Apply for exchange studies

Each year, University of Gothenburg welcomes over 1000 exchange students from all over the world. Located on Sweden’s west coast, the university offers a high-quality academic experience in a dynamic, student-friendly city.

As an exchange student, you’ll study alongside international and Swedish peers, take part in courses taught in English, and explore life in one of Scandinavia’s most vibrant urban settings.

We have exchange agreements with partner universities across the globe, giving students the opportunity to join us for one or two semesters through an official nomination.

Step 1 - Check if we have an exchange agreement 

To become an exchange student at the University of Gothenburg, your home university must have signed a formal exchange agreement with us for your study field. Check this map to see if your university has an agreement with us.

Step 2 – Check out our course offerings 

As an exchange student at the University of Gothenburg, you have many study options. We offer courses, clinical placements and thesis work. Check out our offers to make sure they fit in your study plan and consult with your home university before applying.

Find courses for exchange students.

Important: You can only choose courses within your study field, at the department or faculty specified in the exchange agreement. If you are on a university-wide agreement, you may select courses from several faculties. 

Step 3 – Be nominated by your University 

You must be officially nominated by your home university before applying for an exchange at the University of Gothenburg. Procedures and deadlines for nomination vary between different faculties/schools. Typically, your home university will require you to complete an internal application and selection process before receiving a nomination. Contact the international office at your home university for more information.

Step 4 – Apply for exchange studies

Once you have been nominated by your home university (Step 3), you can proceed with the online application for exchange studies. 

Application period

• Autumn semester/full year: 1 March to 15 May
• Spring semester: 1 September - 15 November

Please note: Application for university wide agreements, and to the Artistic faculty, has separate deadlines:

University-wide agreements (including EUTOPIA and Nordlys)

• Autumn semester/full year: 1 March - 1 May
• Spring semester: 1 September - 1 November

HDK-Valand

• Autumn semester: 15 February - 1 April
• Spring semester: 1 September – 15 October

Academy of Music and Drama

• Autumn semester/full year: 15 February – 1 April
• Spring semester: 15 February - 1 April, and 1 September - 15 November 

Important note: The application for exchange student housing and, in some cases, the application for courses are integrated in the online application, so please also read the information under ‘Step 5 – apply for housing’ and ‘Step 6 – apply for courses’ before submitting your online application.

Mobility-Online Application Guide

4.1 Start application

Click on the link Apply here! and complete the form. All required fields should be completed carefully. Fields marked with a star (*) are mandatory.

Important: In this step, select the faculty that you have been nominated to. This is important for processing your application. If you are unsure which faculty you belong to, please contact the international coordinator at your home university before starting the application.

Use this link to self-assess your language proficiency: Self assessment grid

4.2 Create an account

You have now received an email with further instructions. Follow the link at the end of the email and create an account with a username and a password. Your username must be at least six characters and cannot contain any special characters. Your password must be at least six characters and contain at least one number, one upper case letter, and no special characters.

4.3 Complete application

When you have created an account, you can directly log in to Mobility-Online. You will receive an email with a link to your account to be used for accessing your application.

• Complete all fields under the section “Complete personal details”.  After you have filled in your personal data you will receive an email with a PDF of your application.
• Upload supplementary documents. There are different mandatory documents depending on which faculty or school you are applying to. Select your faculty/school at the University of Gothenburg from the list below to see which documents you are required to provide. If you are unsure which faculty or school you should apply to, ask the international coordinator at your home university. Please note: All faculties/schools require you upload a copy of your passport or EU ID.

4.4 Submit application

You submit your application by using the button “Submit application”.  You will receive a confirmation email and the University of Gothenburg will then start processing your application.

The University of Gothenburg will process your application to decide on admission. If admitted, you’ll  receive an acceptance letter a few weeks after the deadline. In most cases, you will have to submit a course application before your faculty/department can issue an acceptance letter. If you need to apply for a visa/residence permit, you must wait for your acceptance letter since it is a mandatory part of the application.

Step 5 – Apply for housing

The University of Gothenburg offers rooms and apartments to exchange students. You must be nominated by your home university (see Step 3) before applying. If you wish to apply for Exchange Student Housing, tick the "Apply for housing" box in your online application (Step 4). 

Spring semester housing
All exchange students who have applied for housing in Mobility-Online (by 15 November at the latest) will receive information about the outcome at the end of November/ beginning of December

Autumn semester housing
All exchange students who have applied for housing in Mobility-Online (by 15 May at the latest) will receive information about the outcome at the end of May / beginning of June.

You can find details regarding the University’s accommodation for exchange students here: Student housing

Step 6 – Apply for courses

The process and deadline for course applications differs depending on which faculty/department you intend to study at. For some faculties, the course application is integrated in the online application (Step 4), and you should prepare a wish list of courses to upload before submitting the online application. You can find all relevant information - including course offerings, course application instructions and tips to avoid time-table clashes in the links below. Read the information carefully before applying as chances of changing courses after the deadline might be limited.

• Find courses for exchange students
• Apply for exchange courses
• Faculty specific information
• Courses taught in Swedish

Step 7 – Prepare your stay

Once you have completed steps 1- 6, we will start processing your application. The letter of acceptance is usually sent out a few weeks after the application deadline. After receiving your Letter of Acceptance, begin preparing your stay. For practical detail on residence permit, insurance and finances, see the section Before you arrive.

Step 8 – Participate in welcome programme

Congratulations! You’ve reached the final step on this list and in the pre-departure phase. The welcome programme is the perfect way to kickstart the next phase; your exchange adventure at the University of Gothenburg. Everything you need to know about pickup service, the welcome fair, student buddies and faculty/department introduction meetings can be found under Introduction days.