Africa
All degree students at Åbo Akademi University are eligible to apply for exchange programs at our partner universities in Africa. The exchange agreements are general, meaning students from all fields of study can apply for these exchange opportunities. University-specific criteria are listed under each respective partner institution.
You can go on exchange to Africa either via our bilateral agreements (see below), or via ISEP (International Student Exchange Programme). ISEP is an exchange network with over 300 universities in over 50 countries. Read more about ISEP here.
The universities listed below are universities with which Åbo Akademi University has made a bilateral agreement (bilateral agreement means that it is free to study at the university, you do not have to pay any tuition fees). There are however program fees for our agreements in Afica. Please find more information below.
You can find more information about course offerings, possible extra costs, information about accommodation, start dates and other important things by going to their websites (link under each university/network).
Application
You can read more about Åbo Akademi’s international application for exchange studies here.
The following attachments are required for applications to all universities in Africa via Åbo Akademi’s bilateral agreement:
- Signed study plan
- Motivation letter in English
- English language certificate from the language center
- A recommendation from academic staff at ÅA
- Transcript of records in English
Application deadline for the academic year 2027-2028 is 29.01.2027
Once nominated, you must submit an additional application directly to the host university according to their instructions. This application may require additional documents, which will be listed under each university.
Studying in Africa requires a visa and comprehensive insurance. More information can be found under “Useful Advice before the Exchange”.
Below you can find information about all ÅAU’s partner universities in Africa. You can also apply for exchange studies in Africa through ISEP.
Information about host cities, brochures, videos, and all other kinds of materials are available for all partner institutions upon request.
For more detailed information about exchanges in Africa please contact Katie Fagerström.
Africa
Stellenbosch University, Sydafrika
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.
| Places/Duration: | 2 places/one term each |
| Scholarship: | 1800€/term |
| Participation fee: | 2200€/term |
| Level: | second to fifth year |
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.
| Places/Duration | 1 spot/term |
| Participation fee: | 2200€/term |
| Scholarship: | 1800€/term |
| Level: | third-fifth year |