Incoming exchange, study abroad and traineeships
Every year, we welcome around 200 exchange students, study abroad students, research placement students, hospital and veterinary placement students, and recent graduates to Surrey from both partner and non-partner institutions around the world.
Why do a period of study or a placement abroad?
- experience a different educational system and a different part of the world
- encounter a diverse range of people and cultures and broaden your network
- improve your interpersonal, communication and language skills
- challenge yourself and increase your resilience
- enhance your CV and your employability.
Why Surrey?
The University of Surrey:
- Is located on a beautiful leafy lakeside campus, a 10-minute walk into the vibrant historic town centre of Guildford and just 34 minutes by train into central London, enabling students to enjoy the very best of a safe and lively English market town surrounded by beautiful rolling countryside, together with the excitement and world-famous attractions of a major world capital city.
- Has a worldwide reputation for excellence in teaching and research, coming in the top 250 in the QS World University Rankings 2024 and in the top 50 universities globally in the Times Higher Education's (THE) Impact Rankings.
- Is a friendly medium-sized campus university with around 15,000 students and a large international community of students and staff - a welcoming and supportive place to come to as an international visiting student. The International Engagement Office is here to ensure you have a seamless and unforgettable stay at Surrey.
- Constantly strives to provide a truly outstanding experience for all students. Investing heavily in teaching and student facilities and support services, we achieved 4th place in the UK National Student Survey 2023 and 12th place in the UK Complete University Guide 2025.
Ways to come to Surrey as an international visiting student
There are various ways you can come to Surrey for a short period of study or a research, hospital or veterinary placement, either independently or under an existing exchange or study abroad agreement.
You can check whether your university has an agreement with the University of Surrey and details of the study level and subject area/s included by searching on our interactive Exchange and Study Abroad Partners tool.
Then, select the appropriate type of mobility below for further details, including our entry requirements and how to apply.
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