On this page:
- Planning an exchange
- Exchange during studies at UEF
- Applying for exchange
- Studies during the exchange
- Funding the exchange
Why is student exchange a good idea?
Studying abroad gives you a broader perspective on your field of study and the chance to take courses that are not available at UEF. During your exchange, your language skills and intercultural communication skills will develop. You will make new friends, gain experiences and confidence, and become familiar with a different culture.
Planning an exchange
How should I start planning my exchange?
Start by thinking about the following questions:
- Why do I want to go on exchange?
- Where do I want to go?
- At what stage of my studies does an exchange fit best?
- What do I want to study during my exchange – my major, minor, local languages?
- In what language do I want to study?
- How long do I want to stay – one semester or a full academic year?
- How will I finance my exchange?
- Do I want to go alone or with a friend, spouse or family?
If you are a non-EU/EEA student, discuss your exchange plans with your study programme coordinator at an early stage. An exchange period may extend your studies at UEF, which could affect your tuition fees. Your coordinator can help you assess the impact on your study plan and timeline.
Where can I go?
Exchange destinations are available around the world: the Nordic Countries, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, North America and Latin America. The number of available destinations varies slightly each year.
- In the Erasmus+ programme, destinations are department- or school-specific.
- In other exchange programmes and bilateral agreements, most destinations are available to students of all fields.
How long are the exchange periods?
Long-term exchanges last one semester or a full academic year. Semester exchanges are typically 4–6 months, and full academic year exchanges 9–12 months. You cannot choose the exact duration yourself – it is determined by the host university’s academic calendar.
Note that academic calendars vary greatly between countries and universities. Check your host university’s academic calendar so that you know approximately when your exchange would take place. When applying at UEF, you indicate the general timing on your SoleMOVE application (autumn, spring or full academic year) – exact dates are not needed at this stage.
Short-term exchanges are usually one month at most, such as intensive courses or summer and winter schools. You go on a short-term exchange for a specific course or programme. UEF does not currently offer 2-month exchange periods, so an exchange is either short (generally between 5 days to 6 weeks) or long (one semester or full academic year).
When can I go on exchange?
All degree students (bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral) registered at UEF whose studies have progressed normally can apply for exchange. You can go on exchange from your second year of studies onwards – at the start of your exchange, you must have completed at least one academic year of studies.
Non-EU/EEA students: Before applying, discuss with your study programme coordinator whether an exchange period would extend your studies and/or affect your tuition fees at UEF.
I live abroad and study at UEF remotely – can I go on exchange to my country of residence?
No. The host country for exchange studies cannot be:
- the country where your home university is located (Finland), or
- your actual country of residence,
For example, if you are a UEF degree student living in Germany, you cannot apply for exchange in Finland or Germany.
Exception: If your home country is different from both your country of residence and your home university’s country, you may apply for exchange to your home country. For example, if you live in Germany but are originally from Sweden, you can apply for exchange to Sweden.
What kind of insurance do I need?
Take out comprehensive insurance for the entire exchange period. Your insurance should cover even the most serious situations, such as ambulance flights. Contact your insurance company to find the most suitable option for you.
Can I cancel my exchange?
Yes, you can cancel your exchange placement. However, we recommend that you think carefully about whether an exchange suits your current study and life situation before applying.
If your situation changes and exchange is no longer possible:
- Contact International Mobility Services as soon as possible.
- If you have already applied to the host university, notify them as well.
Any grant that has already been paid will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Where can I read reports by previous exchange students?
You can read exchange reports in UEF’s SoleMOVE application system:
- Select “University of Eastern Finland” from the dropdown menu on the homepage.
- Click “Destination search”.
- Open “Advanced search” and filter by country, university or exchange programme.
- Click the name of the university you are interested in.
- Read feedback under “Feedback”.
Exchange during studies at UEF
Can I go on more than one exchange?
Yes! You can go on exchange during both your bachelor’s and master’s studies, as well as during doctoral studies. Consider a possible exchange already when planning your personal study plan (PSP).
Erasmus+ funded exchanges (Erasmus+, Nordplus and YUFE): you have 12 months of Erasmus+ funding per degree level. You can use it for exchange studies or international traineeships in Europe. During your master’s studies, you will have a new 12 months available.
Other exchange programmes do not have a similar limitation. However, you should remember that if there is competition for placements, first-time applicants are prioritized.
Can I go on exchange with the alumni study right?
No. Only UEF degree students can go on exchange via UEF’s exchange programmes, networks and bilateral agreements. This also means that you cannot graduate before the official end date of your exchange and until after you have included the completed studies into your UEF degree. Read more about the alumni study right.
Must I be registered as ‘present’ at UEF during my exchange?
Yes. Register as a present degree student at UEF for the entire exchange period. Registration includes the Student Union membership fee and Kela’s student healthcare fee.
Being registered as present is essential: only then can your exchange studies be credited towards your degree. Studies completed during a period of absence cannot be recorded in the study register.
Employment at UEF and student exchange
If you have an employment contract at UEF, it must end before your exchange period begins. You can still apply for exchange and prepare for it while your contract is active.
This applies to all types and scopes of employment (full-time, part-time) and all degree levels (bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral). Examples:
- Assistant (e.g. research, education, conference or project assistant)
- Trainee/intern
- Doctoral researcher (e.g. 10% employment)
- Student Ambassador
Mobility grants cannot be paid during a valid employment contract. Staff members can participate in staff exchange – find more information in UEF intranet (requires UEF login).
Applying for exchange
How do I apply for exchange?
Applying for exchange is a two-stage process:
Stage 1: You apply for an exchange placement at UEF, i.e. you apply to become UEF’s candidate for a specific host university or exchange programme. Submit your application in the SoleMOVE online system.
Stage 2: Applying to the host university. If you are accepted in Stage 1, you apply for the actual exchange placement from the host university or exchange programme. You will receive university- and programme-specific instructions for Stage 2. Stage 2 application is preceded by a nomination to the host university, which UEF International Mobility Services does on your behalf.
What is a letter of motivation?
A letter of motivation is a free-form text that you attach to your application. In it, you:
- explain why you want to go on exchange to that particular country, university or programme,
- briefly describe your study background and your study and career plans.
Write your letter of motivation in English or in the host country’s language, if you are intending to study in a language other than English.
Do not use AI tools to write your letter of motivation. The letter is used to assess your language skills and your personal reasons for applying. It must be written by you. The use of AI tools may affect the selection decision.
What level of language skills do I need?
Going on exchange does not require perfect language skills, but consider the adequacy of your language skills when planning your exchange. Courses taught in English are increasingly available, but the amount varies between countries, universities and even subjects within the same university.
We recommend that you always study the language of your host country before departure – whether you are learning a new language from scratch or reactivating existing skills.
Will I need an official language test result (TOEFL, IELTS)?
Find out in good time whether your host university or exchange programme requires an official language test result. Exchange programmes generally do not require one.
Exceptions include, for example:
- the ISEP programme (requirements vary by university)
- certain bilateral exchange host universities
A language test is usually relevant only in Stage 2, after you have been accepted as a UEF candidate.
How can I take an official language test?
TOEFL is the most commonly required language test for universities in English-speaking countries. You can take it in person in Helsinki or online. Book your test well in advance.
Note that there are different types of TOEFL tests:
- TOEFL iBT – longer, measures academic language skills. Accepted as a language certificate by most universities worldwide.
- TOEFL Essentials – shorter, measures general language skills. Usually not accepted if the host university requires a TOEFL test.
Check your host university’s requirements before booking. Read more about TOEFL tests (new tab).
Another widely recognised test is IELTS – read more on the IELTS website (new tab). Note that there are different types of IELTS tests as well. The most commonly accepted test for exchange studies is IELTS Academic.
Official language tests are at your own expense (TOEFL and IELTS approx. €400, 2025). UEF does not reimburse these costs. Do not book a test until you know you need to take one.
What is a letter of recommendation?
Some host universities or exchange programmes require an academic letter of recommendation with your Stage 2 application. You can request a recommendation from a member of the academic staff at your department or school who knows you as a student (e.g. a teacher, lecturer or professor). Follow the instructions of the host university or exchange programme.
Do I need a health certificate?
Some host universities require a health certificate with your Stage 2 application. These universities usually have their own form for the doctor to complete. Do not book an appointment until you know that you need a health certificate.
Note that:
- If the exchange or traineeship is a compulsory part of your degree, you can request an appointment for a health check from the Finnish Student Health Service (FSHS).
- If the exchange is voluntary, the FSHS does not provide appointments for health certificates. Contact a public or private healthcare provider instead.
The university does not reimburse costs related to health certificates. Some countries may also require vaccination records or x-rays – follow the instructions of your host university.
The host university application asks for my GPA – what should I enter?
UEF does not normally calculate a GPA (Grade Point Average). Enter “not applicable” if the application form allows it. If the host university asks again, contact International Mobility Services.
If the host university requires a GPA on a scale other than the Finnish 5-point scale (e.g. 4.0 scale), you can use the Scholaro calculator (new tab) to convert your numerically graded courses. Pass/Fail courses are not included in the calculation.
Studies during the exchange
What is a Learning Agreement and when do I need it?
A Learning Agreement (LA) is your study plan for the exchange period. You list the courses you plan to take at the host university. The LA is signed by the departmental coordinator of exchange studies at your major’s department or school and by the contact person at the host university. By signing the LA, your department commits to crediting the listed courses towards your degree.
Complete your Learning Agreement before the exchange begins. If your study plan changes during the exchange, record the changes on the Changes to Learning Agreement form. You will find detailed instructions in the information package for outgoing exchange students.
How many credits should I complete during my exchange?
UEF has not set a strict minimum or maximum number of credits for the exchange period. A good target is 20–30 ECTS per semester. Follow the host university’s instructions regarding the minimum number of courses.
We recommend that you complete at least the number of courses recommended by your host university. During the exchange, your primary focus should be on the host university’s courses. If you are taking UEF courses remotely during the exchange, you are still required to complete enough host university courses to meet all necessary criteria. Taking UEF courses during an exchange is optional and should only be done if you have extra time.
If you receive financial aid from Kela, remember that your studies must progress at an average of 5 ECTS per month of financial aid, also during the exchange.
How do I include exchange courses in my degree?
After your exchange, your department handles the credit transfer based on the transcript of records from your host university. Contact your departmental coordinator to discuss how the courses will be credited towards your degree.
Can I include exchange courses in the Studies for Internationalisation module?
The Studies in Internationalisation module (X1131020B) requires courses from at least two modules, totalling 25–35 ECTS. Find more information in the Peppi study guide.
Can I work on my thesis during the exchange or traineeship?
Yes, you can advance your thesis during the exchange – for example, by collecting or analysing data. This requires advance planning:
- Agree in advance with your thesis supervisor and your study programme coordinator at UEF.
- Designate an academic co-supervisor at the host university if the thesis is accepted as part of your exchange study plan.
- Request a certificate of your thesis progress from the co-supervisor at the end of the exchange period. Discuss the scope of the certificate beforehand.
Start making arrangements well before the exchange application. You can ask your supervisor for suitable contacts at partner universities, or search for them yourself.
Note that you must apply for an exchange placement during UEF’s regular application periods. International Mobility Services cannot guarantee a placement for any applicant. We recommend starting detailed arrangements with the host university only after you have been selected as a UEF candidate.
If you also complete host university courses during the exchange (at least 20 ECTS), you do not need a separate certificate from the host university co-supervisor and you do not need a co-supervisor, as advancing your thesis is then considered a free-time activity. It is sufficient that your UEF thesis supervisor has approved the thesis work during the exchange.
Erasmus+ traineeships and thesis work: Erasmus+ traineeships are not intended for thesis work, but alongside your traineeship you may advance your thesis, for example by collecting data. UEF must credit the traineeship as part of your degree (with the exception of traineeships for recent graduates).
Funding the exchange
Do I need to pay tuition fees to the host university?
When you go on exchange through UEF’s exchange programmes and agreements, you do not pay tuition fees to the host university. If you pay tuition fees to UEF, you continue to pay them to UEF as usual.
Register as a present student at UEF for the exchange period – you will pay the Student Union membership fee and Kela’s student healthcare fee also during the exchange.
Exceptions: In Freemover/Visiting student exchanges and the ISEP Direct programme, you pay tuition fees to the host university. The amount varies by university.
Non-EU/EEA students: Discuss with your study programme coordinator how an exchange period may affect your tuition fees at UEF before applying.
How much does an exchange cost?
The total cost of an exchange is difficult to estimate, as it varies greatly by country. You are responsible for your own travel, insurance, accommodation and living costs during the exchange.
How do I finance my exchange?
UEF does not currently offer fully funded exchanges, so you are expected to cover the costs of the exchange yourself. When you go on exchange through UEF’s exchange programmes:
- You do not pay tuition fees to the host university (except in ISEP Direct).
- You receive a mobility grant from UEF.
- You cover accommodation and living costs, as well as travel and insurance expenses yourself.
If you receive financial aid from Kela and your exchange studies are included in your degree, you may be eligible for a study grant, housing supplement for studies abroad and a study loan.
How do I apply for the mobility grant?
The mobility grant is awarded to all students going on exchange through UEF’s exchange programmes or bilateral agreements, once you have been accepted by the host university. You will receive instructions and all necessary documents from International Mobility Services by email.
When is the grant paid?
UEF mobility grant payment dates are the 15th and the last day of each month. If the payment date falls on a weekend or public holiday, payment is made on the preceding working day.
- Long-term exchanges: The grant is paid approximately one month before the start of the exchange at the earliest.
- Short-term exchanges: The grant is paid on the payment date preceding the exchange, one month before the start of the exchange at the earliest.
Submit the required documents in good time. Grants are not paid retroactively after the exchange period – if documents have not been submitted and approved before the exchange or at the very latest at the beginning of the exchange, the grant will not be paid.
Can I receive two grants for the same period?
You cannot receive two grants from International Mobility Services or Student and Learning Services for the same period. For example, you cannot receive an Erasmus+ traineeship grant at the same time as a mobility grant for exchange studies.
However, you may accept grants from external parties, such as foundations, for the same exchange period. If you have questions about grants, contact International Mobility Services.