Schools and learning

Study Abroad 2008/2009

If, as part of your designated course, you spend time studying abroad, it is possible that you may qualify for some assistance to take into account the cost of living in the country where you are studying.

• You must be eligible for student support and be attending a course which is designated as qualifying for student support e.g. BA, BSc, HND etc.
  
• Your period of study must be for a minimum of a half term. No assistance can be considered for short periods (including field trips); these are your responsibility.
  
• Any assistance that may be given forms part of the assessed student support and is subject to parental/spouse/partner/student contribution. The relevant Financial Forms must be completed in all cases.
  
• Students who are only entitled to the non means tested part of the student loan are not normally eligible for any further assistance.
  

There are two categories of study abroad:

Integral Study Abroad
This is when you undertake study abroad as an integral part of the course. You may be eligible for:

• The overseas rate of maintenance loan.
  
• Tuition fee loan for any fees charged by your UK university.
  
• Travel expenses to and from the college abroad. If you are abroad for the whole academic year you may be able to claim for up to two return journeys.
  
• You may also claim for daily travel expenses incurred to get to your college.
  NB: It will be necessary to disregard the first £295 of any claim for travel.
  
• A refund of the cost of medical insurance where there are no reciprocal arrangements between the two countries. The UK has reciprocal arrangements with all EU countries, so if you are studying in an EU country you should obtain an EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) form from the Post Office. Some countries may make additional charges and extra cover may be required. (See Health Advice for Travellers leaflet T7, available from Benefits Agencies and Post Offices).
  
  Please note that most insurance policies cover additional items such as baggage insurance, but ONLY that part of the cover relating to Medical Insurance will be refunded.
  
• Refund of the cost of visas and medical tests if these are requirements of the country that you will be studying in.
  You will need to send in the relevant receipts and details.
  

Sandwich Course Placement

If your period abroad consists of paid or unpaid employment and is an integral part of your course, e.g. as a teaching assistant, you will not be eligible for travel expenses. You will, however, qualify for reduced maintenance and tuition fee loans.

If you are on a paid placement you should check the level of pay you will receive and local rates for accommodation etc. You will need to be sure that you can support yourself while on the paid placement.

ERASMUS
If you spend the entire year on an ERASMUS exchange programme you will not have to pay any contribution to your tuition fees.

If you have any queries regarding studying abroad, contact us by email at studentfinance@hertscc.gov.uk or call 01992 555772.