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

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Dates & Deadlines

Program Overview

On this exchange program, you will enroll directly in classes at the University of Sheffield. Founded in 1905, the University of Sheffield has over 27,000 students enrolled including almost 4,000 international students, and is considered one of the best universities in the UK. 

The University of Sheffield provides a high level of support to international students through its Global Opportunities Office and Student Services Information Desk (SSID). SSID has a team of advisors available to provide assistance in helping you adjust to life at Sheffield and to give practical help when needed. The university also has a University Health Service on campus which is staffed by a team of doctors and nurses, and provides students with general medical services free of charge for students studying at Sheffield for at least 6 months. Additionally, the University of Sheffield offers Counseling services, Disability and Dyslexia Support, as well as financial advice to support students.
 
Sheffield is located in northern England, in South Yorkshire, and is close to Manchester, Leeds, Nottingham, and the Peak District. Sheffield is England’s fourth largest city with a population of about 551,000. It is a beautiful city with elegant, Victorian architecture; the area is full of culture and entertainment including theatres, museums, galleries, woodlands, and world-class sports facilities. Sheffield is also known as “The Outdoor City” with all of its running and hiking trails, climbing, cycling, and one third of the city inside The Peak District National Park, one of the UK’s most famous areas of outstanding beauty. With more than 2 million trees and 200 parks and green spaces, Sheffield is one of the greenest cities in Europe. 
 
The University of Sheffield offers a few competitive scholarships specifically for U.S. students studying at Sheffield. Recipients can receive up to £750 for a semester and £1,500 for a full year.

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

Dates and Deadlines

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

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

Please review the module offerings on Sheffield's website using the "Course Search" link on the sidebar menu. You can choose modules from across all subject areas, pending you meet pre-requisites. It is not recommended to mix modules from too many different subject areas 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 Sheffield. 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 Sheffield. 

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

Credits:

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

  • 120 Sheffield credits represents a full year of study (equivalent to 60 ECTS credits)
  • 60 Sheffield 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

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

Housing Description

Housing in University of Sheffield residence halls is guaranteed to all students accepted to the program, provided they apply by the housing application deadlines.

Housing is spread throughout the city, so some of the halls are located centrally while others may be a bit further from campus (approximately a 20-30 minute walk).

Rent varies from hall to hall. Most provide amenities for students to cook for themselves, however, meal plans are available at some halls. There are different cafés and cafeterias and a grocery store throughout campus, so students will have plenty of dining options.