Outbound: SOAS students abroad

SOAS University of London is a truly international university committed to supporting diversity and global outlook of our students. 

Studying abroad can be a life-changing experience. Alongside professional development, studying abroad allows students to expand their understanding of cultures, grow their independence and resilience, and widen their global network. 

All qualities desirable when entering the workplace. 

Who can Study Abroad?  

From 2024-2025, all undergraduate students can apply to incorporate a year abroad into their degree.  

Mandatory year abroad  

Students select this pathway through UCAS before they join SOAS, making it a compulsory part of their degree. This applies to students studying a language degree or LLB Law with Year Abroad degree.  

Optional year abroad  

Students on any other undergraduate degree can submit an application to participate in the optional year abroad once at SOAS. 

Placements are managed within departments and students are guided by academic requirements of their programme. All students with a mandatory year abroad will be provided with relevant information on the process at the beginning of their degree at SOAS. 

Students studying abroad as part of their SOAS degree will receive credits towards their degree based on the transcript of records from their host institution.

Where I can go

Language students will need to study in countries that are related to their chosen language. LLB with Year Abroad students are able to choose from Law-specific partner universities (please check our current partners on the Study Abroad map). Please note that all destinations are reviewed in line with the UK FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office) advice, and where the FCDO advises against the travel, the destination will become unavailable. 

Placements

To progress onto the study abroad year, students must pass compulsory language, core modules or Law modules to meet the requirements of the programme. Some of the placements are arranged through exchange agreements with partner institutions and so have limited spaces. 

Students should, therefore, be aware that they are not guaranteed a specific placement as this will be subject to interest and spaces available that year.

All SOAS students in their second year of the 3-year degree programmes (and not on a 4-year degree at SOAS with a compulsory year abroad), will be able to apply for a study abroad year as part of their degree. Students will study abroad during the third year of studies and will transfer their degree to a “BA … with Year Abroad”. After spending their third year abroad, students will then return to SOAS for the final, fourth year of their degree.

Students on the optional Year Abroad will be invited to information sessions about how to apply during their second year of studies by the Study Abroad team.

The year abroad will take place in their Year 3 – this would be an additional year and upon return from abroad, students will go on to final year, making their degree 4 years in duration.

Where I can go

Students will take English-taught modules at exchange partner institutions. For an overview of our current exchange partners see our Study Abroad map.  Please note that all destinations are reviewed in line with the UK FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office) advice, and where the FCDO advises against the travel, the destination will become unavailable. 

Apply

Students will receive further information on how to apply in their second year of studies at SOAS. Student applications are considered on academic merit and a personal statement and are subject to availability. 

Students need to have achieved 55% or higher in their first year of studies to be considered. 

All SOAS students (both with mandatory and optional study abroad) who study abroad for a year pay reduced fees to SOAS and no tuition fees to their host institution. 

Study abroad fees can be found on the Undergraduate fees SOAS page. Students will be responsible for their travel, accommodation, and cost of living abroad. SOAS provides travel insurance for all students studying abroad as part of their SOAS degree.

Student Finance England

Students eligible for support from Student Finance England (SFE) may be able to receive further loan and travel grant support for their study abroad year. Further information can be found on the SFE website. 

The Turing Scheme 

Subject to SOAS’s success with the Turing Scheme bid, all study abroad students will be invited to apply for Turing funding that may cover their time abroad. Further information can be found on the Turing Scheme website.

All SOAS students who are spending their time abroad as part of their degree are fully supported by both their host institution and SOAS. During their year abroad, students continue to have access to the SOAS Study Abroad team, as well as SOAS resources including wellbeing services and support.