The browser you are using is not supported by this website. All versions of Internet Explorer are no longer supported, either by us or Microsoft (read more here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/windows/end-of-ie-support).

Please use a modern browser to fully experience our website, such as the newest versions of Edge, Chrome, Firefox or Safari etc.

Exchange application and acceptance

Planning your exchange studies

Once you have been nominated to go on an exchange by your home university, you will receive a link to Lund University’s online application for nominated exchange students (SoleMove) as well as contact details from your coordinator at Lund University. This is usually sent out the day before the application period opens. You do not apply for exchange studies via University Admissions in Sweden.

The academic year

The academic year consists of two semesters:

Autumn semester:

  • Study period 1:  September–October
  • Study period 2: November–January

Spring semester:

  • Study period 3: January–March
  • Study period 4: April–June

Study plan 

A total of 30 credits is considered the normal full-time study load per semester. Students typically take four courses of 7.5 credits per semester.

Each semester is divided into two study periods. Students are generally advised to take two courses in each study period. 

We encourage you to choose alternative course options in case you do not meet the admission requirements for your preferred course choices, when there is a timetable clash, or if no places are available on the course.

At Lund University, we do not have an Add/Drop period – please consider this when you select your courses. This means that the changes you can make are very limited and can only be made in the first few weeks after you arrive in Lund.

The illustrations below show examples of how you can divide your courses over a study year. If you are only studying for one semester, any one of the shown semester examples could apply to you.

One example is four courses á 7.5 credits per semester:

Example of a study plan. Illustration.

A second example is one course á 15 credits, two courses á 7.5 credits each for the autumn semester, and two á 15 credits for the spring semester:

Example of a study plan. Illustration.

A third example is one course á 15 credits and two courses á 7.5 credits each for the autumn semester. One option is to have several courses starting during the same period. In this case it is period 3 of the spring semester, one of which lasts the whole semester, i.e. period 3-4, combined with a final course starting in period 4:

Example of a study plan. Illustration.

Application for courses and housing

Online application for courses

The course application period for nominated exchange students normally runs from 1–15 April for autumn semester studies and from 1–15 October for spring studies, unless these dates fall on a weekend or public holiday, in which case we reserve the right to adjust the application start date to the first regular working day thereafter. 

After you have been nominated for exchange studies by your home university, you will receive a system-generated email with login details as well as a link to the combined online exchange student application for the following:

  • Your selected study courses – i.e. all regular courses, including Special Area Studies (SAS) and Swedish Language for Exchange Students (SVEE)
  • Swedish Introductory Language course (SUSA) – offered before the start of the semester

You can prepare for your application by reading our Application guide webpage or watching the video guide below. For the best experience, watch with sound on and/or with subtitles.

Application guide for incoming exchange students

A video showing how to use the SoleMove course application system as an incoming exchange student.

Check your courses with your home university

Discuss your course selections with your academic advisor at your home university, to verify whether you will be able to receive credits. If your course selections need to be changed at a later stage, please keep your academic advisor at your home university informed. However, please note that there is no Add/Drop period at Lund University.

You have to upload your transcript of records in order for us to be able to review your eligibility for the courses of your choice. We also need to establish whether there are any available places for these courses. 

Housing application

You can apply for housing in several different ways. The main organisation we recommend all exchange students apply through is LU Accommodation. Their application periods follow the annual cycle of admissions for exchange and Master's students. You can apply sometime during May and November each year. Each period is open for about 14 days, followed by an allocation process that can vary in length. Applicants who do not receive accommodation are put on a waiting list. Read more about different housing options and LU Accommodation:

Letter of Acceptance

Once we have received and evaluated your application against the admission requirements and course availability, your nomination for the exchange will be finalised and you will be sent a 'Letter of Acceptance' from Lund University. 

Students will find out whether or not they are accepted within 1–2 months of the submission of their application. 

The Letter of Acceptance comes from your coordinator at Lund University and this person will be a key contact and support you in organising your exchange studies.

It is very important to print the Letter of Acceptance, as you will need to bring this with you to Lund University and present it on several occasions during the first few weeks. You will also need the Letter of Acceptance to be able to complete your residence permit application.

About the residence permit application

When to apply

You apply to be nominated for an exchange at your home university during their application period.

Nominated exchange students apply during 1 April–15 April for autumn semester exchange studies and 1 October–15 October for spring semester exchange studies. Unless these dates fall on a weekend or public holiday, in which case we reserve the right to adjust the application start date to the first regular working day thereafter. 

Key information

  • Exchange students are required to follow a full-time study plan of 30 credits per semester. Typically this will mean four courses per semester (two courses per study period).
  • Choose alternative courses in your application to allow for some flexibility.
  • You will be sent the link to the combined online application for all courses and the mentor programme, as well as the link to the housing application.
  • Check your course selections with your home university.
  • Once your application is accepted, you will receive a 'Letter of Acceptance' from your coordinator at Lund University.

Application guide

Read the Application guide or watch the video guide:

Application guide for incoming exchange students

A video showing how to use the SoleMove course application system as an exchange student.