FAQs
Frequently asked questions by inbound students.
Key FAQs for incoming exchange students
Application process
- I've been nominated by my home university. When will I receive the application link and instructions?
You will receive the application link, application guide and instructions after the nomination deadline has passed. For September entry, you will receive the application instructions after 1 May. For February entry, you will receive the application instructions after 1 October. If you haven't received an email 2 weeks after the nomination deadline, please email globalopps@sheffield.ac.uk.
- What documents do I need to provide for my application?
You will need to provide an official translated transcript and proof of your English language proficiency (if required). Students requesting Architecture modules will also need to submit a portfolio.
- When can I choose my modules / courses / classes?
You choose you modules as part of the application process. Please refer to our exchange module catalogue for guidance on what is available to you when applying.
- How many credits do I need to study at Sheffield?
The maximum amount of credits you can study for one semester is 60 credits. For students studying with us for a full year, you can take a maximum of 120 credits.
Students can take a minimum of 40 credits for a semester only exchange or 100 credits for a year exchange with permission from their home university.
- What happens if the modules I chose on my application are full or not running?
We ask all students to submit an 'additional module selection form' with back up choices after submitting your online application. If any of your original module choices are rejected by module approvers in the academic schools, the Global Opps team will add one of your back up modules in its place.
- What is the average time period to hear back about an offer after applying?
We aim to contact students about their applications within six weeks of application submission. Incomplete applications may cause delays.
For students who submit a complete application on time, we aim for students to receive a conditional or unconditional offer by mid-July (for September entry) or mid-December (for February entry) so they have enough time to arrange accommodation, visas, and other necessary preparations.
- How do I know which modules are available for exchange students?
When you receive your application instructions, we will also send our module catalogue for that academic year. Please note that not all modules listed in the Directory of Modules are available to exchange students.
- I need detailed syllabi for module / course mapping. How can I get this information?
Please contact globalopps@sheffield.ac.uk with a list of the specific modules you are interested in studying and we can contact the relevant schools for more detailed information.
- Can I change my course or modules?
To change your modules after you have applied but before you have an offer, please email globalopps@sheffield.ac.uk with the changes you required.
After you have received and accepted an offer to study with us, you will only be able to change modules within the first weeks of each semester during what is known as the 'module add/drop period'.
The add/drop period is for students who might later realise a module does not work because of timetable clashes or course mapping issues, enabling them to 'drop' a module from the list of modules you registered for and 'add' a new one in its place. We will provide you with more information on this process nearer the start of each semester.
- When and how can you sign my learning agreement/study plan?
We can sign provisional learning agreements before you arrive once you have all modules approved on your application. All modules are provisional until you have completed registration.
Learning agreements can be signed in person at a Global Opps drop in or you can contact globalopps@sheffield.ac.uk or your Study Abroad Tutor for a signature.
When you arrive
- How do I get my arrival forms signed?
If your home university has asked you to have forms signed at the beginning of the semester, for example a 'Certificate of Arrival', then visit SSiD in our Students' Union for more information.
- I've made changes to my learning agreement during add/drop. How can I get a signature on my new learning agreement?
You can email a PDF learning agreement to globalopps@sheffield.ac.uk, or meet us at an in person event. Your your Study Abroad Tutor may also sign your learning agreement if all your modules are in the same school.
Please note that we cannot currently sign learning agreements sent via the Erasmus Without Papers (EWP) dashboard.
- Can I extend my stay?
If you wish to extend your stay, you should contact globalopps@sheffield.ac.uk and your home university to see if this will be possible.
The deadline for applying for an extension is 1 November for autumn entry (September) and 1 April for spring entry (February) each year.
Where can I find more information about grades and results?
Read more about grades and results, including how to access your transcript, on our website.
Erasmus
Do you offer Erasmus+ traineeships?
There is no central office in the University of Sheffield that administers inbound traineeships (or work placements, as they are more commonly called in the UK). The UK formally left the Erasmus+ Programme on 31 May 2023 so the University of Sheffield cannot currently accept incoming Erasmus+ traineeship students.
Are there Erasmus+ opportunities for staff?
Staff who are interested in undertaking an Erasmus+ teaching or training mobility at the University of Sheffield should contact the school they wish to work in directly. The decision on whether to accept incoming Erasmus+ staff mobilities rests with the individual departments.
What support services can I access?
There is a wealth of support services for all students here at the University of Sheffield. As a fully registered student, you are eligible and more than welcome to access them.