Semester abroad

Semester Abroad is a student exchange programme of GSEM UrFU that allows the students to spend a semester in one of our partner institutions. GSEM has a broad network of academic partners that includes both big classical universities and small private business school, which means students of any programme can find a suitable option for themselves.

Conditions

Eligibility

We invite Bachelor students (2-3 year), Specialist students (2-4 year) and first year Master’s students who are studying full-time. Requirements: good GPA, foreign language level B2 or higher.

Period of exchange

Spring or fall semester (dates as determined by receiving institution), whole year programmes are also possible.

Costs

Tuition fees at the receiving institution are waived. Fee-paying students must pay their tuition at UrFU for the respective semester. Accommodation, transport and other expenses are covered by students.

Grants and scholarships:

GSEM grant for the students of International Economics and Business (5 best)
West Bohemia University in Pilsen – scholarship opportunities for incoming students
University of Zagreb, University of Rieka, and Maribor University – Erasmus+ grant
Unicredit scholarship

Exams

If the courses taken at the receiving institution march the courses at UrFU, automatic grade transfer is possible. Otherwise, students have 1 month after their return to pass all the other exams.

Step 1 — choosing a university

GSEM students can spend their exchange semester at any of our partner institutions with respective level of exchange (can be found in the last column of the table).

We recommend to visit our partners’ web sites, section Exchange Programmes/Exchange Students to find the information on academic calendar, courses taught in English, and other useful details.

Step 2 — application

Deadlines:

May 30 for fall semester/next academic year
September 30 for spring semester

Application documents (must all be in English):

On-line application
CV
Motivation letter (min 400 words)
Transcript of records in English according to the attached form, indicating GPA, certified by a university translator (ГУК-209)
Recommendation letter from the head of your academic department of head of the programme
Language certificate confirming B2 (if any)
Other documents confirming achievements in education, research or social activities

Document samples attached are on the right.

The application is submitted for three universities that must be put in priority order. The letter of motivation is written with the view of your first-priority university.

Printed applications can be submitted to: 19 Mira st., office И-435 from 11:00 to 17:15, as well as by email to econ.international@urfu.ru

Step 3 — English language test

If you have not submitted a certificate, you will have to pass a written placement test in the first week after the application deadline. In case of doubt, you will be invited to an oral interview. Every participant will receive an email indicating date and place of the test.

Step 4 — selection results

According to their GPA, language proficiency and other achievements, the participant are ranked in the final list. The higher you are ranked, the better is the chance of getting to your first-priority university. Selection results are sent no later than May 31 for the fall semester, no later that October 10 for the spring semester by email. The participants have to confirm the university they’ve been selected for in return email.

Step 5 — application to the receiving institution

After the confirmation, GSEM exchange coordinator nominates students to partner universities. As soon as their nomination is approved, students will receive an email from the coordinator with further instructions.

Step 6 — visa and trip planning

After the original letter of invitation is received, students deal with visa issues, accommodation booking and other arrangements by themselves.

Visa issues. We strongly advise to consult with the consulate/visa centre where you’ll be applying.

Accommodation. Coordinator from the receiving institution will send details of residence booking and payment. In case the university has no student residences, you can ask the coordinator for help in getting a list of recommended options.

Step 7 — official trip paperwork

For arranging your absence at the university for a semester, you will need an Order of Study Trip. Attached are the application, referral, and a study plan you’ll need to fill out. The procedure is described here. Please get help from your buddy or International Affairs Office if you don’t speak Russian.

Important! At the moment of signing the trip documents, you must not have any failed exams on your transcript.