What is the Turing Scheme?
The Turing Scheme is a student exchange programme launched to replace the Erasmus+ programme, which the UK is no longer participating in having left the EU.
The programme is designed to give young people the opportunity to benefit from working, studying abroad and life-changing opportunities, whilst boosting the country’s ties with international partners in the process.
How does the Turing Scheme work?
From March 2021 – August 2023, schools, colleges, and universities across the UK can apply for government funding. If successful, they will then be able to provide their students with funding to support study and work placements abroad.
More than 40,000 students have been awarded funding for the 2021-22 academic year.
Who is eligible for the Turing Scheme?
The Turing Scheme is open to UK organisations from across the education and training sectors. Each sector has different requirements, so do ensure you have read all the information carefully to understand which organisations and participants can take part in the programme.
Higher education settings that are officially recognised HE provider registered in the UK or a British Overseas Territory.
Further education and vocational education and training organisations that are registered in the UK or a British Overseas Territory and either:
- an FE college or school active in the field of FE and VET
- a local or regional public authority, coordination body or other organisation with a role in the field of FE and VET
- a company or other public or private organisation hosting, training or otherwise working with learners and apprentices in FE and VET
- a company or other public or private organisation applying on behalf of a consortium of FE and/or VET providers
Schools that are registered in the UK or a British Overseas Territory and either:
- a school providing general, vocational, or technical education on any level from primary school to upper secondary education
- a national school consortium applying on behalf of a number of schools, for example, local or regional authorities, school coordinating bodies or a social enterprise or other organisations with a role in the field of school education.
How much funding could I get?
Much like the cost of a plane ticket, it depends on where you’re going and how long you’re going for.
For example, if you were a higher education student going to Spain for a placement:
- For placements lasting between four and eight weeks, you could be eligible for £120 per week. For placements lasting over eight weeks, you could be eligible for £335 per month.
Students from disadvantaged backgrounds on a higher education placement could be offered a higher cost of living grant, of up to £147.50 per month for four to eight weeks, or £445 per month for a placement over eight weeks, plus funding towards travel costs – based on the distance of the round trip
Students with special education needs and disabilities (SEND): Additional funding is also available to cover up to 100% of costs for support directly related to the additional needs of students with special education needs and disabilities (SEND). This will also cover risk assessments to make sure students will be able to equally access and participate in all elements of their placement.
Find out more about funding on the Turing Scheme website.
For help with travel costs, you may get a grant to help through the following organisations, depending on where you live:
- England – GOV.UK website
- Scotland – SAAS website
- Northern Ireland – nidirect or Student Finance NI
- Wales – Student Finance Wales
What are the benefits?
Participating in a Turing Scheme placement will give you the chance to develop new skills, gain vital international experience and boost your employability.
Where can I access support?
True Education Partnerships have supported 6 UK Sister Schools with their applications and are in the process of planning their trips to China.
If you would like our support with Turing Scheme applications or itineraries, get in touch below to hear from one of our school advisors.
