You can apply to study at a foreign university outside UEF’s exchange programmes, as a so-called freemover or visiting student. This is a good option if, for example, UEF does not have an exchange agreement with the university you are interested in.
Many students have found excellent study and traineeship placements independently. It is also worth exploring your department’s or school’s international contacts – they may help you get started.
What does an independent exchange require?
A freemover exchange requires initiative. You are responsible for:
- communicating with the host university and managing the application process,
- practical arrangements (housing, visa, insurance),
- all costs related to the exchange, including any tuition fees.
Tuition fees and application procedures vary between universities, fields of study and countries. Start your preparations at least one year before the planned start of your exchange – the better you prepare, the more successful the exchange will generally be.
UEF does not currently offer mobility grants for freemover/visiting student exchanges.
Non-EU/EEA students: Before planning a freemover exchange, discuss with your study programme coordinator whether an exchange period could extend your studies and/or affect your tuition fees at UEF.
Checklist for planning a freemover exchange
- Make sure the host university accepts freemover students – not all universities accept students outside their own agreements and networks.
- Find out about the host university’s administrative processes. If you are in contact with a specific professor or other academic staff member, also ask for the contact details of the host university’s international office and clarify, for example, the application process and registration requirements.
- Discuss with your departmental coordinator for exchange studies how the studies you complete during the exchange can be credited towards your UEF degree.
- We also recommend making a Learning Agreement with your departmental coordinator.
- Contact International Mobility Services ([email protected]) so that your exchange can be recorded in the statistics and noted on your degree certificate.
- Remember to register as present: You must be registered as a present degree student at UEF throughout the exchange period. You cannot graduate before the exchange ends, and the studies you complete must be included in your UEF degree.
You can also contact International Mobility Services if you need advice or support during the process.
More internationalisation opportunities
Announcements about international opportunities outside UEF’s exchange programmes are published on Viva Engage in the channel Kansainvälistymismahdollisuuksia opiskelijoille // Internationalisation offers for students (requires UEF login).