When you apply to Bristol Abroad, you can list up to 5 universities where you can study your subject in English. You will need to list the universities in order of preference. We will aim to offer you one of your 5 choices. We can't guarantee you a specific destination as places are limited.  

Year abroad place allocations

For students applying to study abroad in 2024/25, we allocate year abroad study places based on first-year grades, and engagement points.

We compare first-year average grades of all students in the academic department; the higher your average in relation to your department’s average, the higher priority you are given in the allocation process. 

You can increase your priority by earning engagement points.

Semester abroad place allocations

For 2024/25, we review all applications to study abroad for a semester and rank them based on how many points you score. You can earn:

• motivation points for your answers to motivation questions on the online application form (up to 70 points)
• engagement points by engaging with our online sessions and Study Abroad Forum (up to 20 points).

You can earn a maximum of 100 points. 

Motivation points

Semester abroad students can gain motivation points for their answers to the motivation questions on the application form:

• What do you hope to gain from studying abroad? (up to 20 points)
• Why have you chosen the universities abroad noted in your application? (up to 30 points)
• Describe a time you felt outside of your comfort zone. (up to 20 points)

Engagement points

Both year and semester abroad applicants can earn engagement points by taking part in our activities, and demonstrating commitment and understanding of the overall study abroad preparation and experience.

You will find our online info sessions and destination guides on the Bristol Abroad Blackboard. 

Live information sessions: up to 10 points

• Applying and choosing your destinations, 12pm to 1pm, Monday 16 October 2023 (5 points)
• Fees, funding and budgeting, 2pm to 3pm, Monday 16 October 2023 (5 points)

These information sessions will be live, if you are unable to attend you must watch the videos in full before the application deadline to be allocated the points. The recordings will be uploaded to the Bristol Abroad Blackboard page after the event date.

Study abroad forums (in-person): up to 10 points

Attend one of our in-person Study Abroad Forums to listen to a panel of students who have recently returned from studying abroad, find out more about your potential destinations and ask the questions that matter to you.

After the student panel and Q&A session there will be an opportunity to chat to students who have returned from studying abroad and the Bristol Abroad team. 

Please note that these are not drop in events and it is important you arrive on time to ensure you hear the student panel. 

All Study Abroad Forums will be held in the Global Lounge, 1st floor in Senate House. You must attend one forum, there is no need to attend more than one forum.

• 10am to 12pm (UK time), Tuesday 17 October
• 2pm to 4pm (UK time) Tuesday 17 October
• 10am to 12pm (UK time), Thursday 19 October
• 2pm to 4pm (UK time), Thursday 19 October

Other contributing factors 

When we consider your application, we also speak with your Study Abroad Academic Director and study abroad support staff within your department. Your attendance and engagement with your academic department may also be considered. 

We do not allocate places on a first come, first served basis. We reserve the right to make small adjustments to the allocation process, to maximise the number of Study Abroad spaces offered to students.

We cannot consider applications received after the deadline.