Turing Scheme Funding | The University of Sunderland

Published on 4, November, 2025

Woman standing — University of Sunderland Medicine graduate, Zara Bashir

The University of Sunderland has been awarded more than £153,000 to support its students in pursuing life-changing study and work experiences abroad.

Following a successful bid to the Turing Scheme – the UK government's international mobility programme funded through the Department for Education – the University will use the funding to support students from all academic areas, including medicine, tourism, education, and numerous other programmes, to undertake overseas placements during the 2025/26 academic year.

Sir David Bell, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University of Sunderland, said: “We are delighted to have received substantial funding from the Turing Scheme to enable our students to benefit from overseas study and work opportunities.

“Such experiences will enhance our students’ life and career prospects, as well as providing them with invaluable experience in our increasingly interconnected world.”

The award builds on the University's outstanding track record with the Turing Scheme. During the 2024/25 academic year, the institution supported over 70 students across nearly 100 international placements, ensuring that these opportunities reached students from widening participation and disadvantaged backgrounds.

Zara Bashir, a recent Medicine graduate from the University, said: “Thanks to the Turing Scheme, I was able to travel to Qatar and the Maldives for my medical elective, something I never would have been able to do on my own. It gave me the chance to experience healthcare in completely different settings while also exploring new cultures. I’m so grateful for this unforgettable opportunity.”

The Turing Scheme funding is available to all students at the University of Sunderland in both the Sunderland and London campuses and across all disciplines and degree levels. The funding supports placements lasting between 14 days and 12 months.

The University's approach particularly prioritises students from under-represented backgrounds, including care-experienced students, those with caring responsibilities, mature students, and students from lower income households.

About the Turing Scheme

Established by the UK Government, the Turing Scheme provides funding for education providers across the UK to support student mobility worldwide. The scheme aims to increase access to international opportunities, particularly for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, while developing the skills and global perspective essential for modern careers.

The University of Sunderland's Study Abroad team will coordinate the programme, working closely with students to provide comprehensive support throughout their international experience.

Students interested in applying for Turing Scheme funding should contact the Study Abroad Team at study.abroad@sunderland.ac.uk or click here for more information about eligibility and application procedures.