You should not apply to your host institution until you have been instructed to do so by your UCD exchange coordinator.
Conditional Offer Holders
I have applied for exchange and have received an offer. What happens now?
Congratulations on receiving your conditional offer, you should be very proud!
You’ve now completed the first step for going on an exchange abroad as part of your studies, but there are still a few more steps to go.
Please read through each section of this page thoroughly to make sure that you are prepared for your exchange.
The Process
Make sure to follow this overview of the mandatory steps you'll need to complete before beginning your exchange.
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Nomination and T1 Host University Application (February - May)
Nomination and application to host university for students starting an exchange in Trimester 1.
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Mandatory Pre-departure Sessions (April)
Mandatory pre-departure session for students starting an exchange in Trimester 1. Students complete Step 3 of DIGIPass.
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Year-end Exams (May)
Year-end exams: it is important you still meet your Stage 2 requirements in order to go on exchange.
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Nomination and T2 Host University Application (June - November)
Nomination and application to host university for students starting an exchange in Trimester 2.
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Mandatory Pre-departure Sessions (September)
Mandatory pre-departure session for students starting an exchange in Trimester 2. Students complete Step 3 of DIGIPass.
Application to Host University
Applying to UCD doesn’t secure a place at your host university. When UCD instructs you, you will be prompted to submit a separate application to the host and obtain their acceptance.
Read the information below carefully to prepare for the next steps.
No. Students’ admission to their host university is never guaranteed and you should make sure to put effort into your application. Whilst rejections do happen, they are incredibly rare. If you are rejected from your host university, we will not be able to offer you an alternative destination.
DO NOT book flights or accommodation until you have been accepted by your host university. If you require a visa, your host university will issue you with relevant paperwork for this, you will not be able to apply before then.
Once you have received your offer, you should check the academic calendar at your host institution to confirm when your semester starts. Please be aware that you may have an additional orientation week which will require you to arrive sooner, your host institution will inform you of this. Note that some countries e.g. Australia, Germany, Japan, Norway & New Zealand amongst others may start a lot earlier or much later than what you are used to at UCD.
Academic Requirements
To ensure that credits gained on your exchange are recognised by UCD, you must meet certain academic requirements.
Please read the following information carefully to ensure you understand what applies to your programme.
Meet Your UCD College Requirements
You must ensure you continue to meet your UCD College requirements in order to go on exchange. Failure to do so may result in the cancellation of your exchange. Your requirements are available on your College’s website.
Modules in Your Area of Study
You must take the majority of courses in or related to your subject area. It is important to note that whilst destinations have worked for your subject area in the past, modules at a host university are never guaranteed and failure to meet your UCD College academic requirements e.g. matching core module content, may result in you not being able to partake in your exchange.
Module Matching
If you are required to match modules, make sure you seek back-up options. UCD Global has no control over the academic offerings at host universities and cannot be held responsible if module matching is not successful.
Credits
Whilst on exchange, make sure you are taking enough credits to pass your time abroad and meet your UCD College requirements. Failure to do so may result in academic repercussions.
Insurance
All UCD students selected to participate in an outbound mobility must obtain travel insurance that meets UCD’s minimum requirements, in accordance with UCD’s exchange Programme Terms and Conditions [link to T&C’s doc] and the Erasmus network policies. The requirements are as follows:
- Valid for your study abroad period (including travel)
- Medical expenses of at least €1 million which must include repatriation, though these two things can be listed separately (Mandatory)
- Personal Liability of at least 500,000 (Mandatory)
- Cover for baggage, personal items, passport (Optional)
- Delay, cancellation, curtailment cover (Optional)
Recommended Policies:
- AIG
- AIB Backpacker Standard
- Aviva Backpacker
If looking at other policies, make sure it meets the minimum requirements, if you are not sure, talk directly with the insurance provider. If you have a pre-existing health issue you will need to declare this when arranging cover, as otherwise your insurance could be void. Make sure you familiarise yourself with your policy documents e.g. excess payment, claims process.
Make sure to keep checking the (opens in a new window)DFA website regularly for updates on restrictions and news regarding your travel destination.
Support and Safety
UCD & Your Host University
Both UCD and your host university's global offices are available to help you as best as they can during your exchange. We recommend reaching out to your host university in the first instance, as they are often best placed to provide immediate support.
UCD College
If you have academic concerns whilst you are abroad, you can reach out to your academic exchange coordinator here at UCD. You also still have access to your Colleges Student Advisor during your time abroad. It is important to note that UCD students cannot access UCD counselling facilities whilst abroad.
International SOS (ISOS)
All students are required to sign up to International SOS before they travel. ISOS is not an insurance provider, but a registered assistance provider in medical and security matters. As a UCD student, you have access to all the benefits they offer for free. These benefits include but are not limited to:
- Pre-departure assessment and safety preparedness courses
- Access to their 24-hour assistance call centre to help you if you need guidance or for when you are in an emergency
- Country profiles to plan your travel and stay up to date with safety measures
- Security alerts sent straight to your phone
- Up to 5 free counselling session with a registered medical professional per incident
Contacts
For the quickest answer, we recommend checking our FAQ’s page first, many questions can be resolved there right away.
For Inside Europe & the UK
For Outside Europe
If you are a student going on exchange in Europe or the UK, contact Daria Cornovan: (opens in a new window)outgoing.exchanges@ucd.ie
If you are a student going on exchange outside of Europe, contact Stephie Forde: (opens in a new window)outgoing.exchanges@ucd.ie
Other Contacts
If you are a student who has not yet applied for exchange, please do not use the above addresses and instead please contact (opens in a new window)exchanges@ucd.ie.
For Law students: (opens in a new window)lawexchanges@ucd.ie
For Business students: (opens in a new window)esther.sanz@ucd.ie
For Food & Agriculture students: (opens in a new window)safs@ucd.ie