Pre-application information

As part of your pre-application research, there are some important things to consider before you apply, to help you decide what and where is right for you, including things like cost, culture, climate, lifestyle and more.

The following introductory videos should help you understand what's involved in an exchange. 

Find out about:

• our exchange destinations (and how to find out where you can go)
• how an exchange works
• the benefits of going on exchange
• what research and preparation you should do before applying
• the application and selection procedure.

Our Q&A sessions are aimed at second year undergraduates and address frequently asked questions regarding our exchanges, the application and selection process, costs and funding opportunities and more. Come along to one of these sessions to get all the information you need.

Before attending a Q&A session, please make sure that you have watched the pre-application videos above.

This year's pre-application sessions took place on: 

• Wednesday 22 October 2025
• Tuesday 28 October 2025

If you missed them and have questions about your application, please attend one of our application support drop-in sessions - see details below.

SWAY staff will also run in-person drop-in sessions for applicants who would like help or guidance in completing their exchange application. 

We recommend that you watch the videos above and attend a Q&A session before attending an application support drop-in session.

This year's drop-in sessions will be held at Edinburgh Futures Institute (EFI) as follows:

• Tuesday 4 November, 2pm to 4pm, Room 1.60
• Tuesday 11 November, 2pm to 4pm, Room 1.60

Find Edinburgh Futures Institute on a campus map