements for the EU, EEA and Switzerland on the following websites:
EU nationals
University of Westminster students holding an EU passport who wish to undertake an exchange or work placement abroad should check how the period spent outside of the UK will impact their immigration status in the UK. There are different rules for those living in the UK before and those arriving after 31 December 2020. Please go to the following websites for more information:
Healthcare after Brexit
The EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) is still available for EU citizens travelling to EU, however, it is no longer available for UK nationals. The UK Government has introduced a GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card) as a replacement. Students who are UK nationals and plan to undertake an opportunity abroad in the EU should apply for a GHIC. Please go to the following websites for more information and to apply: