The Turing scheme will be backed by over £100 million,
providing funding for around 35,000 students in
universities, colleges and schools to go on placements
and exchanges overseas, starting in September 2021.
The new scheme will also target students from
disadvantaged backgrounds and areas which did not
previously have many students benefiting from Erasmus+,
making life-changing opportunities accessible to
everyone across the country.
The programme will provide similar opportunities for
students to study and work abroad as the Erasmus+
programme but it will include countries across the
world and aims to deliver greater value for money to
taxpayers.
The UK will reap the rewards from the investment, by
boosting students’ skills and prospects, benefitting UK
employers, and supporting Global Britain’s ties with
international partners.
Education Secretary
said:
We now have the chance to expand opportunities to
study abroad and see more students from all
backgrounds benefit from the experience.
We have designed a truly international scheme which
is focused on our priorities, delivers real value for
money and forms an important part of our promise to
level up the United Kingdom.
These opportunities will benefit both our students
and our employers, as well as strengthening our ties
with partners across the world.
UK organisations will be invited to bid into the scheme
in early 2021. Successful applications will receive
funding for administering the scheme and students
taking part will receive grants to help them with the
costs of their international experience.
The benefits of the exchanges to schools and colleges
will be assessed and the learnings used to build on
future schemes. Funding decisions for subsequent years
will be subject to future spending reviews.
To meet delivery timescales, universities, colleges and
schools are encouraged to begin preparation with
international partners as soon as possible.
Universities UK International Director, Vivienne Stern,
said:
Evidence shows that students who have international
experience tend to do better academically and in
employment, and the benefits are greatest for those
who are least advantaged.
The new Turing scheme is a fantastic development and
will provide global opportunities for up to 35,000 UK
students to study and work abroad.
International Education Champion, Sir Steve Smith,
said:
As the International Education Champion, I’m pleased
to see that the govt is committed to international
exchanges. So much of what makes education so
rewarding for all is the chance for students and
learners in schools, colleges and universities
experience new cultures and, by doing so, develop new
skills.
This scheme represents a sizeable investment from the
Government and I look forward to working with the
Government to develop a scheme that will make real
our commitment to Global Britain.
