The Turing Scheme is the UK government’s global programme to support study and work abroad.
It supports Global Britain by providing funding that universities can offer to students to financially support their life-changing experiences studying or working abroad.
Through the Turing Scheme, study and work abroad participants have a chance to develop new skills, gain vital international experience and boost their employability. They can also develop a wide range of soft skills, language skills and a better understanding of other cultures.
Launched initially as a one-year programme (2021/22) academic the UK Government has since committed to support the Turing Scheme until 2024/25.
Important Updates
For 2023/4 the University of Reading has Turing funds which have been allocated according to Turing requirements.
For 2024/5 the national institutional application window for future Turing funds has closed. Outcomes are expected to be known late June / early July 2024.
If you are a member of staff planning international activities which could benefit from Turing Scheme funds, please contact the Study Abroad Office via studyabroad@reading.ac.uk
Please note that Turing Scheme funding is not guaranteed – .
Details of the new Turing Scheme (2024/5) will be posted here, once outcome of our application is known. however, below is information about regarding the current Turing Scheme (2023/4).
How the Turing Scheme works
The Turing Scheme is administered by the Study Abroad Office (SAO) on behalf of the University of Reading.
First, SAO applies for funding from the UK government on behalf of the University of Reading. This process is known as an institutional application.
The Turing Scheme Delivery Partner (currently Capita) then determines how much funding to provide to each institutional applicant, and outlines any terms and conditions in accordance with which the money must be spent (including country and duration). Application outcome and notification is usually in July.
The funds that the University of Reading receives are then managed locally by SAO. Students planning to study or work abroad can apply for funding from the University. This is known as an individual application.
Important Notes
- Turing Scheme funding is not guaranteed.
- Turing does not organise placements for students – it only provides funding. Your placement abroad must be established prior to applying for Turing Scheme support.
- There are minimum and maximum duration periods that must be adhered to.
- All recipients of Turing funds will be required to complete the necessary paperwork.
- There are no funds for staff mobility within the Turing scheme.
Who and what can be funded
Funding permitting, the Turing Scheme offers financial support for study, work, research and volunteering placements overseas, at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
Placements must take place between 01 September 202X and 31 August 202X+1 .
| Year | Start | End |
| 2023/4 | 01/09/2023 | 31/08/2024 |
| 2024/5 | 01/09/2024 | 31/08/2024 |
Turing funded placements must last:
Minimum: 4 weeks (28 days of activity)
Maximum: 12 months
Funding is only available to support University of Reading students going abroad; not to support students from partner institutions/organisations coming to Reading. UoR does not used Turing funds to support recent graduates from the University of Reading undertaking internships or work placements.
Eligible destinations
Eligible destinations include:
- Non-UK Higher Education providers (i.e., a university outside the UK).
- Any non-UK public or private organisation active in the labour market or in the fields of education and training.
For 2023/4 the University of Reading Malaysia and Henley South Africa are not eligible destinations.
You can find a full list of eligible destination countries on the Turing Scheme website.
Standard funding rates
The funding per student is dependent on:
- The duration of the overseas placement.
- The destination country.
Additional funding might be available to support students from low-income households (less than £25k per annum), and students with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
NB: Turing funds are not guaranteed for any student, even if a placement is compulsory.
Additional funding for low-income students
Students who can demonstrate a household income of less than £25k per annum might be eligible to receive:
- Enhanced cost of living grant
- Travel grant
Enhanced Cost of Living Grant
For 2023/4 this consists of an additional £110 per month on top of the standard grant rate.
Travel Grant
This consists of funding to put towards the direct costs of travel (e.g., flights etc.). The exact amount of the travel grant will be dependent on the distance between the University of Reading and your destination institution/organisation.
For 2023/4 the travel grant rates are outlined below:
| Distance | Travel Grant Amount |
|---|---|
| 10 to 99km | £20 |
| 100 to 499km | £165 |
| 500 to 1999km | £250 |
| 2,000 to 2,999km | £325 |
| 3,000 to 3,999km | £480 |
| 4,000 to 7,999km | £745 |
| 8,000 to 12,000km | £905 |
| 12,000km+ | £1,360 |
Application process
Individual Turing Scheme applications from students are managed by the Study Abroad Office (SAO).
Eligible students on semester or year-long student placements who are known to SAO will be provided with application guidance via email as soon as individual applications open.
Students can contact the Study Abroad Office for more information. there will be information sessions for students during the summer term 2024 for students who will undertake an international placement in academic year 2024/5.
Further details will be published in the future about available funding for non-exchange placement students.
