Study abroad

Studying abroad is a unique and enriching opportunity, offering you the chance to explore new horizons, immerse yourself in different cultures, and make lifelong friends. By spending one or two semesters abroad, you can take courses not available at Stockholm University, experience a different academic environment, and gain fresh perspectives on your education while expanding your professional and social network.

This invaluable experience will not only enhance your qualifications for your future career but also improve your language skills and deepen your cultural understanding.

In addition to exchange studies, you can also go abroad to collect data for your degree project or participate in a traineeship. Take advantage of these opportunities to make the most of your time at Stockholm University and build a strong international skillset!

Experience academic life in Barcelona, one of many destinations available for exchange students from Stockholm University. Photo: Renée Malmgren

Exchange studies

As a student at Stockholm University, you have numerous opportunities to study at one of our partner universities around the world. Stockholm University is part of several international networks and has exchange agreements with hundreds of universities globally. Additionally, the Faculty of Science and the Department of Biology Education have area-specific collaborations also available to you.

If you choose to undertake exchange studies through the aforementioned agreements and networks, you will receive guidance and support from BIG’s international coordinator and SU’s International Office. In some cases, it is even possible to apply for a scholarship. Additionally, you will be covered by the Student OUT insurance from Kammarkollegiet.

Where can I go?

Stockholm University has thriving partnerships around the world that are open for all students. This include the networks CIVIS, Nordlys and north2north, and bilateral agreements with universities outside Europe.

Furthermore, the Faculty of Science and the Department of Biology Education have exchange agreements with leading universities in several countries, including the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in the USA, Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, the University of Exeter in the United Kingdom and the University of Neuchâtel in Switzerland.

We also have several agreements within the Erasmus+ programme with universities in various European countries: the University of Amsterdam in the Netherlands, the University of Barcelona in Spain, Ghent University in Belgium, the University of Graz in Austria, and in Germany, the University of Heidelberg, the University of Hamburg, and the Free University of Berlin.

In the agreement portal, you can find information on all the exchange partnerships available at SU. To view agreements at different levels, follow the instructions provided on the page. For BIG's specific collaborations, filter by "Department of Biology Education”.

Agreement portal

How do I apply?

You must first apply for exchange studies through SU’s Mobility Online form, during the periods specified under “When do I apply”.

Mobility Online platform

In this initial application, you will select the universities you are interested in and explain your motivation for pursuing exchange studies. Please carefully read the eligibility requirements and selection criteria specified on the pages about the different exchanges (see links below).

Once your application has been approved, and depending on the number of available exchange places, we at SU will nominate you for exchange studies at the receiving university. Afterwards, the receiving university will guide you through their own application process, where you will, among other things, be required to select the courses you would like to take.

Additionally, before applying for exchange studies, it is always a good idea to talk with BIG’s international coordinator to explore the best alternatives for you.

When can I apply for exchange studies?

You can find the call for applications for exchange studies on SU’s page on central networks and agreements. These applications are handled by the International Office at Student Services.

For the partnerships of the Faculty of Science and the Department of Biology Education, there are different deadlines depending on where you plan to study. These applications are handled by BIG’s international coordinator.

For our collaborations outside Europe (University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, USA and Nanyang Technological University, Singapore), the application periods are:

Exchange period	Application period
Autumn semester or academic year (autumn + spring)	15 January – 15 February
Spring semester	15 May – 15 June

For collaborations within Europe, including universities participating in the Erasmus+ programme as well as partners outside the programme (such as universities in the United Kingdom and Switzerland), the application periods are:

Exchange period	Application period
Autumn semester or academic year (autumn + spring)	15 January – 15 February
Spring semester	15 August – 15 September

Free-mover

You can also choose to study abroad independently, without being bound to a university with which we have an agreement. This option gives you great freedom of choice, but it also means that you must obtain all the necessary information yourself, handle course selections and applications, maintain communication with universities and authorities, and pay any tuition fees.

Degree project or traineeship abroad

Stockholm University offers a vibrant international academic environment. Our researchers engage in numerous global collaborations and maintain extensive international networks, with some even conducting their own research abroad. This creates excellent opportunities for master’s students to complete parts or all of their degree projects abroad by collecting data and gaining hands-on research experience.

Moreover, the global nature of the biologist's job market means the knowledge and skills you acquire at Stockholm University are highly applicable beyond national borders. This opens up a wide range of possibilities for securing a traineeship abroad, allowing you to gain valuable international work experience.

As a master's student from the Department of Biology Education, you are encouraged to explore these international opportunities. Whether you are looking to collect data for your degree project or undertake a traineeship, you have the freedom to pursue options outside the university's existing agreements. Additionally, various funding options are available depending on your destination.

Funding

If you choose to carry out a degree project or traineeship in countries that participate in the Erasmus+ programme, you can apply for an Erasmus+ scholarship. You can find more information through the link bellow.

Contact

If you are curious about studying abroad during your studies with us and would like to know more about the opportunities available, please get in touch.

Easiest way to reach us is at info.big@su.se

Find more contact details here

Last updated: 2025-11-04

Source: Department of Biology Education