UKABCS
UKABCS

Programmes & Grants

Mobility Exchange

International exchange placements for students, researchers and faculty across the UKABCS partner university network.

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What is Mobility Exchange?

A short academic placement at a partner university abroad

Mobility Exchange lets students, researchers and faculty from a UKABCS partner university spend a defined period at another university in the UKABCS network to study, do research or train. It is an academic placement, not employment, migration or a scholarship that covers every cost.

Who can take part

Students, researchers and faculty members from universities that have signed a Mobility Agreement with UKABCS.

What it includes

Academic acceptance and accommodation at the host university, pocket money, support letters and access to UKABCS compute and research tools.

Its limits

Places, dates and host universities are set in each mobility grant call. Flights, visa and insurance are the participant’s own costs, and a visa is never guaranteed.

Key terms

Definitions

Mobility Agreement
The agreement each university signs directly with UKABCS to join the exchange network.
Sending university
The participant’s own university, which nominates them for the exchange.
Host university
The partner university abroad that receives the participant and provides accommodation and supervision.
Outbound exchange
A participant from a partner university going to a host institution abroad.
Incoming exchange
An international participant joining UKABCS programmes or a host placement.
Shared-cost exchange
A model where the participant, the host university and UKABCS each cover a clearly defined part of the cost.
Pocket money
A cash allowance from UKABCS for daily living costs, set according to the host country and paid in pounds sterling (£).
Support letter
A letter from UKABCS confirming the placement, which the participant can use in their visa application.
Mobility focal point
The named person at each university who coordinates exchanges with UKABCS.
Who pays what

A shared-cost exchange

Each party covers a clear part of the exchange, so the cost of going abroad is shared fairly.

PartyCovers
StudentFlights, visa application and fees, travel and health insurance.
Host universityAccommodation (hosting) for the exchange period and the academic acceptance.
UKABCSPocket money set by host country, coordination between universities, support and nomination letters, and access to UKABCS compute and research tools during the exchange.

Pocket money

Pocket money is set according to the host country. The amount is stated in the host university’s agreement with UKABCS and in each mobility grant call, and paid in pounds sterling (£).

How it works

One agreement, one network

  1. 1

    Your university signs with UKABCS

    Each university signs a Mobility Agreement directly with UKABCS. There are no separate two-way or three-way contracts between universities.

  2. 2

    UKABCS coordinates the network

    UKABCS liaises with the host universities in its partner network and agrees available places, dates and conditions.

  3. 3

    Calls and selection

    Each mobility grant call names the host universities, countries and pocket money. Candidates apply and are selected competitively.

  4. 4

    Preparation

    UKABCS issues support letters. The student applies for their own visa and books their own travel.

  5. 5

    Exchange and reporting

    The student completes the placement under the host’s rules and submits the required reports.

Rights & obligations

Everyone knows their part before signing

Sending university

  • Follow the agreement’s rules and conditions
  • Nominate eligible candidates fairly
  • Appoint a mobility focal point
  • Recognise the exchange activity where applicable

Host university

  • Provide accommodation for the agreed period
  • Provide academic supervision and access to facilities
  • Confirm attendance and completion

Student

  • Cover flights, visa and insurance
  • Respect host institution rules and UKABCS policies
  • Complete the placement and submit reports
  • Inform UKABCS promptly of any change

Visa disclaimer: Visa decisions are made solely by the relevant embassy or immigration authority. UKABCS provides support letters only and cannot guarantee a visa.

Apply

Mobility application forms

Outbound exchange

For students and researchers from partner universities going to a host institution abroad.

Outbound application

Incoming exchange

For international researchers and students joining UKABCS programmes and host placements.

Incoming application

Is your university not yet a partner? Learn how to collaborate with us.