- Go Abroad / Finance and funding / Turing Scheme
Turing Scheme
The Turing Scheme is a UK government funding programme to enable students to participate in international study and work placements abroad. The Turing Scheme has currently been confirmed as running for 4 academic years - 2021/22, 2022/23, 2023/24 and 2024/25 - and is available to support university-approved overseas placements with a minimum duration of 4 weeks and a maximum duration of 12 months.
Individual student funding comprises of a contribution towards living costs and is calculated based on the cost of living in the host country and the duration of the placement.
A higher level of funding is available for students from lower income backgrounds both as a higher contribution towards living costs as well as a contribution towards travel costs.
2023/24 placements
The University of Manchester is currently applying for Turing funding for 2023/24. As such, we are currently unable to confirm the availability of funding, eligibility criteria or application process for the next academic cycle until we receive the outcome of our application. We hope to have more information and guidance in the summer, and will contact eligible students directly as soon as we can confirm funding availability and levels.
2022/23 placements
Funding eligibility criteria
The University of Manchester has been successful in applying for Turing Scheme funding to financially support students undertaking international placements in 2022/23. Eligible students have been identified and will be contacted directly with further information.
To be eligible for Turing funding in 2022/23, a placement must be taking place outside of the UK and must last a minimum of 28 days beginning from 1st September 2022 and ending no later than 31st August 2023.
The University of Manchester eligibility criteria for funding undergraduate students/international placements in 2022/23 under the Turing Scheme are listed below.
- Students must have ‘Home’ fee status
- Students must not be undertaking their placement in their Country of Domicile
- Students must have a household income of less than £62,311 as assessed by Student Finance (in line with the upper limit for being awarded an income-based increase to the minimum maintenance loan) or have been eligible for contextual admissions at the point of entry to the University.
- Students undertaking a university-run international volunteering placement – this is in line with the University’s broader commitment to social responsibility
PGR students selected to participate in the PGR Turing Research Scheme, regardless of fee status and household income, will be funded.
If you believe that you meet these eligibility criteria but have not received information regarding how to secure your Turing funding by 2 weeks prior to your placement start date, please contact turingscheme@manchester.ac.uk and we will review your assessment.
Additional funding for disadvantaged students in 2022/23
Students whose household income is below £35,000 (as assessed by Student Finance), or were eligible for contextual admissions at the point of entry to the University, will receive an additional cost of living support grant top-up. An additional financial contribution will also be paid for the cost of travel to placement, which is based upon the distance from the U.K. to the host country. Some expenses relating to travel may also be paid on a reimbursement basis (i.e. vaccinations, passport renewal) subject to an upper-limit depending on the length of the placement. Further information and guidance about this will be provided to students who meet the criteria to receive this additional funding at the point of confirmation of eligibility for the scheme from the International Programmes Office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which countries can I go to?
The Turing Scheme is fully international and can fund participants who are travelling to any country where the FCDO does not advise against travel. Please note that Travel Approval must be granted by the relevant School or Placement Office for funding to be granted.
How do I apply?
University of Manchester students do not need to apply for the Scheme. Each student going on a period of international mobility will be automatically assessed by the International Programmes Office and eligible students will be contacted with further information and guidance on grant rates and paperwork.
Do I need to provide any evidence of my eligibility?
You should ensure your household income data is visible to us via Student Finance as this is the primary way we assess your eligibility. If you are a Home fee status student who is not able to apply for maintenance loans (e.g. EU students) you should contact the Turing Team and they will provide further guidance on how your eligibility will be assessed.
Can I be funded by Turing if I already receive Erasmus+?
No, the rules and regulations of the Turing Scheme stipulate that students cannot be ‘double-funded’ by two schemes. At the point of assessment, we determine which scheme would be more beneficial for each student.
When will I receive my grant?
You will receive the majority of your grant at the start of your placement and any remaining balance at the end of your placement. This is subject to timely submission of Turing paperwork.
What type of paperwork will I have to submit?
Receipt of Turing funding is subject to completion and receipt of:- Turing Grant Agreement (to be completed before placement/exchange)
- Confirmation of Bank Details (to be completed before placement/exchange)
- Certificate of Arrival (to be completed upon arrival at host institution/organisation)
- Certificate of Attendance (to be completed upon completion of placement/exchange)
You will receive further information and guidance on where to find this paperwork and how to complete this once you have been contacted by the Placements and International Programmes team confirming your eligibility.
What happens if some of my placement dates fall outside of 1st September – 31st August?
Any days spent on exchange/placements outside of these dates will not count toward your minimum mobility duration. For example, if your placement starts on 2nd August 2023 and ends on 2nd September 2023, your total mobility would be 30 days rather than 32 days. No funding can be provided for days spent on placement outside of the programme dates.
Has the war in Ukraine affected funding for the Scheme?
Unfortunately, yes. As the FCDO is currently advising against non-essential travel to Ukraine and Russia, we’re unable to provide funding for mobility in these countries.
Our students' experiences
Going on an international exchange is an invaluable experience that gives students the opportunity to learn more about their area of study and soft skills which can increase employability prospects after graduation.
See what our students have to say:
"I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to go abroad as part of my studies. It’s really broadened my outlook on how university experiences can be so different and also improved my confidence and competence in being able to adapt well to new environments" - Sian Keag, University of California
"Going abroad allowed me to experience a new culture, practice my language skills and gain a newfound independence. The funding schemes from university were really helpful in allowing me to truly enjoy my time abroad" - Tanyaradzwa Dhliwayo, Industrial Experience in Toulouse
Any queries regarding the Turing Scheme can be sent to turingscheme@manchester.ac.uk
