The University is located in Austin the Texas State Capital, around 3 hours away from Dallas and Houston. Austin experiences long hot summers and short mild winters with plenty of sunshine all year so make sure you pack your sunscreen! The university itself is ranked among the best research universities in the country so you’re guaranteed a high quality learning experience. Students at UTAustin are known as Longhorns and Longhorn spirit and pride runs deep especially on game day. Students frequently sing ‘Texas Fight’, the university’s fight song while displaying the ‘Hook ‘em Horns’ hand gesture-the gesture mimicking the horns of the school’s mascot ‘Bevo’ the Texas Longhorn.
It will not be possible to complete a year abroad at this University if you have any assessments, such as supplementary or deferred exams, during the August assessment period at Swansea University.
Who can study here?
ONLY LAW STUDENTS CAN APPLY FOR A 2026/27 YEAR ABROAD PLACEMENT AT THIS UNIVERSITY
Students from the following subject areas may have the opportunity to study at this university on exchange: American Studies, Biomedical Sciences*, Biosciences*, Chemistry, Early Childhood Studies, Economics, Education, Engineering*, English Language & Linguistics, English Literature, Geography*, History & Classics, Law, Maths, Media*, Philosophy, Physics, Politics & International Relations, Psychology, Sociology, and Sports Science.
*Biomedical Sciences: includes those studying Applied Medical Sciences, Biochemistry, Genetics, Medical Pharmacology, Medical Sciences & Population health, Microbiology & Immunology
*Biosciences: for students studying Biosciences degrees (Biological Sciences, Biology, Marine Biology, Zoology)
*Engineering: for all Engineering students
*Geography: includes Environmental Sciences
*Media: includes those studying Journalism, Film and Visual Culture
Spaces are not guaranteed, can be limited and all students on a year abroad programme are subject to a university-wide, competitive selection process.
Important information
ACADEMIC YEAR: Runs late August to early MaY.
COSTS: The cost of living in Austin will vary depending on your chosen accommodation and your lifestyle. UT Austin estimates living expenses in their exchange programme brochure.
VISA: You will need a J-1 exchange visa and will be required to provide financial evidence and the amount is set by UT Austin but it is likely to be at least $17,080 (likely to increase). https://global.utexas.edu/isss/advising-services/student-exchange-program/prepare-arrival
To apply for a visa, you will need to pay a SEVIS fee of approx $220 plus an application fee of approx $185. In addition, you should factor in the cost of attending a visa interview at the US Embassy (typically in London). More information is available on our webpage.
You must allow enough time to complete the visa application and for your visa to be sent to you. There can be significant delays so please do not leave this until the last minute as you cannot travel to the USA without it. More information is available via our visa and study permit webpage.
ACCOMMODATION: Exchange students attending UT Austin usually choose from three types of housing: co-operative houses (co-ops), private dormitories, and apartments. Space in UT-owned dorms is available, but limited. https://offcampus.utexas.edu/
HEALTH INSURANCE: Exchange students in J-1 status are automatically enrolled in the UT System Student Health Insurance Plan (UTSHIP) upon registration for courses. The cost of UTSHIP will be reflected in your tuition and fee bill. Exchange students do NOT have the option to waive UTSHIP enrollment https://global.utexas.edu/isss/advising-services/insurance/student-plan
USEFUL LINKS:
- Texas Austin Homepage
- Texas Austin Exchange Student Page
- Texas Austin Accommodation
- Texas Austin Support Services
- Areas of Study at UTA and Course Schedules