The Turing Scheme 2026 to 2027
The Turing Scheme offers education providers the opportunity to apply for funding to support students with study and work placements globally. It is open to organisations in the UK and British overseas territories from across the education and training sector, including: • schools • further education providers • higher education providers The funding is a contribution towards international placements, to support students’ studies and future careers by enhancing transferrable skills, while widening opportunity and driving value for money. The budget for the 2026 to 2027 academic year is still to be confirmed. Final amounts of funding allocated will be subject to budgets being confirmed, along with quality of applications, overall demand to the scheme and allocation principles.
- Opening date: (Midday)
- Closing date:
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Summary
The Turing Scheme offers education providers the opportunity to apply for funding to support their students with study and work placements around the world.
Funding is open to organisations in the UK and British overseas territories from across the education and training sector, including:
schools
further education (FE) providers
higher education (HE) providers
The funding is a contribution towards the costs of international placements, to support students’ studies and future careers by enhancing their transferrable skills, while widening opportunity and driving value for money.
For the 2026 to 2027 academic year, projects funded by the scheme should meet the aims of:
enhancing transferable skills for life and careers
widening opportunity
driving value for money
Turing Scheme funding is a contribution towards the costs of international educational placements. In most cases, it is provided on a per-student basis.
Funding is available for:
· travel costs for one return journey between the UK or British overseas territory the provider is in and the destination the placement takes place in, including transfers
· contributions to living costs
· organisational support
· passports, visa application fees, vaccines, medical certificates and travel insurance for disadvantaged students (known as readiness to travel funding)
· language learning for students on FE placements
· specialist support for students with SEND – including students with additional learning needs (ALN) in Wales and additional support needs (ASN) in Scotland
· staff accompanying students on school and FE placements
Different funding amounts are available depending on:
· whether a student is at school, in FE or HE
· whether a student is from a disadvantaged background, or has special educational or additional needs or a disability
· where the student intends to travel
· how long the placement is expected to last
Travel funding is provided at a set rate for each destination country or territory.
You can only use Turing Scheme funding within the rules set out in Turing Scheme guidance.
Funding awarded for the 2026 to 2027 academic year can only be used within that academic year and you must return any unused funds to the Department for Education. Funds cannot be rolled over to the next academic year.
The budget for the 2026 to 2027 academic year is still to be confirmed. Final amounts of funding allocated will be subject to budgets being confirmed, along with quality of applications, overall demand to the scheme and allocation principles.
Eligibility
Schools, FE and HE providers are eligible to apply for Turing Scheme funding if they are:
registered or recognised in the UK or British overseas territories
responsible for delivering education or training to the students going on placements
In accordance with HM Treasury’s guidance on managing public money and the Government Functional Standard for grants, applicants must be financially viable and have the delivery capability to be approved for Turing Scheme funds. Turing Scheme funds cannot be used towards the activities of Confucius Institutes.
Schools and FE providers may partner with other providers from their sector and apply for funding as a consortium. A limited number of other organisation types may join the consortium if they are acting in the coordinating role.
Objectives
Enhancing transferable skills for life and careers
The Turing Scheme gives students and apprentices the chance to build the skills, confidence and global outlook they need to thrive in study, life and work.
Placements should help learners develop skills like communication, problem-solving and teamwork, alongside intercultural understanding and, where relevant, subject knowledge.
Placements help learners grow in independence, resilience and self-awareness - providing experiences that set them up for future success.
· Widening opportunity
The scheme opens international opportunities to students and apprentices who might not otherwise take part, especially those from disadvantaged and underrepresented backgrounds, and those with special educational or additional needs and disabilities (SEND).
Providers should identify these learners and remove barriers to access, participation and completion of placements.
With additional funding and tailored support for learners from disadvantaged backgrounds and learners with SEND, placements become more inclusive and accessible – helping more learners take part, succeed and benefit.
This helps spread opportunity fairly across the UK and British overseas territories and unlock talent everywhere.
· Driving value for money
The Turing Scheme funds providers to deliver safe, inclusive and high-quality placements that make the most of public funding.
Providers must plan and run well-organised projects with strong oversight, safeguarding and risk management.
Destinations must lead to strong outcomes and strengthen international partnerships. Providers must also consider environmental impact and offer strong value for the cost.
Funding must be used efficiently, without compromising safety, wellbeing or inclusion.
The impact on students must be effectively measured, including for priority groups, and shared to improve delivery and inform wider sector learning.
· Supporting other government priorities
The Turing Scheme is part of our long-term ambition to support student international mobility.
Projects funded by the scheme should:
· encourage international engagement and new relationships
· enhance existing partnerships
· help forge new relationships for the UK
Dates
The application window will open at 12pm noon on Monday 26 January. The deadline for applications will be 4pm on Monday 16 March.
How to apply
The application window portal and supporting guidance is available at:
Turing Scheme: apply for funding for international placements - GOV.UK