How does it work? You can apply in your second year to go on exchange in your third year of study to one of our partner universities. You will not pay tuition fees to the partner university and must apply to SAAS or your other funding provider as normal.
Alternatively, direct entrants into third year can apply in the September of arrival, for an exchange to take place in Tri B.
The upcoming application round will run from 14 to 28 September 2026 and is open to third year students only.
Further details on the application round for 27/28 exchanges will be updated later on in Tri A 26/27.
1. Attend an information session
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The International Partnerships Office hosts information sessions throughout the year for prospective exchange students. Further details are posted on the Outgoing Student GCU Learn Organisation in addition to our Eventbrite page .
Upcoming sessions (for third-year students as of September 2026)
Tuesday 8 September, 2pm Wednesday 9 September, 6pm Wednesday 16 September, 12 Please note that these sessions will cover standard semester-long study exchange, queries relating to work/trainee placements (such as Nursing) should be directed to the appropriate Mobility Coordinator or school staff member.
If you have any questions, please get in touch at exchangeenquiries@gcu.ac.uk
2. Attend an Application Guidance Session
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Following attendance at an information session, we strongly recommend that students also attend an Application Guidance Session. These interactive sessions provide a step-by-step walkthrough of the application process and the key documentation required to submit an exchange application. Students will take part in practical workshops focused on completing the necessary paperwork and preparing supporting documents, while also having the opportunity to ask questions and receive guidance.
Upcoming sessions (for third-year students as of September 2026):
Tuesday 15 September, 12pm Monday 21 September, 2pm Wednesday 23 September, 12pm To register, please see our Eventbrite page .
3. Research
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Join our Exchange Outgoing Students GCU Learn group to find out more about the exchange opportunities available to you and for further information on the application process.
Think about what you want from your exchange experience and take some time to visit our partner universities’ websites to find out about courses and student life.
Don’t limit yourself to destinations you are instantly drawn to, an exchange at one of our partners in a location you hadn’t previously thought about might be perfect for you.
You'll need to take the equivalent number of credits per semester. For European exchanges, this is 30 ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System).
Prospective exchange students are advised not to contact our partner institutions directly until they have received formal acceptance into the exchange program. All communication should be coordinated through the International Partnerships Office to ensure a smooth application process and accurate information.
4. Apply
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We have two application rounds. For exchanges in Trimester A or B, applications open at the end of January, although you are strongly encouraged to begin researching much earlier than this. Direct Entry and Pathways students can apply for exchange from September. For each application round, the exact application dates and destinations available will be advertised on GCU Learn.
As part of your application, you will need to submit:
A copy of your passport (covering the expected dates of exchange and a further six months). A preferred destination choice form signed by the mobility coordinator for your course. Transcript of records showing a minimum of 50% in all first-year modules (not necessary for direct entrants into Year 2 or 3). Please see the Outgoing Exchange GCU Learn Organisation for exceptions. Budget questionnaire. You will also be asked to answer some application questions to describe your motivation to go on exchange.
To apply, please join our Outgoing Exchange Organisation on GCU Learn .
5. Results
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The International Partnerships Office will inform you of the outcome of your application within two weeks of the application deadline.
It's not always possible to allocate a preference destination or alternative to every applicant and an allocation is by no means guaranteed.
6. Support
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The International Partnerships Office is here to support you throughout the process, from the initial application to arriving home after completing your semester abroad. We'll hold a range of meetings throughout your exchange journey, including information sessions, one-to-one meetings, and a pre-departure briefing.
If you would like to speak to a member of our team about your options, please contact us, providing your student ID and course details.
Where can you go? At Glasgow Caledonian University we have over 100 partners in 27 countries. From Austria to Vietnam, we’re confident you will find a destination that appeals to you.
