Student exchange
Student exchange means completing part of your degree studies abroad. Typically exchanges last one semester or full academic year. Exchange studies are full-time studies: during a semester exchange you complete approximately 30 ECTS credits (in health and social services placements at least 10 ECTS depending on the length).
Student exchange is an excellent opportunity to develop your professional skills and experience student life abroad. Each year, around 200 Metropolia students go on exchange. In addition, some degree programmes offer double degree options, where you graduate with a degree certificate from both Metropolia and the partner institution.
The most common time to go on exchange is during your second or third year of studies. If needed, your degree programme contact person can help you find the most suitable time - and remember to take part in the internationalisation info session of your degree programme, where you will receive more information on the options that best fit your studies.
You can apply for student exchange twice a year. During the application periods, field-specific information sessions are organised, where you can learn more about the opportunities and the different stages of the application process. You first apply through Metropolia's internal application process, after that, you will receive guidance on the host insitution's application process and take part in pre-departure orientation sessions.
The application periods for student exchange:
- Main application period: 1 December - 31 January: You can apply for student exchange for the next academic year for autumn semester, spring semester or full academic year
- Secondary application period: 1 - 15 September: You can apply for student exchange for the following spring semester to destinations that still have places available
If you have any questions, please consult your international relations adviser.
You have a great variety of exchange destinations to choose! You can apply for student exchange to study in an institution that has a partnership agreement with your degree program at Metropolia. All exchange places are not necessarily open each year.
The detailed lists per study field are published in the application page. In the same page you can also review the upcoming application information sessions, find the application link and browse exchange reports.
Consider the following when selecting a destination. Choose at least 2 - 3 institutions.
- your interest: host country, language learning and partner universities, skills you want to learn
- co-operation agreements in your field of study and degree programme
- courses offered or placement opportunities in the field of health care and social services
- language of instruction
- applicability of the available courses to your degree at Metropolia
- required language skills and the level of your own knowledge of the language
- timing of the semesters in different countries and at different institutions
- your study plan in Finland – both before and after the student exchange.
When applying to student exchange, you have a great variety of exchange destinations to choose from. You will also notice the different exchange programmes. The most popular exchange programme is Erasmus+ that is applicable for most exchanges taking place in Europe. Furthermore, Metropolia is partnering in several Nordplus networks in the Nordic and Baltic region.
To complement the offering, Metropolia has several bilateral agreements with the partner institutions all over the world and we offer you Metropolia grant to help you cover some of the expenses.
Metropolia is also coordinating European University Alliance, U!REKA. There could be also new opportunities for exchanges through the alliance.
Erasmus+ programme
The Erasmus+ exchange programme supports many Metropolia students in student exchanges, work placements abroad, as well as in blended short-term exchanges.