University of Eastern Finland has bilateral cooperation agreements with universities in various countries. Bilateral exchange is based on reciprocity, which means that not all exchange places are available every year.
Available places are listed in the call for applications, which is published at the start of each application period. Make sure to check the call for applications before you start your application!
Application periods for academic year 2026–2027 exchanges:
- 1–17 November 2025
- 1–16 February 2026
- 1–15 May 2026
- 1–15 September 2026
Short-term exchanges are also available within bilateral exchange throughout the year, based on availability. See more information on Kamu’s page Short-term exchanges outside of Europe.
If you have a contract of employment at UEF: you can apply for exchange, but your employment contract must expire well before the exchange begins. You cannot go on student exchange during a valid employment contract with UEF.
For whom
Bilateral exchange is for Bachelor’s and Master’s level students. Few host universities are also available for doctoral students. You are required to be registered as present in a UEF degree programme throughout your exchange and until you have transferred credits from your exchange to your UEF degree.
NB! If you are a student from outside the EU/EEA who pays tuition fees to UEF, discuss with your study programme coordinator whether exchange studies could extend your study time and how they may affect your tuition fees.
Host universities may limit the available subjects, and some places are restricted to students from specific fields. Limitations are listed below under each university and in the call for applications.
You can apply for exchange during your first year of studies, but the exchange can begin at the earliest in your second year. Note that some host universities may not accept Bachelor’s level exchange students in the autumn semester of their second year (3rd semester of overall studies). It is often required that you have completed two semesters (one academic year) of studies at the time of application to the host university (2nd stage of the application process). In these cases, the earliest possible exchange would be the spring semester of the second year (4th semester for Bachelor’s students in 3-year programmes).
Applying
The first application period each year is in November (1–15 November; in 2025 exceptionally 1–17 November). You apply for exchanges during the following academic year. You can apply for one semester (autumn or spring) or the full academic year.
Supplementary application periods
Supplementary application periods are opened if exchange places and grants are still available:
- February (1–16 February 2026): Most places are available for spring semester exchanges only. A few places may still be available for autumn semester. If you are seeking an autumn semester or full academic year exchange, apply in the November application period.
- May (1–15 May 2026): Places are available for spring semester exchanges only.
- September (1–15 September 2026): Places are available for the spring semester of the same academic year.
Funding
University of Eastern Finland awards a mobility grant to students selected for exchange. The amount is determined on an annual basis.
Mobility grants for academic year 2026–2027:
- European universities: EUR 1,200 (one semester) / EUR 1,700 (full academic year)
- non-European universities: EUR 1,800 (one semester) / EUR 2,300 (full academic year)
NB! You do not pay tuition fees to the host university during bilateral exchange. If you pay tuition fees to UEF, you are required to pay them also for the exchange semester.
More information about Funding your studies abroad.
Host universities by region
Please note
Teaching in English is increasingly available around the world, but availability must be confirmed on a case-by-case basis. Some host universities only offer teaching in the local language. Some (Asian) universities only accept exchange applications from students who have already completed one year of studies.
You apply for exchange according to UEF’s academic calendar, but the actual dates and duration of your exchange follow the host university’s academic calendar. Keep this in mind when planning your exchange.
Switzerland
United Kingdom
- Richmond American University London (new tab) NEW!
Open to students from all fields of study. Liberal Arts university, courses available in a variety of fields at both bachelor and master's level. English proficiency requirements vary, see Richmond's website (new tab) for details.
Students going for exchanges longer than 6 months (full academic year exchanges) are required to get a visa, and an official English language test score (TOEFL iBT, IELTS Academic) is required in the visa application. Students going for exchanges less than 6 months (semester exchanges) are required to obtain an ETA (new tab).
Reminder: always check the host university's academic calendar on their website! Semesters often take place in a very different schedule from UEF's, so make sure you are aware of when your exchange would actually take place.
South Korea
- Ajou University (new tab)
- Ewha Womans University (new tab)
Some restrictions on course offerings apply. See details on Ewha's website (new tab).
- Incheon National University (new tab)
- Keimyung University (new tab)
- Sungkyunkwan University (new tab)
NB! SKKU's grade average requirement is min. 3.3/5.
TOEFL iBT/IELTS Academic/CEFR B2/Duolingo English test results are required if you study Business Administration as a major (and plan to study Business Administration at SKKU).
Some restrictions on course offerings apply. See details on SKKU's website (new tab).
- University of Seoul (new tab)
NB! UOS's grade average requirement is min. 3/5. Additional recommendation letters required for applicants whose grade average is under 3/5.
Courses offered in English only at undergraduate (Bachelor) level. Graduate/Master's level students at UEF may take undergraduate level courses in English.
Housing: UOS states in their website that ""UOS guarantees on-campus housing only for exchange students whose universities guarantee on-campus housing for UOS students." The agreement between UEF and UOS does not guarantee housing, but UEF students may apply for on-campus housing at UOS.
- Yonsei University (new tab)
NB! Yonsei's strict grade average requirement is min. 3/5.
You must have completed at least one academic year of higher education studies before applying as a candidate for exchange at Yonsei. If you are a bachelor's student, you can apply for exchange at Yonsei during your 2nd year of studies for an exchange during your 3rd year. If you are a Master's student, you can apply during your first year of Master's studies to go on exchange during your 2nd year of studies.
TOEFL iBT min. 79/IELTS Academic min. 6.5/Cambridge B2 (FCE) - C2 (CPE) is required at the second-stage application. Students enrolled in fully English-taught degree programmes and native English-speakers are exempt.
Japan
- Akita International University (new tab)
English-language university located in the Akita prefecture. Studies available on a variety of fields on Bachelor and Master's level, also possible take Japanese language classes.
NB! IF you are studying at bachelor's level, you should have at least 2 semesters' study completed at the time of application to the host university, so the earliest possible exchange period is the spring semester of the 2nd year of study (4th semester overall). Minimum required GPA 2.5/4.0 (3/5 or higher), you may be required to take an official English language test (TOELF iBT, IELTS Academic), excl. native English-speakers.
- Chiba University (new tab)
Bachelor-level students of different fields can study in the Japan Program at Chiba (JPAC). Applicants are required to have at least basic skills in Japanese.
- Doshisha University (new tab)
Students can choose one of two programmes, either the Global Education Module (GEM) or Japanese Language and Culture Module (Nichibun).
The GEM programme is taught in English and mainly contains courses related to Japan’s culture, society and nature, but GEM students can also study the basics of Japanese. All courses are undergraduate level.
In the Nichibun programme, the language of tuition is Japanese and students mainly study Japanese. The minimum requirement for participation is one year of college-level studies in Japanese. Students will be placed in groups according to language skill level.
- Hokkaido University (new tab)
You can apply for one of the following programmes: HUSTEP, Special Auditor or SRS.
HUSTEP (Hokkaido University Short-Term Exchange Program) includes bachelor-level teaching in English in the following fields: culture, society, environment, natural sciences, and technology. HUSTEP students can also study Japanese. A TOEFL/IELTS language test result must be enclosed with the application. Only bachelor-level students are eligible for HUSTEP.
The Special Auditor (former SAS) and SRS (Special Research Student) programmes are intended for bachelor and masters students (undergarduate/graduate) who will spend six months or the entire academic year in a specific faculty, studying their own field with Japanese students. Some departments offer courses in English: students should make sure to check Hokkaido University's website to make sure their subject has English courses available for exchange students. Fluency in Japanese (JLPT language test level N2 or higher) may be required, but the requirement is interpreted differently by individual departments. For English-taught courses, students may be required to provide an official certificate of English language proficiency.
There is a separate quota for students of Clinical Medicine in the SAS/SRS programme. The duration of the exchange is normally 3 months but can sometimes be negotiated. Students study in different departments (requests will be taken into account) of the local teaching hospital.
- J. F. Oberlin University (new tab)
- Kansai Gaidai University (new tab)
The Asian Studies exchange programme offers courses related to Japanese culture and society and courses in Japanese (the verbal Japanese course is mandatory for all exchange students). If you are participating in the spring semester programme, KGU offers a chance to apply to a short-term unpaid internship program (2 weeks - 2 months depending on placement) after the exchange. More information about the internship program is available at KGU's website (new tab). NB! The internship is available during spring semester, it is not possible to apply for only the internship.
- Meiji University (new tab)
For Business students only. You can select between two schools: School of Business Administration (SBA (new tab)) and School of Political Science and Economics (SPSE (new tab)).
NB! Meiji requires an official language test score (TOEFL iBT or IELTS Academic) in the second-stage application, unless a large number (most if not all) of your completed courses have been conducted in English.
- Okayama University (new tab)
Exchange Program Okayama (EPOK) includes courses in Japanese language and several courses from a variety of study fields. Course catalogues are available on the EPOK website (new tab).
NB! Official language proficiency test result (TOEFL iBT/IELTS Academic) is required for the second-stage application. If you are enrolled in a fully English-taught degree programme, you are exempt.
Minimum required GPA (2.0/4.0 (approx. 3/5 or higher).
- Prefectural University of Hiroshima (new tab)
Very few courses in English: tuition mainly in Japanese, required skill level JLPT n2.
- Rikkyo University (new tab)
College of Intercultural Communication (CIC). As an exchange student, you are required to enroll in Japanese language course(s) among other courses during the exchange (you will take a Japanese language placement test at the host university before enrollment to language courses). Courses in Japanese available if you have proficiency in Japanese, English language courses also available.
- Ryukoku University (new tab)
Ryukoku Japan Studies Program (JSP) includes courses in Japanese culture and language. The JSP programme is suitable for you, if you wish to study Japanese and courses related to Kyoto and Japan. No previous studies in Japanese are required for the JSP. You may be able to take elective courses in addition to JSP courses at other departments at Ryukoku during the exchange (department must correspond with your major at UEF).
- Seinan Gakuin University (new tab)
International Division courses for exchange students. Course themes are related to Japanese language, culture and society.
- Toyohashi University of Technology (new tab)
For Master's level students of Computer Science and Physics.
Some courses are offered in English, and guidance for research can be given in English.
- Utsunomiya University (new tab)
Only Master’s level studies in Physics and Optics.
China
- Capital Normal University, College of International Education (new tab)
Priority will be given to students from the School of Applied Educational Science and Teacher Education.
You can study Chinese during your exchange at the College of International Education. Some teaching is also available in English, depending on the subject. Non-Chinese-speaking students with level HSK-5 or better skills in Chinese can take courses taught in Chinese.
- Fudan University (new tab)
Offers teaching in English in various fields of study. Teaching is also available in Chinese.
- Hong Kong Baptist University (new tab) (HKBU)
Plenty of courses in English on offer from different fields of study. Courses available mostly at bachelor's level, master's students may take bachelor's courses during the exchange (NB! you should contact your departmental coordinator to make sure bachelor level studies can be included into the master's degree).
- The Education University of Hong Kong (new tab)
English course offerings in different fields, especially educational sciences. Courses also available in Chinese.
If you are a teacher student, you can also able to participate in EduHK's International Teacher Training Programme (ITTP, new tab), during which you will conduct a teaching traineeship period. The primary teaching subject is English Language, and the teaching language is English, though it may also be possible to participate in lessons for other subjects as well. Traineeship duration is from 5 weeks to 1 semester, mobility grants are available for minimum duration of 3 months. For traineeships under 3 months, you should contact your department to find out the possibility of receiving a traineeship grant (min. duration 2 months). The number of traineeship placements is limited and the total number for placements at EduHK is shared with regular exchange placements. Traineeship placements can be applied for in SoleMOVE during UEF's regular application periods if EduHK placements are available.
- Nanjing University (new tab)
You can study Chinese at Nanjing University. Some teaching is also available in English, but this depends on the subject. If you have proficiency level HSK-5 or better skills in Chinese, you can take courses in your own field in Chinese.
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (new tab) (SHUTCM)
Exchange studies are only available in Health Sciences: either courses in Acupuncture or a Pharmacy Project.
- The University of Nottingham, Ningbo (new tab)
An English-language campus of University of Nottingham in China. The campus offers studies in a variety of fields.
- Northeast Forestry University (new tab) (NEFU)
Courses in English are available, especially for students of Science and Forestry.
Kazakhstan
- Kazakh National Agrarian Research University (new tab)
Available if you are majoring in one of the following study fields: Environmental sciences and Forestry (green biotechnology, agriculture,food biotechnology). Check the availability of English-taught courses (language of tuition for many fields is Russian).
Kyrgyzstan
- I.K. Akhunbaev Kyrgyz State Medical Academy (new tab)
Available if you are majoring in one of the following study fields: Public health, nutrition, nursing, environmental health. Check the availability of English-taught courses (language of tuition for many fields is Russian).
Taiwan
Thailand
- Mae Fah Luang University (new tab)
Offers plenty of teaching in English in various fields of study. As a speciality, offers courses in Cosmetic Science.
NB! Exchanges currently only possible for autumn semester (1 semester only) due to air pollution/smoky season during the spring months. The situation and suitability of the area for student exchange will be monitored by UEF.
Ghana
Morocco
Namibia
South Africa
- Tshwane University of Technology (new tab)
Available if you are majoring in one of the following study fields: Public health, clinical nutrition, pharmacy (incl. toxicology), environmental policy/food policy, food law.
Canada
- University of New Brunswick (new tab)
NB! Bachelor-level courses are available for Master's-level students, limited course offerings at Master's level.
Law school courses restricted and only available to Law majors such as bachelor level Oikeusnotaari (ON) or Master's level Oikeustieteiden maisteri (OTM) in Finnish degree programmes.
- University of British Columbia (new tab), Faculty of Forestry
Only for Forestry students.
- University of Alberta (new tab), Faculty of Agricultural, Life & Environmental Sciences
Only for students of Forestry (priority), Biology, and Environmental science. Bachelor-level courses are available for Master's-level students. In the second stage of the application process, application instructions are different if you are applying to be a Master's-level student during exchange and may require an official English language test score and subject-specific documents.
- University of Windsor (new tab) NEW!
Bachelor-level studies from different fields, Master's level studies not permitted for exchange students.
Some restrictions in study fields: Faculty of Education not open for exchange students (Education majors can study other subjects during the exchange), some Business and Engineering courses limited, Law only available for students who are studying in an LLB/LLM degree.
United States
- Michigan State University (new tab)
Only for students majoring in Forestry.
College of Agriculture & Natural Resources (new tab) courses for bachelor and Master's level students.
- Ohio Northern University (new tab)
Bachelor-level studies available in different study fields. Master's level students can take bachelor-level courses during the exchange.
- Oregon State University (new tab) (NEW!)
Bachelor and Master's level courses available in different study fields. OSU's academic year consists of three terms: Fall (Sept-Dec), Winter (Jan-March), and Spring (Apr-Jun). You may apply for exchange and receive a one semester's exchange grant for either 1 term or 2 consecutive terms (e.g. Fall+Winter or Winter+Spring). Full academic year's exchange and grant requires that the exchange lasts for all three terms.
NB! OSU has a scholarship opportunity for UEF students, the amount of which is 3000 dollars per student!
- Saint Martin's University (new tab)
Bachelor and Master's level courses available in different study fields.
Brazil
Chile
- Universidad Austral de Chile (new tab)
The application process and studies are entirely in Spanish. Good Spanish skills are required (CEFR B2 recommended, minimum B1 required). Teaching in a variety of fields on offer.
Universidad de la Frontera (new tab)
Spanish B1 (bachelor) or B2 (master's) required. Available if you are majoring in forestry, environmental and/or biological sciences.
Mexico
Peru
- University of Wollongong
NB! Very limited number of places available, generally 1 or 2 semester spots per year. UOW requires official English language test scores from applicants (TOEFL iBT/IELTS Academic).
UOW charges applicants administrative fees for accepting the exchange study placement and dorm assignment. These fees are to be paid approx- 2-3 months before the exchange semester begins, generally in connection with UOW's acceptance letters. Estimated cost of fees 600-800 Australian dollars. (UOW provides details and instructions regarding all payments).
Australian visa is required. Further information regarding visa-related matters is available on Australian Department of Home Affairs website (new tab).
