This page contains information for students due to go on an international study or work placement (eg Erasmus) in 2021-22. 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. The FCDO currently advises against all but essential travel to most countries.
Following a review in April 2021, we have now updated our guidance in relation to the University’s definition of essential travel for study or work placements. For the 2021-22 academic year, 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 over the summer period 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, your School will contact you with further guidance. If you have any questions, please contact your School Placement Co-ordinator or Erasmus Programme Director.
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 have the option to undertake a contingency option (for example, Virtual Year Abroad). Further guidance is available from your School.
- 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.
- 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 2021-22 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.
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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.