Degree project abroad

Degree project abroad

As a student at SLU, you have the opportunity to complete your degree project abroad. You can do this either through exchange studies (SMS, Student Mobility for Studies) or as an Erasmus traineeship (SMT, Student Mobility for Traineeships). 

Through exchange studies (SMS)

If you would like to complete your degree project as part of an exchange, you apply through the standard exchange application process and follow the same procedures and deadlines as other exchange students.

Before applying, it is important that you check whether:

• the host university offers a degree project/thesis course;
• the course carries the same number of credits as your degree project at SLU;
• you can find a suitable topic and supervisor at the host university. 

You also need to discuss the arrangement with your programme director of studies at SLU. Together, you need to clarify whether you need to remain registered on a degree project course at SLU during the exchange, or if the credits will be transferred after you return. 

When completing your degree project through SMS, your main supervisor is usually based at the host university, and the presentation and defence of the degree project are normally carried out there.

Erasmus+ and scholarships

If your exchange takes place within the Erasmus+ area, you may also apply for an Erasmus+ scholarship for your exchange period. You may, for example, apply to do your exchange at one of SLU’s partner universities within the ELLS network.

Advantages and things to consider

One of the main advantages of completing your degree project through exchange studies is the opportunity to experience student life abroad and experience a different academic environment.

There are also some things to consider:

• The application round for exchange studies usually only takes place once per academic year, typically in November.
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• Your programme director of studies may not approve examination only at the host university, meaning that you may need to submit, present, and defend your thesis both at the host university and again after returning to SLU. 

For this reason, it is important to plan and keep in close contact with both SLU and the host university throughout the process.

Through an Erasmus traineeship (SMT)

Another option is to complete your degree project abroad as part of a traineeship. You can do this in any country, but in order to receive an Erasmus traineeship grant, the traineeship must take place in one of the countries participating in Erasmus+ (see the exceptions below). The stay may involve, for example, field studies, data collection, or research connected to your degree project (Bachelor’s or Master’s level).

The Erasmus traineeship can, for example, take place at another university, an organisation, or a company. The other university does not have to be an SLU partner university. Please note that you are responsible for arranging both a main supervisor at SLU and a local assistant supervisor in the host country. You and both supervisors must sign a learning agreement stating the dates of your stay and the content of the project.

You must apply for a degree project course at SLU and later be registered on it. If you are based at another university, you should not be registered on a course there. Erasmus regulations do not allow being registered for studies and a traineeship at the same time. You will present and defend your thesis once you return to SLU.

The advantage of this approach is that it is more flexible. Applications for Erasmus traineeships are open most of the year, and you only need to submit a complete application two months before the start of the traineeship. You are not limited to SLU’s partner universities.

• Read more about how to apply for an Erasmus+ traineeship grant on the Internship abroad page. 

Scholarship for fieldwork in low- and middle-income countries

You can also apply for scholarships for fieldwork and thesis projects in certain low- and middle-income countries outside Europe. The scholarship applies to degree project work carried out as part of a traineeship (SMT). Read more on the SLU Global webpage.