Arts Abroad Programme
Apply for the chance to study at a summer school at one of UAL’s partner universities. A variety of grants are available, depending on where you choose to study.
Take a look at the Arts Abroad Programme Guide (442.7KB) for full information about grants available, eligibility, summer school opportunities, application process and important information to know before applying.
If you’ve sourced your own summer placement and are looking for funding, find out more about fees and funding.
Who can apply
You must be a home fee paying student studying on an undergraduate degree course at UAL. You should be in your first or second year of studies.
All eligible students are welcome to apply. However, UAL is committed to increasing access and participation among underrepresented and disadvantaged groups. We’ll give priority to students if you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- Your household income is £50,000 or under, per year.
- You’re in receipt of universal credit or income benefits.
- You receive the UAL bursary.
- You’re a care leaver or care giver.
- You’ve taken part in the UAL Insights programme.
Please note that certain grant rates will have further criteria for eligibility.
Where you can go
Below are the summer school options available in for Arts Abroad 2025. It is important you visit the partner's summer school information page to find out which programme is suitable for you.
The summer schools have a variety of start and end dates to suit you, between June and August 2025.
- Aalto University – Finland.
- Aarhus University – Denmark.
- European Innovation Academy (EIA) – Portugal and Spain (Spain option for CCI students only).
- Istituto Europeo di Design (IED) – Italy and Spain. Find out more about their summer school at their Information session on 12th February 3pm (online). To attend the session please sign up using the registration form.
- Nuova Accademia Di Belle Arti – Italy.
- Universitat der Kunste (UdK) – Germany.
- EWHA Womans College – South Korea.
- Tecnologico de Monterrey – Mexico (iSummer2025 tracks ‘Beyond Borders’ and ‘Mexican Cultural Heritage and Social Challenges’ only).
Please note that the available summer school are subject to change.
Available Grants
Please note, specific criteria must be met in order to be awarded the fully funded or Turing Scheme grant.
- £500 Grant: for summer schools lasting up to 1 week.
- £1,000 Grant: for summer schools lasting up to 2 weeks.
- £1,500 Grant: for summer schools lasting up to 3 weeks.
- Turing Scheme Grant: available for summer schools lasting a minimum of 4 weeks (28 days). Turing criteria applies. Funding is calculated based on the destination country and duration.
- Fully Funded Grant: offered for those participating in summer schools at EIA, IED and UdK. This grant is only available to students from underrepresented and/or disadvantaged backgrounds. Please see 'who can apply' for further information.
If your summer school duration falls between two grant categories (e.g., 1.5 weeks), the grant amount will correspond to the lower category (e.g., £500 for 1.5 weeks).
Grant funding to support summer school opportunities is limited. We unfortunately will not be able to fund all who apply.
How to apply
To participate, you'll need to apply through our Arts Abroad grant application form.
Applications for the Arts Abroad programme will open at the end of January 2025. In the meantime, you can register your interest by contacting us at: internationalmobility@arts.ac.uk
Application deadline
The deadline to apply is usually end of February/March. After the deadline we'll assess your application. We aim to provide you with an outcome within 2 weeks.
Next steps
Once your Arts Abroad grant is confirmed, you'll need to apply directly to your allocated summer school. The Global Mobility team will give you more information about this if you're successful with your Arts Abroad grant application. Don't book flights or accommodation until your summer school place is confirmed, if you are relying on the grant to support your studies.
If you plan to attend a summer school whether you get a grant or not, you can apply independently and make all your own arrangements. It's important you let us know you're doing this, so make sure to email us at internationalmobility@arts.ac.uk.
Important Information
UAL is not responsible for any costs or losses incurred as a result of course cancellations, changes, or other decisions made by the partner institution. We strongly advise you to consider purchasing travel insurance and to make flexible travel and accommodation arrangements where possible.
You should review the latest travel advice issued by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) before making any travel plans. You should ensure you are aware of the risks and requirements associated with your destination. UAL cannot be held liable for any issues arising from failure to comply with FCDO advice or local regulations.
Related links
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Central Saint Martins student Eva Xiste on her placement in Switzerland | image courtesy of UAL
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Work by Liberty Lin, MA Designer Maker, Camberwell College of Arts, 2021.
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Maria Magalhaes (BA Graphic and Media Design, London College of Communication, 2024)
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Heart embroidery by Sara Kelly Textile Design BA (Hons) Chelsea College of Arts Photographer: Alys Tomlinson