The exchange process step-by-step

• Check whether you meet the requirements for exchange studies, specifically if you will have completed 60 ECTS in your programme before starting the exchange period. Note that students at the master’s level are exempt from this rule. 
• Start preparations early, especially if a language test is required by the host university. The Partner University Database specifies in most cases wheather a language test is required. Most universities in the USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand require language tests. Note that the TOEFL test is the only recognised test available in Iceland.
• Attend one of the presentations on exchange studies. The presentations are held on a regular basis and are advertised over the university e-mail and Ugla. You can also get more information at the International Office during opening hours.
• Take part in assisting international students through the mentor programme offered by the International Office and the Student Council. 
• Take a look at the Partner University Database. It is important to choose a partner university where there is an agreement in your subject and study level. Choose one or more universities as a back-up. 
• Carefully study the websites of the universities you are interested in. Students should always check all application requirements at the host university. 

• Be well prepared before submitting your application and familiarise yourself with courses offered in your field at the host institution. Note that in most cases the course catalogue for the next academic year is not available yet so you can use the most recent version. Contact your faculty if you have questions about course selection.
•  Then you apply online on the UI website before the application deadline and attach the following document to your application: 
•  A scanned copy of your transcript of records (it is also possible to hand it in at the Service Desk in Háskólatorg before the deadline)

• The International Division reviews all applications and allocates places at our partner universities.
• Applicants get an email about their application and next steps within 6-8 weeks from the application deadline. Keep in mind that you might not be nominated to your first-choice but rather the university you placed as second or third choice.
•  Note that the application process is twofold. First, the student applies for exchange studies to the University of Iceland, that then nominates students to a host university. Second, the student applies directly to the host university according to instructions sent by the host university or by the University of Iceland. 
• It is important to pay attention to the application deadline at the host university and submit an application with all required documents before the deadline set by the host university.
• When you have received confirmation from the International Division that you will be nominated for exchange studies then keep a close eye on your university e-mail and react quickly to any document request by the host university or UI, this includes the Learning Agreement. 
• Contact your faculty early to review your course selection and learning agreement and get their signature.
• Students need to hand in their Learning Agreement before departure. In the Learning Agreement, students register the courses they intend to take at the host university, how they will be evaluated, and which courses at UI they are intended to replace. Students going on exchange to Europe need to check when the deadline for Learning Agreements at the host university expires and hand in before the deadline. Students who are travelling to countries outside Europe need to hand in a Learning Agreement to the International Division at the University of Iceland on 15 May for the Fall semester and 15 November for Spring semester. Further information can be found along with the application for exchange.

More information about the learning agreement  

• It is very important that students who are going on exchange do the annual registration and pay the registration fee at UI. It is not possible to go on exchange through UI without being registered as a student. Students should do the annual course registration in Ugla and select at least one course in UI during the period they are planning to be on exchange. Students can withdraw from that course later. During the registration students are directed to a payment site to pay the annual registration fee. Students can pay right away but can also wait as the site will be open in Ugla until 4 July.

The necessary procedure prior to departure can vary depending on whether the exchange is through Erasmus+, Nordplus or whether the exchange takes place outside of Europe. 

• Should students need to make changes to their course selection it is imperative to submit a new and updated learning agreement or an amendment to the learning agreement with signatures from the responsible persons at the school or faculties at UI. It is important to make sure that the faculty approves all changes to ensure that the credits count towards the student’s degree at the University of Iceland. 
• If the student decides at some point during their stay to quit their exchange, then the International Division needs to be notified immediately. If the student has received a grant for their stay, then they might need to reimburse the amount received. 

After your exchange period, there are various ways of continuing international experience. 

• The Mentor Programme

Students can participate in the Mentor Programme which is a collaboration between the International Division and the University Student Council. Students can become a mentor for international students and assist them with practical matters during their period of stay. This is an excellent opportunity to maintain international relationships and to improve language skills. Mentors get recognition for their participation recorded in their Diploma Supplement, which contains extra information attached to their final transcript. Such recognition can be beneficial when applying for jobs or further education abroad. 

• The Ambassador Programme

Students can also assist the International Division with promoting exchange studies abroad by participating in our Ambassador Programme. 

The role of the ambassadors is to: 

• Share their experience of studying abroad
• Assist with presentations about exchange studies, e.g. during International Week (Alþjóðavika) and the University Day (Háskóladagurinn)
• Participate in preparatory meetings for those leaving for their exchange

Students who are interested in the programme can register here. The registration allows us to contact former exchange students who are interested in encouraging others to study abroad. 

• ESN Iceland

Students can participate in the Erasmus Student Network which has an office in Iceland. The aim of the network is to assist international students in Iceland with adapting to society and get to know other students. ESN Iceland organises various social events for international students that all students are free to participate in. 

• Go on another exchange or for a traineeship

Students can explore the possibility of going on another exchange, a summer programme or a traineeship abroad. Erasmus+ grants are allocated for 12 months maximum per study cycle. For example, a student can go for a 9-month exchange study programme and then for a traineeship for another 3 months. Students can also apply to go for studies abroad independently, see further at http://farabara.is 

• Job opportunities after studying abroad

Research shows that employers seek employees that have an international experience. Therefore, it can be advantageous to record information about your study abroad period in your CV. The Student Counselling and Career Centre can assist with a search for employment and setting up a CV upon the completion of studies.