Study abroad

Here you can find information on what is required to be eligible for applying for an exchange, as well as the criteria used in the selection process for exchange students.

What kind of experiences have previous exchange students had? What would be the best exchange destination? Is it worth it going on one? On this page you will find previous exchange students' experiences of studying abroad through different channels.

On this page you can read more about the University’s exchange programmes and partner universities. You can choose from more than 450 destinations across the world.

On this page you will find instructions describing how you can demonstrate your language proficiency and what skill levels are required for different destinations and languages of study.

On this page you will find information on the application process for exchange students, including application periods and processes as well as the required documents.

You can also make your own arrangements to study outside Finland. On this page, you will find instructions on what students going abroad independently as free movers or visiting students need to take care of before going abroad.

Students who participate in a student exchange can receive a mobility grant as well as student financial aid for their stay abroad. On this page you will find information on funding options for student exchange.

Before you can embark on your exchange journey, you must complete a number of important tasks. The checklist provided on this page includes the most important tasks regarding participation in an exchange.

On this page you will find useful tips for sustainable travelling for both as incoming and outgoing students.

If you want to seize every part of the process during your international studies, this section is for you. Here you can find a guide to reflect on your experience, which will aid your professional, personal, and intercultural growth.

Experiencing culture shock or homesickness while studying abroad? Whether you're dealing with culture shock, homesickness, or both, the stages, experiences, and how to respond to them are all relatively similar. This page provides information on and tips for dealing with culture shock and homesickness.

Things do not always go as planned. If you must suspend or cancel your exchange, read the instructions on this page. This page also provides instructions on extending your stay and revising your learning agreement as well as on other special situations and challenges.

You should prepare for your return to Finland even before the end of your exchange studies. This page provides a checklist for returning exchange students.

Is a student exchange of several months too long for you to be away but you would still like to study abroad? Would you like to proceed with your studies during the summer and gain some international experience at the same time? On this page you will find information on short courses that give you the opportunity to internationalize in a shorter time.

Almost all degrees can include a traineeship completed in Finland or abroad. This page provides information on how to find an international traineeship as well as Erasmus traineeships and funding.

Internationalisation at home refers to the inter-cultural networks and experiences one can develop through the interactions between local and international people. The University of Helsinki offers many kinds of cultural opportunities for internationalisation at home, of which you can read more on this page.

Want to know more about student exchange? On this page you will find information on the different information sessions related to student exchange, where you can get support for different stages of your exchange process.

If you are coming from abroad to the University of Helsinki as an exchange student or as a visiting student, we are here to help you! We also help degree students in matters concerning studies or traineeships abroad. In this page you will find contact information for the International Education Services.