ISEP - Opening the way to Study Abroad!

The International Student Experience Programme (ISEP) is an affordable exchange programme that gives Ulster students the opportunity to study in one of over 300 institutions worldwide spanning over 50 countries.

As part of the programme, students will pay a fixed fee to Ulster and this will cover accommodation and meals at the host institution.

Students will receive access to authentic local experiences, high quality academic opportunities and cultivate global skills needed for future employability.

Where can you study?

Where can you study?

Through ISEP, students have the option to choose from a range of up to 10 institutions in global destinations spanning Africa, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, Latin America, and the USA!

Is ISEP for me?

  • Would you like to study abroad in the country of your choice!
  • You have a genuine interest in studying abroad!
  • You would like the comfort of knowing accommodation and food is taken care of when you arrive at your host University!
USA

USA

Did you know the most popular destination for students is the U.S.A!

Students have the opportunity to experience the vibrant seasons of the Northeast, engage in the rich customs, music, and cuisines of the South, appreciate the spectacular plains, lakes, and mountains of the Midwest, or explore the stunning national parks and beautiful coastlines of the West.

View the Opportunities in the USA
Africa & The Middle East

Africa & The Middle East

Contemplate a distinctive and transformative experience abroad in this expansive region, encompassing modern metropolises and untouched wilderness.

Study in Botswana

Study in Morocco

Study in South Africa

Study in the United Arab Emirates

Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific

Immerse yourself at the crossroads of tradition and modernity in Asia, the world's largest and most populous continent. Alternatively, explore iconic cities, breathtaking landscapes, and top-notch education in the Pacific region.

View the Opportunities in the Asia-Pacific
Latin America

Latin America

Explore breathtaking natural landscapes, including grasslands, mountains, rainforests, volcanoes, and islands, while immersing yourself in the vibrant Latin culture of countries filled with energy and spirit.

View the Opportunities in the Latin America

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION

  • Eligibility

    You must meet ALL of the following criteria:

    • You should be registered on a course that allows for a semester or a year abroad (if you are unsure please check with your course director)
    • You are a registered full time second year student when applying for a place on the programme for the following year
    • You are in good academic standing
    • You must have approval from your course director who will be required to complete a Study Abroad Release Form. You will also need to submit your academic contact details as part of your application.
  • Academic Recognition
    • You will receive academic credit that will be transferred from your host institution with a transcript provided.
    • Your Go Global experience will contribute towards your EDGE Award.
  • Costs and Funding

    When you study abroad with ISEP Exchange for the full year, you will be expected to pay the following:

    Your Placement Tuition Fee at Ulster

    Your ISEP programme fee

    • This covers your accommodation at your host institution, as well as a meal plan or equivalent.
    • For *2023/24 the fee was £6,930 for a full academic year (contact goglobal@ulster.ac.uk for Semester only rate)
    • It can be paid in 1 lump sum at the start of the academic year or in 3 instalments (September, January, April).
    • This fee is paid by yourself directly to Ulster; it cannot be paid via student finance. If you are in receipt of a maintenance grant  you may use this towards your programme fee.

    The above costs will be outlined in a cost agreement form that students will be required to sign once their place is confirmed. *2024/25 costs are not confirmed as yet.

    Other costs

    You will need to pay for flights, ISEP’s health insurance ($100 per month), visas, and any other costs of living abroad.

    Student Finance NI Travel Grant

    The full-time undergraduate Travel Grant is offered by Student Finance NI is funding to help cover reasonable costs for travel for eligible study related periods abroad.

    It's only available to students on eligible courses, when you give your course information as part of your student finance application, you will be informed if you are eligible for the travel Grant.

    Turing Scheme

    By applying & successfully securing a place on ISEP we will attempt to secure funding for your 2024/25 year abroad.

  • How to Apply
    • Consult with your course director and find out if your course allows for a semester or year abroad.
    • Once the above is confirmed, research by your field of study as to where you can study with ISEP.  If you find a number of institutions where you would like to study, you should consider applying and seek approval from your course director.
    • Ask your course director to sign your Study Abroad Release Form and send it to the Global Opportunities Team  and complete our internal application form.
    • Once we receive both forms we will contact you with guidance on how to apply directly to ISEP. 
    • You will require an official transcript of your academic results to date.  An electronic version from your  Exams office will be accepted and a copy of your passport. These documents will be uploaded to the ISEP portal as part of your application.

    Deadline for applications

    Semester 1 and Full Year for 2024/25 - 1 March 2024

    Semester 2  2024/25 - 15 September 2024

  • Selection Process

    ISEP work on a matching basis. You should pick between 3 and 10 universities you'd like to study abroad at before the deadline.

    Students are placed on ISEP Exchange programs using an algorithm that helps the ISEP team place as many students as possible on a program they list on their application.

    While there are also some manual adjustments to their placements to accommodate for academic fit, students are placed on programs based on available exchange space and the ranking order of the programs on their application.

    ISEP does not show preference for merit factors (such as GPA) when placing students so every student that meets the minimum requirements for the program is considered equally.

    When making placements, the ISEP team begins at the top of your program list trying to find you a placement and works their way down your list until they can make a successful match.

    This means that you are not guaranteed to be placed at one of your top choices, so please remember to consider this when choosing your list of preferred universities.

  • Application Guidance

Contact the Global Opportunities Team