UK launches Turing scheme website, unveils details on eligible placements

The scheme extends far beyond higher education, which Erasmus+ is largely associated with (although it too expanded its remit of inclusion).

Schools, college, FE & vocational providers as well as universities in either the UK or a British Overseas Territory are invited to apply for funding for international experiences for their students.

“We will open up the globe to our young people”

At HE level, students do not need to be British nationals to qualify for Turing scheme, meaning international students may also be eligible to study or undertake a work placement abroad for between four weeks to 12 months.

Institutions will be required to submit bids to win grants that will help cover travel expenses and costs of living, and administrative funding for delivering suggested projects.

At FE level, students and apprentices can be sent on  placements  to FE or VET providers or companies abroad for the 2021-22 academic year.

At school level, two types of placements can be funded: short-term  placements, three days-to-two months and long-term  placements: two-to-six months.

Universities minister, Michelle Donelan, commented, “We are committed to making sure our students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, can benefit from studying and working abroad.

“Working with the British Council, we will open up the globe to our young people, and I look forward to seeing the exciting and enriching opportunities the Turing scheme will bring.”

Further information on funding is available here, with extra funding being made available for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

They will also receive costs for additional travel expenses, including costs of visas, passports, and health insurance.

“This was not on offer under the 2014-2020 Erasmus+ program, but  we see this as crucial as travel related expenses can often be a deterrent to potential participants,” notes the website.

At the Association of Colleges, chief executive, David Hughes, said, “The Turing scheme opens the world’s door to work and study placements for college students. This is an important part of ‘levelling up’ the life chances for all of our young people – whatever their background.”

He added, “International mobility motivates and inspires young people to understand their place in the world, develop their life skills and build confidence and ambition. I strongly encourage colleges new to international exchanges to consider participating in Turing and hope that those who have been involved before can use this to extend opportunities for students.”

The scheme funds UK-outbound placements, but as reported in The PIE, institutions are also planning various EU scholarship schemes to continue to attract inbound EU student numbers.

The Turing scheme will be administered by the same partnership of British Council and Ecorys which has been delivering Erasmus+ in the UK.

It is part of the government’s new International Education strategy, unveiled on February 6.