As an exchange student, you can spend one or two semesters at one of SLU’s partner universities around the world. Our exchange agreements allow you to take courses equivalent to those at SLU, giving you the chance to study in another country.
What are exchange studies?
As an SLU student, you have the opportunity to study abroad through our partnership agreements with universities around the world. These agreements allow you to do part of your studies at a partner university without paying application or tuition fees. At the same time, SLU welcomes exchange students from our partner universities who come here to study in Sweden.
After completing your studies abroad, you can apply to have the credtis transferred towards your degree at SLU. Since the exchange takes place within the framework of an agreement, you do not pay tuition fees to the host university. Your total study time will generally not be longer than planned provided your credit transfer is approved.
As an exchange student, you do not pay tuition fees to the host university. Students who normally pay tuition fees to SLU will continue to pay these during their exchange, but no additional tuition fees will be charged by the host university.
How do I prepare?
Finding a suitable university and courses abroad for your exchange studies requires time and effort. You should be prepared to independently gather information, search course catalogues and read application instructions from the host university's web pages.
Start planning well in advance, prepare a thorough application, and make sure that your chosen courses can be credited towards your degree by discussing your study plan with your programme director of studies or Erasmus coordinator.
When can I go on exchange during my studies?
The easiest time to go abroad is usually during your elective course blocks. We recommend reviewing your course schedule on the student web or contacting a study counsellor if you need help interpreting your study plan. Additionally, attend the semester information meetings and consult your programme director of studies to identify the ideal window for your exchange. You can find contact information for your programme director of studies on the student web programme pages.
Where can I go?
Erasmus+
Erasmus+ enables SLU students to study or complete an internship in Europe and receive a scholarship for the exchange period.
Exchange studies in Europe often provide the opportunity to receive a scholarship. As a student at SLU, you can complete an Erasmus+ exchange and study at a partner university for one semester or an entire academic year. You may participate for up to twelve months at each level of study: Bachelor’s, Master’s and doctoral.
Through Erasmus+, outgoing students can also apply for support for students with disabilities or for students with children. Please note that specific regulations apply to Erasmus+ exchanges in the United Kingdom. Further details are available on the Erasmus+ webpage.
SLU has exchange agreements with many universities outside Europe. These are referred to as bilateral exchange agreements. At these universities, Erasmus+ scholarships are not available. That means you will need to arrange your own funding or apply for external scholarships. If you are eligible for student finance through CSN, it is possible to apply for, for example, additional cost loans for studies abroad.
Want to study abroad but cannot find an SLU partner university that suits you?
If you would still like to study abroad independently, it is important to start planning early. You will need to gather all the necessary information yourself, stay in touch with the host university and relevant authorities, and take care of your own course choices, application, and other practical arrangements.
Here are some key points to consider:
Check if there are tuition fees. Some universities within the European Union do not charge fees for citizens of European Union member states.
Arrange your own visa, accommodation, insurance, and other practical matters.
Contact embassies, consulates, or related institutes for information and advice.
If you plan to apply for Swedish student finance, make sure the university is recognised or under government supervision. You are responsible for finding out whether your studies qualify for student finance and whether your credits can be transferred when you return.
Check entry requirements and language skills. In most cases, upper secondary school certificates must be translated into English. A translation template is available on the website of the Swedish National Agency for Education.
If you need an authorised translation, you can find authorised translators through the Legal, Financial and Administrative Services Agency (Kammarkollegiet). Never send your original certificates.
You can obtain a certificate confirming your eligibility for higher education from the Swedish Council for Higher Education.
Contact the universities directly to request information and application forms. In some countries, applications go through a central admissions system; in others, you apply directly to the university. Procedures may vary even within the same country.
Ensure your application is accurate and complete. Incomplete or late applications are often rejected immediately.
Private agencies sometimes recruit students for universities abroad. They often help with the application process and practical matters free of charge, as they are funded by the universities they represent. However, you will need to pay tuition fees at those universities.
Look for scholarships. You can find scholarship listings online, and some companies offer search services for a fee.
Residence permits and visas
If you are going to study in an EU country (or Switzerland, Norway or Iceland), you do not need a visa or residence permit. However, we recommend that you register with the local authorities upon your arrival if you will be staying for more than 3 months. You must have a valid passport.
For some countries outside Europe, a residence permit or student visa is usually required. You will receive instructions and information from your host university about applying for the visa; this will likely require them to send you some documents. Do not apply for a visa until you receive instructions from your host university.
However, it is smart to check what documents will be required, and to familiarise yourself with the application process by checking the website for the embassy or consulate of the country where you will study. Note that you cannot apply for the visa until you have received your acceptance letter from your host university. You must cover all visa costs yourself.
If you have a residence permit for studies in Sweden and are going on exchange, please note the following:
Your Swedish study permit will not be valid for living and studying in another country.
You will need to apply for a residence permit or visa for the country you are going to.
If you plan to return to Sweden after your exchange to complete your studies, you must reapply for a new Swedish residence permit.
Insurance during your exchange
During your exchange, you are insured through the SLU insurance policy for outgoing exchange students (Student OUT) from Kammarkollegiet. It is valid starting two weeks before the semester starts, and until two weeks after the semester ends. It is only valid in your country of exchange. If you travel to another country during your exchange, you will need additional travel insurance.
Read the full terms and conditions of the Student OUT policy on the Kammarkollegiet website.
Students going on exchange to the USA or Canada may be required to pay for an extra insurance through the host university. If you are eligible for student finance from CSN, you can borrow money to cover this cost.
If you are an EU citizen goinag on exchange within Europe, you should also take your blue EU health insurance card with you. Swedish citizens can get this card from Försäkringskassan; citizens of other EU countries should contact their national healthcare or welfare agency.
Student finance from the Swedish Board of Student Finance (CSN)
Provided you are eligible for Swedish student finance, you can apply for student finance from the Swedish Board of Student Finance (CSN) for your exchange studies. If you choose to study at a university in Europe with which SLU has an agreement, you are automaticallly eligible for a scholarship.
