Butex scholarship: Requirements, eligibility, and how to apply
A quick guide to the Butex scholarship, from who can apply, and what it offers, to how to submit a winning application.
Studying abroad isn’t just about hopping on a plane, right? It’s so much more. It’s about discovering a new culture, new people, new ideas, new challenges… and stepping into a new version of yourself. But let’s be honest: Getting there takes resources.
That’s why the Butex scholarship exists. Every year, Butex helps students transform their academic journey through international exchanges, summer schools, internships, and work placements. Their Sustainability Abroad Scholarship goes a step further by supporting students who want to explore the world responsibly and rethink the way we learn, travel, and connect across cultures.
If you’re ready to take your education abroad, this guide breaks down exactly how Butex scholarship works, who qualifies, and how you can apply.
What is Butex?
The Butex scholarship (British Universities Transnational Exchange) is one of the most trusted funding opportunities for students who want to take their education abroad for a semester or a full academic year. It exists with a simple purpose—to support international student mobility and encourage meaningful global academic exchange. A few things to know:
Who manages Butex?
It’s run by Butex, a membership organization made up of UK universities and international partners dedicated to promoting study abroad programs. It’s a community-driven, collaborative group focused on supporting student mobility and strengthening global connections.
What’s the goal of Butex scholarship?
Butex wants more students to experience life and learning in another country. The idea is that global experiences make better thinkers, better professionals, and honestly, more interesting humans.
How long is the scholarship for?
You qualify if you’re studying abroad for one semester or a full academic year.
How does the Butex scholarship work?
If selected, you receive a £600 financial award, paid directly to you once you’ve officially started your exchange program. This scholarship doesn’t cover your full tuition, but the amount does help with costs like flights, visa fees, housing deposits, or that first grocery haul when you land.
Eligibility criteria: Who can apply for Butex?
The Butex scholarship is refreshingly straightforward. If you’re an undergraduate student taking part in an approved study abroad, exchange, summer school, or international work placement, you may qualify.
Here’s what the Butex scholarship requires:
- You must be an undergraduate student at Butex Full Member institution, whether you are an incoming or outgoing study abroad student.
- You must be enrolled in your undergraduate program and remain an undergraduate during the application and award period.
- Your program must take place within the calendar year of your application.
- Your study abroad/exchange program must be one semester or a full academic year. Summer school / work / internship / traineeship must be overseas; length can vary.
- Graduates cannot apply.

How to apply for Butex?
Applying for the Butex scholarship is not complicated, but your application needs personality, authenticity, and clarity. Here’s how to do it step-by-step.
Step 1 – Confirm your university is a Butex member. Check the list of participating universities. If your home or host institution is a member, you’re good to go.
Step 2 – Complete your study abroad application procedure. You must already be accepted (or nominated) for your semester or year abroad.
Step 3 – Prepare your Butex application. This usually includes:
- A short written statement or creative piece explaining your motivation, personal story, and why studying abroad matters to you.
- Details about your program, dates, and location.
- Your contact and university information.
Pro tip — use your statement to show genuine excitement, curiosity, and personal growth, not just academic goals.
Step 4 – Submit before the deadline. Butex typically opens applications early in the year, with deadlines around mid-June, depending on the cycle.
Step 5 – Wait for the selection results. Winners are contacted once the review period ends and usually receive funds after they officially begin their study abroad.
What is the value of Butex?
The Butex scholarship is worth £600, paid directly to you. You can use it on anything related to your exchange. You can use the funds for accommodation deposits, local transportation passes, books or class materials, health insurance, groceries and essentials, or even for a weekend trip in your new city. The amount could also possibly cover your flights, and visa fees. But, know that you get the money after you’ve arrived and officially enrolled at your host university.
We love that Butex is flexible. They don’t micromanage your spending because they trust you’ll put it toward making your exchange smoother.

Which are the universities associated with Butex?
Butex has a strong network of UK universities plus international partners from around the world.
Some well-known members include:
- University of Glasgow
- University of Leeds
- University of Manchester
- Kingston University
- University of Warwick
- University of Nottingham
- University of Birmingham
- University of Strathclyde
- University of Edinburgh
And many more. The list changes occasionally, but the network is wide, meaning if you’re studying in the UK or going from the UK to popular destinations like Canada, the U.S., Europe, Hong Kong, or Australia, there’s a good chance your university is on it.
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Why the Butex scholarship matters
You know how expensive studying abroad can be. And while the Butex scholarship doesn’t eliminate every cost, it does something more meaningful—it gives you momentum. A financial push, a sense that someone genuinely believes in your journey. Whether it goes toward your first week of meals or toward partial payment of fees, £600 makes a real contribution when you’re moving across the world. And beyond the money, winning a scholarship like Butex looks great on your CV! It shows future employers you’re someone who pursues global opportunities, takes initiative, and isn’t afraid of new experiences. So if that sounds like you, we recommend applying for the scholarship.
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