Fee-paying Students
Eligibility
You can apply as:
- A direct applicant i.e. you pay your tuition fees direct to Reading, or
- Through a sponsor / third party provider i.e. they pay the Study Abroad Programme tuition fee to the University of Reading.
Students normally should have completed at least 3 semesters of study by the time of entry, although exceptions can be made on a case-by-case basis.
If you’re interested in joining our Study Abroad programme as a direct applicant, please contact us directly at: studyabroad@reading.ac.uk and we will provide you with comprehensive information and support regarding how to apply.
The cost of tuition depends on where you are currently studying, the duration of your studies and how many credits you need – details can be found on our costs page.
Students interested in applying through a sponsor / third party provider should contact them directly, although we are happy to answer any queries you might have.
Application
You will need to complete and return:
- A Study Abroad Programme application form, which includes module applications, signed by you and signed / stamped by your home university / sponsor
- A detailed transcript (in English), of your studies so far, confirming that you have achieved a cumulative GPA 3.0 (on a 4 point system) or the equivalent of 60% in the UK system. Please note: your transcript must be an official English language transcript produced by your home university. A document you have translated into English yourself is not acceptable
- A letter of recommendation from your home university confirming that you can join our Study Abroad Programme (independent fee-paying students only)
- Evidence of your levels of English language competence (where required)
NB – Art and Typography & Graphic Design students: you will be required to submit a selection of your most recent work (approximately 15 images) on a PowerPoint or PDF document.
Application Deadlines
1 June 2024 for our September 2024 intake
1 November 2024 for our February 2025 intake
Module selections
In principle students can select any module advertised on our Study Abroad Programme module pages, however you will need to demonstrate sufficient background knowledge in order to be accepted.
Language requirements
Non-native English speakers (as defined by UKVI) will need to demonstrate the following levels of competence in reading, writing, speaking and comprehension of English as part of your application. The qualification should normally have been awarded within two (2) years of joining the Study Abroad Programme. Please note that certificates produced by your home university cannot be accepted.
| Qualification Full Title | Qualification Short Name | Score Required |
| International English Language Test Score | IELTS | 6.5, with no component scoring less than 6.0 |
| Test of English as a Foreign Language iBT | TOEFL iBT | 88, with no less than 20 in Listening, Writing, and Reading, and 21 in Speaking |
| Cambridge English: Proficiency / C2 Proficiency | CPE | C, or a score of 176 overall, with no component scoring less than 169 |
| Test of English for Educational Purposes | TEEP | 6.5, with no component scoring less than 6.0 |
If you do not meet the necessary language requirement it is possible to register for the Pre-sessional English Language programme before you join our Study Abroad programme. You will though need to factor in the time and cost of attending this programme before the Study Abroad Programme.
Visa requirements
Please note: you must not apply for any visa until you have received and accepted your offer of a place on the Study Abroad Programme from the Study Abroad Office.
The type of immigration permission / visa you will require depends on how long you are going to study in the UK.
If you are going to join the Study Abroad Programme for six (6) months or less (i.e. Semester 1 only, or Semester 2 only students) you can obtain a visa / immigration permission as a Visitor or as a Student.
However, if you are going to join us for longer than six (6) months (i.e. Full Academic Year students), you will need to apply for and obtain a Student Visa before travelling to the UK. This includes EU, EEA and Swiss nationals who enter the UK after 31 December 2020 and are not eligible for the EU Settlement Scheme.
The University will provide you with the relevant documentation to support your immigration application. You can use the UK Visas and Immigration online tool to check if you need a UK visa: “Check if you need a visa?”
If you need more information, guidance, advice, and support with immigration matters, you can contact the University’s International Student Advisory Team. The Study Abroad Office works closely with colleagues in this team to support students in this area.
