The application process consists of several steps described on this page.
Time for application
This year we will open the application for exchange during spring 2025 already in May. The application period for exchange during spring 2025 is: 6.5.2024-4.10.2024
Business students N.B! As your study track will not be clear before June, you can not submit an application before summer. Contact your study councellor Hanna Grönholm with questions regarding a study plan for studies abroad earliest in August! This does not, however, prevent you from taking part in the May info session (see dates below).
Applications to our partners universities in Canada (autumn OR spring!) always need to be handed in during the spring term due to long application processes.
Application time for exchange during the autumn term 2026 will be published later.
The application form is active only during ongoing application period. Please scroll down to Application-step by step.
Application information:
We organize information sessions regarding the application process for those who wishes to apply for studies abroad.
Info session in September for exchange during spring 2025:
- Thursday 5.9.2024 at 14.30-15.30: https://arcada.zoom.us/j/64520294976 External link
More information regarding studies abroad, our partner institutions and the application process can be found under Studies abroad.
You can also write to E-mail:international@arcada.fi with possible questions.
Please find the material from the last info session at the bottom of this page.
Prepare yourself for your exchange application
How to start
- check out the recommended time for going on exchange
- read our requirements for studying abroad
- find out about exchange opportunities in our partner institution database.
- Once you know to which one or max two universities you wish to apply for exchange, you can start preparing the attachments for your application. See paragraph 3 under Application – step by step lower down the page. Make the preliminary study plan in good time. It is only required for the first option in your application. Find out more about making a study plan for your exchange
Application - step by step
The link below to the application portal MoveOn, is active during the application period.
In the application you can apply to one or max two partner universities, in order of preference.
You must apply for exchange through the MoveON online application portal:
1. You will find the link to the MoveON application portal here during the application time
2. Read the instructions and fill in your application in MoveON at your own pace. You can save it and continue at a later time during the application period. You can make changes in the application before submitting the final version.
3. Upload all the documents as pdf-files.
- A preliminary study plan -course plan (only for your first choice). This form needs to be signed by your Degree Programme Director (Amanuensis for business students).
- A motivation letter (In English or in Swedish. Max. one A4 sheet (only for your first choice). Describe why you want to go on exchange and what are your study and career related goals for the exchange. Hand in to your Degree programme together with the preliminary study plan before uploading) N.B! Students in business can directly upload their motivation letter without handing it in to the responsible person at the degree programme).
- A certificate issued by ASK, if you have served as an international-tutor
4. Click submit once you have completed the application. Remember that you cannot make any changes after submitting the application.
From now on, please read your Arcada e-mail before, during and after the exchange period to make sure that you receive all the necessary information!
What happens after I have submitted my application and what is the selection process?
Selection process
You will receive an answer within 2-5 weeks after the application deadline. We will contact you if something is unclear. We will process all applications after the application period. If we receive more applications than available exchange places we will rank the applications. Selection criteria:
- success in studies: Points will be handed out according to the average grade. (Maximum 5 points)
- motivation and study and career related goals for the exchange.
- strong motivation and clear goals (4 points)
- strong motivation but not clear goals/clear goals but not strong motivation (2 points)
- neither strong motivation or clear goals (0 points)
- Active as an international-tutor: tutor certificate issued by ASK of proven activity (1 point). 0 points without certificate.
Selected students will be nominated for exchange
After the selection process we will officially nominate the students for exchange. The decision of nomination will be sent to your Arcada email address. After you have been nominated for exchange and after you have received email from us, you can start the application process to the host institution.
We will also organize two pre-departure trainings where students who have been nominated for exchange get more practical information about the exchange process as well as cultural training. Nominated students will get an email invitation to these pre-departure trainings.
Application to the partner institution
Different institutions have different application processes and deadlines and therefore you should find out how the application process to your host institution goes as soon as you have been nominated. Most of the universities have information about their application process for exchange students on their website. You are responsible for sending the application and all the required documents on time to the host institution. The host university will make the final decision on the admission of the nominated students.