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Frequently asked questions

Apply for a foreign exchange

Do you want to study abroad? Fantastic! This page has all the information you need about applying for exchange studies at Södertörn University’s international partner universities.

Calendar

This section has information about applying for exchange studies for the next academic year.

Applications for exchange places in the academic year 2024-25 have now closed. The results of applications will be announced at the end of February 2024. Late applications are not accepted.

Before you start your application, it is important that you read all the information on this webpage and in the relevant documents.

Documents:

FAQs about exchange studies are co External link.llected here. If you have any questions about exchange studies or need help with your application, please contact the International Office via exchange@sh.se or visit us during our drop-in hours. External link.

The results of applications will be announced at the end of February 2024 and emailed to all applicants. The International Office will not provide any advance information. Remember: you cannot change your selected place after the applications round has closed (5 February). Think carefully when ranking your options!

Completing an application can take a while, so make sure you start it in good time. Read the instructions carefully. Look at the universities’ websites and check the courses and language requirements before you start you application.

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 exchange studies, you must:

  • be registered in Ladok as a full-time student at Södertörn University.
  • have at least 22.5 credits from Södertörn University documented in Ladok by the application deadline.
  • have completed at least 60 credits at Södertörn University on your departure.
  • be able to transfer the credits from your exchange courses to your degree programme.

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 building your own degree programme, you can book time with a study guidance counsellor.
  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, or study guidance counsellor, 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. Write a motivation letter of 300-500 words, in English.
  9. 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.

Your motivation letter must be 300–500 words and addressed to the International Office at Södertörn University. The letter may include information about:

  • Why you want to spend a semester on a student exchange.
  • How the exchange relates to your current studies and how it will help your academic development.
  • What you find interesting and challenging about going on an exchange.
  • How an exchange can help your personal development.

Students who have important positions in the students’ union and in student associations receive extra points when they apply for exchange studies. Students who have been ambassadors for their academic schools also receive extra points. Read more about how points are calculated Opens in new window..