Study abroad

Linnaeus University has exchange agreements covering students and/or lecturers with around 500 universities in more than 50 countries. The university is also a member of the consortia ISEP and USAC. Below is a summary of the exchange programmes that Linnaeus University participates in. 

Bilateral placements outside of Europe

The majority of the bilateral exchange placements outside of Europe are university wide, which means that all students att Linnaeus Univeristy can apply, regardless of which faculty they belong to.

Consortia

A consrotium is an organization in which several universities are members. Through the membership Linnaeus University has the possibility to send students on exchange studies to universities that we do not have exchange agreements with. 

Linnaeus University is a member in the two consorita ISEP and USAC, which both offer exchange studies in many different countries - both outside of and within Europe. The exchange placements are university wide, which means that any student at Linnaeus University can apply. If you are interested in applying, please add the consortia in you rapplicaiton for exchange studies. If you will get a nomination to one of the consortia, you will at a later stage get to submit another application to the universities within the consortia that interest you.

ISEP - the International Student Exchange Program

ISEP is a network including some 140 universities in the USA and about 200 in the rest of the world. The network covers all subject areas and all Linnaeus University students can apply to be placed at a university within the network. Note that it is not possible to apply for all universities within ISEP. A list of ISEP universities available for students from Linnaeus Univeristy can be found on the ISEP website.

The idea behind ISEP is that it should cost neither more nor less for a student to study abroad. For students at Linnaeus University this cost is SEK 38.000 per semester (the equivalent to the cost of student accommodation and food). The amount charged from students participating in ISEP is based on what it would cost to study at the home university.This amount is paid to Linnaeus University prior to departing for your exchange destination. When arriving at your host university, your food and accommodation are therefore already paid for. 

When you have been nominated as an ISEP student, an extensive application process begins and it is sometimes required that the applicant has passed the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) test. When you apply through ISEP you will have to pay an application fee of around 100$ and a placement fee of around 425$. The final placement is done by ISEP's headquarter in the US. When you have got an ISEP placement you will also have to pay for an insurance of about 100$ through ISEP. Please note: costs may change without prior notice. 

Make sure to check carefully what language skills and prerequisites are required when choosing a university. Note that universities outside the US, or other Enlish speaking countries, do not always offer all their courses in English.

USAC - University Studies Abroad Consortium

The USAC consortium provides opportunities for exchange studies in several different countries, for example Australia, Chile, Costa Rica, India, Uruguay, New Zealand, South Africa, Thailand and more. You can apply for either a semester exchange, a full year or a summer placement. For the application to summer placements, please see Summer schools. 

More information about the USAC placements can be found in USAC's website, under Programs. Please note that as a student from Linnaeus University you are not obliged to pay the fee that USAC refers to as 'Program fee', which is the tuition fee. 

Also note that it is not possible for Linnaeus University students to study in all USAC countries listed on their home page. 
Available USAC program sites for students from Linnaeus University.

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 eligible for a grant. The amount is €510 or €560 /month (academic year 2024/2025) depending on in which country you study. Students with children and students with a disability receive an additional €250/month. Students with disabilities can also apply for inclusion support, an extra grant to cover additional costs incurred through the exchange based on real costs. You will receive more information about the grant once you have been offered an Erasmus exchange placement. 

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 are eligible for the grant through Nordplus or in some cases the Erasmus+ grant. You will receive more information once you have been nominated for a Nordlys exchange.

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. 

Summer school costs

Please note that some universities charge a tuition fee for their summer schools. At other universities the tuition is free of charge, but students pay for their accommodation. What applies to each university is described in the university specific information on the website for summer schools. 

Within USAC there are even a few summer placements where both tuition and housing is free of charge for students from Linnaeus University. Please see the website for summer schools for further information. 

Application round 1

Deadline November 15, 2023, 3 PM.

When you apply you must:

• be registered on a degree programme or freestanding course at Linnaeus University. Students with an approved leave of study are eligible. Please note that exchange students at Linnaeus University are not eligible to apply.

Credit requirements (from Linnaeus University):

• Minimum 1 credit from the autumn semester 2023, until November 15.

Credit requirements (from Linnaeus University) if you are on study break or on an exchange:

• Minimum 15 credits for the last semester you were registered or 30 credits from the  last two semesters that you were registered to.

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Application round 2

Deadline March 1, 2024, 3 PM

When you apply you must:

• be registered on a degree programme or freestanding course at Linnaeus University. Students with an approved leave of study are eligible. Please note that exchange students at Linnaeus University are not eligible to apply.

Credit requirements (from Linnaeus University):

• Minimum 22,5 credits from the academic year 23/24, until March 1. 

Credit requirements (from Linnaeus University) if you are on study break or on an exchange

• Minimum 15 credits for the last semester you were registered or 30 credits from the  last two semesters that you were registered to.

_______________________________________________________________

• The credit requirements are counted at the deadline.
• If you do not study full-time at Linnaeus University, this can be taken into consideration.
• Credits here means credits that are registered in LADOK at the point in time given. Higher education credits that are not registered in LADOK will not be considered.

The application is made online. The link is only available during an active application round. Please follow the instructions below and in the application carefully. 

Deadline application round 1: 15 November at 15.00

Deadline application round 2: 1 March at 15.00

Application content

A complete application must contain the following: 

• Selected host universities (you have the possibility to list up to 8 alternatives).  
• An Academic Purpose Statement (APS), written in the intended language of instruction at the partner universities, explaining why you apply for the selected alternatives. This should be related to your studies and explain how the exchange studies will contribute to your academic, professional and personal development. Please read more about the APS below. 

• Possible courses to take during the exchange period, equal to 30 Swedish credits per semester (full time studies during one semester). To find courses you need to go to each university's website to check course catalogues and information for their incoming exchange students.  

• Language skills and level (click here for a sSelf-assessment Grids (CEFR) of your language knowledge).
• Optional: certificate from work, volunteering or board positions, signed by your manager/responsable in the organization. The certificate must state the number of hours you have worked. You upload the certificate on your application account after you have submitted the application. The certificate must be uploaded by the application deadline. Please read more under 'Ranking and placement' below. 

General information about the application

• The application must be complete by the deadlines. Started but not completed applications will not be registered. Late applications are not accepted either. 
• You can make changes in your application until deadline. 
• It is only possible to apply in both application rounds (1 and 2) if you apply for two different semesters.
• You apply in competition with other applicants. You will therefore have to dedicate time and energy on your application. Count on approximately 15–20 hours.
• It is not possible to apply together with another student. All applications are assessed individually. 

Online application and placement list

I our placement list you can see which agreements Linnaeus University has with other universities and where exchange studies is included in the agreement. Please note that some exchange agreement are reserved for students within a specific field of studies an/or on a certain level of studies. You can only apply for exchange placements that either belong to your own faculty or that are university-wide.

The placement list is updated before each applicaiton round. Which exchange placement we announce dependes on whether or not the partner universities have the possibility to receive students from Linnaeus University during the upcoming academic year.

In the placement list you have the possibility to filter your search based on faculty, country, level of studies etcetera. In order to see the university-wide agreements, please leave the box "faculty" in the preselection empty. 

To get more information about the available placements you should also read the info boxes in the placement list. There you can get information about for example language requirements, admission restrictions and costs related to the exchange. Please note that there are two info boxes; one in the first view in the list of placements and another which you access by first clicking on the agreement button with two shaking hands.

An important part of your application is your Academic Purpose Statement (APS). In your APS you should discuss your selection of universities and motivate why you have applied to each specific university. You should reflect on your academic studies and how the exchange studies can benefit your future career, as well as your professional and personal development.  

It is important that you can explain clearly why you want to study abroad and what outcomes you hope to achieve through your exchange studies. You also need to show that you have some knowledge of your chosen universities and their course offer.  

An APS may contain a maximum of 3000 characters.  

Language 

If you will study in one of the following languages during your exchange, you will need to write your APS in that language: English, French, German, Spanish, Italian.  

For example, if you are going to take courses given in English, you should write your APS in English. If your application contains placements with different teaching language, you will have to write an APS for each language, for example one APS in English for a placement in Great Britain and one APS in French for studies in French in France. If you are going to study in English in France, you should write your APS in English.  

In the application you can only submit one APS. If you need to submit a second one, in another language, please send it by e-mail to outexchange@lnu.se. 

An APS may not be written in Swedish.  

Assessment of the APS 

You can get between 0-4 points for your APS.  

For 0 points, the APS is written in the wrong way, for example in Swedish or without any connection to an application for exchange studies. Applications that get 0 points for the APS will be cancelled.  

APS written in one of the accepted languages, are assessed based on how well the applicants have motivated the selected universities and courses. You should be able to explain why the choices are relevant and interesting for your studies, justify how they suit your future career plans and explain how the exchange studies can benefit your personal development. The main focus should be on academic and professional perspectives.  

Please se film number 3, under ‘Want help with your application?’, further down on this website, to get concrete tips on what to address within the different perspectives.   

The coordinators at the International Office are there to help you throughout your preparations for exchange studies. There are several ways to reach us.

Instruction videos about the application

• Video 1: Information about the two application rounds, the requirements to apply and receive a placement, and what the International Office and the faculties help with.

• Video 2 - Guide on how to navigate and complete your online application.

• Video 3: How do I write my APS and what do I need to consider?

Application workshops

During each applicaiton period International Office offers application workshops support to students who are about to submit their applications. The workshops will not include general presentations, but are instead intended for you to ask questions and get individual help with the application. 

Do not forget to bring your computer! 

Workshops during the spring semester 2024:

Kalmar, Tuesdays at 10.30-12.30:

6 February, room Ma1066K, house Magna
13 February, room Ma250K, house Magna
20 February, room Ma250K, house Magna
27 February, room Ma1066K, house Magna

Växjö, Wednesdays at 12.00-14.00:

7 February, Student Lounge H1313, H-building
14 February, Student Lounge H1313, H-building
21 February, Student Lounge H1313, H-building
28 February, Student Lounge H1313, H-building

Student Lounge 

The Student Lounge is open for drop-in visits throughout the semester. Some days we are present on campus. We also offer the possibility to visit a digital Student Lounge once a week. 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

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 Nordplus, or to a European university through Erasmus+, you can apply for mobility-funding to cover any additional costs that might arise due to your disability, such as transportation or physical therapy. The amount awarded depends on what additional costs might arise.

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.

Linnaeus University does not require any language test when you apply for an exchange placement. The host universities might however require different kinds of language tests once you have been nominated to them and move on to their application. This is the case in for example the USA, Great Britain and Asia. 

There might also be other language requirements/tests. Many of our partner universities in Australia require for example that you have skills in English corresponding to level C1 in the Common European Framework Language System.

Examples of common English language tests are the TOEFL or IELTS-tests. Sometimes it's enough that International Office write this certificate for you. Otherwise, you might need to find a language teacher who can verify your language skills or do one of the above mentioned language tests.

If you are going to study in other languages than English during your exchange period, it is common that you will have to submit a certificate of your language skills to the host university.

In the placement list you may find the requirements for the universities (the information may be subject to changes). It might also be that a language test is required at a university even if this was not specified in the placement list. You will get this information when receiving the application material from the host university.

Many of the exchange placements are very popular which means that all applications must be ranked. All complete applications are ranked based on the following criteria: 

1. Completed courses at Lnu (0-4 points) 

The number of completed credits compared to the number of credits that the student has been registered on.  

• p = 0-24%    
• 1 p = 25-49%  
• 2 p = 50-74%  
• 3 p = 75-99%  
• 4 p = 100%  

2. Academic Purpose Statement (APS) (0-4 points)   

Describes what the student plans to study and why. The APS is divided into three perspectives; academic, professional and personal. A student can get between 0-4 points for the APS (please see further details under ‘How to apply’.  

3. Engagement during the studies (0-1 points) 

Commitment beyond the studies, for example through volunteering, board positions in associations, or work. Students who submit certificates for any of the following receive 1 point: 

• board positions in associations (for example student nations, student associations or non-profit organization 
• student representative in Lnu’s boards or decision-making bodies 
• buddy to an incoming international student 
• continuous work (paid or volunteering) of at least 10 h/month 

The engagement can be ongoing or previously completed.

The engagement must be proven by means of a certificate, signed by a manager/representative of the relevant organization or workplace. The certificate must also state the number of hours you have worked. 

Based on these criteria, a score is calculated for each student and a ranking list is created. The student with the highest score will be ranked the highest. 

Exchange placements are offered based on the ranking list. In case there is a competition about a placement between several applicants with the same ranking number, the placement will be distributed through a lottery.  

Placement offers will be sent to the students by email. You have to respond to your offer within three working days. 

When you have accepted your suggested exchange placement you will receive application instructions from International Office at Linnaeus University, or directly from your host institution.

Please note that it is the host institution who decides on your acceptance. Before they have taken the decision you are not guaranteed a placement. It is however very unusual that the host institutions choose not to accept nominated students.

Please note that you must fulfill the credit requirement to get to go on your exchange. See further details under 'Requirements to keep your placement'. 

Before your exchange semester you will be invited to an event where International Office will provide you with practical and intercultural information to prepare for your exchange. 

To get to go on your exchange, you must later fulfill certain credit requirements from Linnaeus University. If you do not fulfill these requirements, you are not eligible to go on exchange and your application will be withdrawn.

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Exchange studies during the autumn semester 2024

Registration requirement:

• be registered on a degree programme or freestanding course at Linnaeus University on minimum half pace (15 credits) the semester before the exchange period. 

Credit requirements (from Linnaeus University):

• 22.5 credits totally from Lnu from the academic year 2023/2024 reported March 1, 2024.

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Exchange studies during the spring semester 2025

Registration requirement:

• be registered on a degree programme or freestanding course at Linnaeus University on minimum half pace (15 credits) the semester before the exchange period. 

Credit requirements (from Linnaeus University:

• 45 credits totally from Lnu from the academic year 2023/2024 reported June 30, 2024.

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Students who are planning to go on exchange studies during the spring semester, but who do not fulfill the credit requirements on June 30, can be conditionally approved to keep their placements. They will then have until the start of the autumn semester to reach the credit requirements. 

Exemption can be given students studying abroad through Lnu during the academic year 2023/2024, students who have an approved study break or students who do not study on a full time basis. Each case will be assessed individually.

To be accepted by the host institution you must also fulfill their requirements.

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 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+ scholarship

As an Erasmus + student you are assigned a scholarship provided you meet the below requirements. The amount is 510 or 560 EUR/month depending on the host country (a.y. 2024/2025).

• That you study at least two months at your host university (unless the official semester at your host university is shorter than two months, if so this is approved).
• That you study full time 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 + scholarship, 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.

Erasmusplus_Student_Charter.pdf

Payment of the scholarship

The payment of the Erasmus + scholarship is made in two instalments. The first payment is made when you have arrived at the host university and have completed:

• Learning Agreement
• Grant Agreement

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

• Evaluation. This is generated by the EU Commission database and is automatically sent to you when the end date of your exchange semester has passed.
• Certificate of Attendance (CoA). This certificate should be signed by your host university when your exchange is completed. It confirms your exact end date.

Students with children

Students who have children will receive an an additional 250 EUR/month from the Erasmus+ programme.

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.

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