Erasmus grant and tuition fees
Students are eligible if they are registered at a UK institution of higher education and spending an approved study period abroad or carrying out an approved work placement (including a language assistantship) of between three and twelve months in another EU, EEA or 'partner' country. Students should not have received an Erasmus grant for the same type of placement (study, work or postgraduate) in a previous year.
The Erasmus grant is intended to be a contribution towards the extra costs of studying abroad. Students still need to have their normal adequate funds for daily living, including travel and accommodation. The cost of living varies considerably across Europe and students are advised to find out how much their year abroad is likely to cost them before they leave.
The Erasmus grant is calculated per month of the stay abroad. It usually consists of three instalments, the first payable in November, a second in April (the second payment is not guaranteed in any given year) and the balance at the end of the academic year. The source of Erasmus funding is the European Commission, which distributes funds to institutions across Europe through each country's National Agency. In Britain the National Agency is the British Council. The amount that students receive varies in accordance with funds received. In 2011-12, students will receive €225 per month of their stay abroad as a first instalment.
Receipt of the Erasmus grant does not affect a student's entitlement to their normal student loan for the period of their stay abroad.
American Studies Compulsory Year Abroad Programme
Students are understandably concerned about the cost of a year-abroad in North America and although you will need to pay for your airfare, visa and medical insurance the most important part of your preparation for your study abroad is securing your US visa. Students will have to demonstrate that they have sufficient funds available before the visa can be issued. The amount of money that has to be guaranteed varies according to which campus you attend. The California, Miami, Georgetown, and UPenn campuses require a higher guarantee but all the universities will expect you to guarantee more than you receive from the Student Loan. This financial guarantee will need to be completed in the December or January of your second year. Now is the time to start to save!
When you study abroad you are eligible for a Government Student Loan paid at the higher "Overseas Rate" and some students who are means tested may receive a maintenance grant and/or bursary on top of their student loan. These payments can also be used towards the financial guarantee. In addition, the Government gives a means tested Travel Grant to cover airfare (less £303), medical insurance, immunizations and visa costs.
Most students use their Government Student Loan as part of their guarantee, the remainder of the amount to be guaranteed (currently a minimum of £2,900) can be made up from either personal funds or from funds guaranteed by your parents or members of your family. This money has to be in an account or various accounts as original bank statements will be required.
Tuition fees
Whilst on your Year Abroad, you will only pay half the Sussex tuition fees, and you do not have to pay any tuition fees in Canada or the USA.
For details, refer to the Student Loan - overseas rate table below.
In addition, the Government gives a means tested travel grant to cover airfare (less £303), medical insurance, immunisations and visa costs.
Visa fee for US: The fee for obtaining a visa to study in the United States is currently $140 (£87.00)
Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee: currently $180 (£112)
This is an automated process for collecting, maintaining and managing information about foreign students, exchange visitors and their dependents during their stay in the United States. This fee is separate from and in addition to the visa application fee. The SEVIS fee can be paid electronically or by mail. It cannot be paid at a US embassy or consulate and it cannot be paid at the port of entry.
Visa fee for Canada: Canadian dollars for $125 (£80*)
Insurance
The cost of medical care in North America is extremely high and every student will be legally obliged to take out medical insurance cover at their US and Canadian university. You will also need extra cover for travel to and from the university and for the costs not covered by the US/Canadian insurance policy. Their policies do not adequately cover repatriation costs in the event of a serious accident/medical condition. They do not cover laptop and personal effects, emergency flight-cancellations etc and often will only cover 80% of costs. It is essential that a student also has the Sussex group insurance for all things not covered and for the 20% not covered by the US university's policy. ACE full policy [PDF 202.96KB]. The cost of insurance will be between £800 - £1000 (the Sussex policy is currently about £209 for 10 months cover plus up to $1700 for the most costly US university policy). The means tested Travel Grant will help with medical insurance costs see above.
Funding of Voluntary Study Abroad in North American, Australia and Asia
Tuition fees
Your tuition fee is paid to Sussex; you do not have to pay tuition fees at the exchange university. If you study abroad for an academic year, you will only pay half your regular tuition fee.
Financial Guarantee
Hong Kong
require about 16,000 Hong Kong dollars for 4 months
Australia
Living costs are a minimum amount set for visa purposes. Living costs vary depending on where you will be living and studying. It is your responsibility to determine what your own costs will be to live and study in Australia.
Canada
Proof of means of financial support that demonstrate that you can support yourself and any accompanying family members while you study in Canada. For example, proof of a bank account in your name, your bank statements for the past four months, a bank draft in convertible currency, or proof of payment of tuition and residence fees
USA
In order to go to the USA you will need to provide a financial guarantee before a visa will be issued. The amount of money that has to be guaranteed varies according to which campus you attend. Students will have to demonstrate that they have sufficient funds available before the visa can be issued. This money has to be in an account or various accounts as original bank statements will be required.
Most students use their Government Student Loan as part of their guarantee, the remainder of the amount to be guaranteed (currently a minimum of £2,900 for an academic year) can be made up from either personal funds, or from funds guaranteed by your parents or members of your family. When you study abroad you are eligible for a student loan paid at the higher Overseas Rate. If you study abroad for one semester you will need to guarantee half the total amount. Exact figures will vary according to your campus.
When you study abroad you are eligible for a Student Loan paid at the higher Overseas Rate. The amounts below are per year. If you study abroad for one semester you will only be able to claim one term's Student Loan at the higher rate, plus any extra weeks study.
| Student Loan - Overseas Rate | |
|---|---|
| For 2011/12 the non means tested student loan is | £4,244 |
| The means tested student loan is | £1,651 |
| Full loan is | £5,895 |
| You can borrow an extra £115 per week for the extra three weeks of the US College year* | £ 345 |
| Total | £6,240 |
In addition, the Government gives a means tested travel grant to cover airfare (less £303), medical insurance, immunisations and visa costs.
Visas
United States
Visa fee: The fee for obtaining a visa to study in the United States is currently $140 (£87.00)
Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee: currently $180 (£112)
This is an automated process for collecting, maintaining and managing information about foreign students, exchange visitors and their dependents during their stay in the United States. This fee is separate from and in addition to the visa application fee. The SEVIS fee can be paid electronically or by mail. It cannot be paid at a US embassy or consulate and it cannot be paid at the port of entry.
Canada
If you are studying abroad for one term only you will not need to apply for a Study Permit. On receipt of your letter of acceptance from your Canadian exchange university you can apply for your Study Permit to the Canadian High Commission.
Australia
Aus$565
Asia
Japan
In order to apply for a student visa for Japan you need to have a Certificate of Eligibility (COE). ICU send out the Certificate once your application to the university has been approved. You then need to take this Certificate to the Japanese Embassy and they will issue you with a student visa for the length of time you will be studying abroad.
Singapore
The university in Singapore apply for a 'Student Pass' on your behalf when your application has been approved and this serves as your student visa. They provide you with a identification number and you then need to submit an online application for your 'Student Pass'.
The letter confirming your 'Student Pass' will then be given to you on arrival in Singapore if you are from a country that doesn't require a visa to enter Singapore (this includes most EU countries) If you are from a country that does require a visa then you will be emailed you the letter beforehand and you can use this to enter Singapore.
Hong Kong
Once you have your official letter of acceptance from the City University of Hong Kong you can apply for a student visa. The university will send you a link when you can access an ID995 form ('Application for Entry for Study in Hong Kong form') You will also need to provide information on how you will be supported financially during your time abroad ie provide a student loan letter or a letter from your parents with relevant bank statements. These documents are then sent to the MEAO (Mainland External Affairs Office) in Hong Kong. If and when the student visa/entry permit is granted, the University in Hong Kong will collect the visa/entry permit label (a self-adhesive label) from the Immigration Department and send it to you at your home address. The cost is HK$ 360 for visa = £28.66
Korea
Once your application has been accepted by Korea University they will send you a Certificate of Admission (CoA). As soon as you have this certificate you can apply for your student visa at the Korean Embassy in your home country.