More than 40,000 students, learners and pupils are set to experience study and work around the world during the 2021 to 2022 academic year after almost £100 million of funding was approved in the inaugural Turing Scheme call for proposals.
A total of 363 applications from universities, schools and further education and training providers across the United Kingdom were approved from 412 applications received by the Turing Scheme Delivery Partner, a consortium of the British Council and Ecorys UK.
As part of the new global scheme, Canada, Japan and the United States are among more than 150 international destinations where UK participants will be funded to take up placements – with 48% of places going to those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Jane Racz, Delivery Partner Director, said: “As the Delivery Partner for the Turing Scheme, the British Council and Ecorys UK are delighted to see the successful uptake of the programme.
“We are particularly pleased to see so many schools, colleges and universities successfully applying for funding to support disadvantaged students, who will be able to reap the rewards an international experience offers.
“British Council country teams have also been working hard to promote the scheme overseas and help UK institutions to develop potentially life-changing mobility opportunities for their students. These results clearly demonstrate a strong appetite to study and work across the globe from students, learners and pupils in the UK.”
The Turing Scheme gives participants the opportunity to benefit from working and studying abroad, while boosting the UK education sector’s ties with international partners in the process. It also aims to improve social mobility across the UK by targeting areas which had seen lower uptake up of other mobility programmes.
Universities Minister Michelle Donelan said: “Our schools, colleges and universities have worked tirelessly to make this programme a success, and I am grateful to them and their global partners who have truly embraced this opportunity for international collaboration.
“I look forward to seeing the innovation and expertise our students, pupils and vocational learners bring back to this country from their journeys to every corner of the globe – from Canada to Japan, and Australia to the United States.”
Vivienne Stern, Director, Universities UK International, said: “The Turing Scheme will create opportunities for thousands of students from all over the country to gain experience working and studying abroad.”
David Hughes, Chief Executive, Association of Colleges, said: “It’s encouraging to see colleges taking up all that Turing can offer – including colleges that are newer to international partnerships – exploring exchanges across a broad range of countries.
“Student mobility will be crucial post-pandemic as the world reopens and learners from all backgrounds access their chance to develop technical and personal skills, build their confidence and experience other cultures.”
More details can be found on our Funding Results webpage.
