How to apply

Find out how to apply for an exchange place abroad at one of our international partner institutions.

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The application deadline has passed, so we will no longer accept applications for the 2025/26 study exchange programme.

I highly recommend the exchange programme and think the University has done a great job making the process as easy as possible. 

Biological Sciences student Went on exchange to the National University of Singapore

The following steps outline the University of Edinburgh's process for applying for an exchange place at one of our international partner institutions.  This is the first stage in the process.  Successful applicants must complete a subsequent application to the host institution to confirm their place.

Please note that the application process is very competitive and no student is guaranteed an exchange place.  

University regulations require that, to be permitted to go on exchange, you must have achieved 240 credits before you depart and you must pass all your courses in second year at first attempt. 

View the application timeline for all important dates and deadlines:

Application timeline

We run events and information sessions every October for students considering applying for an exchange.

View details of pre-application information sessions and registration links.


Before submitting an application, you should research prospective host institutions thoroughly. You should find out about the courses they offer and whether and how they will satisfy your University of Edinburgh degree requirements, as well as learning about things like assessment, accommodation, and semester dates.

You can do this via the partner institution's website. You can also find information about our partner institutions, and important questions you should consider before applying, on the following webpages:

Where can I go?

Key things to consider


Read the application guide that relates to your application, in full.  This document will guide you through all the procedures and requirements specific to your preferred exchange programme.

The 2025/26 applications guides for University-wide and Subject-specific exchanges are available below:

2025/26 Subject-specific application guide

2025/26 University-wide application guide


The University-wide application route includes a peer-marking element which all applicants must complete in order to for their application to be considered.

Each applicant will be randomly assigned five anonymised personal statements to grade via Learn, and in turn, their own personal statement will be assigned to five other students for grading. Each personal statement will then be given an average score, after careful moderation from the SWAY team.

Further information on the peer marking scheme is available in the University-wide application guide above and will also be covered in our pre-application sessions.


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