Applications to study abroad must be made online. Before you begin your application please research all partner universities to decide where you wish to study abroad. Please note only those with the 'MU Outgoing Students' partner type beside them are options for you. It is your responsibility to research adequately and decide which university would be most suitable for you. You should consider academics, class options, location, housing options, cost of living, opportunities available etc. when deciding where to go. It is a personal decision for each student. If you wish to find out more about a particular university or be put in contact with a Maynooth student who has studied abroad previously then please email alena.jurikova@nuim.ie
Please note that places at our partner universities are subject to exchange balances, demand and availability. It may not be possible to apply for certain partner universities year-to-year.
To apply, please fill out our Online Expression of Interest Form
- As part of your Expression of Interest form you will be asked to upload the following documents :
- Transcript of Results - most recent copy. You may get a copy of your Transcript from Records Office (ground floor, Humanity House).
- Personal Statement (max 500 words) outlining why you wish to study abroad.
- Consent Form signed by your lead academic coordinator (students doing two languages must get the form signed by both departments and discuss with their international coordinator the requirements they are expected to fulfill while abroad).
List of all international academic coordinators may be found here.
- Please don't worry about finding a scanner, you can take a photo of both the Transcript and the Letter and upload it as part of the online Expression of Interest Form.
Deadline to apply for a University outside of Europe is Friday 27th January 2017.
Places are allocated based on availability (exchange balance) and academic performance.
If you have any issues when completing the online application please email Alena.
CHINESE STUDIES STUDENTS
Students may fill out their Expression of Interest form here. The deadline is 3 February, 2017.
Before You Leave
- The International Office will hold a Pre-Departure Orientation for outgoing students in early May 2017. We will provide you with information you will need as you prepare to travel and after you arrive at your host university.
- It is compulsory that each student going abroad must obtain medical insurance which includes repatriation for the entire study abroad period.
Upon Arrival at your Host University
- Once you arrive at your host university, check in with their International Office and ask them any queries you may have. Also find out when and where you register. They should also be able to give you campus maps and other information.
- Please be aware that you must complete online registration and pay the relevant fee due to Maynooth University while you are studying abroad - failure to do so will result in a late penalty fine. Current Fees & Grant details are available at https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/student-fees-grants OR by email at Fees.office@nuim.ie. If you fail to register with Maynooth University, you will be considered to be a deferred student and your credits earned abroad will not count towards your degree. You will receive an email from Maynooth University Records Office regarding the online registration procedure which is available during September - email Records.office@nuim.ie.
Before You Return to Ireland
- Ensure you have completed all necessary course work (assessments, written or oral exams, etc)
- De-register from the University (if required)
- Ensure all your bills are settled
- Close your foreign bank account if you opened one
- Find out what way will your Transcript of Records be issued
**If you experience any academic problems while abroad, contact your international coordinator in Maynooth immediately. If you are worried about anything be it big or small, please do not hesitate to contact Patty!
Students must ensure that they register for the required number of credits, 30 ECTS per semester, while studying abroad. Generally 0.5 US credits coverts to 1 ECTS credit, therefore students must take 30 US credits in the year. Some Canadian Universities translate as the same, for example 30 credits at Concordia University converts to 60 ECTS, but 0.5 credits at Carleton University converts to 6 ECTS credits. Please contact the International Office for further information on your chosen host university. It is each students' responsibility to ensure that they complete the required number of credits in order to successfully pass the year abroad.
Each student must submit a Transcript of Records from their host university listing all courses completed and credits earned during the study abroad period. The majority of universities send the transcripts directly to us, some send them to students and some universities do not issue transcripts automatically, in which case the student must request their transcript of records to be sent to the International Office at Maynooth University.
An Exam Board sits in October each year to review the transcripts of students who have been abroad. For students on a 4 year degree and must pass the period of study abroad in order to progress into their final year then their transcript must be received in time to be reviewed at the Summer Exam Board.
As of now, students who are in receipt of a grant from SUSI or a local authority can continue to receive this grant when abroad, however they must pass the year abroad in order to receive the grant in the 4th and final year. BSc students who decide to take an additional year making their degree a 5-year BSc International degree can receive this grant for four years only.
You will be required to show a bank statement when applying for a US or Canadian visa. The amount varies depending on the country, area and university but is usually based on the estimated cost of accommodation, insurance and basic living expenses. You can view a general estimates of costs for our partner universities.
Budgeting
It is very important that students save as much money as possible before going abroad as they can't rely on getting a job while studying at their host university. There are visa restrictions about working while studying abroad and you can only work on campus in the US for example. When budgeting for your year abroad, consider the following:
Flights (first and last, Christmas, possibly Easter and emergency)
Medical Insurance
Accommodation + bills for the entire period
Public Transport
Food and Toiletries
Phone + Internet
Clothes
Travelling (e.g. excursions, trips organized by host university...)
Entertainment
PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU VISIT OUR STUDENT BUDGETING ADVICE SERVICE WEBSITE FOR VERY USEFUL INFORMATION ON BUDGETING.
You must complete and send the Learning agreement to your International Coordinators at Maynooth for approval. Any issues with classes and credits will be difficult to resolve if you have not completed the Learning Agreement.
Once your classes at the host university are finalized please download and complete the
Learning Agreement 2017/18
