Language Requirement: None
Academic Standing by Program Start: Junior or above
Location: Europe, United Kingdom, England
GPA: 3.25

Program Overview

In this exchange program, you will enroll directly in classes at the University of Bristol, a prestigious research university in southwest England. Bristol is best known for its cutting-edge research center, but also offers many courses in the humanities, social sciences, and certain professional areas. You may take courses across disciplinary lines. The British system stresses in-depth study of a few subjects and provides a level of specialization that is not generally part of the American undergraduate experience. Learning in this system is self-motivated, with instructors serving more as guides than as teachers, in the traditional sense.  Bristol is a top research university associated with 13 Nobel Laureates, including its current Chancellor Sir Paul Nurse, a leading geneticist.  

Through Bristol Futures, Bristol provides extra opportunities to break down the barriers between disciplines, and between the university and the outside world, so that students have the chance to discover and explore new ideas that challenge their way of thinking. Bristol Futures is built around three interdisciplinary pathways, chosen to reflect the values of the University and the city of Bristol: Innovation and Enterprise, Global Citizenship, and Sustainable Futures.  
 
Bristol’s dedicated Student Experience Team organizes a program of welcome events and practical support for international students. Exchange students have access to a health center, academic advising, disabilities services, and multi-faith chaplaincy. The Student Counselling Service provides a safe place for you to talk through any problems. It offers a wide range of services, including individual counselling and therapeutic group sessions, a well-stocked resource library and workshops covering topics such as how to cope with stress. The University of Bristol Students' Union (Bristol SU) offers 350 student clubs and societies and 70 sports clubs, ranging from cycling to ultimate Frisbee and American football to skydiving.   The UK has laws protecting LGBT people from discrimination and is a marriage equality country. 

Bristol is the United Kingdom’s eighth most populous city (approximately 450,000) and the most populated city in South West England. Located about two hours by train west of London, Bristol is one of the most culturally vibrant cities in the South of England, hosting a wide variety of visual arts, theatre, specialty shopping and live music. It is a thriving, modern city that takes pride in its long history. Bristol is also a vantage point for seeing many of England’s famous sights. Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon, Stonehenge, Bath, and the southwest coast of England are all within a day’s travel 
 
Exchange students at Bristol are eligible for the Butex Scholarship - Visit this link to get more information about this scholarship: https://www.butex.ac.uk

Dates and Deadlines

 
Term Year Deadline Arrival Date Departure Date
Fall Semester 2025 2/1/2025 Early September Mid December
Academic Year 2025-26 2/1/2025 Early September Late May
Spring Semester 2026 2/1/2025 Early January Late May

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 academic year at Bristol is organized in two semesters. The first semester runs from mid-September to mid-December and the second semester from early January to late May. Bristol encourages students to plan and manage their own work and study. This emphasis on independent study is excellent preparation for the self-motivation and discipline needed for graduate study. You may find that you have fewer hours of teaching than you expected. Use your time to study in the library or work through your course reading list.

Units are the equivalent to classes at the UO and courses are equivalent to UO majors.  Bristol allows you to take units from across the University.  Teaching methods include a combination of lecture, tutorials and smaller group seminars. Seminars are small group classes lead by a professor to discuss parts of the course in detail. They complement the lectures and help to monitor your progress. Science-based courses will include laboratory sessions and project groups. It is important to establish a good working routine so that you use time effectively. 
 
Bristol uses a variety of assessment methods, including examinations, continuous assessment or submission of coursework, including long essays or dissertations to supplement examinations. Coursework, tutorials and seminars are used to monitor your progress and to assess the level of competence in a subject. You are awarded credit points for successfully completing a unit. You will normally need to pass all forms of assessment in order to gain credits for a unit. 
 
Bristol credits are converted to the European Credit Transfer Scheme (ECTS) in your transcript: 

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

A typical course load is three units (courses) per semester, seven to eight credits each. 

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

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

  • Completed WR 121 and 122 or 123 with grades of B- or higher
  • Math/Science students: completed 200-level Math/Science sequences

Housing Description

Bristol offers residence halls equipped with Internet access and fully furnished study bedrooms, single or shared. Some halls are catered (meal services in a dining hall) while others are self-catered (includes a shared kitchen in each flat). The housing contract generally covers only the academic periods. You are guaranteed an offer of university accommodation if you are a new exchange student studying at Bristol for the Fall semester or the full Academic Year and apply for housing by the posted deadlines.

Note: If you are arranging your own housing, you are advised to arrive in Bristol early.