Apply for exchange studies

Last changed: 09 August 2023

In order for your exchange to be as successful as possible, a fair amount of preparation is required. This is where you will find information on entry requirements, which language skills are needed, and how the application process works.

Exchange studies during Autumn semester 2024 and Spring semester 2025

The application period for exchange studies in the Autumn semester 2024 and Spring semester 2025 will open in 1 November, and close 22 November 2023. 

In the application portal, you will find instructions and detailed information about how the application process works. Remember to read the instructions before you continue with your application. The link to the application portal will be published here when the application period opens. 

 

Entry requirements

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

  • have carried out at least one year of full-time study at SLU before going on exchange studies.
  • have passed at least 75% of the courses on which you have registered. If you have had a break from studying, your absence should be registered in Ladok.
  • 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.
  • have sufficiently good language skills so you can carry out your university studies in the relevant language. Read more about this further below under language skills.
  • do two language tests, one before the exchange and the other at the end of it. Applies only to an Erasmus exchange.

Language skills

SLU students usually cope well studying in English and do not experience major language difficulties. All exchange students will receive with 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 require additional proof of English language.  Please see information in the exchange database for the Australian universities what documents can be accepted.

In order to apply for exchange studies where the language of instruction is not English, you must attach certification to your application that shows your language skills in the relevant language. If you are interested in studying in a country that speaks a language other than English, you must expect instruction to be given in the national language of the country. Many European universities offer more courses taught in English at the master level, and less at the bachelor 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 foreign university. One good way of practising the language before you go is to socialise with exchange students studying at SLU.

Applications

The application is open for six weeks before the deadline. The link to the application will appear at the top of this page closer to the application period.

In your application, you can choose up to three different exchange options. It is important that all these options offer courses in your area and at the right level. You are responsible to research your choices of universities. You will be asked to describe some courses you might be interested in taking at each one of your choices.

Documents to upload with your application:

  • Photo - voluntary
  • Certificate showing your language skulls IF you are going to study in a language other than English.

You will also answer a few questions in the application about your motivation for studying abroad. Answer briefly in English or Swedish.


The application form works best in the web browser Mozilla Firefox, but also works in Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge.  Please use your student email address when completing the form.  You cannot add other supplements to your application once you have submitted it!

What happens once you have submitted your application?

The processing of your application will begin straight after the final application date. We will get in touch if supplementary information is required.

Selection

We do not assess your application based on your grades or your activity in the student union.  We base our assessment entirely on the content of your application.  It is also crucial that you have applied for courses where the credits earned will count towards your degree at SLU.  Be sure to have a conversation with your programme director in advance to discuss your plans for exchange.

Once you have been selected for an exchange placement, you will receive an email with your exchange offer.  You will have a short time to respond to your offer.  Students who have not been selected for a placement will also be informed via email.

If you accept your offer, the Mobility Team will nominate you to the host university.

Nominations

The Mobility Team nominates students for exchange placements to the host university once they have accepted their offer. The host university however makes the final decision on whether or not to accept you. That being said, it is very unusual that a nominated student is not accepted.  You do not have to do anything in this step.

Once the host university accepts your nomination, you will receive more information about how to apply as an exchange student. You will also be invited to a meeting hosted by the Mobility Team where you will receive information on how to proceed with your application to the foreign university.