Study abroad

How to apply
Application round 1 for exchange studies for Autumn 2026 and/or Spring 2027 is closed!

Students who applied will be contacted during December. Please check your email regularly. 

The deadline for application round 1 was 14 November at 15:00.

Follow the instructions carefully both on this page and in the application itself. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Instruction videos for the application
Updated videos for the 2026/2027 application will be published shortly:

• Video 1: Information about the application rounds, different types of placements and agreements, where to find the right information, and what the International Office and the faculties can help you with.
• Video 2: Guide on how to navigate and complete the online application.
• Video 3: How the applications are assessed.

Checklist for exchange application
To make the application process easier, we have created an application checklist. It helps you step by step to make sure you have everything in place before submitting your application.

You can download the checklist here: Checklist for Exchange Application.

Important to know

• The application must be fully completed by the deadline.
• You can edit your application until the last day of the application period.
• The application can be written in Swedish or English.
• You may apply in several rounds – but only for different semesters.
• The selection is competitive, so expect to spend around 15–20 hours on your application.
• You may apply together with another student, but both must submit separate applications with the same choices in the same order. The selection will be based on the lower score in the pair.

Available exchange placements
The list of available placements shows which exchange agreements Linnaeus University has with other institutions.

Please note that some agreements only apply to certain subject areas or levels of study.

You can only apply for placements within your faculty or university-wide placements.

The list is updated before each application round. Available placements depend on which universities can receive students in the upcoming academic year.

Tip: You can filter the list by faculty, country, or study level.

To see university-wide placements, leave the fields Faculty and Study field empty or select “Undefined/University Wide”. Read the information boxes for each placement carefully – here you will find details about language requirements, admission restrictions, and any additional costs.

Motivate your choices
In your application, you must clearly describe why you have chosen these universities. Reflect on:

• how the exchange connects to your programme,
• what you want to gain academically, professionally, and personally, and
• how the course offerings at the host universities support your goals.

Be specific and show that you have researched the universities and their courses.

To be eligible to apply for exchange studies, you need to meet certain academic and registration requirements.
The requirements differ depending on whether you are studying in a programme or taking single-subject courses (Independent student), as well as which application round you are applying in. All students must be able to complete at least 60 ECTS at Linnaeus University before going on the exchange. Select the option that applies to you to see the specific requirements.

Please note: All credit and registration requirements must be fulfilled by the application deadline.

An exemption may be granted to students who are on an exchange through Linnaeus University during the academic year 2025/2026, as well as to students who have a documented study leave

Please note that if you apply and are later placed at one of Linnaeus University’s partner universities, there are specific credit requirements you must meet to retain your placement.

You can find more information under the “Requirements to keep your placement” tab.

The International Office is here to support you in your preparation for exchange studies. We recommend starting by watching the instruction videos under the “Application” tab, where we go through everything you need to know to get started with your application.

If you would like more support or prefer to talk to us directly, you are very welcome to join our workshops or contact us for personal guidance during the application period.

Student Lounge
The Student Lounge is open for drop-in visits throughout the semester. The opening hours and further information can be found on the Student Lounge's website. 

Other contact ways
E-mail: outexchange@lnu.se  

Tel: 0772 28 80 00 (ask for an international coordinator at the International Office)

Instagram: Lnuabroad

Linnaeus University has exchange agreements with around 500 partner institutions in over 50 countries and is also a member of the ISEP and USAC consortia.

In our list of available exchange placements, you can see which agreements currently have open spots. Please note that some agreements only apply to specific subject areas or study levels. You can only apply for placements within your own faculty or for university-wide placements.

Below is an overview of the different types of exchange placements offered by Linnaeus University.

Bilateral placements outside of Europe
The majority of placements outside Europe are university-wide and can be applied for by all students at Linnaeus University, regardless of faculty.

Consortia
In addition to bilateral exchange agreements, Linnaeus University can send students through consortia. A consortium is an organization where several universities collaborate to offer exchange placements at institutions with which we do not have direct agreements.

As a student at Linnaeus University, this gives you access to more countries and universities through these networks. The placements are university-wide, meaning that all students can apply regardless of faculty.

Linnaeus University is a member of ISEP and USAC, both of which offer exchange opportunities in many countries – both within and outside Europe. When applying to a consortium, you indicate it as one of your choices in the application. If you are allocated a placement, you can then select specific partner universities within the consortium.

ISEP - the International Student Exchange Program
ISEP is a global network of universities that allows students at Linnaeus University to study at partner universities around the world. The network is subject-wide and open to all students. Through ISEP, you can access universities with which Linnaeus University does not have direct agreements, both in the USA and other countries. More information about ISEP placements can be found on the ISEP website.

The main idea behind ISEP is that studying abroad should not cost more or less than studying at your home university. For Linnaeus University students, the cost is 42,000 SEK per semester (2026/2027). This covers accommodation and meals and is paid to Linnaeus University at the beginning of the exchange semester. When you arrive at the host university, both accommodation and meals are already paid for.

Key points:

• Network of approximately 140 universities in the USA and 200 in the rest of the world
• Subject-wide – all students from Lnu can apply
• Cost: 42,000 SEK per semester (2026/2027), covering accommodation and meals
• Placement: Done by ISEP’s headquarters in the USA. Once you are placed, you will receive information about which universities you can choose from
• Language: Check carefully the required language skills, especially if courses are offered in languages other than English
• Application process: Extensive; often requires a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score
• Other mandatory costs: Application fee approx. $100, placement fee approx. $450, and insurance approx. $28/week

When selecting ISEP in your exchange application, please indicate the USA as the country, even if that is not your intended destination. The reason is that ISEP’s headquarters are located there, so the consortium is listed this way in the application database.

USAC - University Studies Abroad Consortium
USAC is a consortium that offers students at Linnaeus University the opportunity to study in several countries and at universities with which we do not have direct agreements. The placements are university-wide, meaning that all students can apply. The network offers exchange placements for a semester, full academic year, and summer programs.

More information about USAC placements can be found on the USAC website under Programs. Please note that as an exchange student from Linnaeus University, you do not pay the “Program Fee” (tuition fee) that USAC charges. You can also find specific information for Linnaeus University students on USAC’s customized page.

Please note that not all universities listed on USAC’s website are available to Linnaeus University students. Available placement options within USAC for students at Linnaeus University

Key points:

• Exchange placements in multiple countries, e.g., Australia, Chile, Costa Rica, India, Uruguay, New Zealand, South Africa, Thailand
• Options to apply for a semester, full academic year, or summer programs
• Summer programs: Some placements offer both study and accommodation free of charge for LNU students
• Language: Always check the language of instruction before applying

When selecting USAC in your exchange application, please indicate the USA as the country, even if that is not your intended destination. The reason is that USAC’s headquarters are located there, so the consortium is listed this way in the application database.

For applications to summer programs, see Summer courses.

Placements within Europe
Please note that the majority of the agreements within Europe are subject specific agreements, which means that only students studying the specific subjects can apply. 

Erasmus+
Many exchange agreements within Europe are part of the Erasmus+, an exchange programme funded by the European Union. These agreements are linked to specific subject areas, meaning that you are only able to take courses from that specific subject area at the exchange university. Hence, it is important that you apply for a partner university where we have an agreement within your subject area.

A requirement within Erasmus+ is that you study on a full time basis at your host university during your exchange period.

All European universities do not offer courses in English, so unless you master the local language it is important that you check that they offer courses in a language that you speak.

As an Erasmus student, you are entitled to a scholarship and a travel grant. The scholarship amount is 530 EUR or 580 EUR per month (academic year 2026/2027), depending on the country where you are studying. The amount of the travel grant varies depending on the distance and means of transportation — using an environmentally friendly mode of transport results in a higher travel grant.
Students with a permanent or long-term disability, students with minor children, and students with ongoing or previous protection status in Sweden (e.g. refugee, subsidary protection status) receive an additional 250 EUR per month in Erasmus+ scholarship. 

Students with fewer opportunities who have expenses exceeding the 250 EUR mentioned above may also apply for inclusion support based on actual additional costs related to the exchange studies. These costs may include, for example, transportation, special accommodation, preparatory visits, childcare, or other needs. The application is submitted by the International Office, which can also provide more information about the scholarship and inclusion support.

Find out more about the Erasmus+ grant under the heading Finances on this page.

Nordplus
Nordplus is the Nordic Council of Minister's program for promotion of exchanges of students and lecturers between Nordic universities. The program is founded upon various subject networks, and at Linnaeus University there are subject networks in for example comparative literature, library science, social work, health and caring sciences and teacher education. Linnaeus University also participates in the Nordlys network where cooperation is undertaken in all subject areas.

As a Nordplus/Nordlys student you might be entitled to a grant through Nordplus or Erasmus+. Find out more about the Erasmus+ grant under the heading Finances on this page.

Summer placements
Several of our partner universities, as well as the consortia USAC, offer exchange studies during the summer as well. The summer placements are not announced in the two ordinary application rounds for exchange studies during the autumn- and spring semesters, but are instead published continuously on our website for summer schools. Each summer school has its own application criteria and deadlines. 

Many of Linnaeus University’s exchange placements are in high demand. To allocate placements fairly, all applicants are ranked.

All applications that meet the basic eligibility requirements are assessed based on three criteria:

1. Completed courses at Linnaeus University (0–6 points)
The number of completed ECTS credits, as reported in Ladok by the application deadline for exchange studies, compared to the number of credits the student has been registered for.

2. Engagement during your studies (0–1 point)
This criterion refers to engagement outside of your studies, for example through association duties or work. Students who submit a certificate for any of the following activities receive 1 point:

• Board positions in associations (e.g., student nations, student associations, non-profit organizations)
• Student representative in Linnaeus University committees, councils, or decision-making bodies
• Buddy for incoming international students
• Student ambassador at Linnaeus University
• Continuous work (paid or voluntary) of at least 10 hours per month

Engagement can be ongoing or completed previously during your studies.

Engagement must be verified with a certificate, signed by the responsible person at the organization or workplace. The certificate must also indicate the extent of your involvement.

You can download the certificate form here.

3. Approved application (0-1 point)
All answers in the application must be relevant and appropriate for their context. For example, applicants are expected to explain why they have chosen the selected universities, link their choices to their academic programme, and describe how the exchange will contribute to their academic, professional, and personal development.

After the application deadline
Based on the assessment criteria, a total score (0–8) is calculated, and a ranking list of all applicants is created in descending order.

Placements for exchange positions are allocated according to the ranking list.
In the event of a tie, the placement is decided by lottery.
Placement notifications are sent via email, and you must accept or decline within 5 working days.

No language tests are required to apply for an exchange placement through Linnaeus University. However, some host universities may require language tests once you have been nominated for a placement and move forward in their application process. This applies, for example, to universities in the USA, UK, and parts of Asia.

Other language requirements may also apply. For instance, many partner universities in Australia require at least a VG grade (Pass with distinction) or equivalent in English A or B from upper secondary school.

Common ways to demonstrate language proficiency:

• TOEFL or IELTS test
• A general language certificate from the International Office (sometimes sufficient)
• A certificate from a language teacher or similar if the above is not enough

If you are going to study courses in languages other than English, you will often need to submit proof of your skills in that language.

Important to know
The list of available exchange placements often includes specific language requirements for each host university.

Please note that requirements may change, and sometimes a language test may be required even if it is not listed in the placement database. In such cases, you will receive information about this along with the application documents from the host university.

Once you have accepted your nomination, the next step in the process begins. You will then receive application instructions either from the International Office or directly from the host university.

Important to know

• The host university makes the final admission decision.
• Being nominated does not guarantee a placement, but it is uncommon for nominated students to be denied admission.

Credit requirements
To actually participate in your exchange, you must meet the credit and registration requirements.

Read more under the “Requirements to keep your placement” section.

Preparatory information and support
Before your exchange, the International Office invites you to a preparation event.

Here you will receive:

• Practical information
• Intercultural tips
• Opportunities to ask questions

The purpose is to give you the best possible start to your exchange.

To keep your place in an exchange program and go abroad, you must meet both registration and credit requirements, which are checked before the exchange. If you do not meet the requirements, your placement will be cancelled.

Registration requirement: You must be registered – or expected to be registered – for courses at Linnaeus University according to your study plan. If registration has not yet opened, planned registration is counted, but a new check is performed once the registration period begins.

Credit requirement: You must have achieved a certain number of credits, depending on how far you have progressed in your studies and which application round you applied in. Only credits registered in Ladok at the time of the check are counted.

Credit and registration checks before the exchange:

• Autumn 2026: 3 March*
• Spring 2027: 10 September

*Exemption to meet the credit requirement is granted until 1 April

An exemption may be granted to students who are on an exchange through Linnaeus University during the academic year 2025/2026, as well as to students who have a documented study leave.

Note that the credit requirement is halved for students studying part-time, but the student must still be able to achieve at least 60 credits at Linnaeus University before their exchange semester.

In addition to our requirements, you must also meet the admission requirements of the host university.

Students with disabilities, who go on exchange, can receive special support during your exchange studies. 

If you are considering studying abroad, it is important that you contact the coordinators for students with disabilities at Linnaeus University. Together with the coordinator you can discuss which exchange placements would work considering your disability. In many countries there may be other things to consider, than in Sweden, in order for your studies and your daily life to work well. 

You will work together with the coordinator to create a support plan based on the unique conditions existing in the country you are interested in studying in. In general, it is easiest for students with disabilities to travel to Anglo Saxon- and Nordic countries, but it depends on what disability you have and what kind of support you require.

Contact Linnaeus University's coordinators for students with disabilities for more information. 

If you go to a Nordic university through Nordlys, or to a European university through Erasmus+, you will receive an additional 250 EUR/month on top of the regular Erasmus+ grant. You can also apply for inclusion support to cover any additional costs exceeding 250 EUR/month that might arise due to your disability, such as transportation, physical therapy etc. The amount is based on real costs and a separate application is made together with International Office. Please find more information about the Erasmus+ grant under the heading Finances on this page.

If you are interested in studying at a university in Belgium, Ireland, The Netherlands, Slovenia, Great Britain or Austria you can also find information through Ahead - The LINK Network's website. Ahead - The LINK Network connects students with disabilities who are interested in conducting a semester abroad with local students. The local students can answer questions and give information about what it is like to live and study in that country if you have a disability.

Learning Agreement

As part of your applicaiton you will get to complete a Learning Agreement (LA). A Learning Agreement is an agreement between you as a student, Linnaeus University and in some cases your host university. The agreement is a guarantee for you, as it contains information about which courses you can take abroad and thereafter count into your education at Linnaeus University. 

When you should complete your Learning Agreement depends on when you receive course- and application information from your host univeristy. Therefore there is no deadline that applies to all applicants. You will get more information from your faculty well before the start of your exchange studies.  

Reference number

When you have completed your Learning Agreement, the document will be digitally archived. Your Learning Agreement will get a specific number which identifies that specific document. That number is called a reference number. You should keep your reference number in a safe place. You will need it when you come back to Linnaeus University again and want to apply for a credit transfer of the courses from your exchange period. 

Credit transfer of your exchange studies

In order for the courses you take abroad to count into your education at Linnaeus University, you must apply for a credit transfer. Please contact an international coordinator at your faculty for further information. 

In many countries it is required that you have a visa or a residence permit in order to be allowed to enter the country and study there. Different rules apply in different countries. Therefore you need to check with the embassy of the country you are going to what they require there.

Students who are European Uniom citizens do not need to apply for a visa to live in other European Union countries. Students who are not European Union citizens might however need to apply for a student residence permit in the European countries as well, even if they already have a Schengen residence permit for Sweden. It is also important to inform the Swedish Migration Agency when you apply for a residence permit in another country and to get information from them about how to organize the Swedish residence permit again after the return to Sweden.

Swedish Board for Study Support (CSN)

Please visit CSN's webpage to find out if you are eligible for study support.

Erasmus+ grant

As an Erasmus+ student you are assigned a scholarship provided you meet the below requirements. The amount is 530 or 580 EUR/month depending on the host country (a.y. 2026/2027).

• That you study full time for at least two months at your host university
• That you have a complete Learning Agreement at the start of the exchange semester and that the courses you study during the exchange can be transferred into your degree at Linnaeus University. This is regulated by your Learning Agreement which is to be set up along with your academic contact person at Linnaeus University and then sent to your host university for approval.

To get the Erasmus+ grant, you agree to comply with the conditions laid down for the Erasmus+ students, you can read about your rights and obligations in the Erasmus Student Charter, linked below.

Erasmusplus_Student_Charter

Travel allowance

In addition to the base amount mentioned above, the Erasmus+ scholarship also includes a travel grant. The Erasmus+ travel grant is based on the means of transport and the distance between Linnaeus University and the host university, as calculated using the Erasmus+ Distance Calculator. For exchanges within Europe, the travel grant ranges from approximately 211 EUR to 785 EUR (for exact amounts, please contact the International Office). If you travel green, e.g. by train, bus, or carpooling, you will receive a higher travel grant.

Top-ups to the Erasmus+ grant

Students with a permanent or long-term disability, students with minor children, and students with ongoing or previous protection status in Sweden (e.g. refugee or subsidary protection status) receive an additional 250 EUR per month in Erasmus+ scholarship.

Students with fewer opportunities who have expenses exceeding the 250 EUR mentioned above may also apply for inclusion support based on actual additional costs related to the exchange studies. These costs may include, for example, transportation, special accommodation, preparatory visits, childcare, or other needs. The application is submitted by the International Office, which can also provide more information about the scholarship and inclusion support.

Payment of the Erasmus+ grant

The payment of the Erasmus+ grant is made in two instalments. The first payment represents 70% of the total preliminary amount and is made when you have arrived at the host university and have completed:

• the Learning Agreement
• the Grant Agreement

The second payment is made after the end of your exchange when you have completed:

• the Erasmus+ Participation Report. It is generated by the EU Commission database and is automatically sent to your email when the end date of your exchange semester has passed.
• the Certificate of Attendance (CoA). The certificate should be signed by your host university when your exchange is completed. It confirms the exact start and end date of your exchange.

Other financial support

It may be possible to apply for scholarships through organizations and foundations. On our website about scholarships (in Swedish only) we list websites that can give you further information or ideas on how to write a scholarship application. 

Student UT insurance

All students who take part in Linnaeus University's exchange programmes are insured during their stay abroad by the Swedish State's Insurance during Education Abroad offered by Kammarkollegiet. This insurance is free of charge. You need to decide for yourself if that insurance covers what you want to cover, or if you want to purchase another insurance se well. 

The Swedish State's Insurance during Education Abroad (Student UT) applies during your studies at the host university, as well as two weeks before the programme's start and two weeks after it ends. The cover applies only in the host country and during direct travel between this country and Sweden. This means that you will need to buy additional insurance if you wish to travel outside your host country, e.g. during weekends or holidays, or if you wish to travel to other countries near your host country before or after your exchange period. If you wish to travel to your host country earlier than two weeks before the start of your studies, or stay there longer than two weeks after the programme ends, you will also have to buy additional insurance.

Certain universities and exchange programmes require that their students take out a special insurance they offer. This applies particularly to universities in Canada, Japan and the USA, but other universities/countries may have similar arrangements.

European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)

If you are a citizen of a European Union country and are going on exchange to another country within the European Union you need to bring the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) which entitles you to health care on the same conditions as the citizens of that country.

At arrival:

• If your original study plan changes, you must contact us or the academic person who signed the Learning Agreement to find out if the changes are accepted and if the new courses can be transferred to Linnaeus University.

During the exchange

• Be a good ambassador for Linnaeus University and for Sweden!
• If you need information material about Linnaeus University please contact us at outexchange@lnu.se.
• We encourage you to stay in contact with us at International Office through outexchange@lnu.se.
• If you want to prolong your exchange period this is only possible for student who go abroad during autumn semester. Please send us an email to outexchange@lnu.se and we will find out if it is possible.

Before departure from host institution

• If possible, ask for your Official Transcript of Records already before you leave your host institution. If this document is not finalized it will be sent to either you or to Linnaeus University. You will have to submit a copy of this transcript in order to transfer the credits to your education programme at Linnaeus University.
• Ask your host institution to sign your Certificate of Attendance (only for Erasmus students).

Credit transfer

When returning home it is your responsibility to apply for transferring your credits from your exchange studies. This application is done to your faculty. You will need to submit a copy of your transcript from your exchange studies. The application procedure varies between the faculties so please contact your program manager for more information.

If you did not get your transcript with you when leaving your host institution, it will be sent either directly to you or to us at International Office. If we receive them we will contact you.

Evaluation

Students on an Erasmus scholarship must submit an evaluation after completing the exchange programme. You will be contacted by International Office and receive more information about what is expected of you.

Check-in Europe

This is an initiative for former Erasmus students, to demonstrate there is a bold and dynamic Erasmus community ready and able to face the challenges that Europe is experiencing. Read more and check-in here: www.garagerasmus.org.

Become a buddy

Do you want to become a buddy to one or several of the exchange students at Linnaeus University? This will be a perfect way to maintain your newly-acquired language skills and a chance to continue your exchange, only now on home ground and through the eyes of an international student. Please contact the Linnaeus Union (Linnékåren) or register directly at  https://buddyprogram.lnu.se/#/

Help us inform others about exchange programmes

If you want to be an ambassador for your host institution, host country and international exchange, please contact International Office for further information.

International Office

International Office has the administrative responsability for the exchange studies and takes care of the communication with your host university. 

Visit us

Drop-in visits at the Student Lounge or booked appointments through outexchange@lnu.se. 

During ongoing application periods we also arrange application workshops. Welcome to read more about them under 'Want help with your application?'. 

Follow us in Instagram #lnuabroad.

International coordinators at the faculties

You also have an academic support throughout the exchange process. International Coordinators at the faculties can help you with questions about for example course selection and Learning Agreement. 

School of Business and Economics

mobility.sbe@lnu.se

Faculty of Health and Life Sciences 

mobility.fhl@lnu.se

Faculty of Arts and Humanities

mobility.fkh@lnu.se

Faculty of Social Sciences

mobility.fsv@lnu.se

Faculty of Technology

ftk.outexchange@lnu.se

The board of teacher education

alexandra.holtti@lnu.se