Prepare and apply for exchange studies
Applying for exchange takes time and requires planning – but it is worth it. This page guides you through the entire process, from deciding where to apply to being admitted to a host university.
Important dates
Regular application round: 10 December – 1 February
The regular round covers exchanges for the following academic year (autumn and/or spring). Late applications are not accepted.
Note! The Artistic Faculty also has a regular application round in May, for places in the following spring semester.
Additional application rounds: March and September
Some faculties and departments have a limited number of vacant spots after the regular round. Your faculty or department will inform you about this. If you submit an application to a faculty that has no available spots, it will not be processed.
Plan when and where
Talk to an international coordinator
Before you start planning your exchange – speak to your study counsellor or international coordinator. They can help you confirm that you are eligible to apply, review your academic progress, and draw up a realistic study plan.
It is also a good idea to read the information on the Getting started with exchange studies page.
When can you go?
Find out when an exchange best fits into your studies before you apply.
Find out:
- Are there semesters when exchange is not possible?
- Does your program have specific exchange windows?
- Do you need to have been admitted to a certain semester before you can apply?
If you are on a degree program, you will often find the answers in your program syllabus via My Page and the program page on the Student Portal. You can also ask your study counsellor, program director, or international coordinator. If you are taking freestanding courses, speak to your study counsellor.
Find partner universities you want to apply to
You can only apply to universities that the University of Gothenburg has an exchange agreement with. The agreements mean that partner universities reserve a number of spots for students at the University of Gothenburg – the exact number varies between agreements.
Which agreements are relevant to you depends on what you are studying. The university also needs to offer courses that can be included in your degree. There are two types of agreement:
- Subject-specific agreements are managed by your department or faculty, and the exchange spots in the agreement are linked to specific subjects. You can only apply for these if you are studying within the relevant subject area.
- University-wide agreements are open to students from across the University and cover many subject areas – but always check that your subject and courses are included.
If a partner university has both a university-wide agreement and a subject-specific agreement with your department or faculty, you can only apply via the subject-specific agreement.
Read more about how to find current agreements on the Exchange agreements page.
Does the university suit your degree?
It can take time to find the right university with courses that fit your needs – but it is worth the effort. Many universities have a dedicated page for exchange students with information about which courses you can apply for.
Check that:
- The university offers courses you can be included in your future degree at the University of Gothenburg
- Studies can be carried out full-time
- Semester dates fit your study plan
- You meet the partner university's language requirements – book any required language test well in advance
- You meet the partner university's other requirements, such as number of completed credits or grade point average
If you are unsure whether the spots within an agreement suit your degree, contact your study counsellor or international coordinator. They can help you choose the right time, university, and courses.
Maximise your chances of getting a spot
Your chances of being nominated depend on several factors – the number of available spots, how many people apply, and how you have ranked your choices. But there are things you can do to improve your chances.
A few tips:
- Use all six choices
You can apply to up to six partner universities. Use them all – every empty choice is a missed opportunity. - Rank strategically
Think carefully about your ranking. You can only be offered one spot per application round, and if you are offered a spot, all your other choices will be removed – even if you decline. - Apply for both university-wide and subject-specific agreements
If your degree allows it, combine the two types of agreement. This gives you more potential spots to apply for. - Choose universities in different parts of the world
Avoid filling all six choices with popular destinations or well-known universities. Spread your choices geographically and competitively – this increases the chance that at least one of them comes through. - Start planning early
Some partner universities require language tests such as TOEFL or IELTS. These take time to book and complete. Find out early whether you need to take a test and what the relevant deadline is – then book the test once you have been nominated.
Submit your application
Mobility-Online
Applications are made in Mobility-Online and follow four steps:
- Step 1: Choose and rank partner universities
In the application form, enter your personal details and choose up to six partner universities. Rank carefully – if you are offered a higher-ranked choice, your other choices will be removed. The entire form must be completed and submitted in one go. - Step 2: Complete your profile
Once the form has been submitted, your account in Mobility-Online will be created. Log in and fill in your address details; in some cases, bank details are also required. - Step 3: Fill in and finalise your application
Log in and work through the steps in your Workflow from top to bottom. Red steps are mandatory. If your faculty or department requires it, upload any attachments (see Common attachments below). You can work on your application until the final application deadline. - Step 4: Submit your application
When everything is ready, submit your application. You will receive a confirmation email when it has been received. Once you click Submit application, the application can no longer be changed.
Support with your application in Mobility-Online
Detailed instructions on how to proceed in Mobility-Online can be found on the Mobility-Online page.
Common attachments
Ladok transcript
Upload a detailed Ladok transcript including all course components. If you have studied at more than one university, you can obtain a national academic transcript from Ladok. Read more about academic transcripts.
Letter of motivation
Check whether you need to upload a letter of motivation – this depends on your faculty and which universities you are applying to. If you are unsure, contact your study counsellor or international coordinator.
If you are writing a letter, you should:
- Address it to the University of Gothenburg, not to the host university abroad.
- Justify your choice of exchange country or university and link it to your studies.
- Describe why you want to go and what you hope to gain – academically and personally.
- Check with your department whether the letter should be written in English or Swedish.
- Write one (1) letter, regardless of how many universities you are applying to.
CV
Some students are required to upload a CV with relevant experience and qualifications, such as work experience, projects, summer research, or lab work.
Portfolio
Students at the Faculty of Fine, Applied and Performing Arts may attach a portfolio according to specific instructions – either as a PDF (max 20 MB in total) or as a link.
Selection and notification
Once the application period has closed, your faculty will review all applications to ensure they are complete and that you meet the eligibility requirements.
Selection and spot allocation then take place according to your faculty's, department's, or program's criteria.
If you have applied for a university-wide spot, your faculty will rank your application, but it is the International Centre that allocates spots in consultation with the faculties. Since several faculties compete for the same exchange spots, a lottery determines the order in which faculties are considered before spots are allocated. If you have questions about this process, you are welcome to contact exchangestudies@gu.se.
Once selection is complete, you will receive an email from Mobility-Online letting you know whether you are offered a nomination. It may take a few weeks before the email arrives.
Didn't get a spot?
Any spots not allocated during the regular round may be offered as vacancies to students who did not receive a spot and who are suitable based on factors such as course offerings and exchange window. Students concerned will be contacted via the email address provided in Mobility-Online.
Nominated – what happens next?
What nomination means
Being nominated means that the University of Gothenburg has selected you as a candidate for a specific exchange spot and notifies the host university that you are a potential student. It is not a final admission decision (that decision is made by the host university) but it is a necessary first step.
Accept or decline
If you are nominated, you will receive an email from Mobility-Online with a link to the system. Sometimes you will also receive an email directly from your international coordinator.
If you wish to accept the spot, log in to Mobility-Online and confirm within the specified response period. Also follow any additional instructions from your international coordinator.
Good to know:
- You can only be offered one spot per application round. If you are offered a spot, all your other choices will be removed – even if you decline.
- If you do not respond in time, this counts as a decline and the spot will be offered to another student.
- If you accept but later change your mind without a valid reason, this may affect your ranking in future applications.
Apply to your host university
Your international coordinator will inform you about how to apply to your host university. The coordinator can help you with certificates, academic questions, and support you through the application – but it is your responsibility to complete and submit the application according to the instructions and deadlines you receive.
The vast majority of nominated students are admitted – but it is always the host university that makes the final decision.
Language certificates
Some partner universities, particularly those outside Europe, require a language certificate for admission. You do not need one when applying for nomination with us – but you will need one when applying to the host university.
If a general English-language certificate is sufficient, your international coordinator can usually help you. If the university requires a specific test, such as TOEFL or IELTS, you book and pay for it yourself – make sure to do so well in advance.
Letter of acceptance
Once the host university has admitted you, you will receive a letter of acceptance – an official admission decision from your host university. It confirms that you have been admitted and includes practical information, such as semester dates and how to register for courses. You may need it when applying for a visa, student accommodation, or scholarships.
Contact
Questions about exchange agreements
Subject-specific agreements: Contact your international coordinator.
University-wide agreements: Contact the International Centre at exchangestudies@gu.se.
Questions about your degree and courses abroad
Your study counsellor or international coordinator can help if you have questions about which courses you can take at the partner university. For questions about which semester suits your studies best, contact your study counsellor.
Contact details can be found on the Study guidance page.
Questions about your application
Questions about what applies to your specific situation, how the application process works, and other matters relating to exchange studies should be directed to your international coordinator. Contact details can be found on the Contact your international coordinator page.
Questions about support for students with a disability
If you have a disability and require special support, contact the International Centre at exchangestudies@gu.se.