This page contains information for students due to go on an international study or work placement (e.g. Erasmus) in 2021-22/ 2022-23. Students are asked to regularly review the FAQs in this website and also the University’s “Information for Students” COVID website.
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Can students travel for an international 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.
For the 2021-22 and 2022-23 academic years, both compulsory and optional study and work placements, which will be undertaken as part of a student’s degree programme, will be defined as essential travel.
Students who plan to undertake an international placement which meets the above criteria, and who wish to seek approval to travel, will be required to complete a Student International Travel Risk Assessment form which will go forward to the Student International Travel Working Group for approval.
You must not travel before receiving formal approval from the University to do so.
All international placements will be subject to the following conditions:
- satisfactory completion of a Student International Travel Risk Assessment form, placement activity approval by your School and travel approval by the Student International Travel Working Group;
- acceptance by your host organisation for in-person or blended placement activity;
- the borders of your host country being open on the placement commencement date;
- fulfilment of any visa or other entry requirements of your host country;
- the University will continue to monitor the Covid pandemic and restrictions and permission to travel may be revoked if government advice changes.
If you are due to travel abroad on an international study or work placement in 2021-22 or 2022-23, your School will contact you with further guidance. If you have any questions, please contact your School Placement Co-ordinator or Erasmus Programme Director.
- When should I submit my risk assessment form and when will I receive a decision?
Please see the timelines in the table below.
Type of Placement
Submission Period
Decision to Student*
Study Placements due to commence August / September / October 2022
1 – 21 March 2022
w/c 11 April 2022
Work Placements due to commence June / July 2022
1 – 21 March 2022
w/c 11 April 2022
Work Placements due to commence August / September / October 2022
28 March – 25 April 2022
w/c 16 May 2022
* Please note that the processing time may be longer in some cases, if additional information or review is required.
- I have missed the submission period outlined above. What should I do?
Please email the Global Opportunities Team for guidance at goglobal@qub.ac.uk.
- My international placement will take place in Semester 2 of 2022-23. When should I submit my risk assessment form?
The University will review the requirements for Semester 2 placements in September 2022. Please await further guidance from your School.
- I want to travel abroad for a conference. Should I submit the online risk assessment form?
There is a different approval process for travel to international conferences. Please consult your supervisor or School office for guidance.
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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 placements 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 the transition period ended on 31 December 2020.
New rules on travel to the EU came into effect from 1 January 2021 for UK nationals. Living, studying and working in an EU country depends on the rules in that country. You will probably need to apply for a visa or residency, especially if your visit will be for a duration of more than 90 days. You should also checked the validity of your passport, as it should normally be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned return date.
General information on the immigration 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. Information about healthcare is also available there.
For specific guidance on applying for a visa for your host country, you should consult the website of the Consulate or Embassy of your host country in the UK, for example the French Consulate (London) or the Spanish Consulate (Edinburgh). You should be aware that, for some countries, your visa application must be made in person at an application centre in Scotland or England, or you may be required to attend an interview or biometric testing as part of the application process. There may also be the requirement to submit supporting documents which are translated into the language of your host country.
Holders of an Irish or other EU passport may continue to move and reside freely within the European Union.
Nationals of other non-EU countries may require a visa to live, study or work in the EU.
- Who should I contact if I still have questions about my 2021-22 or 2022-23 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 goglobal@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.