Studying abroad is a life-changing opportunity – a chance to spend a semester learning at some of the world’s top universities, experience a different culture and make unforgettable memories.

Our Study Abroad at Newcastle University programme allows students from around the world to study at a research-intensive Russell Group institution, experience university life in the North East of England and become part of our community. It opens up exciting social and educational opportunities for visiting students and at the same time enriches our vibrant, multicultural campus.

Here, we take a look at our programme and find out why it’s so successful.

What is Study Abroad?

Studying abroad allows students to live and learn in a foreign country. At Newcastle, we’ve been hosting Study Abroad students on campus for many years. Through our programme, students from all over the globe are invited to study with us for a single semester (starting in either September or January) or a full academic year.

They learn from our world-leading experts and top academics and can transfer the academic credits they earn here back to their home institution. They also experience British culture, make new friends and contribute to our multicultural campus life.

Why do students choose to study abroad?

From experiencing different styles of education to improving language skills, there’s lots of reasons why students choose to study abroad.

The experience is an opportunity to become immersed in a different culture, making new friends from different backgrounds. Students also gain skills and knowledge valued by employers in their home country and grow as a person as they develop a broader perspective of the world.

Newcastle is a World Top 130 University (QS World University Rankings 2025) with world-class facilities. With us, Study Abroad students can learn at the cutting-edge of their discipline or expand their horizons with modules that aren’t available in their home country.

Our friendly city is also a Top 40 QS Best Student City (2024) offering world-class arts, music and culture, an exciting nightlife, top-class sport and a multicultural food scene.

What can students study?

Study Abroad students normally register for three or four modules (or classes) over a semester. At Newcastle, they can choose from hundreds of options in:

• Humanities and Social Sciences
• Business and Finance
• Psychology and Biomedical, Nutritional and Sport Sciences
• Science, Agriculture and Engineering

They can choose modules that complement their studies at their home university, or modules from very different subject areas.

How are students supported?

Our Study Abroad Team helps prepare students for their overseas experience with pre-departure guidance and information sessions. We also have an Airport Meet and Greet service to make arriving in Newcastle stress-free.

Structured welcome activities, including an academic induction, help students settle in to life on campus. They’re assigned a personal tutor – usually a member of academic staff – who can advise on their studies, and peer-to-peer support is provided through our Buddy Scheme.

Study Abroad students can access all Student Services, including health and wellbeing support, careers guidance and advice on career planning. Staff in our International Office can also be contacted about pastoral concerns.

Through events and activities offered by our Students’ Union and its 180+ societies and 60+ sports clubs they become part of our student body. A free Social and Cultural Programme of trips and excursions gives them the chance to explore Newcastle and the North East of England, learning about our culture and heritage. 

As a Study Abroad at Newcastle University student they also have alumni status, becoming part of our 270,000+ worldwide community of alumni. 

Which countries take part in Study Abroad at Newcastle University?

We have a long-standing and very successful partnership with Loyola University Maryland – a prestigious Jesuit college in Baltimore – so, we’ve welcomed many students from North America.

We also receive applications from students in Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

In 2021, we were selected by the Government of the Republic of Indonesia to host students under the Indonesian International Student Mobility Awards (IISMA) scheme.

Tell me more about IISMA

IISMA provides funding for Indonesian students to study abroad at a prestigious university for a semester. They develop new competencies and knowledge and act as young ambassadors for their country through on-campus events and activities.

Students apply from a wide variety of academic disciplines but during their time overseas are encouraged to step out of their comfort zone and select classes in subjects they’ve not studied

Could I apply to Study Abroad at Newcastle University?

Yes! To be eligible for our programme you must be currently enrolled – and have studied for at least a year – at your home university.

You’ll need a minimum GPA of 2.8 (or equivalent) and if English is not your native language, have IELTS level 6.5 or higher (or equivalent certificate).

You’ll also need to supply supporting documentation as part of your application, including transcripts of studies from your home institution and a personal statement explaining why you want to study abroad at Newcastle.

Find out more about Study Abroad at Newcastle University, including how to apply to us HERE, or contact us for more information. You can also read more about our programme in our blogs Study abroad: A dream come true for Gusaimas and  Study abroad: Making memories to last a lifetime.