Student exchange from UMB

Cathrine Strømø

Would you like to take a study period abroad? Here is the checklist of what you need to do!
There are a million good reasons for taking parts of your UMB studies abroad. But what do you have to do before you can get on the plane and go off to YOUR new study place abroad?

Student exchange from UMB Foto: Linda Vesterlund

Checklist for Exchange students

Ca. 1 year before travelling:

Find continent, country and university. (Read about places that UMB has agreements with, and find links to web pages where you can search for universities all around the world and read about other students’ experiences. Get academic counselling from you study advisor at your department regarding for instance when you should travel, and extracurricular counselling from SIT (Student Information Centre at UMB), ANSA may also offer good advice.)

Get hold of application forms, course catalogue and information about the foreign university (SIT will usually be able to assist you).

Take a language test (TOEFL, IELTS etc.) if required by the university you wish to study at. (If you travel through one of UMB's agreements, there is usually exemption from this.)

Will the studies be in another language than English or Scandinavian? Then you are entitled to a language grant of NOK 15,000 if you take a language course that lasts four weeks. Find out where and when you want to take the language course.

You can also apply for a scholarship from NOVA/Nordplus (Studies in the Nordic countries), Erasmus/Socrates (Studies at certain European universities) or for a place through one of NLH’s Bilateral Agreements (some universities in Canada, Australia and the USA) by 1 MARCH. This deadline is applicable regardless of when you are travelling (autumn or spring term).

Apply for prior recognition of courses, projects, field work etc. Hand in application form to the student advisor at your department. You find the application form her.

If necessary, contact the embassy of the country you are travelling to for information about rules and procedures when applying for a visa.


Ca .½ year before travelling:

Apply for admission and accommodation (private or through the university. Several of the universities that UMB has agreement with, will assist you in this.).

Apply for support from the State Educational Loan Fund (Lånekassen) for the term(s) you will be abroad. After receiving prior recognition of the courses etc. that you wish to take, go to SIT and fill out a “green attachment” which you attach to your application to Lånekassen. If you already have a confirmation that you have been admitted to a language course, attach this too (can be forwarded if not). The same applies for receipt for paid tuition. Read more about financial support here.

If necessary, apply for a visa after having received letter of admission. Also remember to plan necessary vaccines and to book plane tickets well in advance!


Before departure:

Pay the semester fee and register as a student at UMB by the deadline!

Also remember insurance, foreign currency, vaccines, forwarding of mail, additional credit card etc.


More questions? Visit us at SIT and we will help you!

Updated: 27.10.05
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