Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost?
There is no simple answer to this question but we have given a general indication on the "How much does it cost?" page of this site. Some universities may take into consideration your personal circumstances and offer you a reduction on fees. You need to check with your chosen university whether this is a possibility.
How do I get a scholarship?
Many universities offer scholarships but the situation changes every year. Some universities, particularly in the USA, look to broaden their student base by financially encouraging students from certain countries. This is a win-win situation for these institutions and you as it means they can offer their domestic students an international learning environment and you can afford an expensive education. If you think that you would require a scholarship to study abroad then the most important piece of advice is to make your plans early. It could very well take you more than a year to find the right scholarship at the right university. We would advise you to keep checking with your chosen universities.
Can I get a student loan to study abroad?
It is not possible to use a UK student loan to take your full degree abroad. If you go abroad as part of a recognised university exchange programme then it will most likely be possible to take your student loan with you. UK banks and building societies typically do not have student loans available for international study but they may be willing to lend you the money for this purpose. Most international students typically rely on their own financial resources, or those of their family, to finance the cost of international education. Please do bear in mind however that studying abroad does not have to be more expensive than studying in the UK and in many countries you can find part time work while studying.
Can I work while I study abroad?
The answer to this question very much depends on the country where you are going. Within the European Union the situation is very clear. If you are a British citizen, you have the right to live and work in any of the other countries of the EU. However, your options for employment may be limited if you cannot speak any of the local language.
In the United States, it is possible for international students to work on campus, although getting jobs off campus is usually forbidden. Many universities will go out of their way to help you get a job on campus.
In Australia you can work for up to 20 hours a week during term time and full time during the holidays on a student visa if you are enrolled to study your full degree at an Australian university.
The precise legal situation does change from time to time so we would certainly advise you to check with the embassy of the country you are planning to go to. This will help you to avoid any misunderstanding about your right to work.
Will my degree/studies be recognised?
There is a big difference between many universities and qualifications around the world. However, it is increasingly easy to transfer credits between universities and to have your degree recognised globally if you study at a reputable university with proper accreditation. If you go abroad as part of a British university degree then you can expect your studies to fit in with your degree. You may be required to study for longer but this is not always the case.
If you take your full degree abroad, then recognition of your degree will be largely dependent on your university's reputation and the accreditation process for its degrees. For example, many universities around the world now offer degrees which are accredited by British universities. In these cases, your degree will be worth exactly the same as that qualification achieved at the accrediting institution.
If you are planning on studying in several locations it is becoming increasingly easy to build up the credits you need for a degree at different universities.
It is important to check that the degrees of your university are recognised. Unfortunately, there are universities and colleges around the world which offer qualifications which are not properly recognised. It is unlikely that you would come into contact with such institutions but we would always recommend that you find out which organisation will accredit your studies before you apply.
How will I find somewhere to live?
Most universities prioritise the need accommodation needs of their degree-seeking international students. In many cases, an offer of a place at the university will ensure that you are allocated university accommodation. If you are planning on studying abroad for a shorter period of time, this may not always be the case.
How can I find a job/internship abroad?
Lining up a job or internship abroad before you travel can be difficult. If you have a very clear idea of the kind of work that you wish to do, you might want to consider working with an education agent who specialises in arranging internships. Currently there are very few agents who work with British students. We can recommend that you try www.internstudy.com as a good starting point.
How do I find the best university for my subject?
This is a difficult question to answer as it really depends on your individual needs. We can help by pointing you in the direction of universities who welcome applications from British students and who provide excellent education in their fields. If you have a specific question you are more than welcome to ask us through our contact us page and we will see if we can point you in the right direction.
Do I need to be fluent in another language before I go abroad?
Many universities around the world now teach in English. All of the universities featured on our website teach at least some of their courses in English, including the European universities.
One of the main advantages of going abroad is to meet people from other cultures and communicate with them, so we would always recommend learning the language of the country you are living in. However, it is often not the case that you need to be fluent before you go.
What A' level grades do I need to go abroad?
The entry requirements of universities around the world vary dramatically. However, in most countries there is perhaps more of an emphasis on attracting students who will be able to make the most of a university's education and environment. Many universities therefore place equal importance on who you are as an individual and what other activities and interests you have outside of school.
In general, British A' levels are seen as a very good school leaving qualification around the world. It is certainly not the case that international universities think they have become easier over recent years. In some cases, US universities may even offer you credits towards your degree on the basis of the A' level grades you already have.
Can you help with my application and further advice?
A* Future is not an education agency (i.e. a company which offers individual advice and guidance about studying abroad). Our role is to provide general information about study and internship abroad opportunities. If you have more specific questions/enquiries then we will forward these to our relevant partners (which are accredited institutions, education agents) whom will then be in contact with you directly. A* Future is helping you on the first step to study or internship abroad - i.e. bringing the many opportunities and their benefits to your attention. The next step is to contact us with details of what you'd like to do and hopefully we can refer you to a relevant partner and/or access the huge volume of further information via an internet search. Please use our contact us page to get in touch.