University of Eastern Finland has bilateral co-operation agreements with universities from various countries. Bilateral student exchange aims at reciprocity, which is why all universities may not be available for applications every year.
The available universities will be listed in the call for applications that will be published at the beginning of the application period. Remember to check the call for applications to see which universities are available before starting your application!
Short-term exchanges are also an option for bilateral exchanges. See more information on Kamu’s page Short-term exchanges outside of Europe!
For whom
For Bachelor’s and Master’s level students. Limited options for doctoral students.
NB! Students from outside the EU/EEA are advised to discuss with their study programme coordinator if exchange studies would extend their studies and/or affect their tuition fee.
Host universities may limit the available subjects and some host universities are available to students from a certain field only. Limitations are listed below and in the call for applications.
Students can apply for exchange during their first year but cannot start the exchange before their second year of studies. NB! Some host universities may not accept bachelor level students for exchange in the autumn semester of the second year of studies (3rd semester of overall studies). It is often required that the student has 2 semesters of studies (1 academic year) completed at the time of application to the host university, i.e. in the second stage of the application process. In these cases, the earliest time for exchange would be the spring semester of the second year of studies (4th semester for Bachelor students in 3-year programmes).
Applying
The annual first calls for applications are 1-15 November. The annual second call for applications are 1-15 February. If there are places and grants left after the first calls for applications, a third call for applications will be organised 1-15 May.
Funding
University of Eastern Finland awards a mobility grant to those selected for exchange studies. The amount of the mobility grant is determined on an annual basis. In the academic year 2024–2025, the mobility grant for bilateral exchange students are as follows:
- Students leaving for European universities: EUR 1,200 for a single semester or EUR 1,700 for the full academic year
- Students leaving for Russia or non-European destinations: EUR 1,800 for a single semester or EUR 2,300 for the full academic year
NB! Students do not pay tuition fees to the host university. If you are paying tuition fees to UEF, you will be required to pay the tuition fee to UEF for the exchange semester.
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 accept applications only from students who have already completed one year of academic studies.
While you will apply for exchange according to UEF’s academic calendar, the actual dates and duration of your exchange will be according to your host university’s academic calendar and schedule.
Universities by region
17.3.2022: NB! Following the policies issued by the Ministry of Education and Culture on 9 March 2022 (new tab), the University of Eastern Finland refrains from all cooperation with Russian partner organisations in higher education and science. According to the policies, new projects will not be initiated and existing cooperation between organisations will be suspended for the time being. This means that currently student exchange to Russian universities is not possible.
NB! Many Asian (especially Japanese and South Korean) host universities require health certificates as a part of the second-stage application. This requirement is specific to each host university, not all host universities require it. Those universities that do require a health certificate have their own certificate forms for this purpose. Do not obtain a health certificate for exchange before you know if you need one. The health certificate often includes either tuberculosis test or chest x-ray - tuberculosis tests are not done in Finland without diagnostic need, and chest x-rays are often available only from private health care clinics due to the pressure on public health care sector. Please be aware that you may need to acquire a health certificate that includes a chest x-ray.
South Korea
- Ajou University (new tab)
Autumn semester: from the end of August to mid-December
Spring semester: from the beginning of March to mid-June
- Incheon National University (new tab)
Autumn semester: from the end of August to mid-December
Spring semester: from the beginning of March to mid-June
- Keimyung University (new tab)
Autumn semester: from late August or early September to the end of December
Spring semester: from late February or early March to the end of June
- Sungkyunkwan University (new tab) (SKKU)
Autumn semester: from the beginning of September to the end of December
Spring semester: from the beginning of March to the end of June
NB! SKKU asks that applicants have at least a 3.3/5 grade average.
- University of Seoul (new tab) (UOS)
Autumn semester: from the beginning of September to the end of December
Spring semester: from the beginning of March to the end of June
Courses offered in English only at undergraduate (Bachelor) level. Graduate/Master's level students may take undergraduate level courses in English, all master's level courses are in Korean and require fluent skills in Korean. NB! 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)
Autumn semester: from late August to the end of December
Spring semester: from late February to the end of June
NB! Yonsei asks that applicants have at least a 3/5 grade average. Applicants must have completed at least one academic year of higher education studies before applying. TOEFL iBT/IELTS/Cambridge B2 score is a required attachment in the second-stage application.
Japan
- Akita International University (new tab) NEW!
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! Bachelor-level students 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), applicants may be required to take an official English language test (TOELF iBT, IELTS Academic), excl. native English-speakers.
Autumn semester: early September to late December
Spring semester: early April to late July
- 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.
Autumn semester: from late September to mid-February
Spring semester: from late March to mid-August
- 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.
Autumn semester: from mid-September to January
Spring semester: from the beginning of April to July
- Hokkaido University (new tab)
UEF students 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. In the HUSTEP programme, the autumn semester lasts from late September to mid-February, while the spring semester starts at the beginning of April and ends in mid-August.
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.
In the Special Auditor/SRS option, the autumn semester normally extends from the beginning of October to the end of March, while the spring semester starts at the beginning of April and lasts until the end of September, but the durations and schedules vary by programme. The exchange periods of medical students have usually extended from the beginning of October to the end of December, or from the beginning of April to the end of June.
- J. F. Oberlin University (new tab)
For Business students only.
- Kansai Gaidai University (new tab) (KGU)
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).
Autumn semester: from the end of August to mid-December
Spring semester: from mid-January to the end of May
- Meiji University (new tab)
For Business students only. Students 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) in the second-stage application, unless a large number (most if not all) of the student's completed courses have been conducted in English.
- Okayama University (new tab) (NEW!)
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 from all students, excluding students who are enrolled in degree programmes where the language of instruction is English (i.e., international Bachelor/Master's degree programmes). Minimum required GPA (2.0/4.0 (approx. 3/5 or higher).
Autumn semester: late September to late February
Spring semester: late March to late August
- Prefectural University of Hiroshima (new tab)
Very few courses in English: tuition mainly in Japanese, required skill level JLPT n2.
- Rikkyo University (new tab) (NEW!)
College of Intercultural Communication (CIC). Exchange students are required to enroll in Japanese language course(s) among other courses during the exchange (students will take a Japanese language placement test at the host university before enrollment to language courses). Courses in Japanese available to students with proficiency in Japanese, English language courses also available to exchange students.
Autumn semester: from late September to late January.
Spring semester: early April to late July.
- Ryukoku University (new tab)
The JEP Kyoto programme includes courses in Japanese culture and language (taught in Japan) and is intended for students who already know some Japanese. The JEP-E programme is suitable for students who wish to study the basics of Japanese and courses related to Kyoto and Japan in English. No previous studies in Japanese are required for the JEP-E programme.
Autumn semester: from mid-September to late February or early March
Spring semester: from the beginning of April to late August or early September
- Seinan Gakuin University (new tab)(NEW!)
International Division courses for exchange students. Course themes related to Japanese language, culture and society.
Autumn semester: from mid-August to late December
Spring semester: from mid-January to late May
- Toyohashi University of Technology (new tab) (TUT)
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.
Autumn semester: from the beginning of October to the beginning of March
Spring semester: from the beginning of April to the beginning of August
- Utsunomiya University (new tab)
Only Master’s level studies in Physics and Optics.
Autumn semester: from the beginning of October to the beginning of February
Spring semester: from the beginning of April to the beginning of August
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.
Exchange students can study Chinese 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.
Autumn semester: from the beginning of September to the beginning of January
Spring semester: from the end of February to the beginning of July
- Fudan University (new tab)
Offers teaching in English in various fields of study. Teaching is also available in Chinese.
Autumn semester: from the beginning of September to mid-January
Spring semester: from mid-February to the beginning of July
- Hong Kong Baptist University (new tab) (HKBU)
Plenty of courses in English on offer, different application procedure for undergraduate (Bachelor) and graduate (Master) students.
Autumn semester: from the beginning of September to mid-December
Spring semester: from the beginning of January to the end of May
- The Education University of Hong Kong (new tab)
English course offerings for exchange students in different fields, especially educational sciences. Courses also available in Chinese.
Teacher students are also able to participate in EduHK's International Teacher Training Programme (ITTP, new tab), during which the student 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, students should contact their own 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.
Autumn semester: early September to mid-December
Spring semester: early January to late May
- Nanjing University (new tab)
Exchange students can study Chinese at Nanjing University. Some teaching is also available in English, but this depends on the subject. Students with level HSK-5 or better skills in Chinese can take courses of their own field in Chinese.
Autumn semester: from the beginning of September to the end of January
Spring semester: from mid-February to the end of June
- 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.
Autumn semester: end of August –
Spring semester: mid-February –
- 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.
Autumn semester: from September to January
Spring semester: from February to June
- Northeast Forestry University (new tab) (NEFU)
Courses in English are available, especially for students of Science and Forestry.
Autumn semester: from September to December or the end of January
Spring semester: from March to the end of June or mid-July
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.
Autumn semester: from August to December.
NB! Exchanges currently only possible for autumn semester (1 semester only) due to air pollution/smoky season during the spring months. More information available for example at Holidify (new tab). The situation and suitability of the area for student exchange will be monitored by UEF.
Morocco
- Al Akhawayn University (new tab)
The language of teaching is English. Offers a variety of courses in different fields.
Autumn semester: from the second half of August to the end of December
Spring semester: from the second half of January to the end of May
Ghana
Namibia
- University of Namibia (new tab) - NB! Not available in 2024/2025 application periods
The language of teaching is English. Offers a variety of courses in different fields.
Semester 1: from the beginning of January to the end of June
Semester 2: from mid-July to the end of November
United States
- Ohio Northern University
NB! Estimated cost of housing, meal plan and other costs (incl. mandatory insurance) approx. 6000-8000 dollars.
- Saint Martin's University (NEW!)
NB! Estimated cost of housing, meal plan and other costs (incl. mandatory insurance) approx. 6000-8000 dollars.
Canada
- University of New Brunswick (new tab)
NB! Bachelor-level courses are available for Master's-level students. In the second stage of the application process, application instructions are different if a student is applying to be a Master's-level student during exchange and may include requiring an official English language test score and subject-specific documents.
- 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 a student is applying to be a Master's-level student during exchange and may include requiring 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, some Business and Engineering courses limited, Law only available for students who are studying in an LLB/LLM degree.
Brazil
- Universidade Federal do Paraná (new tab)
Primarily for Forestry students. Undergraduate-level studies in different fields of study, courses in English vary between fields.
Autumn semester (2nd semester): August-November
Spring semester (1st semester): March-June
- University of Sao Paulo (new tab), Luiz de Quieroz College of Agriculture
Only for students majoring in Forestry.
Autumn semester (2nd semester): August-December
Spring semester (1st semester): February-June
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.
Semester 1: March–July
Semester 2: August–December
Mexico
- Universidad de Guadalajara (new tab)
Teaching is primarily in Spanish. The availability of teaching in English is very limited, and the language of studies must be confirmed for each field. At least basic Spanish skills are required. Students of health sciences, social sciences, and natural sciences will find the greatest variety of courses. Internship in a pharmacy is also possible for students of Pharmacy.
Autumn semester: September–December
Spring semester: February–July
- Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez (new tab)
Good Spanish skills are required (CEFR B2).
- Universidad Anáhuac Cancún (new tab)
Studies mainly in Spanish. Studies in English available, availability must be confirmed for each field. Recommended level of skills in Spanish is minimum B1 (CEFR).
- University of Wollongong
NB! Very limited number of places available to UEF students. UOW requires official English language test scores from applicants (TOEFL iBT/IELTS Academic).
UOW charges student exchange 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). The fee for the student visa to Australia in autumn 2024 is approx- 1000 euros (1600 AUD). Further information regarding visa-related matters is available on Australian Department of Home Affairs website (new tab).
Autumn semester (NB! Australian spring): July-November
Spring semester (NB! Australian autumn): February - late June
