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

Program Overview

On this exchange program, you will enroll directly in classes at the University of Sheffield. The University of Sheffield was founded in 1905, has over 27,000 students enrolled including almost 4,000 international students, and is considered one of the best universities in the UK. Sheffield is located in northern England, in South Yorkshire, and is close to Manchester, Leeds, Nottingham, and the Peak District. Students can choose courses from over 30 different subject areas and will study alongside British and international students. The student union also has over 300 societies to get involved in.

The University of Sheffield provides a high level of support to international students through its International 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.

The university also runs regular events and activities throughout the year to assist students in settling into life at the university.
 
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. Its central location also makes it easy to explore the rest of the UK and 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

 
TermYearDeadlineArrival DateDeparture Date
Fall/Winter Semester2025-262/1/2025Mid-SeptemberEarly February
Academic Year2025-262/1/2025Mid-SeptemberMid-June
Spring Semester20262/1/2025Early FebruaryMid-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 academic year at Sheffield is divided in two semesters. The fall semester starts at the end of September and finishes in the middle of February of the following year. The spring semester starts in mid-February and finishes in the middle of June.

Courses at Sheffield are called modules; they may include lectures, seminars, tutorials, and labs. Science modules often have substantial labs. Exchange students have access to modules in 30 different subject areas. These include: Biomedical Science, Chemistry, Computer Science, Economics, History, Journalism, Business, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Physics, Political Science, Psychology Mathematics, Animal and Plant Science, Music, and Foreign Languages.

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.

Sheffield 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 Sheffield credits)
  • 30 ECTS credits represent one semester (equivalent to 60 University of Sheffield credits)

You will choose 60 Sheffield credits (30 ECTS) per semester.

It is not recommended to mix modules from too many different departments or year levels as you are likely to encounter timetabling clashes. For example, if a module has 20 Sheffield credit points, it has 10 ECTS credit points. Each ECTS credit is equal to 0.75 UO credits.

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

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 (July 31st for fall semester and December 1st for spring semester).  

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-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 16 cafés and cafeterias and a grocery store throughout campus, so students will have plenty of dining options. Students can obtain a GeniUS card and put money on it to purchase meals while receiving points and discounts for eating on campus.