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 take part of your education 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 courses credited 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. during your exchange to the host university, and your total study time will generally not exceed the planned duration, provided that your credit transfer is approved.
Tuition fees: 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, course catalogues and application instructions from the host university's webpages.
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 or Erasmus coordinator.
When can I go on exchange during my studies?
It is often easiest to go abroad during a time in your study program where you can take elective courses. Take a look at your course schedule at the student web, you can contact a study counsellor if you need help to understand your study plan. Also make sure to participate in the course information meetings arranged by your educator each semester. You can also contact your program director of studies to determine the best time for you in your program. You can find the contact information for your programme director of studies on the program page on the student web.
Where can I go?
Exchange studies within Europe often come with the opportunity to receive a scholarship. As an SLU student, you can go on an exchange through Erasmus+ to study or complete an internship at a European university for a period of 2–12 months. You may participate for up to 12 months at each level of study – bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral.
Through Erasmus+, outgoing students can also apply for additional support for disabilities and support for students with children. Special regulations apply to exchange studies through Erasmus+ in the United Kingdom. You can find more information on the Erasmus+ webpage.
SLU has exchange agreements with many universities around the world. Through these partnerships, you as a student have the opportunity to study abroad as part of your degree.
In Moveon, SLU’s portal for exchange opportunities, you can see where you can go on exchange.
Want to study abroad but cannot find a partner university of the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences 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 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 any 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, your 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 certified 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.
Be careful with your application. 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 (including Switzerland, Norway and Iceland), you do not need a visa or residence permit. It is however recommended that you register with the local authorities upon your arrival if you will stay for more than 3 months. You must have a valid passport.
For some countries outside of 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, and will likely require some documents from them. 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 familiarize 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 are responsible to cover all visa costs yourself.
If you have a residence permit for studies in Sweden and are going on an 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 (called Student OUT) from Kammarkollegiet. It is valid starting two weeks before the term start, 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 should have extra travel insurance.
Students going on exchange to the USA or Canada may be required to pay for an extra insurance through the host university. You can loan money from CSN to cover this cost.
If you are an EU citizen and go on exchange within Europe, you should also have the blue EU health insurance card. Swedish citizens can get this card from Försäkringskassan; citizens of other EU countries should turn to the national healthcare or welfare agency in your home country.
Student finance from the Swedish Board of Student Finance (CSN)
You can apply for student finance from The Swedish Board of Student Finance (CSN) for your exchange studies if you are normally eligible for CSN. In addition, if you choose to study at a university in Europe with which SLU has an agreement, you are eligible for a scholarship automatically.
