This page contains information for students due to go on an international study or work placement (eg Erasmus) in 2020-21.  Students are asked to regularly review the FAQs in this website and also the University’s “Information for Students” COVID website.

• Can students travel for study or work placement?

  The University continues to monitor the situation in relation to COVID-19, including regarding student international travel. Current government guidance regarding travel can be found on the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) website.  The FCDO currently advises against all but essential travel to most countries.

  Following a review in December 2020, we have now updated our guidance in relation to the University’s definition of essential travel for study or work placement.

  The University defines essential travel as that which is defined in the course of study as a compulsory study or work placement. Students who meet this criterion and wish to seek approval to travel, will be required to complete and sign a Risk Assessment form which will go forward to the International Student Travel Group for approval.

  You must not travel before receiving formal approval from the University to do so.

  Student safety and wellbeing is our first priority, and it is important to emphasise that students who meet the criteria for essential travel, and choose not to travel, will still have the option to continue on the contingency arrangements (for example, Virtual Year Abroad).

  If you are due to travel abroad on a compulsory international study or work placement in Semester 2 of 2020-21, your School will contact you with further guidance. If you have any questions, please contact your School Placement Co-ordinator or Erasmus Programme Director.

• I would like to undertake an optional international study or work placement in Semester 2- Can I travel?

  No. International travel for study or work placements will only be considered where the placement is essential to your course of study. We define this as an international placement that is compulsory and integral to the course of study only.

• Will I be covered by the University's insurance if travelling for essential study or work placement?

  The University’s insurance provider, UMAL, has advised that Travel and Emergency Medical cover will be available for University-authorised essential travel. However, as COVID-19 is an ongoing event, while medical cover will be provided, there will be no cover for any COVID-related cancellation or disruption.  Further details are available on the Queen’s Insurance website.

  To help support and keep our students safe while on essential study or work placements, the University has set aside a Contingency Fund from which students on essential study or work placement can receive emergency support in the event that they need repatriation at short notice. 

  For further information, please contact supportfund@qub.ac.uk, putting 'URGENT COVID-19 Emergency Travel' in the Subject line.

• Do I need a visa to study or work in Europe post- Brexit?

  The UK left the European Union on 31 January 2020 and is now in a transition period, while the UK and EU negotiate additional arrangements. The transition period is currently scheduled to end on 31 December 2020. The current rules on travel to the EU continue to apply during the transition period but new rules will come into effect from 1 January 2021.
  
  Living and studying in an EU country depends on the rules in that country. You may need to register or apply for residency. You should also check the rules on healthcare. Information on the requirements for your host country are available on the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) website on Living in Europe  and their detailed information for each country.

• I have a compulsory international placement as part of my degree programme. How will I meet the academic requirements if the placement cannot go ahead?

  If you have a compulsory placement as part of your degree, the University will put in place alternative arrangements to allow you to meet the requirements of your degree programme. The details of these arrangements will vary from programme to programme, and will be communicated to you directly by your School in the event that your placement is cancelled.

• Who should I contact if I still have questions about my 2020-21 international placement?

  You should contact the Placement Co-ordinator or Erasmus Programme Director in your School in the first instance.  You can also contact the Global Opportunities Team at erasmus@qub.ac.uk.  Please be aware that we are receiving a high volume of emails and will be prioritising emails from students in need of urgent assistance. We thank you in advance for your understanding and patience.