Apply for a foreign exchange

About exchange studies

You are able to study 1–2 semesters abroad as part of Bachelor’s and Master’s level programmes. When you go on an exchange, you pay no tuition fees and keep your student finance from CSN. You are also entitled to transfer the credits from courses studied on your exchange to your programme.

Södertörn University has 130 partner universities in about 40 countries. As a student, you can apply for a place through two agreements and programmes:

• Erasmus programme: exchange within EU member states, studies linked to your subject.
• Bilateral agreements: studies in any subject at higher education institutions outside Europe.

Read more about the university’s exchange agreements and programmes for studying abroad. Opens in new window.

Eligibility for exchange studies

To be eligible for an exchange through Södertörn University’s exchange agreements, you must:

• Be registered as a full-time student at Södertörn University in Ladok from when you apply for an exchange place until you have completed the exchange at the host university.
• Have at least 22.5 credits from Södertörn University reporter in Ladok on the deadline for applications for exchange studies.
  
• By the start of the exchange period, have completed at least two semesters (60 credits) at Södertörn University
• Be able to transfer the credits from the exchange courses to your programme at Södertörn University.
• Study at least one full-time semester (30 credits) at the host higher education institution.
• Fulfil the language and qualification requirements at the host higher education institution.
• Comply with the host higher education institution’s semester dates and ensure that they are compatible with the programme syllabus at Södertörn University.
  

Applying for an exemption

If you do not fulfil one or more of the basic criteria, you can submit an application for exemption to International Office when you apply for a student exchange. You may receive an exemption if you have been on approved leave from studies, are studying part-time or have social, medical or other exceptional circumstances, such as caring for a relative. You can only apply for an exemption once per exchange. International Office considers each application for exemption individually.

How do I apply?

This is a step-by-step guide to applying for exchange studies:

1. Talk to your programme or subject coordinator about when would be a good time to spend a semester abroad as part of your programme. If you are putting together your own degree programme using freestanding courses, you can book a time with a study guidance counsellor for discussing when an exchange would fit within your study plan.
2. When applications open, go through the list of Södertörn university’s partner universities to see where you want to go on an exchange.
3. Check whether the exchange agreement is for Bachelor’s or Master’s level. If you are planning on going via Erasmus+, remember to check which subject the exchange agreement is linked to.
4. Read about the university you are interested in going to. Find the course catalogues and check which courses are offered during the semester you want to go on an exchange and whether they suit your study plan.
5. When you have chosen your courses, confirm they are okay with the programme/subject coordinator, so you know the credits can be transferred to your degree.
6. Follow the instructions in Mobility Online to apply.
7. Rank a maximum of 5 options, based on where you most want to study. Spread your options because some places are more popular than others.
   
8. Append any certification from student activities that provides extra points.

Detailed instructions for applications are in a PDF file called “Application instructions for outgoing exchange students” (published when applications open).

You will be notified within about two weeks of submitting your application. You will be notified via the email address you provided in your application, and then you will be called to a compulsory information meeting.