FAQ Exchange Incoming

Frequently asked questions about the requirements and the application process for incoming exchange students.

If you are an incoming exchange student at UT, this FAQ page is designed to be your go-to resource for finding answers to the most common questions. We understand that clarity is essential, and that is why we have compiled a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions to guide you through various aspects of the exchange process.

REQUIREMENTS

  • What are the exchange possibilities?

    In the UT there are several exchange possibilities:

    • Course: this is only possible if your home institution is an official partner of the University of Twente. Students who choose coursework will follow courses at one of our faculties. 
    • Placement: this is possible even if your home university is not a partner. Placement is when a student wants to do an internship, research or work on their thesis.
    • Combination of the course and placement
  • How do I apply for an exchange programme?

    It depends on which programme you want to do at the University of Twente. Please visit the following website, for more information regarding the application procedure

  • Do I meet the English language requirements?

    On our website, you can find more information regarding the English language requirements and exemptions.

  • Is it possible to upload a document after the deadline?

    Unfortunately, it is not possible to upload documents after the deadline. More information on the deadlines is available on the following website.

  • What is the tuition fee for an exchange programme?

    We do not charge for an exchange programme. It is based on contracts between the UT and other universities.

Application

  • My application is “incomplete”. What do I need to do?

    If your application has been considered incomplete. Please check your Mobility Online to find out how you can complete your application. You should also receive an email from Admission Office which indicated the documents required from you.

    After you finished the adjustment of your application, do not forget to 'confirm the correction' to resubmit your application. The Admission Office or the Exchange Coordinator will re-evaluate the new information as soon as possible.

  • I need an acceptance letter, where can I apply for it?

    Your application will be assessed by the Admission Office and the Exchange Coordinator, once the assessment has been done, the acceptance letter will be available to download on Mobility Online.

  • What is meant by 'course code', 'semester' and 'year'?
    • Course code: each course has a certain number and that number is called a course unit code. You can find this in the information on each course.
    • Semester: there are two semesters at the University of Twente which start in September and February. One semester is divided into two blocks, namely, block A and block B. 
    • Year: In the course catalogue, the block in which a module/course starts is indicated with 'Starting block'. For some courses the 'Starting block' is "YEAR"; this means that they can start any time of the year, and do not include any lecturing. 
  • Do I have to choose 30 ECTS for one semester?

    We advise you to choose courses worth up to a maximum of 30 ECTS for one semester. This means 15 ECTS per block.

  • Why is the course I want to select do not available yet in the selected semester?

    Specific course information might not be available yet in the course catalogue nor in the schedule. For instance, in September block 1A you might not find information about a specific course in block 2B for the same academic year. In that case, please select the previous academic year. The information given is very likely to be accurate but cannot be guaranteed, so a backup plan is advisable.

  • What is the difference between a UT and an Erasmus learning agreement?

    The last step in your application process is signing the UT learning agreement. This is done by yourself and your home university. This is to confirm that both universities are agreeing to your exchange programme.

    While the Erasmus learning agreement which you will receive from your home university is necessary for receiving recognition for the activities that you will/have successfully completed. 

Preparation and arrival

  • Is there an introduction day before the start of the semester?

    Yes, the University of Twente organises introduction days for the students before the start of the semester. It is important to be part of these days since you will get all the necessary information regarding studying at the University of Twente.

    For this, you need to sign up. You can only sign up once you are enrolled and you have received your login credentials for the ICT facilities. 

    More information regarding the introduction day is available on the website of the organisation.

  • How do I get my login credentials for the ICT facilities?

    Once you are enrolled within 24 or 48 hours you will receive an email with the login credentials for the ICT facilities and your University of Twente email address.

  • When and how can I register for courses?

    Once you have received your login credentials for the ICT facilities, you can log in to the 'Osiris student' portal to register for courses. For more information on how to register, please see the manual

  • When do the lectures start?

    To know when the semester or lectures start, please have a look at the academic calendar.

  • How can I access my lecture schedule?

    Once you have registered for the courses your schedule will (usually) be automatically added to your timetable. You can access your timetable via this link.

    For more information regarding the timetable, please visit the website.

  • When do I get my student card?

    A few weeks after your enrolment is finalised, you will receive the login credentials from the ICT facilities, please login in to 'Osiris student' and upload your photo.

    Once you have uploaded your digital passport photo in Osiris, you will receive an email from Student Services on your student email address when your card is ready.

    For more information on which steps you need to take to upload your photo, please visit the website.

During mobility

  • How can I extend my exchange programme?

    To be able to extend your programme you need to have the approval of your home university and the departmental exchange coordinator at UT. Once you have the approval of both parties your enrolment will be extended.

  • How can I change my module(s) or course(s)?

    Please go to your workflow in Mobility Online, and indicate that you want to make some changes in your learning agreement in the step 'during mobility'. Afterwards, you can make the appropriate changes to your course list. For any questions regarding this, please contact your departmental exchange coordinator.

Departure

  • Where can I get my Learning Agreement and other documents signed?

    You could get your Learning Agreement signed by the Institutional or Departmental Exchange Coordinator of the University of Twente by sending it through email. This also applies to other documents.

  • Do I need to end my residence permit?

    If your residence permit is still valid, please contact the visa department to terminate it.

  • Do I need to be de-registered at the municipality?

    If you are leaving the Netherlands (or if you are moving to another Dutch city) you must deregister at the GBA (Municipal Register of Enschede). To be deregistered from the municipal register, fill in a ‘declaration leaving Enschede’ and either hand it in at the Stadskantoor (Hengelosestraat 51) or send it to aangifteverhuizing@enschede.nl.

  • Do I need to close my Dutch bank account?

    Yes, inform your bank on your departure and close your bank account. When moving to another city in the Netherlands, make sure you inform the bank of your new address. In case you are leaving the Netherlands temporarily, it is recommended to maintain your bank account.

  • Do I need to cancel my health insurance?

    If Student Services (or International Office) applied for your ICS Complete on your behalf, please send an email to studentservices@utwente.nl and mention your departure date from The Netherlands. Be sure to file your insurance claims in time and keep your Dutch bank account open until the end of your stay.

    If you applied for your own insurance, please cancel it yourself. If your insurance also covers travels, it is wise to have the arrival date in your home country as your end date in your insurance.

  • Do I need to cancel my subscriptions?

    Yes, you need to cancel your subscription to clubs, societies, magazines, etc. If you move to another address in the Netherlands, make sure to inform them of your new address.

  • Do I need to return my books?

    Yes, please do not forget to return any books you may have borrowed from the UT or public library.