We've been awarded a grant from the Turing Scheme, the UK government’s programme to study and work abroad.
The funding will give more than 200 of our students a life-changing opportunity to study, work or volunteer abroad in the 2021/22 academic year, from a choice of over 20 partner countries worldwide.
Our successful funding bid focused on increasing participation from under-represented groups of students and included short-term work and study opportunities to support this.
The funding aligns our University with government objectives to use Turing and international mobility as a means of ‘levelling up’, helping students of all income groups experience education opportunities in any country they choose.
The scheme, which replaces the UK’s participation in the EU’s Erasmus+ programme, aims to address the barriers that prevent some students from travelling abroad for a full year programme of work or study.
The minimum duration of a Turing Scheme opportunity is four weeks, compared with three months under Erasmus+, to make international work or study a more accessible option for all.
Professor Claire O’Malley, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Global) at Durham University, said: “The Turing Scheme expands opportunities for many of our students by providing significant experience overseas, which will enhance their future employability prospects and provide them with valuable life skills.
“International partnerships are a core part of Durham's outstanding research and vibrant learning communities. We find that our students return to Durham with a renewed enthusiasm and a fresh perspective, which benefits everyone at the institution. I look forward to seeing the opportunities the Turing scheme will bring, both to individuals and to the University."
Durham will use its global partner universities, research partnerships and organisations as part of the scheme, strengthening its key strategic partnerships and aligning with the UK Government’s post-Brexit vision for a truly Global Britain.
The Turing Scheme was announced in December last year, backed by £110m, to create opportunities for university students, learners in further education, and school pupils to study and work abroad. Universities, colleges and schools across the UK were invited to apply for the fund in March. Successful applications were announced on Wednesday 4 August 2021.
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