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

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Dates & Deadlines
Applications for Fall/Winter Semester close on 02/01/2026
Applications for Academic Year close on 02/01/2026
Applications for Spring Semester close on 02/01/2026

Program Overview

In this exchange program, you will enroll directly in classes at the University of Exeter. The University of Exeter is a 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 Exeter. 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.

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 Deadline Arrival Date Departure Date
Fall/Winter Semester 2026-27 02/01/2026 Mid-September Mid-January
Academic Year 2026-27 02/01/2026 Mid-September Mid-June
Spring Semester 2027 02/01/2026 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.

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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

Exeter 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:

The university offers a comprehensive choice of subject areas in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and business. It also houses an institute for Arabic and Middle Eastern Studies. 

At Exeter, "modules" are the equivalent to UO classes/courses. The curriculum is organized in semester or year-long modules. 

Please review the module offerings for exchange students on Exeter's website using the "Course Search" link on the sidebar menu. 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 modules must be from one subject area.
  • It is not recommended to mix modules from too many different departments or year levels as you are likely to encounter timetabling clashes. 

You may need to use the current academic year’s module list as a guide for what might be available for the term you want to study at the University of Exeter. You need to be flexible with choosing modules and have multiple back-up modules in case you do not get into your top choices. You are responsible for ensuring you meet any pre-requisites for modules at the University of Exeter. 

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

Credits:

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

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

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

To maintain full-time student status at the UO 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

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 a limited number of rooms in short-term university accommodations, 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.