Step 1. Orientation

You can choose between university-wide and faculty destinations. We will explain the difference between them below.

University-wide destinations

• All UU students can go to these destinations. It means that you can choose from various specialisations and subjects outside your particular field of study, provided you meet the conditions.
• A number of places are available at each destination (number of places available). Sometimes lots have to be drawn. Then you will see this: selection was necessary in the last few years. When there are more applications than places available, full year exchange is not possible.

Faculty destinations

• Only students of a specific faculty and/or course of study are eligible for these destinations. It means that you can take subjects within your specialisation at that university.
• Placement takes place after reviewing your application file. Selection can take place by means of a draw or by reviewing application files. The selection procedure differs by faculty.

On the destinations page you will find all the universities with which Utrecht University has an exchange contract. 

Plan your stay abroad carefully:

• In which semester do you want to and are you able to go?
• The academic calendar of your chosen university may differ from that of UU, so there may be some overlap, for example if they maintain a trimester system.
• Discuss your plans with your study adviser or tutor.

• the courses offered
• the language in which the courses are given 
• living costs in each country
• experiences of students who previously attended the university
• whether or not you are eligible to receive certain scholarships, such as the Travel Green Grant

The most up-to-date travel advice can be found on the travel and exchange page.

Travel advice

Bear the following in mind when choosing a possible destination: Utrecht University’s policy is to follow the travel advice issued by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 

In any case, you may not plan a course of study, internship, research or clinical placement in a region for which the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued travel advice classified as orange or red. 

The colour-coded advice is categorised as follows:

The International Offices of Utrecht University keep up to date about travel advice. Travel is not permitted to code red or orange countries. Degree programmes and boards of examiners are advised not to approve plans, award European Credits (EC) or give grants for study-related activities in these regions. 

If the travel advice changes to code orange during the exchange, you will always be contacted. Your safety is paramount and so we want to provide personalised assistance. Utrecht University may advise you urgently to return to the Netherlands. Discuss your situation with your coordinator at the International Office, so you can discuss together what steps you could take to guarantee your safety.