Application for student exchange
Student exchange process in a nutshell
- Read information about the student exchange
- Participate in an application info session: schedules and materials available in OMA (login required).
- Find out about the different study abroad destinations (e.g. courses, academic calendar).
- Read exchange reports (login required).
The planning of student exchange usually starts early, approximately 6-12 months before the exchange. When it comes to student exchange, careful planning is key to ensuring a good experience. International relations advisers and your degree programme will do their best to help make your plan a reality!
The application link, as well as information and materials for the info sessions, are published in OMA (login required). The info sessions are designed to help you get started with planning—perfect for you if you're considering going on exchange!
If you wish, you can talk with the international contact person of your degree programme about the best time to go on exchange and what kind of studies or work placement abroad would best fit to your degree.
The first step, namely the internal application is for Metropolia’s internal use only. Your degree programme, together with an international relations advisers, will review the exchange applications. The application is filled out in Mobility Online during the application period, and no additional attachments are required.
It’s enough that you submit the application during the application periods and by then have found suitable exchange destinations for yourself, created a draft plan for the content and goals of your exchange and confirmed that your current situation allows you to go.
The results of the internal application will be communicated to you after the application period. Only then will you begin the actual application process to the host university, provided that your exchange plan has been approved. The exchange remains conditional until the host university has officially provided you the acceptance letter.
- Fill in the application for the host institution and gather the required attachments.
- Prepare a Learning Agreement, i.e. your study plan for the exchange.
- Find out whether you need a residence permit for the destination country and start the process well in advance.
You will receive information about all this in the student exchange orientations!
Familiarize yourself with the checklist for student exchange and take part in the orientation session for students going on exchange. You will receive separate information about this by email.
Once your preparations are complete, you’re all set to embark on a truly different kind of semester or academic year abroad. While there are several steps along the way, each one brings you closer to an unforgettable exchange experience!
Please note that the duration of the student exchange aligns with the host university semester timing.
Myths about student exchange
Did you know that
- You will not pay tuition fees to the partner university
- In case you are entitled for student financial support, you will also receive it for the student exchange. Kela student financial aid consists of study grant, housing supplement and higher study loan guarantee and may be up to 1490 €/month.
- Student exchange grant 360€ - 540€ / exchange month + possible travel grant, depending on the destination.
- Student exchange is a once in a lifetime opportunity that will be valuable later on in your life.
Did you know that
- Student exchange does not delay your graduation!
- Student exchange takes place during your 2nd or 3rd study year.
- Studies for student exchange are planned well in advance and they should be fully transferred to your current Metropolia degree.
- You can consider that your studies progress similarly with your peers, the only difference is that you complete different courses in a different environment and gather unique experiences simultaneously.
Did you know that
- International Relations Advisers support you throughout the student exchange process
- Most student exchange destinations offer studies in English
- Language skills can be strengthened before student exchange
- Metropolia offers courses in foreign languages that help you to prepare for the exchange and you can benefit from free OLS language courses online.
Did you know that
- If student exchange abroad is not possible for you, you can also complete your compulsory work placement abroad, join short-term exchanges or benefit from internationalisation at Metropolia campuses.
- Student exchange or work placement abroad strengthens your professional competences and opportunities.
- Grants and student financial aid available, as mentioned above.
“This was easily the best semester of my study journey, and it left me feeling deeply grateful and privileged to have had such a transformative experience. “