Student Exchange for International Degree Students
One third of our students complete a part of their studies abroad by studying at one of our partner universities around the world. Participating in student exchange increases your international competence. You may learn a new language or strengthen existing language skills, study new subjects or acquire new perspectives. Studying abroad develops talent needed in today's international and multicultural environments, not to mention academic merits and new contacts you will get during the exchange. For many of our students time spent abroad during student exchange has been the best time of their life.
International degree students of University of Vaasa can participate in student exchange (some regulations apply) either by completing courses at one of our partner universities during one semester or by completing an international double degree during one academic year. Students can also apply for exchange at a university abroad on their own as freemover exchange.
Student exchange
One third of our students complete a part of their studies abroad by studying at one of our partner universities around the world. Participating in a student exchange increases your international competence. You may learn a new language or strengthen existing language skills, study new subjects or acquire new perspectives. Studying abroad also provides you with talent needed in today's international and multicultural environments, not to mention academic merit and new contacts you will get during the exchange. For many of our students the time spent abroad during a student exchange has been the best time of their life.
International degree students at University of Vaasa can participate in student exchange (some regulations apply) either by completing courses at one of our partner universities during one semester or by completing an international double degree. Students can also apply for exchange at a university abroad on their own as so called freemover exchange.
Further information
Incoming student mobility, international tutoring
incoming.international(at)uwasa.fi
Outgoing student mobility
outgoing.international(at)uwasa.fi
Facebook: facebook.com/uvainternational
Instagram: instagram.com/univaasaexchange
Exchange destinations
University of Vaasa offers student exchange opportunities via different exchange programmes. Erasmus-programme for destinations in Europe is open for all degree students and exchange is completed within an Erasmus agreement for a specific field of study. Nordplus-programme for destinations in Nordic countries is open for all students and there are opportunities within Nordplus networks for specific fields of study. Bilateral agreements between University of Vaasa and partner universities abroad offer opportunities for all students and fields of study.
Erasmus+ mobility programme is financed by EU. Student has 12 months to use and divide between student mobility or internship on each degree level (Bachelor, Master and Doctorate).
Nordplus-programme is financed by the Nordic Council and focuses on Nordic and Baltic countries.
Bilateral agreements are negotiated and financed by University of Vaasa.
Minimum duration of exchange is 2 months and maximum is 12 months. Students are entitled to travel grant and do not have to pay tuition fees. Students must complete 5 ECTS / month on exchange at host university (not Doctoral students).
MORE INFO ON STUDENT EXCHANGE DESTINATIONS
Partner universities of the University of Vaasa on the map (NB. not all the partners have student exchange agreements)
- Erasmus SMS for student exchange in Erasmus-programme
- University Bilateral Agreements
- Nordplus for exchange in Nordic countries
If you wish to go on exchange to a specific university, city or country, which is not a partner university of University of Vaasa, you have the possibility to go on freemover exchange.
You can find our selection of exchange destinations on our website Vaihtokohteet.
Selection is updated before application rounds (in January & March).
Grants
Students participating in student exchange are entitled to a study grant. Study grant is usually provided by University of Vaasa, or in some Nordplus exchangs, via Norplus network.
If the student is eligible for Finnish study grant provided by Kela, the grant applies also for the exchange period. Housing supplement may also be provided. You need to contact Kela to find out more about Kela grant whilst on exchange.
Practical matters relating to exchange and grant
Minimum duration of exchange period is 2 months (physical stay on location for studies. Usually exchange lasts for either spring or fall term. Double degree exchanges last one academic year. Minimum amount of ECTS credits to be completed at host university during exchange is 5 ECTS per month on exchange, but it is highly recommended to complete more. If you doubt that you will be able to complete the required amount of credits, please inform University of Vaasa Mobility Services and try to make the necessary changes in your study plan in time.
Students participating in student exchange must first discuss with their study counselor in their study programme about their plans for courses at host university. Together with their study counselor, student makes a Learning Agreement for exchange studies and submits a copy of the Learning Agreement to Mobility Services.
Students need to submit the following documents to Mobility Services at University of Vaasa within 1 month from the end of their exchange period:
- Learning Agreements (one drafted before the exchange and and one within 1 month from beginning of exchange). Erasmus students must ensure that LA has both signatures/stamps of University of Vaasa and host unversity)
- Letter of Confirmation (stating the actual period of stay for studies at exchange destination, filled in and signed by the exchange coordinator of the host university)
- Transcript of Records from host university
- Travel report of their exchange (Erasmus students must also submit Commision's own EU-survey)
Templates for required documents are found in Forms-section.
Failing to submit the required documents and complying with other requirements of the exchange will result in reclaiming the study grant (possibly with interest)!
Student must inform immediately the Mobility Services if they cancel, postpone or interrupt their exchange!
Grants
Erasmus+ grant
Erasmus+ is funded by the European Commission. Erasmus grants vary every year.
In academic year 2022/23 the monthly grant to higher-cost countries defined by Commision (Denmark, Iceland, Ireland, Lichtenstein, Luxembourg, Norway, Sweden) is 540 EUR / month.
Monthly grant to lower-cost countries defined by Commision (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria Croatia, Czech Republic, Cyprus, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Turkey, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia) is 490 EUR /month.
Grant is based on number of months and individual days.
Erasmus programme offers extra suppot for students with disabilities and/or with underaged children.
Nordplus grants
Nordplus programme is financed by the Nordic Ministry Council, which directs funding to individual Nordplus networks (Nordlys, Norek, Nordtek, Nordplus Network for Media and Communication, Nordplus network for Political Science). Nordplus grants to students are paid via University of Vaasa or by the individual network. Most Nordplus exchanges are financed from Erasmus programme and the student gets an Erasmus grant for their Nordplus exchange.
Nordlys travel grants are paid via University and the grant is approximately 500-800 EUR / exchange. Grant is based on the financial situation of the network and number of students eligible for the grant.
Norek travel grants are paid via University and the grant is approximately 800-1000 EUR / exchange. Grant is based on the financial situation of the network and number of students eligible for the grant.
Nordtek, Nordplus network for Media and Communication and Nordplus Network for Political Science travel grants are paid by the network directly to student. University of Vaasa notifies the network of the eligible students and network informs the student on the grant and payment details. Grant depends on the financial situation of the network.
Bilateral exchanges
In Bilateral exchanges, University of Vaasa of Vaasa is funding the exchange and the student gets their grant directly from the University to bilateral exchange destinations.
Bilateral grants for AY 2023-2024 are:
1 500€/ exchange - Destinations outside Europe
2 000€/ exchange - USA
Studies
Minimum amount of ECTS credits to be completed at host university during exchange is 5 ECTS/ month on exchange, but it is highly recommended to complete more. If you doubt that you will be able to complete the required amount of credits, please inform Mobility Services at University of Vaasa and host university and try to make necessary changes in your study plan in time. Some host universities have their own regulations regarding the amount of credits. Credits completed during the exchange must be transferred to you degree at University of Vaasa immediately after exchange.
There are different ways to get exchange studies recognize in your degree:
- They can replace University of Vaasa courses if the contents is similar
- They will be included in your degree as such
- They can form a minor or a subject module
- As a part of International Studies module (consisting of orientation course OPIS0095 Responsible and Goal-Oriented Exchange and exchange studies at destination)
- International double degree
Courses at host university
When planning for exchange studies, you need to search for course information on host university website. Course information may not always be easily available or is subjected to change upon arrival, but usually some information is found, which helps planning studies at host university.
Discuss with your study counselor for your study programme about which courses you are planning to complete at host university before your exchange and draft a Learning Agreement. A copy of Learning Agreement must be submitted to Mobility Services. A second Learning Agreement will be drafted at the beginning of the exchange according to courses you will actually be attending. A new Learning Agreement must be drafted always when courses change and signatures from your study counselor (and host university in Erasmus exchange) are required for each version of Learning Agreement. Learning Agreement is an important document for you for knowing and ensuring that courses completed during your exchange will be recognized by University of Vaasa.
Templates for Learning Agreement are found in Forms-section
Most European universities use ECTS, which are equal to Finnish ECTS, which equal to 25-27 hours of work. Outside of Europe destinations have different credit systems, most common being credit hour, where 1 credit hour is equal to 1 hour of teaching in a 15-16 week semester. This does not include homework etc., so usually credit hours are multiplied by 1.5-2 to get the ECTS amount, so 10 credit hours are usually equal to 20 ECTS. Please check the equivalency between your host university credits and University of Vaasa (ECTS) credits with Mobility Services.
Completed academic courses will be transferred and included in your degree if possible and when agreed upon with study counselor in Learning Agreement procedure. Credit transfer is not automatic, you need to discuss with your study counselor and fill in a request for credit transfer (link found in Forms-section. Remember to keep all study documents.
For Doctoral students the work load at the exchange can be research work, gathering data, publications, project work, etc. Study plan must be approved by Doctoral supervisor at University of Vaasa and the host university. Doctoral students can take Master level courses, but this must also be approved by the supervisor and host university i.e. Doctoral students can apply for exchange places where the level of studies is Master and do project/research work and/or Master-courses, if the home and host university agree to this.
Double degree
International double degree programmes are available for degree students in MIB, SBD and Finance master’s programmes, and in the bachelor programme of international business (BIB).
Structure of the double degree:
In the master’s programmes, the 1st year studies (min. 60 ECTS) are completed at the University of Vaasa. This means that all the compulsory courses of the 1st master's year including the introductory course to master's thesis have to be completed, and in addition other studies so that in total 60 ECTS are completed before the second autumn of the master's programme. You can check the required compulsory courses and their schedule in the Study Guide and Lukkarikone. The 2nd year studies (min. 60 ECTS) including the master’s thesis at the host university. NB! Contact your study counselor before applying to the double degree programme.
At the bachelor level, the first two years are completed in the home university (120 ECTS). This means that all the compulsory courses of the two first bachelor years are completed before the third year autumn semester. You can check the required compulsory courses and their schedule in the Study Guide and Lukkarikone. The 3rd year studies including the bachelor’s thesis (60 ECTS) are completed in the host university. NB! Contact your study counselor before applying to the double degree programme.
After completion of the required studies, the student is granted two degree certificates.
The application period for double degree exchange is annually in January at the same time as the Erasmus application round. If you are interested in applying for double degree please state this in the application form for exchange studies in the field: ‘additional information’ or by writing it in the empty space under the ‘Current studies’ –box. Mention it also in your motivation letter. For more information on how to apply, contact Mobility Services at outgoing.international(at)uwasa.fi.
Master's double degree programmes
Master's Programme in International Business (MIB)
There are 4 double degree programmes in MIB, with:
– Europa-Universität Viadrina (Germany), for 5 students
– Kedge Business School (France), for 7 students
– University of Pavia (Italy), for 5 students
– Prague School of Economics and Business (Czech Republic), for 4 students
Europa-Universität Viadrina (Frankfurt/Oder, Germany)
The European University Viadrina is located an hour away from Berlin. It was established in 1991, but its roots lead to 16th century as the first University of Bradenburg. The Viadrina is committed to an interdisciplinary approach, both in its research and in its degree programmes. Around 6,500 students from more than 100 countries study at the Viadrina. It also has more than 250 partner universities worldwide. At the same time, the Viadrina has strong roots in Frankfurt (Oder) and regards itself as a partner for the region, promoting the spirit of enterprise and civil society.
The MIB double degree partner in the Viadrina is the International Business Administration –programme, which is divided in 6 modules.
The Viadrina degree comprises:
•Track modules (T-modules) und research modules (R-modules) amounting to 78 credits
•Support modules (S-modules) amounting to 18 credits,
•Master thesis (21 Credits) with concluding colloquium (3 credits)
An example of studies required of a double degree student at the Viadrina:
2 courses from Economics-module (á 7 ECTS)
2 free of choice courses from any of the tracks offered (á 7 ECTS)
Master’s seminar 7 ECTS
Thesis 25 ECTS
In total: 60 ECTS
More information about the Viadrina studies.
Kedge Business School (Marseille/Bordeaux, France)
KEDGE is a leading French business school with four campuses in France (Paris, Bordeaux, Marseilles and Toulon), three abroad (Shanghai, Suzhou and Dakar) and three partner campuses (Avignon, Bastia and Bayonne). The KEDGE community is made up of 12,600 students (including 25% coming from abroad), 183 professors (including 44% coming from abroad), 275 international academic partners and 60,150 alumni around the world. KEDGE offers 36 programmes in management, designed for students and industry professionals.
KEDGE Business School is AACSB, EQUIS and AMBA-accredited, and is a member of the Conférence des Grandes Ecoles. KEDGE was ranked 35th by the Financial Times in the European Business School ranking and 36th globally in its Executive MBA ranking.
The double degree partner at Kedge is the “Programme Grande Ecole” (Master of Science in Management).
The following studies are required of a double degree student:
a) Elective management classes at KEDGE BS (Marseille or Bordeaux campuses) in total 45 ECTS over a two semester period, to be chosen by the student from the Elective courses (“M2”) list of courses:
b) Master’s thesis (15 ECTS at Kedge, 30 ECTS at Univaasa);
c) Six months work experience, through internship or equivalency;
d) Completion of the ‘Sulitest’ – Sustainability Literacy Test;
e) Master’s diploma from home institution.
More information about the Kedge Business School.
University of Pavia (Italy)
University of Pavia was established in 1361, thus being one of the oldest universities in Europe. Pavia is located about 40 km south from Milan. There are about 23 500 students in the 18 different departments in the university, and there are 1500 international students.
The double degree partner at the University of Pavia is the “Laurea Magistralis” (Master’s Programme in International Business and Economics).
The following studies are required of the double degree students:
International Economics and Policy 9 ECTS
Digital Business Modelling 6 ECTS
21 ECTS courses free of choice
Master’s Thesis 24 ECTS
In total: 60 ECTS
More information about the studies at the University of Pavia.
Prague University of Economics and Business (Czech Republic)
The University of Economics, Prague (VŠE) is the biggest public university of economics in the Czech Republic. Studies at VŠE meet the requirements of the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS). Currently, there are 14 000 students at VŠE.
VŠE is ranked by the Financial Times annually and has been already for several years appraised by the Eduniversal Ranking project as one of the best “business schools” in Central and Eastern Europe. Since 2013 VŠE has been also ranked in QS World University Rankings.
VŠE provides its students with a high quality study environment and conditions. Students may use hundreds of computer stations on campus, a wireless network, or the modern Integrated Study Information System (ISIS). For students who do not come from Prague, there are almost 4,500 beds available at the university’s dormitory facilities. The university has its own sports facilities.
The double degree partner programme, International Business – Central European Business Realities, has been awarded EFMD Programme Accreditation.
The studies required of the double degree students:
Master's Programme in Strategic Business Development (SBD)
There is one double degree programme in SBD: Umeå School of Business, Economics and Statistics (Sweden), for 4 students.
Umeå School of Business, Economics and Statistics (Sweden)
Umeå School of Business, Economics and Statistics (USBE) is known for its high level of education, research, corporate connections as well as our strong focus on internationalization. Our students, lecturers, and researchers represent a stimulating mix of people from different countries around the world. USBE has a strong student orientation and strive to provide a high-quality, open, and creative educational environment for all students. We are known for our open-door policy and for valuing the opinions of students.
The following studies are required of the double degree students:
Autumn semester:
Obligatory: Current Trends (M4) 7.5 ECTS
Minimum of 22.5 ECTS chosen from the following courses:
- Perspectives in Strategy (M1) 7.5 ECTS
- Entrepreneurship and Business Growth (M2) 7.5 ECTS
- The human side of organizing (M2) 7.5 ECTS
- Managing networks and internationalization (M3) 7.5 ECTS
- Social and Environmental Entrepreneurship (M3) 7.5 ECTS
Spring semester:
Master’s thesis 30 ECTS
Master's Programme in Finance
There are 3 double degree programmes in Finance, with:
– Umeå School of Business, Economics and Statistics (Sweden), for 4 students
– IÉSEG School of Management (France), for 5 students
– Higher School of Economics, St. Petersburg (Russia), for min. 2 students
Umeå School of Business, Economics and Statistics (Umeå, Sweden)
Umeå School of Business, Economics and Statistics (USBE) is known for its high level of education, research, corporate connections as well as our strong focus on internationalization. Our students, lecturers, and researchers represent a stimulating mix of people from different countries around the world. USBE has a strong student orientation and strive to provide a high-quality, open, and creative educational environment for all students. We are known for our open-door policy and for valuing the opinions of students.
The following studies are required of the double degree students:
Autumn semester:
30 ECTS:
- Advanced Financial Statement Analysis 7,5 ECTS
- Advanced Management Accounting 7,5 ECTS
- Advanced Financial Accounting 7,5 ECTS
- Risk Management 7,5 ECTS
Spring semester:
Master’s thesis 30 ECTS
More information about the Umeå School of Business and Economics can be found at: http://www.usbe.umu.se/
IÉSEG School of Management (Lille or Paris, France)
IÉSEG School of Management is a Grande École and thus is part of an elite group of French higher education institutions. Of the 63 business schools in France that have a Grande École program, IÉSEG is among the 12 that have received AACSB, EQUIS and AMBA accreditations.
The Grandes Écoles (literally in French “great schools”) of France are higher education establishments outside the main framework of the French university system. The grandes écoles select students in France for admission based chiefly on national ranking in competitive written and oral exams.
IÉSEG School of Management is one of the top Business Schools in France, ranked 7th in France and 32nd overall in the Financial Times Masters in Management ranking.
The following studies are required of the double degree students:
Autumn semester:
14 ECTS:
- Introduction to Financial Data Services 0 ECTS
- Introduction to banking 2 ECTS
- Firm valuation 2 ECTS
- Change management 2 ECTS
- Consulting skills 2 ECTS
- Business cycles and corporate management 2 ECTS
- Managing cultural diversity 2 ECTS
- Foreing language (French) 2 ECTS
16 ECTS
- Elective courses, with a minimum of 8 ECTS in Finance.
Spring semester:
Master’s thesis 30 ECTS
HSE- Higher School of Economics, St. Petersburg (Russia)
HSE University — St Petersburg is a globally-oriented university and Russia's market leader in teaching and research in the fields of economics, social science and humanities. The campus ranks #3 in Russia and #3 in St. Petersburg among Social Sciences and Economics universities on the freshmen quality (Russian Unified State Examination Ranking 2019). HSE University in St Petersburg stands among Top 10% Economic institutions worldwide and in Top 3 Economic institutions in Russia according to RePEc.
The double degree partner programme, Master Program in Finance, has been awarded the EFMD Programme Accreditation.
The following studies are required of the double degree students:
Mandatory ECTS
Macroeconomics 6
Strategic Financial Management 6
Research Seminar 6
Research Internship* 12
*If the students of Univaasa had an internship before or within the First Year of the Programme Research Internship at HSE can be waived if the students provide an official confirmation of the Internship indicating the duration and the grade for the internship.
Elective courses (6 of 11)
Machine learning tools in Finance
Business valuation
Mergers and acquisitions
Strategic cost management
Project finance
Social Projects and Social Entrepreneurship
International Financial Reporting Standards
Financial Econometrics
Corporate Governance
Tax Management
MagoLego
Master Thesis preparation 18
Bachelor's double degree programmes
Univaasa students need to complete the required 1st year basic courses, 2nd year compulsory major courses and the language studies during the two first years, i.e. before starting the double degree studies at the host university. In total there should be around 120 ECTS completed when starting the double degree programme
There are 2 double degree programmes in the Bachelor of International Business programme, with
– Prague University of Economics and Business (Czech Republic), for 4 students
– Europa-Universitätä Viadrina (Germany), for 5 students
Prague University of Economics and Business (Czech Republic)
The University of Economics, Prague (VŠE) is the biggest public university of economics in the Czech Republic. Studies at VŠE meet the requirements of the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS). Currently, there are 14 000 students at VŠE.
VŠE is ranked by the Financial Times annually and has been already for several years appraised by the Eduniversal Ranking project as one of the best “business schools” in Central and Eastern Europe. Since 2013 VŠE has been also ranked in QS World University Rankings.
VŠE provides its students with a high quality study environment and conditions. Students may use hundreds of computer stations on campus, a wireless network, or the modern Integrated Study Information System (ISIS). For students who do not come from Prague, there are almost 4,500 beds available at the university’s dormitory facilities. The university has its own sports facilities.
The following studies are required of the double degree students:
Obligatory courses:
- Retail Marketing - 6 ECTS (Autumn)
- World Economy - 9 ECTS (Autumn)
- International Trade - 6 ECTS (Autumn)
- Bachelor Thesis Seminar - 5 ECTS (Autumn)
Optional courses: 31 ECTS (Autumn and Spring semester)
Thesis Defense - 3 ECTS (Spring)
Total 60 ECTS
Bachelor thesis will be evaluated and graded at the home university. University of Vaasa graduates will get 10 ECTS for the completed thesis and they need to take a maturity test in Finland after completing the thesis.
Europa-Universität Viadrina (Frankfurt/Oder, Germany)
The Viadrina is located an hour away from Berlin. It was established in 1991, but its roots lead to 16th century as the first University of Bradenburg. The Viadrina is committed to an interdisciplinary approach, both in its research and in its degree programmes. Around 6,500 students from more than 100 countries study at the Viadrina. It also has more than 250 partner universities worldwide. At the same time, the Viadrina has strong roots in Frankfurt (Oder) and regards itself as a partner for the region, promoting the spirit of enterprise and civil society.
Bachelor level double degree students should complete the 5th and 6th semesters i.e. their third year of bachelor level at the host university as follows:
Basic Studies
Management Accounting 6 ECTS
Business Taxation 6 ECTS
Production & Logistics 6 ECTS
Macroeconomics 6 ECTS
Specialization courses
1 Option
Elective Module group 1 (except “The Management process” and “Innovation & Marketing”)
Elective course 1 6 ECTS
Elective course 2 6 ECTS
Elective course 3 6 ECTS
2 Option
Module group 1 – Information & Operations Management
Elective course 1 6 ECTS
Elective course 2 6 ECTS
Module group 2 – “The Management process” or “Innovation & Marketing”5
Elective course 1 6 ECTS
Elective module groups form specialization courses. One module group consists of three courses each for 6 ECTS. It is obligatory to visit and pass courses in three different module groups for the EUV degree.
Univaasa students have to pass three courses in either one elective module group from the below - except “The Management process” and “Innovation & Marketing” (1 Option). Or two courses in the module group “Information & Operations Management” and one course in either “The Management process” or “Innovation & Marketing” (2 Option).
1. Accounting (18 ECTS)
2. Domestic Taxation (18 ECTS)
3. European Economics – (18 ECTS)
4. European Taxation (18 ECTS)
5. Finance (18 ECTS)
6. Information & Operations Management (18 ECTS)
7. Innovation & Marketing (18 ECTS)
8. Quantitative Methods (18 ECTS)
9. The Management Process (18 ECTS)
10. Banking & International Finance (18 ECTS)
Extracurricular and interdisciplinary qualifications
Academic Writing 6 ECTS
Thesis
Bachelor thesis 12 ECTS
Total 60 ECTS
Bachelor’s Thesis
Bachelor thesis will be evaluated and graded at the host University. Thus, Univaasa students will get 6 ECTS for the Academic Writing course (Preparation to Bachelor Thesis) completed at EUV, and 10 ECTS for the completed thesis. Univaasa students need to take a maturity test after completing the thesis.
Freemover exchange
If you cannot find a suitable exchange destination among partner universities of University of Vaasa or you want to go on exchange to a certain country, city or university, you can organise the exchange by yourself. This is called freemover exchange, where student personally manages and finances the exchange. University of Vaasa may provide some assistance but does not provide financial support in form of travel grant or other. Student can either contact individual universities to see if they accept freemovers and uner which conditions, or use different organisations and actors providing such exchanges.
Applying
Contact the university or the actor providing such services to see if they accept freemovers / visiting students / non-degree students and what they require. Good questions to ask are:
- Are there any tuition fees and how much are they?
- How and when to apply?
- What kind of assistance they offer, academic counselling and every-day life assistance?
- What courses can I take on freemover status?
- Do they require language tests or any other tests
- Possibility of a scholarship?
Please note that the process might take a long time, so the earlier you start preparing, the better. Consult the website and staff of the university you are interested in or the staff of the organisation providing the service.
University of Vaasa and freemover exchange
Plan with your study counselor for your study programme that the courses you will be doing during freemover exchange and approved and transferred into your University of Vaasa degree upon return, and fill in a Learning Agreement. Notify your study counselor of any changes to your study plan during your exchange (Learning agreement)
Notify Mobility Services at outgoing.international(at)uwasa.fi of your freemover exchange with an e-mail stating the dates, host country and university of your exchange. Send us a copy of Acceptance Letter to host university and a copy of your approved Learning Agreement. We can add you in our records and send you important reminders throughout your exchange.
Students must register as attending at University of Vaasa during their freemover exchange as the courses will be transferred into your University of Vaasa degree, also if you are eligible (and using) KELA study grant, you must be attending.
Inform KELA (if eligible for the KELA grant) of your freemover exchange. You will need copy of Acceptance Letter to freemover university (showing the dates of your exchange) and some evidence that the studies are approved by the University of Vaasa (Learning Agreement).
Upon return you need to submit to Mobility Services
- Transcript of Records from freemover university
- Travel report
- Copy of Letter of confirmation or other document stating the duration
Courses and credits completed on freemover exchange must be transferred to your University of Vaasa degree. Credit transfer is recorded at your School at University of Vaasa based on Transcript of Records from freemover university. Please consult your study counselor when applying for credit transfer at University of Vaasa.
Examples of freemover exchange
DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austausch Dienst) - German Academic Exchange Service
Scholarship programme funded by Germany
http://www.daad.de/en/index.html
Kilroy Education Finland
Kilroy Education co-operates with universities in Australia, new Zealand, USA and Canada
Asia Exchange
Asia exchange co-operates with universities in Asia
Academy Access
Asia exchange co-operates with universities in Asia and Australia.
Free Mover Opiskelijavaihto
Freee-Mover co-operates with universities in Asia, Australia and South America
JAMK UAS Doing Business in Latin America
Jyväskylä University of Applied Sciencs has a specific prgramme on doing business in Latin America
www.jamk.fi/fi/Koulutus/Study-Abroad-Programmes1/Business-Studies-in-Latin-America/
Centria UAS China-programme
Centria University of Applied Sciencs has a specific China prgramme
Exchange reports
Exchange Reports
Travel reports from exchange can be found on our Destinations map (MoveON) -service. Search for an exchange destination you are interested in, select the destination university, and you'll find the Travel reports on Study reports tab.
Outgoing exchange students’ blogs
Below is the lists of blogs sites owned by our students who have done their exchange studies abroad. These blogs are the students’ own blog sites; therefore, the University is not responsible for the content presented on the sites.
Students who are interested in doing exchange studies abroad are recommended to check out these blogs and read about their fellow students’ exchange experiences.
Academic year 2019-20
Tuomas - Universität Regensburg
Academic year 2018-19
Sini ja Mari - Kedge Business School
Academic year 2017-18
Jonna - Universität Regensburg
Julius - Renmin University of China
Noora - Empora State University
Susanna - Warsaw University of Life Sciences
Laura - Sheffield Hallam University
Viivi - Alpen-Adria Universität Klagenfurt
Academic year 2016-17
Anna, Markus, Stella, University of Fraser Valley
Iris, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel
Iina, ISC Paris School of Management
Academic year 2015-2016
Milja-Maaria, University of Agder
Johanna, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos
Liisa, Universidad de Gran Canarias, Las Palmas
Sofia, City University Hong Kong
Academic year 2014-2015
Juho, Shanghai University of Finance and Economics
Sanna, Technische Universität Chemnitz
Mikko, Corvinus university of Budapest
Iida, Shanghai University of Finance and Economics
Johanna, Mykolas Romeris University
Viivi, Stamford International University
Marleena, Universität Hildesheim
Academic year 2013-2014
Anni, Shanghai University of Finance and Economics
Ossi, Saint Petersburg State University of Finance and Economics
Academic year 2012-2013
Kaisu, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya
Anni, Free University of Bozen-Bolzano
Sirja, Otto-Friedrich Universität Bamberg
Anniina, Otto-Friedrich Universität Bamberg
Olli, Emporia State University
Academic year 2011-2012
Miina, Emporia State University
Johanna, Emporia State University
Forms
Forms related to exchange studies
When applying for exchange at University of Vaasa:
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Application for Outgoing Exchange Students - MoveON (application for Exchange Studies - active during application rounds)
Accepting the exchange placement at University of Vaasa
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Document
Grant Agreement Bilateral and Nordplus-Nordplus
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DocumentGrant Agreement Erasmus - DOCX (62 KB)
Grant Agreement Erasmus & Nordplus-Erasmus
Student fills in bolded sections on 1st page, checks boxes in article 9 and signs in article 10
When applying to host university
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Document
Europass-template for language competence
Mobility Services will provide you with certificate for English skills. For other languages, language teacher evaluates and fills in.
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Documentletter_of_recommendation-.doc - DOC (429 KB)
Letter of Recommendation template
Ask your professor to fill in Letter of Recommendation
Before & During exchange
Learning Agreement templates
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Document
If host university does not receive Learning Agreements via OLA, you can use this Word template for Erasmus Learning Agreement
After exchange
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DocumentLetter of Confirmation - DOCX (58 KB)
Letter of Confirmation template
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DocumentTravel Report - DOCX (54 KB)
- Credit transfer application - please attach Transcript of Records
Forms related to Erasmus Placements and Internship
Before internship
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Document
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Document
After internship
- Copy of work certificate
Online Learning Agreement
Online Learning Agreement
As an Erasmus+ student you have to inform your home university about your selection of courses at host university per semester in Learning Agreement. European Commission has developed a platform allowing students and universities process Learning Agreement online.
Please register in Online Learning Agreement OLA -system either via portal or with Erasmus+ App, which both lead you to same destination. After having registered, you have the same login username and password for both portal and Erasmus+ app.
Online Learning Agreement step by step
- Go to OLA portal
- Select Log in and again Log in in My Account
- Type University of Vaasa in Login field and click University of Vaasa in search results
- Finish your registration on the MyAcademicID IAM Service if needed and follow the instructions (use your University of Vaasa email). Click the link in the email you received from MyAcademicID to verify your email address.
- Now Login to OLA using your University of Vaasa credentials
My Account
- Fill in your personal information
- Field of Education: ISCED codes (start typing your field of study at host and select one closest to subject area in Erasmus agreement for your destination)
- General ISCED codes for University of Vaasa subject areas: Communication 0288, Administrative Sciences 0388, Technology 0788, Business 0488
- Study cycle: Bachelor EQF 6, Master EQF 7
Start with your Learning Agreement by going to My Learning Agreements
- Select Create New
- Select Semester Mobility as mobility type
1 Student information
- These fields should be automatically filled in with personal data you entered on My Account
2 Sending Institution Information
- Academic year: academic year for your exchange
- Country: Select Finland
- Name: Select Vaasan yliopisto (University of Vaasa)
- Faculty/Department: Your academic unit at University of Vaasa
School of Management/ School of Accounting and Finance/ School of Marketing and Communication/ School of Technology and Innovations -
Sending Responsible Person (at University of Vaasa): study counselor of your major
- Res. email: email of your study counselor
- Position: Study counselor
- Res. phone: phone of your study counselor
- Sending Administrative Contact Person: Minna Kari
- Position: Specialist
- Email: outgoing.international(at)uwasa.fi
- Tel. +358 29 449 8438
3 Receiving Institution Information
- Country: Select country of destination
- Name: Select your destination university (if you cannot find your host university on the list, please check with your host or see instructions for Word/ pdf-LA)
- Faculty/ department: Faculty/ department at receiving university you are going to study at
- Receiving Responsible person and Receiving Administrative Contact Person: person responsible for incoming exchange students at receiving institution. These can be the same or different persons, responsible person may also be an academic coordinator (contact info can be found on the host university website or email you've got from them)
4 Proposed Mobility Programme and Preliminary LA
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Planned start and end of the mobility: Check the host university website or factsheet for academic calendar (dates for academic semester possibly including orientation days and exams)
"Table A" Study programme at the receiving institution
- Add courses (components) you are planning to take at host university to Table A.
- Fill in name of course, course code, nr of ECTS and semester (do this course by course). Remember you need to take at least 20 ECTS per semester but it’s recommended to select more (20-30 ECTS). It is also often easier to leave out some courses than change them.
- Courses are found on host university website or a list of courses for exchange students may have been sent to you. If host university has not yet published courses for next academic year, you can fill in courses of previous semesters. NB! There may be restrictions for which courses you can take. Check also teaching language, level and right semester.
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The main language of instruction at the Receiving Institution: English or other
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The level of language competence: usually B2/C1 (check requirements on host University website and select your level in your language certificate)
"Table B" Recognition at the sending institution
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Add courses identically as in "Table A". When accepted, the completed courses are registed with exact equivalency of their names and ECTS credits to your transcript.
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Alternatively, you can type in International studies module with equivalent nr of ECTS, if that's your plan
5 Virtual components
- No need to fill in
6 Commitment
- Sign your Learning Agreement electronically after it's finished
- Click Sign and send to responsible person at the sending institution for review (i.e. to your study counselor at University of Vaasa).
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In My Learning Agreements you can see that the status of your LA is now Signed by student and sent to Sending HEI (Higher Education Institution)
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You cannot edit your LA anymore (you can view it and download it as PDF)
What happens next?
- Your LA goes first automatically to your study counselor for check-up. Your counselor may accept your LA as it is, or decline it with comments of required changes.
- If your study counselor declines your LA, you get an email notification of Rejected Online Learning Agreement. Login to OLA again and go to My Learning Agreements. You can see that Status of your LA has changed from Signed by Student to Ready to Edit.
- Select Edit and make the required changes in your LA. You can see the Rejection Reason on Commitment tab. Sign and send again.
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After your LA has been accepted by your counselor, it will be automatically sent to the responsible person at receiving university. You get an email notification that your LA has now been sent to receiving organisation. You can also see in OLA that the status of your LA has changed into Signed by Sending HEI and sent to Receiving HEI.
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Coordinator at host university will check your LA and either accept it or decline it with comments concerning the required changes. Follow the given instructions if comments are given.
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You receive an email notification from OLA after your LA has been finalised, i.e. signed by all 3 parties. Status of your LA in OLA is now Signed by both coordinators and it's finished.
If your host university does not use OLA system
- You are not able to find the host institution on the list of Receiving institutions (Tab 3).
- In that case please use a Word template for Learning Agreement (in Forms). Fill in the LA, sign it and send it per email to your study counselor at University of Vaasa and after their signature, send the LA to the responsible person at receiving instution for signing. Finally upload the pdf-LA with all 3 signatures on Moodle.
- OLA signed by all 3 parties in OLA does not need to be submitted on this Moodle platform
LA 2 During exchange
If you make changes in your LA after LA 1 (within 1 month from beginning of exchange), you need to make the changes in OLA and get new signatures.
- Log in again to OLA platform
- Go to My Learning Agreements
- Only Learning Agreements which have been signed by both coordinators can be changed. Select “Apply Changes“
- Fill in the changes you want to make in your original LA in Final Table A2: Click Add Component Final Table 2 and list courses you want to add and/ or delete. Adapt Table B accordingly (Add component to Final Table B2)
- Sign and send the Online learning Agreement to the responsible person at the sending Institution for review and it will go on to host institution and you will finally be notified of a successfully finalised LA2
NB! in case of a Word/ pdf LA has been used, you need to make the changes in the same LA and use the tables A2 and B2 (During the mobility).
NB! Complete LA with signatures from all 3 parties in OLA is a prerequisite for keeping your grant.
If LA in OLA is incomplete, the entire grant may be reclaimed
ISCED codes (examples)
| Business | |
| Finance | 0488 |
| International Business | 0488 |
| Strategic Business Development | 0488 |
| Industrial Management | 0488 |
| Technology | |
| Industrial Digitalization | 0788 |
| Industrial Systems Analytics | 0788 |
Contact information
Incoming exchange
Jenna Puska
Specialist, Mobility Services
+358 29 449 8639
incoming.international(at)uwasa.fi
Outgoing exchange
Minna Kari
Specialist, Mobility Services
+358 29 449 8438
outgoing.international(at)uwasa.fi