Universitas 21 (U21) is an international network of 20 leading research-intensive universities in twelve countries. Collectively, its members enrol over 650,000 students, employ over 130,000 staff and have over 2 million alumni. The network's purpose is to facilitate collaboration and cooperation between the member universities and to create opportunities for them on a scale that none of them would be able to achieve operating independently or through traditional bilateral alliances.
 

• U21 Student Exchange normally for a period of one or two semesters.
• U21 Summer School
• U21 Undergraduate Research Conference

Some partners also offer specific short term programs such as a PhD mobility scheme or U21 summer programs. Contact your home university for more details.
 

Am I eligible?

Students at all levels and across all disciplines participate in U21 student mobility programmes each year. Depending on your home university there will be opportunities for undergraduates, postgraduate (coursework) and research students to participate in a U21 student mobility programme.
 

Most universities require students to have completed at least one year of tertiary study before they study abroad on exchange. The requirements of your particular degree may also influence the timing of your study abroad opportunity. Check with your home university for more details.
 

If you study on the U21 Student Exchange Programme, you should receive formal academic recognition for your exchange from your home institution via credit transfer. The study should be formally acknowledged on your academic transcript.

 

It depends on the university you choose and the course you are studying. For some, you will need to be proficient in the host language and may have to provide proof of that via an internationally recognised language qualification.  Some institutions will offer courses taught in English for those students who are not proficient in the institution's primary language of instruction.

For English speaking students studying at a non-English speaking university, even if your courses are taught in English, you are encouraged to take up a language course be it from beginner level or more advanced. Learning a new language will show that you are the kind of person who can take on a challenge. You will find that it is easier and more fun when you are living and studying in the country than when you are in the classroom at home! The ability to work in another language will not only enhance your enjoyment of living and working in another country but also enhance your employability.
 

Tuition fees
The U21 student mobility programme is an exchange programme which means that you do not pay any tuition fee to the university you are visiting. You will continue to pay your tuition fees to your home university for the period that you are overseas.

Other costs
The cost of living varies greatly between countries within the U21 network and also within countries depending on the city.

During your period of study at the partner institution you will need to pay for accommodation, general living costs and entertainment. Living costs may be lower than in your home country, while in some countries this may be more expensive than at home. Many countries have a variety of student reductions, in order to make life cheaper. During your study period you should be eligible to continue to receive any student grant or loan to which you are normally entitled, from university, national or other sources. Check this with your home institution.
 

Many U21 universities offer dedicated scholarships to their outgoing U21 students – some are automatic scholarships and some are competitive. Other forms of scholarships and loans may also be available from your home university or external funding body. Talk with your U21 Student Mobility Co-ordinator at your home university for more details.
 

Do I need insurance?

It is strongly recommended that all students participating in a U21 student mobility programme have comprehensive health, personal and travel insurance. Your home and host universities will be able to advise you on how to obtain sufficient insurance cover.
 

If you wish to benefit from the opportunities offered by U21, you should enquire as soon as possible. It is never too early to start planning!

This website has links to the relevant international student mobility web pages at each U21 university. Read these web pages carefully and if interested, follow up with a visit to the student exchange office or contact your U21 student mobility co-ordinator for more information. Your home university will advise you on how to apply, selection criteria, where you can go, application deadlines and other important information.
 

What is it like being a U21 exchange student?

The best people to tell you what it is like to be U21 exchange student are those who have been one themselves.

Here are some personal stories from U21 exchange students.

U21 students show that they have the qualities that employers look for. They are not afraid to take on challenges, they can successfully adapt to new environments and they show flexibility. They can build relations with people from different cultural backgrounds and many can speak another language. Employers appreciate the value of the exchange experience.

Despite the many advantages of exchange it is still only the minority of students who participate, so by adding it to your resume or CV you will stand out from the crowd.

It is hard to think of a profession which does not have an international dimension, especially in areas such as business, law and politics. Having experience of living and studying abroad can be major assets when seeking employment.