You can go on exchange to Africa either through our bilateral agreements (see below) or via ISEP (International Student Exchange Program). ISEP is an exchange network with over 300 universities in more than 50 countries. Read more about ISEP here.

Application deadline for the academic year 2025-2026

The deadline for submitting applications in Åbo Akademi University internal application round for the academic year 2024-2025 is on 31.01.2025 at 15:00. Applications are submitted in SoleMove. If you want to go on exchange during the spring term of 2025, the same deadline applies.

Application

Read more about Åbo Akademi University’s internal application for exchange studies HERE. The following attachments are required for applications to all universities in South Africa through Åbo Akademi University’s bilateral agreements:

• Signed study plan
• Motivation letter in English
• English language certificate from the language center for Stellenbosch; note that the University of KwaZulu-Natal requires standardized English proficiency test (e.g., TOEFL or IELTS).
• A recommendation from academic staff at ÅA
• Transcript of records in English
• Photograph

Students first apply internally in ÅA:s application round via SoleMove (deadline 31.01.2025). After that, ÅA nominates students to the host university, and the nominated students will then receive detailed information about the application process to the host university directly from them. The application to the host university requires additional attachments, which vary depending on the university.

SOUTH AFRICA

Stellenbosch University, South Africa

Stellenbosch University, with approximately 30,000 students, is located in the Western Cape in southwestern South Africa. The languages of instruction are Afrikaans and English.

Exchange students choose from the regular courses provided by various faculties and, if necessary, supplement with courses from the GEP (Global Education Programmes). Read more about the courses at SU here. For detailed information regarding course selection and course codes see here. Note: Exchange students cannot take courses at the “Medicine and Health Sciences” faculty.

Read more about exchange programs to Stellenbosch here.

When going on exchange to Stellenbosch, you need to pay a participation fee as well as an administrative fee.

• Participation fee of 2200€ per term. Paid to ÅA before the exchange. This fee covers a study place and on-campus accommodation. SU arranges accommodation for incoming exchange students from ÅA.
• Exchange Administrative Fee (approximately 500€) paid directly to Stellenbosch. This fee can be used for, among other things, gym membership, IT services, copying, etc. More information here.

The academic year is divided into two terms: Term 1 runs from early February to June, and Term 2 runs from mid-July to November-December, depending on which exams are taken. For more detailed information about the academic year, see here.

University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

University of KwaZulu-Natal has approximately 30,000 students and is located in the port city Durban, on the southeastern coast of South Africa.

The language of instruction is in English across four campuses and faculties: College of Humanities, College of Agriculture, Engineering & Science, College of Health Sciences, and College of Law and Management Studies. The courses offered can be found in the College Handbooks. Information for exchange students is available on the UKZN Inernational Affairs pages.

The academic year is divided into two terms: Term 1 from February to June and Term 2 from July to November. The program cost is 2200€ per term, which covers a study place and accommodation at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Additionally, there are fees for lecture materials and other expenses.

The agreement requires a balance between the number of incoming and outgoing students.

In addition to the application and study plan, the following attachments are required:

• Motivation letter in English
• Language certificate (IELTS/TOEFL)
• Two recommendations
• Transcript of records in English