- Can I get student finance if I study abroad?
- When will I get my Maintenance Loan while studying abroad?
- Can my Maintenance Loan be paid differently while abroad?
- How do I apply for student finance for a year abroad?
- What if my study abroad plans change
- Can I get help with travel costs?
- Need more support?
Can I get student finance if I study abroad?
Yes. If your year abroad is part of your course, you can still receive:
- Tuition Fee Loan
- Maintenance Loan
- Maintenance or Special Support Grant
- Disabled Students’ Allowances
- Dependants’ Allowances (if applicable)
Read more about Students on a work placement year outside of the UK
When will I get my Maintenance Loan while studying abroad?
Once your student finance application has been approved:
- First payment: 25 working days before the start of the University of Hertfordshire term
- Second and third payments: in line with University of Hertfordshire term dates
- If your study abroad period starts more than 25 working days before the University term, you may receive your first payment earlier.
Can my Maintenance Loan be paid differently while abroad?
Depending on where you are studying, your Maintenance Loan may be paid differently.
Studying in the USA, Canada, Australia or New Zealand
You may receive your Maintenance Loan in two payments of 50%:
- first payment before term starts
- second payment at the start of term two
Studying in China or Japan
You may receive your full Maintenance Loan in one payment at the start of the year.
This can help you meet visa requirements where you need to provide proof of funds.
How do I apply for student finance for a year abroad?
Apply for student finance through your Student Finance England (SFE) account in the usual way.
When you apply:
- select the 4 or 5 year version of your course that includes your placement or study abroad year
- keep your university as the University of Hertfordshire
- add the location where you will be studying overseas
We will confirm your study abroad details with Student Finance England to make sure your funding is correct.
What if my study abroad plans change?
Changes to your study abroad arrangements can affect your student finance.
Contact us before making any changes so we can explain how your funding may be affected.
Tell us immediately if you:
- change country or university
- change how long you will be abroad
- add a work placement
- suspend or leave your course
Important: You are responsible for making sure you have enough funding to support yourself while you are abroad.
Can I get help with travel costs?
If you are studying abroad as part of your course, you may be eligible for a Student Finance England Travel Grant to help with some travel expenses. GOV.UK confirms that eligibility rules apply and the amount available depends on individual circumstances.
See Travel grants for students studying abroad or on placements on GOV.UK.
Need more support?
If you cannot contact Student Finance England while you are abroad, we can contact them on your behalf.
You will need to set up Consent to Share on your Student Finance England account.