The Turing Scheme is the latest incarnation of the Erasmus+ program, the European Commission’s flagship study abroad and mobility program.

Through the Turing Scheme, schools, universities and colleges can apply for funding and to give students the chance to take part in work placements and study-abroad programmes across the world.

If you’re new to the Turing Scheme and how it all works, this article will cover the main information you need to know.

What is the UK Turing Scheme?

The Turing Scheme helps UK’s schools, colleges and universities work to promote student mobility and strengthen links with international institutions. It’s a funding programme that has been created to replace the Erasmus+ scheme, as the UK is no longer in the European Union.

Schools, universities and colleges can participate in the Turing Scheme to get funding for their pupils’ work and study abroad programmes. Successful Turing Scheme applicants will receive grants to cover travel expenses, living costs and administrative costs for students.

This will mean more students get the chance to learn about foreign cultures, improve their language skills, work in different countries and gain valuable employability skills which are crucial for succeeding in a globalized environment.

Turing Scheme applications must be made by institutions and not individuals, e.g. schools and colleges. If the application is approved, you can then invite your students to apply for individual funding through the Turing Scheme. There are also up to 35,000 spaces on the scheme for students in the UK.

Who is eligible for the Turing Scheme?

You must meet certain criteria before you can apply for the UK Turing Scheme. Organisations that are eligible for the Turing Scheme include:

• Higher education (HE) providers e.g. universities.
• Further education (FE) and vocational education and training (VET) providers e.g. sixth form colleges, employers and apprenticeships.
• Schools e.g. primary and secondary schools.

Your organisation must also be registered in the UK or in a British Overseas Territory.

The UK Government has already announced which schools, universities and colleges are taking part in the first year of the scheme. You can find the full list here. However, Turing Scheme applications for 2022/23 years have yet to open.

The Turing Scheme vs Erasmus: What’s the difference?

Whilst the Turing Scheme is replacing the EU’s Erasmus scheme in the UK, there are a few key differences between the two programmes.

1. The Turing Scheme is global, whereas Erasmus is only for countries in the EU (and some selected non-EU countries).
2. The Turing Scheme doesn’t offer placements for teachers, college staff and youth workers, whereas Erasmus does.
3. The UK Turing Scheme offers different amounts of funding based on the duration and destination of the trip. Whereas, the Erasmus scheme offers different amounts based on whether you’re a student, apprentice, trainee or teacher and your destination.

There are also differences between the levels of support each programme offers to students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Under The Turing Scheme, poorer students will get additional funding for travel costs, passport and visa applications, health insurance and more.

Both schemes also offer support to disabled students, but the Turing Scheme will offer additional funding to cover risk assessments to make sure the placement is suitable for the candidates.

The benefits of the Turing Scheme for students

International travel can have a huge impact on student’s personal and professional development. Programmes like the Turing Scheme give students of all backgrounds the chance to study or work abroad and develop a range of skills.

Some additional benefits of the UK Turing Scheme include that students will:

• Gain professional experience in the workplace or study at another institution.
• Enjoy the freedom of travelling abroad and the different opportunities that the world has to offer.
• Improve their language skills by working with pupils from other countries.
• Develop the soft skills employers are looking for, such as resilience, team working and communications.
• Have the opportunity to meet new people, try different foods and experience new cultures first hand.

The benefits of the Turing Scheme for organisations

The UK Turing Scheme provides many advantages for participating organisations, as well as students. These include:

• Building connections with established overseas businesses and educational institutions
• Providing more students with the chance to study or work abroad
• Promotes the transfer and knowledge and research between academic facilities
• Gaining access to a pool of international talent

Book with Diversity Travel through the Turing Scheme

Has your Turing Scheme application been accepted? Are you ready to book your student’s next educational adventure? Get in touch with a member of our team to proceed with the next steps!

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