BU secures Turing Scheme funding to support international opportunities for students

BU students will be able to access incredible opportunities to participate in international learning experiences and gain global perspectives to enhance their educational journey, thanks to the UK Turing Scheme. We have secured a significant amount of UK Turing Scheme funding for the upcoming 2023/2024 academic year. This funding will support student exchanges via study abroad programmes and placement opportunities worldwide. It will also enable us to enhance existing and establish new mutual collaborations with universities and other organisations across the globe. Through the hard work and dedication of our faculty and staff, BU has been able to develop impactful international projects, enabling us to offer a wide range of international mobility opportunities to our students.  

The Turing Scheme is the UK government's flagship programme for international education and exchanges. It aims to provide students with transformative experiences through study, work placements, and research opportunities abroad. Placements can last a minimum of 28 days and a maximum of 12 months.  

The funding will enable around 600 BU students in 2023/2024 to undertake a variety of life-changing international mobility opportunities, which support both curricular and extra-curricular activities. Our students will also contribute to creating societal impact globally, through international projects organised by our international partner universities that support the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In addition, to make international opportunities more accessible for all students, the scheme will continue to provide additional funding for those from disadvantaged backgrounds. 

Jana Kuncova, Head of International Mobility and Experience, states: “The project supports our BU2025’s vision for the university to be recognised world-wide as a leading institution for inspiring learning, advancing knowledge, and enriching society. We continue to develop and expand on our education, research, and practice through collaboration with our international partners and other organisations including industries. It is wonderful to see how this project has expanded over the years across all BU faculties in locations worldwide to provide these learning and transformative opportunities for our students.” 

Students who take part in international opportunities benefit from increased intercultural understanding and awareness and gain valuable skills that are highly sought after by employers in today's globalised world. They also contribute to societal impact both overseas and locally upon their return. International mobility programmes have been shown to enhance students’ knowledge, skills and values through enhancing their academic performance, employability, and personal development.  

In the autumn, we will be sharing examples of international opportunities undertaken by some of our students. We will also be promoting the scheme to students, when the applications for 2023/24 funding open and letting them know how they can get involved. 

If you are interested in finding out more about the Turing Scheme and international opportunities for students, please email [email protected].