Language Requirement: None
Academic Standing by Program Start: Sophomore
Location: Europe, United Kingdom, England
GPA: 3.0

Program Overview

In this exchange program, you will enroll directly in classes at the University of Exeter. The University of Exeter is a top ranked British university (member of the "Russell Group" the UK equivalent of the Ivy League) with a very strong international reputation for academics and research. The university has over 22,000 students, including 18,000 undergraduates. Teaching is aligned with research and there is a strong network of support services for international students. 

Set in the heart of the beautiful Devon countryside, Exeter is a lively, student-friendly city with a thriving arts and music scene. The city has a population of about 130,000 and dates back to the Roman era, as evidenced by the Roman ruins, walls and tunnels throughout the city. National parks, quaint villages, and beaches are easily accessible by bus or train. 

There are three campuses that make up the University of Exeter: Streatham Campus, St. Luke's Campus, and Penryn Campus.

The main Streatham Campus is located near the city center of Exeter, along the river and is among the most scenic in England. The St. Luke's Campus is nearby and is home to teaching in education, sport, and medicine in a historic setting offering modern facilities. Both campuses are a 15-20 minute walk from downtown. It is possible to take classes at both campuses, as long as students factor in travel time between the Streatham and St. Luke's campus. 

The Penryn Campus is located on the Cornwall peninsula. It is an innovative and contemporary campus set in a beautiful location close to the waterside towns of Falmouth and Penryn. The Penryn campus offers the same variety of courses as in the main Streatham campus, plus some unique courses in Marine Biology, Zoology and Animal Behavior.

UO students can choose to study in the city of Exeter or in the waterside towns of Falmouth and Penryn. Please note, it is not possible to study at both the Penryn Campus and the Exeter campuses.  Visit Exeter's website to learn more about each campus's course offerings. 

Exchange students at Exeter are eligible for the Butex Scholarship - Visit this link to get more information about this scholarship: https://butex.ac.uk

Dates and Deadlines

 
Term Year Application Deadline Arrival Date Departure Date
Fall/Winter Semester 2025-26 2/1/2025 Mid-September Mid-January
Academic Year 2025-26 2/1/2025 Mid-September Mid-June
Spring Semester 2026 2/1/2025 Early January Mid-June

The application process for this program is competitive: GEO staff will review your application materials, and a decision about your enrollment will not be made until after the application deadline. In some cases, an interview is required. If your program requires an interview, you will be contacted with further details about this process after the application deadline. Early applications are encouraged.

Successful applicants will receive an exchange nomination from GEO. Selection will be based on a holistic review of your application. This includes a review of your GPA, transcripts (including courses taken and in-progress), any additional requirements or prerequisites (see section "Additional Requirements"), and written statements. 

Applying for an exchange program involves 2 steps. If you receive a nomination from GEO, you will also need to complete the host university's application, which is administered and reviewed by your host university directly. Instructions will be provided after acceptance by GEO. The host university makes the final decision regarding acceptance into the program.

Discount for Pell Recipients

To expand access to study abroad, GEO is offering a $500 discount for this program to UO students who currently have the Pell Grant as part of their federal financial aid (FAFSA).

Academic Details

The university calendar is comprised of two semesters, end of September through mid-December (exams may be scheduled for January) and end of January through the beginning of July. The university offers a comprehensive choice of subject areas. It is especially suitable for UO students studying English and literature. Humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and business are among other good options for study at the University of Exeter. It also houses an institute for Arabic and Middle Eastern Studies. 
    
At Exeter, modules are the equivalent to UO courses. You can choose modules from across all colleges (excluding those from within the University of Exeter Medical School and the Graduate School of Education). Psychology is not available for visiting students. At least half of your academic programme must be based in one subject area. If you choose modules from different subjects/departments you must remember that there is a strong possibility of timetable clashes and this can make finalising your study programme more difficult when you arrive at Exeter. 
    
Lectures are the most traditional form of teaching, but most courses include seminars, discussion groups, computer work and independent study. British higher education places a large emphasis on independent study. You will be asked to read widely on a subject, make notes, research, write and revise outside of formal teaching. On all courses you will be expected to study extensively on your own. 

Exeter credits are converted to the European Credit Transfer Scheme (ECTS) in your transcript: 

  • 60ECTS credits represent a full year of study (equivalent to 120 University of Exeter credits) 
  • 30 ECTS credits represent one semester (equivalent to 60 University of Exeter credits) 

    
You will choose 60 Exeter credits (30 ECTS) per semester. Each ECTS credit is equal to 0.75 UO credits. For example, if a module has 20 Exeter credit points, it has 10 ECTS credit points.
    
It is not recommended to mix modules from too many different departments or year levels as you are likely to encounter timetabling clashes. 

Note: You should consult with your UO academic advisor before submitting your course enrollment to the University of Exeter.

Summer Academics 

The University of Exeter offers an International Summer School, this program includes accommodation on campus, an orientation trip in London, entertaining social events in Exeter and cultural day trips. Coursework is available on both the Exeter and Penryn campuses. Students enroll in one 3-credit module per session with coursework in law, literature, business, biosciences, business, and international studies. 

Course Equivalencies

UO students: please refer to the UO Course Equivalency Process and the UO Office of the Registrar Course Equivalency Database.

Non-UO students: Actual credit awarded is determined by the relevant department at your university in consultation with the study abroad office. Check with your study abroad advisor for more information.

Additional Requirements

Complete WR 121 and 122 or 123 with grades B- or higher. 

Housing Description

Exeter Campuses (Streatham and St Luke's): University owned or managed accommodation is guaranteed to inbound exchange students studying for the full academic year (starting in September) who apply before the accommodation deadline. The University is unable to guarantee accommodation for single semester exchange students. Single semester exchange students can apply for university accommodation in James Owen Court, there are a limited number of rooms available which are allocated on a first-come-first-served basis, but placement is not guaranteed. The majority of single semester exchange students will seek accommodation in the private sector. 

Penryn Campus: All inbound exchange students studying at the Penryn Campus for the full academic year or for a single semester, who apply before the accommodation deadline are also guaranteed university owned or approved housing.

 

For more information, please visit Exeter's housing page for exchange students.