Apply for exchange studies

In order to qualify to go on exchange studies at SLU, you need to:

• have carried out at least one year of full-time study at SLU before going on exchange studies or are admitted to a masters programme*
  
  
• be registered for full time studies at SLU at the time of application. If you have had a break from studying, your absence should be registered in Ladok.
  
  
• have passed at least 75% of the courses on which you have registered. 
  
  
• ensure that your exchange studies will count towards your degree at SLU. You must have had your choice of courses abroad approved in advance by your programme director of studies or similar.

*If you are admitted to a bachelor’s programme but intend to apply for exchange studies during a master’s programme to which you are not yet admitted, you may apply to go abroad no earlier than the spring semester of the first year. It is recommended to go abroad during the second year of a master’s programme.

SLU students usually cope well studying in English and do not experience major language difficulties. All exchange students will receive a document from the Mobility Team that states that their level of English is the minimum equivalent of English B, which is the basic level of English required for entry into SLU.

Universities in Australia and some of the Universities in the United Kingdom require additional proof of English language. Please see information in the exchange database for those universities what documents can be accepted.

Are you planning to study in a language other than English?

If you plan to apply for exchange studies taught in a language other than English, you need to include proof of your language skills in your application.
If you want to study in a country where English is not the main language, keep in mind that courses are often taught in the national language. Many European universities offer more courses in English at the master’s level, and fewer at the bachelor’s level. 

Language courses may be available for exchange students at your host university, sometimes at an additional cost. Consider whether you need to take an extra language course either before you go or during your stay at the university abroad. One good way of practising the language before you go is to socialise with exchange students studying at SLU.

It is now time to search for relevant courses you would like to take during your exchange studies. The courses you take while you are abroad must be able to be transferred and credited within your degree.

Finding course catalogues, course descriptions and academic calendars on foreign university websites can be tricky, but it is also a good way to get to know the universities. Remember that some universities use different terminology than we do at SLU.

To find the information easier, try these tips:

1. Choose English as the language of the site.
   
   
2. Use the search engine function on the homepage, try to search with keywords such as: ”exchange studies,” ”international student,” ”prospective student,” ”international office,” ”course catalogue,” ”syllabus,” ”academic calendar,” or ”module” (courses may sometimes be called modules).

It is often sufficient to look at the course offerings from previous or current semesters when selecting courses, as the course lists for upcoming semesters are usually published later, just before the start of the semester.

Communicate with your programme director of studies

Once you have chosen courses, you should discuss/email with your program director of studies to discuss your choices of courses and the possibility to transfer your credits within your degree when you come back.

Plan your courses carefully to ensure you meet the requirements for the courses you want to take when you return from your exchange.

You can find the contact information for your programme director of studies on the program page on the student web.