Student Exchange
Why to go on exchange?
Going for an exchange is one of the best ways to gain international experience. The University of Oulu offers excellent opportunities to study at high-quality universities around the world. In addition, going on an exchange is easy: help and support is available at all stages of the exchange, and entrants receive a grant.
As an exchange student, you participate in the teaching and student life of the host university on a par with the locals and live in a student apartment. Studies completed abroad will be included in your degree in Oulu.
When?
The duration of the exchange study is usually 2-12 months, depending on the exchange program, i.e. one semester or a full academic year.
When you start planning your exchange, international master's degree students should bare in mind that the duration of their degree is two years and graduating on time is important. Their study plan contains a set of precisely defined courses, which are required for graduation. This sets more specific requirements for planning the exchange period. Before applying for an exchange, it is essential to discuss your study progress and your study plan with your master's degree programme coordinator.
Where?
There are several different exchange programs to choose from and hundreds of different universities. You can go on exchange in Europe, North and South America, Asia and Oceania.
Erasmus+
Information about exchange study destinations in Europe.
Destinations Outside Europe
Academic Affairs coordinates exchanges with several bilateral partners, networks and programmes around the world.
UNIC exchanges
UniOulu is part of the European University UNIC (The European University of Post-Industrial Cities). Learn more about the internationalisation opportunities within UNIC!
Below you can find the stages of an exchange application. See the Exchange programmes section for more specific instructions.
The University of Oulu wants to encourage all students to gain international experience. A special need is not an obstacle for internationalisation.
In Erasmus+ programme, you may be eligible for an extra grant if you have a disability or an obstacle which causes extra expenses during your exchange. If you are a guardian of underage children, you may get a top-up to your Erasmus+ grant. Read more about Erasmus+ grants in the Erasmus+ specific programme page. You will also get more information by contacting the international.office@oulu.fi service address.
The UNIC universities also organise entirely virtual study components which you can complete in Oulu. You can read more about Open Online Courses in the UNIC programme page.
Questions about student exchange?
-
You can find your faculty-level international coordinator's contact details here.
- International Mobility Services' Virtual Office Hour serves on Wednesdays at 14 - 15 in Zoom. Come and ask about student exchange or any other international topic! Join us online via this link.