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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

This applies to students studying a language degree with a compulsory year abroad.  Students select this pathway through UCAS before they join SOAS. Placements are managed within departments and students are guided by academic requirements of their programme. 

All students are 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. 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 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.

Students wishing to study abroad from the Law department are able to go abroad through the LLB with Year Abroad degree. Students can register for this degree through UCAS or can transfer onto this degree programme once at SOAS, subject to department approval and space at partner institutions.  

Where I can go

Students study at specific institutions that complement the SOAS Law curriculum. 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.

Placements

To progress onto the study abroad year, students must pass compulsory core modules to meet the requirements of the programme.

Students not on a language or law degree are able to apply for the optional year abroad in their second year of studies at SOAS. Students 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, which is an additional year, and upon return from abroad, students will go on to their 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 and 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 Student Finance 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. 

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.