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GO Study Abroad: Europe

With over 200+ exchange agreements, there is a wide range of European GO options. Many of these agreements are departmental specific. If you are interested in a Non European exchange, please visit our Non European page by clicking on the yellow link below.
Find out about Non European study abroad
Europe Tile

Erasmus+ note:

Post-Brexit the UK is not part of the Erasmus+ funding framework. Most of Durham's partners in Europe are in the Erasmus+ framework and may use paperwork which includes Erasmus+ logos or wording, however, this does not mean that Durham students going to Europe are Erasmus+ students and does not make them eligible for Erasmus+ funding.

Funding:

  • The University participates in the UK Government's Government Turing [funding] Scheme to support European placements. However, the Turing funding call for 2023/24 has not opened. We will bid for as much funding as we can, however, we cannot guarantee full funding from Turing. Within the Turing [funding] Scheme, priority is given to Widening Participation. Please note: Turing is a funding scheme, not an exchange programme.
  • Erasmus+ is not available to Durham students (including EU nationals).
  • Switzerland is not part of the Erasmus+ programme. It runs its own parallel programme called the The Swiss European Mobility Programme (SEMP). SEMP offers funding to students to study at a Swiss partner university for between 3 and 12 months:
    • SEMP funding for students going to Switzerland is administered by the host university and not by Durham University.
    • There is no guarantee of SEMP funding so if you are allocated a place at a Swiss partner university, you should contact your host institution to request full details about the SEMP grant, including how to apply, how much funding is available, and when it is paid.
    • If funds are limited, your host institution will determine who receives funding.
    • If you receive SEMP funding, you are not permitted to receive Turing funding as as we are not permitted to double fund students.

Regulations:

  • Agreements are largely subject specific – each department has links with specific universities. Places are ring-fenced for students from the ‘owning’ department. Combined / Joint Honours students can apply through any of their individual subjects;
  • 12 month maximum length of placement;
  • Apply to department in Michaelmas term of second year. Less competitive than Non European Exchange – for 2019/20 around 90% of applicants were successful;
  • Some partners will teach in the host country language, but some will teach in English;
  • Students will have to meet Turing Grant Regulations to be eligible for funding.

Options:

  • Students may apply for institution-wide or specific department to department places

 

A tram in Berlin going over a bridge

Languages

While numerous partners teach in English, many European partners have language requirements. Speaking a foreign language will expand the number of partners at which you will be able to study. Click the link below to find out more about partner language requirements, learning a language and support.

Click to find out more about GO Languages

Institution-wide agreements

We have a number of institution-wide agreements with European universities. These allow students to study most subjects. Please click on the banner to see the list of institution wide agreements.

Click here to see Durham's institution-wide links

Departmental Agreements

The majority of exchange agreements are at a departmental level. Please click on your relevant Department to find the agreements available to you.

Combined and Joint Honours students are able to choose from agreements within their subject area/s. Students are required to seek approval from all departments including the Combined Honours exchange coordinators.

Anthropology Archaeology Biosciences Business School
Chemistry Classics Computer Science Earth Sciences
Education Engineering English Studies Geography
Govt. & Int. Affairs History Law Mathematics
Modern Languages Music Physics Philosophy
Psychology Sociology Sports & Exercise Theology & Religion

Your Departmental Exchange Coordinator can provide further information and assistance about options available through your department.

Please be aware that if an institution is neither linked with your Durham department nor is not one of the institution-wide agreements, then you are not able to undertake a GO placement there. Not all partnerships are available for all levels of study. Some institutions have agreements with Durham departments for PG study only.

Research Exchanges

A number of our European Exchange partners allow for exchange at PGR level. It may be possible to undertake a research exchange at an institution not linked to your Durham department. You should use the links above to identify institutions that offer PGR exchange.

 

Wurzburg cathedral at night

Things to consider when choosing a partner university

Given all the partnerships that are available it's important to keep an open mind. Here is a quick guide on some of the things you might want to think about.

Click here to access the guide

GO Full Year Study: Step by Step

How does it work?

Find out details of how full-year GO study works

Where can I go?

Find out about Durham's partner universities

How to apply

Find out the application process

Preparing to go

What students must do pre-departure

Currently Abroad

Help and resources for students abroad

Returning Students

Find out what to do on your return