Outgoing exchange studies

All students have an opportunity to pursue part of their studies abroad at partner universities.

  • You choose between one- or two-semester exchange studies.
  • Students in the Faculty of Health Sciences can pursue part of their clinical studies as exchange students.
  • Universities are offered through Erasmus+ and Nordplus.
  • Universities in Nordic locations are offered through North2North.
  • Universities outside Europe are available.

General information on exchange studies

Where can you go?

  • In the partner school search engine you can find information on what options are available for outgoing exchange students.

Here you can find partner universities of UNAK

How much do the exchange studies cost?

The tuition fees at the partner university are waived and you only pay the registration fee at UNAK.

  • You pay for accommodations, food, books and other costs.
  • The partner university provides assistance in finding accommodations, as well as other general assistance.
  • In Erasmus+ and Nordplus, students have the opportunity to have their accommodation and travel costs covered to a certain extent.

What are the advantages of going on a student exchange?

  • You can get your studies assessed for credit transfer at UNAK.
  • You strengthen your language skills.
  • You gain experience of another academic system.
  • You get acquainted with the culture, customs and practices of another country.
  • You build up a multinational network of contacts.
  • You gain experience which is of use to you in the business community after graduation.

What are the requirements for going on a student exchange?

  • You must have completed 60 ECTS in the respective programme.
  • You must go abroad in full collaboration with your academic unit.

The following rules apply if a selection must be made between students who have applied for the same university

  1. Valid applications that are received before the advertised application deadline are given priority. An application is not considered valid until all required accompanying documents have been received.
  2. Master’s students are given priority over undergraduates, unless provisions of the respective partner agreement stipulate otherwise.
  3. If applicants are at the same level of study, the following applies:
    1. If there is less than a 30 ECTS difference between completed credits, the grade overview and ranking are the deciding factors. If grades are comparable, then lots shall be drawn between the students in the presence of witnesses.
    2. If there is more than a 30 ECTS difference between completed credits, the grade overview and ranking are only the deciding factors if the difference between the average grades of the students is one whole or more (for example, one student with 6.5 and the other with 8.0). If grades are comparable, then lots shall be drawn between the students in the presence of witnesses.

Is there an application deadline?

Yes, the application deadline for outgoing exchange studies is March 1 for the fall semester and November 1 for the spring semester.

How do I apply for exchange studies?

1. Select a host university

Learn all about exchange studies in the information above and contact the International Office if you need further information.

Choose a host university you’re interested in and carefully review which courses are available for exchange students.

Remember the application deadlines:

  • March 1 for the fall semester
  • November 1 for the spring semester

2. Fill out the application in Ugla

You apply for exchange studies in Ugla: My Owl > Exchange studies – application

When you apply in Ugla, grants are automatically included if the host university is a partner through Erasmus+ or Nordplus.

We also encourage you to apply for inclusion grants in addition to the standard mobility grant.

You may be eligible for an inclusion grant if you:

  • Live in a rural area
  • Face economic barriers
  • Are an immigrant or child of immigrant(s)
  • Have refugee status
  • Have physical or mental health-related issues (such as a chronic disease or a severe illness)
  • a disability/disabilities: This includes physical, mental, intellectual, learning disabilities or sensory impairments
  • a child/children under the age of 18

 

3. Fill out the Learning Agreement

The Learning Agreement should include:

  1. The courses you plan to take at the host university (use the current course catalogue if the next year’s is unavailable)
  2. The courses that will be accredited at UNAK

Use the appropriate Learning Agreement form based on your partnerschool:

Signing process:

Contact the project manager of your study programme at UNAK to review and sign your Learning Agreement. In some departments, the agreement is reviewed by the assessment committee.

Send the signed copy to: international@unak.is

Submission deadlines:

  • May 1 for the fall semester
  • November 15 for the spring semester

4. Complete the application process at the host university

You must formally apply to your host university.

First, the International Office will nominate you as an exchange student at the host university. Then, the host university will send you detailed application instructions. The International Office assists you with the process and provides the required documents from UNAK.

You need to:

  • Send the host university’s acceptance letter to the International Office
  • Finalize the grant agreement (if applicable)
  • Submit a signed Learning Agreement from the host university

5. Complete annual registration at UNAK

As an exchange student from UNAK, you must remain registered at the university during your exchange.

Remember to:

  1. Complete your course registration in Ugla for the upcoming academic year
  2. Pay the registration fee

Do you have further questions about exchange studies? Feel free to contact us at the International Office.

Book an appointment

  • We can serve you best when we have time dedicated to your specific questions
  • We can meet in our office or online
  • The International Office is located in Sólborg, O115. Campus map

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