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

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Dates & Deadlines

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. 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.  
 
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.   

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 2026 02/01/2026 Early September Late December
Academic Year 2026-27 02/01/2026 Early September Late May
Spring Semester 2027 02/01/2026 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.

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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

Bristol encourages students to plan and manage their own work and study. This emphasis on independent study means 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. Lectures are the most traditional form of teaching, but most modules include seminars, discussion groups, computer work and independent study. 

Course Availability:

At Bristol, "Units" are the equivalent to classes/courses at the UO and "Courses" are equivalent to UO majors. Bristol allows you to take units from across the University. 

Please review the Unit offerings for exchange students on the University of Bristol’s website using the "Course Search" link on the sidebar menu. You may need to use the current academic year’s unit list as a guide for what might be available for the term you want to study at the University of Bristol.

You need to be flexible with choosing units and have multiple back-up units in case you do not get into your top choices. You are responsible for ensuring you meet any pre-requisites for units at the University of Bristol. 

Note: Students should consult with their UO academic advisor before submitting their unit enrollment to the University of Bristol. 

Credits: 
You will choose 60 Bristol credits per semester, which is typically three or four units (classes/courses). Bristol credits are converted to the European Credit Transfer Scheme (ECTS) in your transcript: 

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

ECTS credits are transferred to the UO at the rate of 1 ECTS credit = 0.75 UO quarter credits. 

To maintain full-time student status while on a university exchange program, UO students need to earn at least 12 UO credits per UO term abroad. 

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.