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Student exchange FAQ

General information about exchange studies

Why should I go on exchange? 

Studies have shown that studying or interning abroad enhances qualities such as tolerance, self-confidence, problem-solving skills, curiosity, determination, and awareness of one’s strengths and weaknesses. These qualities are highly valued by most employers (Erasmus+ Impact Study, 2019). The courses you take during your exchange will add new and diverse content to your degree. A well-planned exchange period will advance your studies and not delay your graduation. Read more good reasons from the reports of those who have been on exchange!

How much does it cost to go on exchange? 

Costs vary depending on the country and city of exchange. However, you do not pay local tuition fees while on exchange. As an exchange student, you will cover your own travel, accommodation, and living expenses. Rent in Paris is much higher than in, for example, Bratislava. Especially when going to distant countries, you may have to pay for things like visa, residence permit, and vaccination costs. Costs also depend on how much you travel during the exchange or otherwise spend money.

Is there financial support for exchange studies? What kind? 

When going to exchange destinations of Tampere University, you are entitled to a grant that can cover, for example, preparation, travel, and living expenses. The amount of the grant is linked to the exchange program or agreement and the duration of the exchange. More information about Tampere University’s grants and other sources of support: Funding studies abroad

Can I apply for exchange even if I only speak English (and not the languages of many other destination countries)? 

Yes, you can – in many non-English-speaking countries, you can still study in English. However, find out in advance the specific language requirements of the exchange destinations you are interested in. Some exchange destinations also require proficiency in the local language.

How long are exchange periods? 

The duration of an exchange period is usually one semester or one academic year (ranging from 3 to 12 months). The duration of the exchange is determined by the academic calendar and attendance requirements set by the host university. The start and end dates of semesters may differ from those of Tampere University. Short study periods abroad (e.g., intensive and short courses) usually last from one week to one month.

When is the best time to go on exchange? 

Your degree programme may affect when you can go on exchange at the earliest and/or what would be the most suitable time for the exchange. It is good to plan ahead, as you usually need to apply for an exchange place during the exchange application rounds of the academic year preceding the exchange. Discuss the suitable timing with your programme’s academic advisor.

When can I go on exchange at the earliest? And when is the latest I can go? 

During bachelor’s studies, you can go on exchange at the earliest in your second year, if it fits with your degree program. However, for example, in engineering degrees, you can go on exchange at the earliest in your third year. Discuss the suitable timing with your programme’s academic advisor.

You cannot go on exchange during the last semester of your master’s studies. You can check the end date of your study right in Sisu. You also cannot go on exchange during an additional study period (extension) that you have separately applied for.

How many credits do I need to complete during the exchange? 

The minimum number of credits during the exchange is 5 ECTS per exchange month. Usually, the number of exchange months, i.e., the length of the exchange period, is determined by the length of the semester at the host university.

Can I go on exchange more than once? 

Yes, you can, if multiple exchanges fit into your studies. Discuss the plans with your programme’s academic advisor. However, note that for exchanges based on bilateral agreements (generally exchanges to distant destinations), a grant is available for only one exchange per student.

A semester or year-long exchange is not possible for me. Are there other options? 

Yes! You can also go abroad for short courses. The timing and duration of the courses depend on the organizing institution. The duration can vary from a week to a month. These courses offer an opportunity to deepen your field of study and language skills intensively. You can apply for short-term periods abroad independently or through various programs/networks intended for short mobility. Read more: Short-term study options abroad 

Exchange destinations and application process at Tampere University

How to apply for an exchange? 

Applications for exchange destinations at Tampere University are made at specific times through a two-phase process. The first phase is the internal application at Tampere University. Read more: Application instructions for student exchange

Where can I find Tampere University’s exchange destinations? 

You can find the exchange destinations in the Mobility-Online portal. Also, read more on the Student exchange destinations page. When there is no internal application round (exchange application round) ongoing at TAU, the selection of destinations visible in the portal may not be comprehensive. During the exchange application round, the destinations with a green traffic light, i.e., those available for application, are up-to-date. If you cannot find a destination in the portal that you have seen before, you can ask for more information about its status from the International Mobility Services at mobility.tau [at] tuni.fi.

How many exchange places are available at each exchange university? 

Most exchange destinations offer 2-4 one-semester places annually. Some destinations also allow applications for the entire academic year. The number of places is specific to each exchange agreement and has been agreed upon in advance with partner universities. For more detailed information about the number of places at the destinations you are interested in, you can ask us at mobility.tau [at] tuni.fi.

I am planning to apply for an exchange with another TAU student/students. Can we apply together and where? 

Find out in advance the number of places at your favorite destinations, i.e., whether two/all of you can be selected for any of them. Field-specific exchange destinations, i.e., places reserved for a specific field of study, are usually only available to major students of that field or those already studying it as a minor. Ask about the possibilities in advance: mobility.tau [at] tuni.fi.

What criteria are used to select exchange students? 

You can find the selection criteria on the Student Guide page under Application Instructions for student exchange  > Criteria for assessing student exchange applications.

How likely is it to be selected for an exchange in Tampere University’s exchange application round? 

It may be somewhat more likely to be selected for an exchange destination that offers more places and/or a destination where the language of instruction is less commonly known among students than English. The destinations where English proficiency is sufficient usually receive the most applications. Increasing your chances of getting an exchange place involves applying to multiple destination options in the same application round.

How likely is it to be selected for my first choice? Do I have to apply to multiple options in the exchange application? 

Each application round and year has a different group of applicants, and you compete for places with others applying to the same destinations. If, for example, there are two exchange places available at your favorite destination, you need to be among the top two to get a place. We cannot select the third-best for the same place, so it is advisable to be open to many different possibilities and apply to multiple destinations in the same application round!

I have X number of credits and my GPA is Y. Will that be enough for the exchange application?

Each application round and year has a different group of applicants, and you compete for places with others applying to the same destinations. Unfortunately, we cannot predict the academic performance of other applicants, but it is certain that you can only be selected if you apply 😊. In the exchange selections, we also consider the GPA, study year, language proficiency level, or other requirements set by the host university, if any. For example, only a few of our exchange universities have GPA requirements for exchange students. You can get more information about the specific requirements of individual partner universities from the destination descriptions in the Mobility-Online portal and at mobility.tau [at] tuni.fi.

Published: 19.8.2024
Updated: 2.9.2024