Eligibility

Find out if you are eligible to participate in an exchange programme.

Important notes on eligibility

Being eligible to participate in an exchange does not guarantee that you will be offered a place.

The application process for some exchange destinations and programmes may be extremely competitive and no student is guaranteed a place even if they meet or exceed all the eligibility and application criteria.  

The availability of exchange places can also vary from year to year and may be limited by the number and types of agreements set up.

Eligible degree programmes 

Our exchange programmes are open to students on most, but not all, undergraduate programmes in the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences (CAHSS) and the College of Science and Engineering (CSE). Most students within the College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine (CMVM) are not eligible to participate in exchanges, though there are some exceptions. 

Students on joint honours degree programmes can normally apply for exchanges but should double-check with their School for any caveats or academic requirements.

Click on the following drop down options for programme-specific exceptions and more guidance for joint honours students.

If you are taking a degree in the following subjects you are not eligible to participate in University-wide exchanges, but may apply for Subject-specific exchange, if this opportunity is available in your Subject Area: 

  • Art, Design, Architecture or Landscape Architecture
  • Business
  • Clinical Sciences
  • Chemistry
  • Law
  • Primary Teaching
  • Social Work
  • Veterinary Medicine 

  • Economics students may only apply for Subject-specific exchanges and/or to selected, pre-approved University-wide destinations. It is your responsibility to ensure that you apply only to partners which have been approved by the School of Economics. Please refer to the School of Economics’ student hub for more information: 

  • Students on a Languages degree are eligible to participate in University-wide or Subject-specific exchange, but you must ensure that you study in a country relevant to your degree programme. If your degree programme sits within the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures, you should refer to the Year Abroad guidance:

 

  • Biomedical Sciences students are eligible to apply for University-wide exchange. A Subject-specific exchange with the University of Leiden is also available to Biomedical Sciences students on a limited selection of programmes.  For more information, please see the Biomedical Sciences Exchange website: 


Students taking joint honours can normally apply for exchanges - for clarification of any academic requirements or caveats, please double check with your School(s).

University-wide exchanges may offer the most flexible option as these exchanges have been set up at institutional level, rather than School or Subject level.

For Subject-specific exchanges, students must check, before submitting an application via their main degree Subject Area, that the institution(s) they plan to apply to offer(s) enough suitable courses in both of their degree subjects and that Exchange Coordinators in both their subject areas support their application. You should apply for exchanges listed under your main Subject Area (ie. the subject area which 'owns' your degree).

Due to the nature of Subject-specific agreements, we cannot guarantee access to courses at the host institution outside the agreement discipline. It is your responsibility to research the course options at prospective host universities to ensure that you can satisfy your academic requirements for both subject areas.

Find out more about University-wide and Subject-specific exchanges


Academic requirements

Applicants must normally have completed 120 credits in their first year and must pass all second year courses at first sitting.  Students who have not achieved a full 240 credits at the end of the May exam diet will not be permitted to proceed with their exchange.  

Click on the following drop down options for guidance for students on 5-year degree programmes or direct entry students.

If you entered the University of Edinburgh directly into Year 2 of a degree programme, it may be possible for you to apply for an exchange.  Selection for Subject-specific exchanges is a School level decision, and it would be at the discretion of the relevant School Exchange Coordinator whether a direct entry student would qualify for a place.  For University-wide exchange, this is a College decision:

College of Arts, Humanities and Social Science (CAHSS)

  • CAHSS will consider applications from students who transferred to Edinburgh having completed a full academic year at another UK university and who can provide a transcript to indicate their marks from that first year.
  • Unfortunately, students who entered directly into second year from secondary school cannot be considered for University-wide exchanges.
  • If you transferred to the University of Edinburgh from a Further Education College, or from an international Higher Education Institution, please speak with your School and CAHSS College Office to check whether it will be possible for you to apply for exchange.

College of Science and Engineering (CSE)

The College of Science and Engineering will consider applications from direct entry students. Applicants will be required to provide a full transcript from their previous education establishment and any offer will be conditional on successful passes in the December exam diet.

Deanery of Biomedical Sciences

Direct entry students in the Deanery of Biomedical Sciences wishing to apply for exchange should speak directly with their School and the CMVM College Office to check whether this will be possible.


Students studying on 5-year degree programmes may be permitted to go abroad in their 3rd or 4th year of study.  Some Schools may only allow their students to go abroad in their penultimate year of study. 

Students on 5-year programmes should ensure they have completed the equivalent, required credits at first sitting. 

Please speak with your School before applying.


Language requirements

Students can study in English at most of our non-European partner institutions but for study at many European institutions, competence in the native language will be required.  Students who do not meet minimum language requirements will not be eligible to participate in some exchanges.

Find out more about language requirements

Disabilities and specific learning needs

Students with a disability or specific learning need are encouraged to apply to study abroad. Some destinations may be more suitable than others so students are advised to explore options at an early stage with their Student Adviser, the Disability and Learning Support Service and/or the Study and Work Away Service.

Please note that we cannot guarantee that the same type and/or level of support offered at Edinburgh will be available at our partner institutions.

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