Study Abroad at Lancaster University

If you want to study at Lancaster University for one semester or a full academic year, explore this page to learn more.

Students working in front of the green wall in the Library

What can I study?

You can find the modules which are available for students starting in October and January here. 

Study abroad modules

Accordion

How to apply

Applying to study abroad at Lancaster University is a simple process and all applications are made online. Follow these easy steps to find out more.

Applying to Study Abroad at Lancaster University.

To make your online application you first need to be nominated by the appropriate office at your home University. Once nominated we will send you a link to apply online.

Applications must include:

  1. A Current Transcript (Your transcript needs to be an official copy. If it is not in English you will also need to provide an official translation.
  2. Study Plan: A list of modules you want to study (link to handbook).
  3. English Language: If English is not your first language, the proof of your English Language level will be required.
  4. Passport: A copy of your current passport.

You do not have to provide a personal statement but please share with us anything you think is relevant to your application e.g. module choices, mitigating circumstances, etc.

Academic Requirements

You are expected to have a GPA of 3.0, a credit or grade B average or equivalent. If you do not meet this requirement, or have any questions about whether you are eligible to apply, please contact your Study Abroad Office at your home institution.

You must have completed a year of undergraduate study at your home university before coming to Lancaster.

Language Requirements - Undergraduate students

If you are a non-native English language speaker, our English requirements are:

IELTS: 6.5 overall (with at least 6.0 in writing and 5.5 in the other elements);

TOEFL IBT: 87 overall (with at least 22 in writing, 18 in reading and 17 in the other elements);

Pearson PTE Academic: 58 overall (with at least 50 in writing and 42 in the other elements);

Cambridge CPE: 176 overall (with at least 169 in writing and 162 in the other elements);

The language certificates must have been issued within the past 2 years and be valid on the start date of your studies at Lancaster.

We may also be able accept some of the High School English language qualifications.

Students who have IELTS 6.0 (with at least 5.5 in each element) or Pearson PTE Academic 50 overall (with at least 42 in each element) can take part in the 4 week English for Academic Purposes (EAP) course instead of retaking their tests.

If you are a non-native English speaker studying at an English speaking university, please include a copy of the Secure English Language Test (SELT) certificate, e.g., IELTS, Pearson or TOEFL you submitted when you applied to your home University/College.

Students coming for less than 6 months

If you are coming to Lancaster for less than 6 months, we will still need to review your English Language ability. However, we can accept a wider range of certificates including a written English Language proficiency voucher form signed by your home university. This voucher form will be emailed to you at the time of the application.

Students coming for more than 6 months

We will accept the most recent SELT according to the English Language requirements outlined above or equivalent. We may also be able accept some of the High School English language qualifications.

If you have any further questions about this, you can email studyabroad@lancaster.ac.uk

Application Deadlines

Full Year and Michaelmas-only (October) entry: 31 May (30 April priority deadline)

For Lent/Summer terms (January) entry: 31 October

Once you have completed and submitted your online application, we will endeavour to:

  1. review your application within 10 working days;
  2. send you a formal offer via email when your application has been accepted;
  3. email you accommodation information after the application deadline has closed.

Tuition fees and other costs

Tuition fees for 2023/24

  • Full Academic Year (October to June) - £24,265 - 32 US semester credits/60 ECTS credits
  • Michaelmas term (October to December) - £9,706 - 12 US semester credits/22.5 ECTS credits
  • Lent and Summer terms (January to June) - £14,559- 16-20 US semester credits/30-37.5 ECTS credits

If you are an exchange or Erasmus+ student, you pay tuition fees to your home university and none to Lancaster University.

Living Costs and Budgeting

  • On-campus accommodation costs vary depending on the kind of room you choose. Rents on campus usually include bills. For off-campus budget £20-25 per week for bills.
  • Insurance costs vary depending on the cover required. Rent on campus includes limited cover.
  • Entertainment costs are excluded. Please budget for these according to your own needs

You will also need to budget for:

  • health insurance if you are attending Lancaster for less than 6 months
  • visa
  • travel costs to and from Lancaster
  • textbooks
  • vacation and weekend travel
  • entertainment
  • telephone; laundry; cooking and eating utensils; and other personal expenses. These will obviously vary widely according to your budget, tastes and requirements.

Study Abroad Brochure

Download a copy of our Study Abroad brochure 2023/24.

What happens next?

Once you have submitted your application to Lancaster University find out what happens after.

Information on how to apply for your accommodation will be sent to you once you accept your offer to study at Lancaster.

It is unlikely that Erasmus+ or Postgraduate students will be offered accommodation on campus. You should nevertheless apply so that you can receive information about accommodation options off-campus and be registered as a member of a College. Often accommodation is available with one of our approved partners in the city of Lancaster. If you wish to make your own accommodation arrangements, we recommend that you use Lancaster University Homes

Undergraduate students from outside Europe

Undergraduate students coming to study at Lancaster from outside Europe are guaranteed a single study bedroom on campus provided you apply by the deadline. The Accommodation Office will send information about how to apply after students have accepted their offer to study at Lancaster.

Immigration information will be emailed to you after the application deadline closes.

It is important that you obtain the correct student visa to study in the UK. You will be sent detailed information about visas and immigration when you have accepted your offer to study at Lancaster University.

If you have questions or need help regarding immigration matters when you are at Lancaster, you can contact the Visa and Immigration team which can give you advice and guidance about these matters.

Prior to arrival in the UK we will email you your:

  1. Pre-arrival Guide 4 weeks before you arrive to help you prepare for your visit to Lancaster, information will include; coach transfer from Manchester airport and how to get to Lancaster from other areas
  2. Orientation Booklet outlining your first week at Lancaster, 2 weeks before you arrive

Transcripts: A transcript will automatically be sent to your adviser at your home university at the end of your study period at Lancaster. For students leaving in December, transcripts are normally posted out at the end of February. Transcripts for students leaving in June are posted out in August.

If you want your own copy, you can request an official copy or copies of your transcript after you have left Lancaster. There is a small charge of £5 per transcript which you can pay using the online transcript request form. Please make sure that you place your transcript order at least 4 working weeks in advance of when you actually need it to ensure it reaches you in good time.

Alumni: After you’ve finished your Study Abroad at LU programme, you can benefit from a wide range of alumni services. Please keep your details up to date so we can stay in touch and invite you to alumni events.

Lancaster University offers a range of postgraduate scholarships to eligible students, find out more on our Scholarships and Bursaries webpage. You can browse our availble the postgraduate programmes at Lancaster University at Postgraduate Options.

Contact

Global Experiences, Welcome Centre, Lancaster University LA1 4YW

E: studyabroad@lancaster.ac.uk

T: +44 (0)1524 510068