Time to apply for exchange studies in Europe

ImageLovisa Gavelin

Now is the time for you, as a student at Umeå University, to apply for exchange studies in Europe for the academic year 2026/2027. Applications for university-wide places are open until 1 March, and these places are open to students from all programmes at the university.

In addition to the university-wide places, there may also be other exchange opportunities through your department or faculty.

• Faculty of Arts: same application period as the university-wide places (1 February–1 March).
• Faculty of Science and Technology: application period 1 March–15 March. Applies to studies in autumn 2026.
• Faculty of Social Sciences and Medicine: dates vary – contact your international contact person for the correct information.

Scholarship for exchange studies in Europe

Most exchange places within Europe offer the opportunity to apply for a scholarship in addition to student finance from CSN. The most common is the Erasmus scholarship, which applies to the majority of exchanges within the EU. The scholarship can help you cover additional costs such as travel and accommodation. If you have a disability, there may be additional financial support available.

Keele University in the United Kingdom. 

ImageLovisa Gavelin

Lovisa: ‘One of the best decisions I've ever made’

Lovisa Gavelin did her exchange at Keele University in England – the first time she had lived far away from her family.

“It was both nerve-wracking and exciting – but above all, one of the best decisions I ever made.”

She describes how she quickly came to love the environment at Keele University, which is close to nature with grazing cows and sheep around the campus, a sparkling pond and long walking trails.

“I’ve always seen myself as a city girl, but I loved the peace and quiet. It allowed me to focus more on my studies.”

And the social life?

“I was a little nervous about meeting new people, but it went much faster than I thought

Lovisa's advice for those considering studying abroad

Lovisa Gavelin in front of Freshers Gate at Keele University.

ImageLovisa Gavelin

When Lovisa is asked what advice she would give to students considering studying abroad, she doesn't hesitate for a second:

‘Do it! It's the best thing I've ever done in my life. I didn't realise how much it would help me grow until afterwards. I learned so much about myself and my study techniques.’

Where can you go?

The university-wide exchange places in Europe are available within several different networks and programmes, including:

• Nordlys, with places in Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Denmark, Finland and the Faroe Islands.
• Erasmus+, with partner universities in Italy, Spain, Switzerland, the Czech Republic and several other EU countries.
• England, Keele University – a bilateral university-wide exchange place (not included in Erasmus+ due to withdrawal from the EU, which means you cannot apply for a scholarship to study there).

New opportunities - Exchange within the EC2U alliance

For the first time, you can now also apply for an exchange to one of the eight partner universities within the EC2U university alliance, which Umeå University joined last year. You can apply to:

• University of Poitiers (France)
• University of Coimbra (Portugal)
• Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iași (Romania)
• Friedrich Schiller University Jena (Germany)
• University of Pavia (Italy)
• University of Salamanca (Spain)
• University of Turku (Finland)
• Johannes Kepler University Linz (Austria)

Illustrative map of Europe that shows participating countries in the EC2U Alliance. 

ImageEC2U

Meet us and get help with your application

The International Office offers two drop-in sessions during lunchtime, where you can ask questions and get support with your application. 

• A digital drop-in on 11 February, 12:00-12:45
• A drop-in at the Infocenter on 18 February, 12:00-13:00.

Take the opportunity! Get to know a new country and its culture and make friends for life. Challenge yourself and gain invaluable knowledge and experience.