Guide to the Turing Scheme
Fancy working or studying abroad? Then you may want to look into the Turing Scheme.
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If you've ever considered studying or working abroad, the Turing Scheme could help turn your dream into a reality. Funded by the UK government, it makes it easier and more accessible for students regardless of their background.
It's replaced the Erasmus+ scheme in the UK and allows you to explore new cultures, gain invaluable skills and boost your career prospects. And while many students choose to study in Europe, the Turing Scheme offers global opportunities.
In this guide, we share everything you need to know about this work and study abroad program.
What is the Turing Scheme?
In December 2020, Boris Johnson announced that Britain would no longer take part in the Erasmus+ program. This meant that students from the UK were no longer eligible to apply. Soon after in 2021, the Turing Scheme was brought in as a replacement.
It allows eligible students and apprentices to receive funding to complete work and study placements worldwide. The point of the scheme is to boost the skills, employability and international experience of each participant. It would look great on your CV!
Who is eligible for the Turing Scheme?
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One of the best things about the Turing Scheme is how accessible it is for students and young people from different backgrounds. You don't need to be a UK national to participate and there is no upper age limit either.
However, your organisation or education provider needs to be registered in the UK or a British Overseas Territory.
Here’s a quick rundown of who can get involved with the Turing Scheme:
- University students hoping to study at another uni or join a trainee program with an overseas organisation.
- Apprentices, college and sixth form students looking to do a traineeship abroad or study at a partner college or university.
- Recent higher education, VET or apprenticeship graduates (as long as you graduated less than 12 months ago).
- Anyone who is re-training or learning new skills through a school or college.
- School pupils, but those under 14 can only join short-term placements through the Turing Scheme and will be accompanied by staff. Students over the age of 14 are eligible for long-term opportunities.
Which countries are part of the Turing Scheme?
You can travel to any country as part of the Turing Scheme as long as you follow all foreign travel advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
Turing Scheme funding
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The Turing Scheme allocates millions of pounds each year to support students. Amounts vary per person but are typically based on demand, application quality and alignment with the scheme’s objectives.
Successful applicants can use the funding for:
- Plane tickets (read our guide to getting cheap flights to bag a bargain)
- Support towards living costs
- Organisational support
- Financial support for learning a new language
- Accompanying staff for school students.
Funding amounts also vary based on the cost of living in your chosen destination and the duration of your placement. Group one countries are said to have a higher cost of living, while group two countries are more affordable.
Here are some average funding amounts based on the length of your placement:
- Four to eight weeks in group one countries: £19 per day
- Four to eight weeks in group two countries: £17 per day
- Eight weeks or more in group one countries: £14 per day
- Eight weeks or more in group two countries: £12 per day.
Funding doesn't tend to cover tuition fees, but universities are usually expected to waive them for Turing Scheme students.
Disadvantaged or underrepresented students
If you're from a disadvantaged or underrepresented background, you can get additional funding to pay for your passport, vaccines, visas, medical certificate and travel insurance. You're considered to be from a disadvantaged or underrepresented background if you:
- Come from a low-income household of £25,000 or less
- Have been entitled to free school meals at any point in the past six years due to living in a low-income household
- Have disabilities or special educational needs
- Have additional support needs in Scotland
- Have additional learning needs in Wales
- Receive Universal Credit (or someone who lives with you does)
- Come from an ethnic minority background (including white minorities)
- Have experience of being in care or if you're a care leaver
- Are an asylum seeker or refugee.
Students with special needs, additional needs or disabilities are also entitled to specialist support and may receive extra funding. This funding also covers any necessary risk assessments.
Typically, students from disadvantaged backgrounds may be entitled to the following funding to cover their cost of living:
- Four to eight weeks in group one countries: £23 per day
- Four to eight weeks in group two countries: £21 per day
- Eight weeks or more in group one countries: £18 per day
- Eight weeks or more in group two countries: £16 per day.
How to apply for the Turing Scheme
If you're eligible for the Turing Scheme, you need to apply through your school, college, or university as students and learners can't apply themselves. Once you know what funding is available through the scheme, reach out to your educational provider.
They will then apply on behalf of you and any other eligible student who has submitted their interest. The application will be assessed for eligibility, financial capability and assessment criteria.
As part of the application process, your provider will need to answer questions about the project vision, how it will enhance your skills, advancing social justice, delivery plan and further supplementary questions.
Once decisions have been made, your provider will be contacted by email. If successful, they'll be asked to sign an agreement to receive funding. If the application is unsuccessful, they can appeal the decision for you.
Alternatives to the Turing Scheme
Don't worry if you're not eligible for the Turing Scheme. There are other options if you still want to work or study abroad. For example, you could look into:
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Applying to a foreign university
If you have your heart set on studying abroad, all is not lost. Even if you can't get support through the Turing Scheme, you can still apply to foreign universities.
Many UK nationals choose to study in the USA, Australia or Europe, but there's a lot to consider before going down this route. For example, is it cheaper or more expensive to study overseas?
However, like the scheme, it can help build connections, broaden your outlook on life and improve your career prospects (all while you experience a new culture).
As a UK citizen, you'll typically need a visa to work or study in another country. Make sure you look into this with plenty of time to spare! -
University programs
Many unis give you the chance to do a year abroad through their partner universities. For instance, The University of Manchester has almost 300 partners across 30 countries and five continents.
They allow undergraduates on most courses to apply for these once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. And, since you're only doing part of your degree overseas, you'll still be entitled to a Student Loan.
Wherever you're studying (or planning to study), it's worth looking into what opportunities they have to do a year abroad. It's one of the best ways to fund your studies while exploring a new country.
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Teaching English abroad
Teaching English overseas can be one of the best ways to discover new cultures and broaden your skills as you travel. It's a popular choice for those taking a gap year.
It's not quite as easy as you may think though. You typically need a degree (or equivalent) and a TEFL qualification to land teaching jobs abroad. In some courses, these can cost up to £1,000 (or more).
Although it's not cheap, it's a great investment as you can find jobs around the world.
South Korea, China and Japan tend to offer the highest wages, but your money will go far in places like Vietnam where the cost of living is low. Check out our TEFL guide for more information.
Once you've bagged your TEFL qualification, don't spend more than you need to on other travel essentials. Our tips can help you find cheap travel insurance and low-cost flights. -
Becoming an au pair
If you love working with kids and don't mind a bit of housework, being an au pair can be a great opportunity to live and work overseas. Usually, you'll get free accommodation with your host family and earn an additional income on top.
One of the biggest perks of being an au pair is that you typically spend between three and 12 months with your hosts. Not only is this good for building connections and new skills, but you'll have plenty of time to explore the local area without spending a small fortune on hotel rooms.
We share lots of helpful info in our guide to becoming an au pair.
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Applying for a working holiday visa
Working holidays can be an exciting way to fund your future adventures. They give young people the chance to work and travel in a foreign country for a limited time.
Typically, your visa will allow you to spend one to three years in your chosen country and you'll spend a portion of that time working and saving money.
UK citizens can apply for a working holiday visa in the following countries:
- Australia
- Canada
- Hong Kong
- Japan
- New Zealand
- Singapore
- South Korea
- Taiwan.
In Australia, Canada and New Zealand, you can apply for a working holiday visa between the ages of 18 and 35. In Japan and South Korea, the upper age limit is 30.
Most people will end up with roles in hospitality, retail, or tourism, but some get office jobs too. Seasonal work is also a good choice as it's often short-term. You could also try BUNAC or WWOOFING.
These kinds of jobs will help you make new friends on the road that you may even end up travelling with – result!
There are things to consider, though. Financially, you'll need to prove you have funds to support yourself (typically around £1,400 – £2,500) and enough cash to buy a plane ticket home.
You'll also need to pay to apply for a working holiday visa so expenses can quickly add up. However, we know loads of ways to cut costs. -
Going travelling
Taking part in the Turing Scheme is a great opportunity to see the world and discover new cultures, but the main goal of the scheme is to gain valuable experience by studying or working abroad. If travel is the only reason you're interested, it may not be for you.
But, that's not to say you can't travel as a student – there are plenty of ways to go on cheap holidays. For example, you can travel to low-cost destinations, go interrailing across Europe or bag a budget-friendly package holiday.
Coach surfing or staying in hostels will help you save some cash, but you can also try house-sitting for free accommodation. Read our guide to travelling on a budget for more helpful tips.
Fancy doing your degree down under? Check out our guide to studying in Australia.
