What is the Turing Scheme?
The Turing Scheme is a UK government initiative providing funding for students to travel on study placements abroad.
It aims to allow more students to develop new skills, gain international experience, boost their employability, better understand different cultures, improve their language skills (or learn a new language).
The scheme is open to UK schools, colleges, and universities that want to offer their students life-changing international opportunities.
What are the key dates we need to be aware of?
Applications open in the first week of February and need to be in by 17th March 2025.
You must get your application in by that March deadline so your students don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity.
How can Halsbury Travel help with my Turing Scheme application?
We know the application process for the Turing Scheme can seem really complex. But we can help make it straightforward with guidance and tailored support.
We’ll help you design an educational experience that meets the scheme’s requirements.
We’ll provide you with expert advice on the application process and the information you need to include.
And we can provide you with the cost breakdowns you’ll need to include in your funding bid.
Once your funding has been approved, we can supply all the documentation you need.
So, what are you waiting for? Get in touch with us today and let's get the ball rolling.
What’s the application process?
First thing to do is check your organisation meets the Turing Scheme’s eligibility criteria (i.e. is a UK school, college or university planning an applicable educational trip abroad).
Next, you’ll need to prepare your application.
You’ll need to write a project vision that outlines how your proposed trip aligns with the scheme’s aims.
In particular, you should highlight how the placement will enhance students’ skills and contribute to their employability.
You’ll have to demonstrate how you’ll support SEND students and those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
You’ll need to develop a robust delivery plan with detailed timelines, risk management strategies, governance and assurance processes.
Another important thing to highlight in your application is an efficient use of the funding – essentially that your proposal offers value for money.
That may all sound a bit daunting, but we can help with all of this.
Once that’s all done, you’re ready to submit your application.
Turing Scheme FAQs
What will the Turing Scheme cover?
The scheme provides funding towards the cost of travel and contributes towards living costs.
Funding also covers teachers travelling with students to provide the appropriate safeguarding ratio.
How much is the Turing Scheme funding?
Cost of living contributions start at £50 per day for students.
The amount of funding you actually receive will vary between destinations. But if you’re visiting a continental European destination, you’ll typically be awarded a £250 grant.
Are additional Turing Scheme funds available for students from disadvantaged backgrounds or SEND students?
According to the Department for Education, students from disadvantaged backgrounds and SEND students may be eligible for additional funds. You’ll need to provide details on these students in your application.
When will we find out if we’ve been successful with our application?
The Department for Education has advised that they will announce the outcome of applications in June.
If we’re successful, when can we use the funding to travel?
Trips must take place during the 2025/26 academic year (so, between 1st September 2025 and 31st August 2026).
Is there a minimum length of trip that the Turing Scheme funding will support?
Trips must be for 3 days or more to be eligible for Turing Scheme funding.
What type of trips would be suitable for Turing Scheme funding?
Many of the school trips we offer would be suitable for Turing Scheme funding.
Some examples include our language immersion trips (which allow students to develop language through real-world practice in France, Germany and Spain), cultural and historical trips and STEM trips (that give students the chance to visit cutting-edge science and technology hubs worldwide).
Who can apply for the Turing Scheme?
Any school, college or university in the UK can apply for the Turing Scheme. Funding is available for students of all ages and academic levels.
Students themselves cannot apply directly for this funding.
Which countries can we visit with funding from the Turing Scheme?
The Turing Scheme is a fully international scheme allowing groups to travel anywhere in the world (as long as travel advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is followed).
Can we get funding for any school trip?
In short, no. The Turing Scheme is specifically designed to support educational learning overseas (so school trips within the UK won’t be covered).
If you let us know that you’re applying for the Turing Scheme when you enquire about your school trip, we’ll make sure that it fits all the criteria.
What are the assessment criteria for the Turing Scheme?
All applications will be assessed by independent assessors according to the following criteria:
- Project vision (10%)
- You’ll have a maximum of 400 words to summarise your proposal and how it meets the Turing Scheme’s aims.
- Enhancing skills (30%)
- You’ll have up to 1,000 words to explain the expected educational or employability outcomes for students and how you plan to measure the impact.
- Advancing social justice (30%)
- You’ll have another 1,000 words to explain how your organisation will recruit and support students from disadvantaged backgrounds and those with SEND/ALN/ASN.
- Delivery plan (30%)
- Finally, you’ll need to outline a delivery plan that includes:
- A timeline for key activities
- Risk management and mitigation strategies
- Governance and assurance arrangements
- Finally, you’ll need to outline a delivery plan that includes:
You’ll also need to show that your proposal is financially viable and complies with safeguarding requirements in the UK and placement destinations.
What happens if our application is successful?
If your application’s successful, you’ll be notified by email in June.
You’ll then receive a grant funding agreement which outlines all the terms and conditions. You’ll have to sign this before the funds are released.
And then you’ll get more info on payment, reporting and assurance processes.
What happens if our application is unsuccessful?
You will have the opportunity to appeal during the appeals window after results are shared. However, it’s important to note that the appeals process will focus on making sure assessments were in line with the published criteria.
What are the top tips for a successful Turing Scheme application?
Our top tips for making sure your Turing Scheme application is successful are as follows:
- Be thorough – you must make sure you include all the details required and make sure your proposal aligns with the scheme’s aims.
- Show impact – you need to show how your project is going to benefit students, especially SEND students and those from disadvantaged backgrounds, ideally using data where possible.
- Be strategic – you really need to show you have a well thought out, robust delivery plan with very clear timelines and risk management.
- Seek support – we’re very familiar with the requirements of the Turing Scheme and can help you both by making sure your trip meets the criteria for funding and by helping you prepare your application.
How do we get started?
Just ask us for a quote today (remember to tell us you’re planning to apply for the Turing Scheme) or give us a call on 01159 404 303 if you need some more information.