Discover Student Exchange Programs Worldwide

Semester exchanges, cultural programs, and mobility grants that take your education across borders.

A student exchange program lets you spend a semester or a year at a partner university abroad while remaining enrolled at your home institution. Credits are usually recognised at home, and some programs offer grants. This page lists exchange and mobility programs so you can compare destinations and conditions.

Who exchange programs are for

Exchanges are typically for currently enrolled undergraduate and graduate students who want international experience without moving permanently. They suit students who value language practice, new academic perspectives and cultural experience, and who can fit time away into their degree plan.

Some programs are run through university partnerships, while others are open mobility or cultural exchange schemes. Your home university's international office is often the first contact.

Talk to students who have been on exchange at your university. They can tell you about the real workload, housing, local costs and how smoothly credit transfer worked, which is often more useful than the brochure description of a partner institution.

How to find and compare programs

Consider the destination, language of teaching, courses available, length, cost and funding. Check whether you pay tuition at your home university, what a grant might cover, and what living costs are likely to be. Find out how credits transfer so that your graduation date is not affected.

Use the filters on this page to focus on the country and funding type you need. Reading the host university's course list before applying helps you choose a destination with relevant classes.

Budget for the whole period. Besides tuition arrangements, plan for accommodation deposits, health insurance, flights, a visa and daily costs. Some exchanges offer mobility grants, but these may not cover everything, so work out a realistic monthly figure early.

Typical eligibility, documents and timeline

Requirements commonly include enrolment at a partner institution, a minimum grade average, language evidence, a motivation letter and a study plan. You may need approval from your home department.

Deadlines often fall many months before departure, and universities may run internal selection before the host sees your file. Allow extra time for visa and accommodation arrangements.

Your motivation letter should explain why this host and country suit your studies, not just that you want to travel. Mention specific courses, research groups or language goals, and show that you are ready to adapt to a different academic culture.

Mistakes to avoid

Students sometimes choose a destination without confirming that courses will count towards their degree, or forget to plan for living costs. Others miss internal deadlines at their home university, which can be earlier than the host's.

Agree your course plan in writing before you leave, keep copies of approvals, and apply only through your university or the program's official site.

Once accepted, follow the pre-departure steps carefully: confirm your course list, arrange accommodation, check visa and insurance rules, and register with the host's international office. Staying in touch with your home department helps if your plans change.

Frequently asked questions

What is a student exchange program?

It is an arrangement that lets you study at a partner university abroad for a semester or year while staying enrolled at home. Credits are normally recognised by your home institution, subject to agreement beforehand.

Do I pay tuition at the host university?

In many exchanges you continue paying tuition to your home university and not the host, but this varies. Confirm the arrangement with your international office and the program rules.

Are there grants for exchange students?

Some programs and funders offer mobility grants toward travel and living costs. Amounts and eligibility vary, so check each listing and your university's support.

Will my credits transfer?

They usually do if you agree a learning plan with your home department before you leave. Keep written approval, since recognition rules differ between institutions.

How long does an exchange last?

Commonly one semester or one academic year, though shorter and longer options exist. Check the duration in each listing.

Do I need to speak the local language?

Not always. Many hosts teach in English, but language requirements differ. Learning basic local phrases helps daily life regardless.

Can I do an exchange as a postgraduate student?

Sometimes. Many programs are open to master's or doctoral students, depending on partnership agreements. Check eligibility and talk to your department.

Keep exploring

Related categories: scholarships, summer schools and winter schools. You can also browse opportunities by country or read our application guides.

How we keep listings accurate: opportunities are collected from public sources and checked, but details can change. Always confirm deadlines and requirements on the official website before you apply. Read our editorial policy.