Information for students
In this section:
- What is an Overseas Sitting?
- Eligibility Criteria
- Overseas Test Centres
- How to apply to sit examinations overseas
- Fees
What is an Overseas Sitting?
As part of their studies, students will be required to complete assessments during the academic year, which include centrally-managed examinations during the assessment periods. The next assessment period is for Semester One examinations; beginning on Monday 5th January 2026 and finishing on Friday 23rd January 2026. Some of these examinations must take place in person and on campus.
Eligibility Criteria
Students who wish to sit examinations at an overseas test centre during the Semester One assessment period must either:
- have a permanent address outside the UK confirmed on their student record and are externally repeating during Semester One, or
- are on an inbound Study Abroad course and are required to return to their home University over the Christmas break – this is only applicable for Semester One exams that take place in January.
It is only possible to sit overseas written and multiple-choice questionnaire exams that are completed using hardcopy materials. It is not possible to sit computer-based exams or practical assessments away from campus.
The University does not automatically register students to sit exams overseas. Therefore, you must follow the guidance below before completing an application form if you wish to sit your examinations in an overseas location.
Overseas Test Centres
It is your responsibility to find a suitable test centre and ensure they can comply with the University’s regulations. Failure to do this means we cannot make arrangements for you. You must contact and receive confirmation from your chosen test centre that they can host you before you complete the Overseas Sittings Application form.
We strongly recommend that you select a British Council office as your chosen test centre. British Council have hosted University exams in many of their offices around the world for many years and are therefore familiar with the University’s examination procedures. You can find your local British Council office here.
If you do not have a British Council office available within your home country or that is suitable (e.g. within a reasonable travelling distance from your home) then you will need to secure an alternative provided. Local universities and colleges may offer this facility.
Note that students sitting overseas as part of an exchange programme, will normally be required to sit all exams at their “home institution” and arrangements for this should be made through the Study Abroad Team within the University of Liverpool.
If you repeating without attendance and wish to return to the University to sit your exams on-campus, then you must email examsenq@liverpool.ac.uk who will provide you with a Visitor Visa Letter that will permit entry into the UK for the resit examination period.
How to apply to sit examinations overseas
Please download and complete the Overseas Sittings Application Form. It must be emailed to examsenq@liverpool.ac.uk with the application form attached as a word document, by the deadline of 5:00pm UK time on Monday 24th November 2025.
Any applications received after the deadline will not be accepted, and will be advised to make arrangements to return to the University in order to take examinations.
Please do not send multiple forms or emails to the Examinations, Assessments and Awards team. When you submit your application form you will receive a reply to acknowledge receipt along with an INC reference number. The Examinations, Assessments and Awards team will respond to your application to confirm if your application can be accepted as soon as possible, after the deadline.
Fees
You will be responsible for all fees charged by your chosen test centre. You will likely need to pay the test centre fees upfront so you must be absolutely certain of your choice to sit your examinations at the test centre before proceeding. You will need to pay the test centre fees before sittings your examinations – failure to do so could mean your test centre cannot host your exam.
The University of Liverpool fee for sending your papers to the test centre is £60. You will receive an invoice from the University following the exam period for this fee.
If you cancel or fail to attend your exam at your Test Centre you will still be liable for any administrative charges. Liability for any charges from the Test Centre are separate and will not be covered by the University.
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