Study abroad
Studying for one or two semesters abroad provides a wonderful opportunity to become familiar with a new academic environment. Besides that, you also gain new experiences, come into contact with a new culture, and perhaps even meet friends for life.
Who can go?
In order for us to nominate you as an exchange student, you need to be an active student in astronomy. That means that you must be registered on at least one course with us for the semester before you want to go abroad. We also require that you have completed at least 30 credits before you leave. As a rule, students at undergraduate level go abroad either in the second or third year, while students at the master’s level can go from semester 2.
Where can I go?
The Department of Astronomy has exchange agreements with several universities, mainly within Europe. These agreements are intended for students studying astronomy. Stockholm University also has central agreements that are open to all students at the university. All exchange agreements, both those at the departmental level and the central ones, can be found in the agreement database.
Agreement with the Department of Astronomy
Belgium
France
Université Toulouse III - Paul Sabatier
Italy
The Netherlands
Poland
Portugal
Spain
Germany
Students at the Department of Astronomy may also go through the exchange agreements of the Department of Physics.
Agreements - Department of Physics
Faculty of Science agreements
As an astronomy student, you also have the opportunity to apply for exchange placements through the Faculty of Science’s agreements.
International opportunities for students within the natural sciences
One example of an exchange agreement for science students is the one with Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore, one of Asia’s highest‑ranked universities. Here, you can experience an entirely new study environment, discover a vibrant and forward‑looking city, meet students from all over the world, and broaden your academic and personal perspectives.
How do I apply?
The first step is to contact our exchange coordinator, exchange@astro.su.se. Remember to do so well in advance!
| Exchange period | Application period |
|---|---|
| Autumn semester or academic year (autumn + spring) | 15 January – 15 February |
| Spring semester | 15 August – 15 September* |
*For NTU and the University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign (Faculty of Science agreements), the application period for the spring semester is 15 May – 15 June.
If you are eligible for the study aid provided by CSN, you can continue to receive this support during your time as an exchange student. You can also apply for an extra loan to cover additional expenses incurred by the exchange (e.g., return air fare). Within the Erasmus+ programme, most students also receive a small scholarship via Stockholm University. If you go on an exchange through an agreement, you are automatically covered by the Student-UT insurance.
Different application rules apply for central agreements:
Stockholm University has central agreements that are open to all students at the university. To apply for an exchange through these agreements, different application periods and rules apply.
Last updated: 2026-02-26
Source: Department of Astronomy