University of Kent (Canterbury, England)

Mount Holyoke generally may nominate one student each year for our reciprocal exchange with the University of Kent.  The exchange is open only to students receiving need-based financial aid at Mount Holyoke; students selected for the exchange are guaranteed Laurel Fellowships.  Students who are receiving little or no need-based financial aid are welcome to apply to Kent as study abroad students rather than exchange students.

University of Kent

• Chartered in 1965, as part of a large-scale expansion of the higher education system in the 1960s
• Approximately 16,000 students (20% international students, more than 110 nationalities)
• Comprehensive university offering a wide range of courses in the humanities, sciences, and social sciences
• Main campus of 300 acres is located just over a mile from the center of Canterbury (20 minutes walk, with regular bus service)
• Wide range of student activities, societies, and events

City of Canterbury

• Located in the southeast of England
• Population about 45,000
• One of England’s most famous ancient cathedral cities
• Lively mix of the ancient and modern, with historic sites, shops, theatre, cinema, etc.

Academic Program

• Two semesters of about 12 weeks each (late September to early January, and early January to early June)
• Many courses offered for the full academic year, but some offered for one semester
• Exchange students must study at Kent for the full academic year (students who wish to study abroad for one semester may apply for Laurel Fellowships for the fall or spring program as study abroad [non-exchange] students)
• Students enroll directly into courses offered by Kent to its degree-seeking students
• Exchange students may register for courses in any combination of subjects
• Normal courseload for a full academic year is 120 credits (which transfers as 32 MHC credits)

Living Arrangements

• Guaranteed housing on campus in one of Kent’s undergraduate residential colleges or in a self-catering apartment

Exchange Requirements

• Minimum GPA of 3.0
• Must have completed sophomore year (or at least three semesters, for spring entrants) prior to enrolling at Kent
• Must be eligible for need-based financial aid at Mount Holyoke

Financial Arrangements

• Exchange student pays MHC tuition, room, and board; Kent waives its tuition and room charges
• Kent will provide a stipend to cover the cost of meals not included in the meal plan (for students who live in a residential college), or the purchase of food (for students who live in self-catering accommodations)
• Laurel Fellowship guaranteed (though number of exchange slots is limited)
• Financial aid award will be based on total budget, including MHC tuition, room and board; MHC study abroad fee; and allowances toward books, personal expenses, and round-trip airfare

Study at Kent for Study Abroad (Non-Exchange) Students

• Financial aid recipients who wish to study abroad for less than a year may apply for Laurel Fellowships for direct enrollment as study abroad (non-exchange) students for the fall or spring semester 
• Students receiving little or no need-based financial aid at Mount Holyoke should apply to Kent as study abroad students, either directly or through the IFSA/Butler program 
• Study abroad applicants should follow general procedures and deadlines for study abroad
• Study abroad students will be billed directly by Kent or their program sponsor for the (lower) overseas or program tuition and fees, rather than MHC tuition

How to Apply for the Exchange

• Submit Mount Holyoke’s Request to Study Abroad and Laurel Fellowship application according to the instructions on the Deadlines web page; applications are ordinarily due early in December
• Students will be notified by early February whether they have been selected for the exchange
• Exchange nominee will complete Kent’s application for admission and submit it to the McCulloch Center in March, for forwarding to Kent; students must also be accepted by Kent