The Turing Scheme pays UK university students a weekly living cost grant of approximately GBP 160 to GBP 220 per week to fund an internship abroad, plus a one-off travel cost allowance. Students from disadvantaged backgrounds receive a higher rate. The scheme covers over 150 countries and is managed by the British Council on behalf of the UK government, replacing Erasmus+ after the UK's departure from the EU programme.
You cannot apply directly to the British Council. Your university or college receives a Turing allocation each year and distributes it to individual students. Contact your International Office or Placements team first to find out your institution's deadline, which at most universities falls in January or February for summer placements.
Who is eligible for Turing Scheme funding?
To qualify for Turing Scheme funding for an internship or work placement you must:
- Be a UK-domiciled student enrolled at a participating UK higher education institution
- Be undertaking a work placement or internship that is formally part of your programme (placement year, sandwich year, or approved elective module)
- Spend the placement in an eligible overseas country (virtually all countries outside the UK qualify)
- Meet your institution's minimum duration requirement (typically 4 to 12 weeks for internship placements)
The scheme explicitly prioritises students from disadvantaged backgrounds. If you are in receipt of means-tested support such as the Maintenance Grant, are care-experienced, or have a disability, your university can allocate you a higher weekly grant. Some institutions ring-fence a proportion of their Turing budget specifically for these students.
Many universities require your placement to count toward your degree before they will approve Turing funding. Getting your placement formally recognised is therefore doubly useful: it qualifies you for Turing money and earns you academic credit. Read our guide on academic credit for internships abroad for what your university typically needs.
Turing Scheme 2026 grant rates: what to expect
Universities receive a block allocation and set their own internal grant levels within British Council guidance. The figures below are representative of what most UK students receive in 2025-26. Check your International Office for your institution's exact rates.
| Destination tier | Standard weekly grant | Disadvantaged supplement |
|---|---|---|
| High cost (USA, Australia, Singapore, Scandinavia) | GBP 190 to GBP 220 | Additional 20 to 25% |
| Mid cost (Western Europe, Canada, Japan) | GBP 160 to GBP 195 | Additional 20 to 25% |
| Lower cost (Eastern Europe, Southeast Asia, Latin America) | GBP 130 to GBP 165 | Additional 20 to 25% |
| Travel cost grant (one-off) | GBP 100 to GBP 600 | Higher rate for long-haul |
A 12-week placement in Barcelona at mid-cost rates (GBP 175/week) would yield approximately GBP 2,100 in living cost grants plus a travel allowance of around GBP 250, giving a total Turing contribution of roughly GBP 2,350. A disadvantaged student at the same destination could receive GBP 2,800 to GBP 3,000.
How to apply: the step-by-step process
The Turing application route runs through your university, not the British Council directly. Here is the typical process:
- October to November: Attend your university's international mobility information event. Check if Turing funding is available for work placements specifically (some institutions fund only study exchanges).
- November to January: Secure a placement offer. Your university will need a formal confirmation letter from the host organisation before approving your application.
- January to February: Submit your Turing application via your university's portal. Typical documents: placement confirmation, learning agreement or training plan, academic transcript, personal statement, evidence of disadvantaged status if applicable.
- February to March: Await approval. Universities usually notify students 4 to 6 weeks after the deadline.
- During placement: Keep a brief activity log or diary, as most universities require a short reflective report after your return.
- After return: Submit your completion report. The final tranche of your grant (typically 20 to 25%) is paid on submission.
Internship Abroad provides all the host-side documentation your university needs, including a formal placement confirmation letter, a signed learning agreement and supervisor contact details. See how we work with universities to make the approval process straightforward.
Which destinations work best for Turing-funded internships?
The Turing Scheme covers internships in every country except the UK itself. The most popular destinations for UK students using Turing funding are Spain (Barcelona and Madrid), Portugal (Lisbon), Ireland (Dublin), Australia (Sydney and Melbourne), the USA (New York and San Francisco) and South Africa (Cape Town). These destinations combine strong internship markets with good English-language environments.
For destination-specific cost breakdowns:
- Barcelona internships: costs, visa and sectors
- Cape Town internships: what UK students need to know
- Japan internship guide for UK students 2026
For placements in EU countries (Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, Netherlands, Germany), UK students no longer need a visa for stays under 90 days. For longer placements, a national work or internship visa is usually required. Check our visa guide for details by country.
Turing Scheme vs other funding sources
Turing funding does not affect your Student Finance England maintenance loan entitlement. You can receive both simultaneously. If your university also has its own international mobility bursary or hardship fund, you may be able to stack that with Turing money. Ask your International Office explicitly whether multiple funding sources are permitted.
If you are a student at a Scottish university, your institution may receive funding through the Scottish Government's Turing equivalent scheme. Welsh and Northern Irish students are covered by the standard Turing Scheme. The free internship toolkit includes a funding checklist covering all sources available to UK students.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Turing Scheme pay for an internship abroad?
The Turing Scheme pays approximately GBP 160 to GBP 220 per week in living cost grants depending on your destination, plus a one-off travel cost grant. Students from disadvantaged backgrounds receive a higher rate. Exact figures depend on your university's internal allocation from the British Council.
Do I apply for Turing Scheme funding directly to the British Council?
No. You apply through your university or college. Your institution receives a block Turing grant each year and distributes it to individual students. Contact your International Office or Placements team to get your university's specific deadline and application form.
Which countries are covered by the Turing Scheme for internships?
Over 150 countries worldwide, including all EU countries, the USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Africa and India. The scheme was specifically designed to give UK students global access after leaving Erasmus+.
Can I combine Turing Scheme funding with academic credit?
Yes, and in many cases your university requires academic recognition before they will approve Turing funding. Combining both is the recommended approach: you get financial support and your placement counts toward your degree.
How early do I need to apply for Turing Scheme funding?
Most universities set internal deadlines in January or February for placements starting in summer. Contact your International Office in October or November to understand your institution's timeline before you commit to a placement date.
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