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Study abroad

Come to Birmingham City University on a study abroad programme and embrace a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

You’ll find a diverse and welcoming environment at Birmingham City University. We’re a modern and dynamic international university, with staff, students and alumni from more than 100 countries.

We have a wide variety of programmes available across the University for one or two semesters. To find a full list of our programmes and further information on applying please view our:

Study Abroad Brochure 2020/21

Study Abroad Factsheet 2020/21

Study Abroad Application Form 2020/21

Check out the video to hear from our previous Study Abroad and Erasmus+ students!

FCO travel advice for students and staff.

Current FCO guidance advises British nationals against all but essential international travel. Some countries and territories are exempt, as they no longer present an unacceptably high risk to people travelling abroad. After careful consideration, BCU has taken the decision to pause all incoming and outgoing mobilities until semester two. This decision will be reviewed in October to ensure the safety of our staff and students.

UK students already studying or working overseas.

As per the FCO guidance, all UK students currently studying or working abroad are advised to return to the UK now, while commercial routes are available. Students currently overseas should be prepared for boarder closures or lockdown measures being introduced at short notice. More details and government advice is available on the gov.uk/coronavirus website.

Advice for students that are currently abroad and are struggling to return to the UK.
  • If you are a UK national in need of emergency help while overseas as the country you are in does not have commercial travel options available, or will not allow you to travel back to the UK, you can contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission or the FCO in London on 0207 008 1500 for help or advice 24/7.
  • Contact your faculty coordinator and make them aware of the situation.
  • Contact your airline and insurer to find out what support they can offer.
  • Follow the advice of local authorities and refer to the latest FCO travel advice when planning to return. 
  • Comply with local isolation, testing and quarantine requirements.
  • If you exhibit any coronavirus symptoms, please follow the guidance provided by the local authorities. Advice can also be found on the NHS website.
  • Subscribe to email alerts for the country you are in via the ‘Get email alerts’ link on a countries travel advice page.
UK students already studying or working overseas.

As per the FCO guidance, all UK students currently studying or working abroad are advised to return to the UK now, while commercial routes are available. Students currently overseas should be prepared for boarder closures or lockdown measures being introduced at short notice. More details and government advice is available on the gov.uk/coronavirus website.

Will students receive their Erasmus+ grants if they return early from a mobility?

The advice provided by the European Commission is as follows:

If you are back home but a) you still have expenses directly and exclusively linked to your stay in the destination country, like rent and electricity and/or b) you are taking part in virtual learning or other virtual activities (if the institution/ organisation in the destination country has made those available, as an alternative to the originally planned activities) then yes, you can keep your grant.

In addition, you may be able to obtain a refund of additional travel costs you may have incurred. You should check with your institution / supporting organisation (subject to availability of additional EU funds at disposal of the organisation for your activity). If you do not continue to have expenses in the destination country then you might have to pay back the portion of the grant, covering the period between the date you terminated your mobility experience and its planned end date.

Additional guidance is available for students within the FAQs section on the European Commission page.

Will students or staff be required to complete the participant survey under Force Majeure?

The National Agency advises:

The standard obligation of submitting a survey will not apply in case of Force Majeure. Dissemination of the survey to mobility participants may still be triggered by MT+, however, mobility participants whose mobility has been interrupted and classified as Force Majeure don’t need to complete the survey.

If you find yourself in a position where you cannot return to the UK due to coronavirus, please follow the government guidance.