Here you will find answers to frequently asked questions about study mobility. If you have questions not covered on our study mobility website or in the dropdown menus below, please contact the International Office at your faculty or study program.
Before the Application Deadline at INN
Destinations
Can I apply to multiple destinations, or can I only apply to one?
In the mobility application, you can list up to three choices in order of priority. If you don’t get a spot at your first choice, you might still secure a spot at your second or third choice.
Can I go on mobility with a friend?
First and foremost, contact the international coordinator at your study location and inform them about this. In your application, you can indicate the same priorities (1st, 2nd, and 3rd choices) and aim to submit your applications around the same time. However, if there are more applicants than available spots at a particular institution, those with the highest grade point average (GPA) will be prioritized.
Whether it is possible to go on mobility with a friend depends on the number of available spots at the host institution, the number of applicants, and the GPA of each of you.
My friend, who is in a different study program, wants to go to a destination I cannot apply to. Why is that?
Most institutions have agreements limited to specific fields of study. For example, we may not have agreements with an institution across fields like economics and pedagogy, or biotechnology and games/animation. However, if you have this question, please contact the International Office. If we have mutual agreements for your study programs, we can help find a destination that works for both of you.
Can I go on mobility to an institution that is not one of INN's partner universities?
Yes, but it is strongly recommended that you use one of our existing partners. In special cases, we can explore other options. However, you are responsible for checking with the institution to see if they will accept you, submitting your application, and managing other arrangements. Essentially, you will need to handle things more independently.
If you travel through the Erasmus program, which includes our partner universities in the EU/EEA, you will receive an additional grant on top of the financial aid from Lånekassen (the latter mainly for Norwegian students). If you go to other institutions that are not Erasmus partner universities, you will not be eligible for this grant. Learn more on our website:
How do I find out when the semester starts and ends at an institution?
You can find an estimate of this on the destination page under "Study Model" when reading about the specific institution you are considering. If you want exact dates, it is recommended to check the institution’s website. If you can’t find the information there, try searching for "semester dates," "academic calendar," or similar terms on their website.
Be aware that many institutions have a Buddy Week/Orientation Week during the week before the semester starts. It is highly recommended to participate in this to get to know other students, the school, and the city you will be studying in. Feel free to check with the institution and their website for information about when this takes place and plan your arrival accordingly.
Mobility Application
Do I need a specific GPA to go on exchange?
On our destination pages, you will find information about the requirements for each institution. Erasmus destinations typically do not have GPA requirements, but institutions in countries like the USA and Japan often do.
Do I need a guidance session to apply?
No, but it is recommended. The International Office can help you find relevant destinations that offer courses you can take.
Contact the International Office at your study location via email, and let them know you are interested in going on mobility and would like guidance. Feel free to include information about what you are studying and your current year of study. It’s a good idea to wait for individual guidance until after the International Office has given a classroom presentation for your cohort, as some opportunities may vary from semester to semester.
Why do I need to apply twice?
To go on a mobility, you must first apply (1) to INN to get approval for mobility abroad, including selecting where you want to go. Then, you must apply (2) to the institution abroad. These are two separate applications that all students must complete.
Is it possible to have my studies abroad adapted if I need accommodations?
It is not guaranteed that you will receive the same accommodations for your studies (e.g., extended time for exams) or other support as you have at INN. However, most institutions are willing to help as much as they can in situations where accommodations are needed. Some provide information about this on their websites, others in informational documents or via email directly to students. In some cases, you may need to contact the institution directly via email or phone or explore the options after arriving abroad.
Remember to prepare any necessary documentation regarding your needs, diagnoses, or other requirements in English. Contact your doctor, hospital, or other relevant parties to obtain English versions of these documents.
After the Application Deadline
Awaiting a Response to the Application
I have submitted my mobility application. When can I expect a response?
The International Office processes applications and will inform you about whether – and where – you have been offered a mobility spot approximately two weeks after the application deadline.
Note: Applications are not processed until after the deadline has passed.
What happens if I don’t get a spot at my desired destination?
Many of the agreements we have with institutions abroad have a limited number of spots. For example, if we have four spots available, there is no guarantee that more students can be sent. In such cases, a selection is made based on the applicants’ grade point averages (GPA), with the highest-ranked students receiving offers.
In other situations, you may not meet the required GPA for your desired destination.
If you don’t get your first choice, you might still be offered your second or third choice. In some cases, you may need to work with the International Office to find another destination.
Note: Be aware that INN has faculties across multiple campuses. A host institution abroad may be available for students from various INN campuses. Therefore, you may need to compete for a spot with students from other INN campuses.
Application to the Institution Abroad
I need financial proof for my application. What should I do?
If you receive support from Lånekassen, the "Preliminary Statement of Loan and Grant" is temporary documentation confirming that you are eligible for loans and grants from Lånekassen when applying for admission to studies abroad. This document can also be used when applying for a visa, if a landlord requests financial documentation to rent you housing, or if the institution requires payment of tuition fees before you receive your loan and grant. You can generate this statement on Lånekassen’s website:
What are the English names for Lånekassen and the university?
- Lånekassen - Norwegian State Educational Loan Fund.
- Universitetet i Innlandet - University of Inland Norway.
How do I get information about the application process for the institution I’m applying to?
Some institutions send emails directly to applicants, while others provide information to the International Office at INN. Regardless, the international coordinator at INN will inform and assist you with the application process. However, it is your responsibility to gather the necessary documentation and submit the application to the institution abroad.
I’ve submitted my application to the institution abroad. When will I receive the admission letter?
The timeline for receiving the admission letter varies from institution to institution. Contact the institution directly if you have questions regarding their admission process.
I made a mistake in my application to the partner institution. What should I do?
Contact the institution and explain what happened. In most cases, they will correct it for you.
Be aware that in some cultures, there is less tolerance for mistakes compared to Norway. Therefore, fill out the application carefully and make sure to get it right the first time.
Language Requirements
I need to submit documentation of my English grade from upper secondary school. How do I do this?
If you have a grade of 4 or higher in English from Norwegian upper secondary school, you can upload an English version of your diploma. In most cases, it is acceptable to write “Grade 4 from Upper Secondary School” if you are asked to provide a comment on this.
If you don’t have an English version of your diploma, contact the upper secondary school you attended and request one.
Financing
When can I apply for loans and grants from Lånekassen for my mobility?
If you are eligible for support from Lånekassen, you can apply approximately two weeks after the International Office has registered you in the system called Felles Studentsystem (FS). This happens after you’ve been assigned a spot at the institution abroad. The International Office will notify you once you are registered in FS, allowing you to proceed with your application to Lånekassen.
Can I receive additional funding for mobility beyond the standard support from Lånekassen (within the EU/Erasmus+)?
If you study in the EU, you can receive an Erasmus grant in addition to the support from Lånekassen (the amount depends on the country you’re traveling to). In addition to the basic support, Lånekassen can provide extra stipends and loans for travel expenses, tuition fees, and language courses. Learn more on the following websites:
Can I receive additional funding for mobility beyond the standard support from Lånekassen (outside the EU)?
Lånekassen offers an additional monthly stipend for mobility in select countries. The Norwegian Government, through Lånekassen, give an extra grant for students who go on mobility to countries such as South Africa, Japan, and South Korea. Check Lånekassen’s website directly for more information.
Some institutions abroad offer scholarship programs that mobility students can apply for, but there is no guarantee that you will receive them.
I want to travel environmentally friendly to my host institution abroad. What should I do?
If you are an Erasmus student, you can receive an additional grant for green travel if you can document that over 50% of your journey uses environmentally friendly transportation, such as buses or trains. See our Erasmus+ website for more information.
Do I need to register for the semester and pay a semester fee to the partner institution?
Semester registration is handled by the international office at the host institution, or you will receive information about how to do this. You do not need to pay a semester fee abroad, but you might need to cover smaller administrative costs. Contact the International Office if you have questions about this.
Choosing subjects abroad
What courses can I take abroad?
If you have elective courses during the semester, you have more flexibility in your choices. However, all courses you plan to take must be approved before your departure.
If you have mandatory courses, you must find courses that can replace those required at INN for the semester you will be abroad. Be aware that not all institutions offer the exact courses you need to have them approved by INN. Contact the International Office at your study location for more information.
How do I get my courses approved for studying abroad (within the EU/Erasmus+)?
Once you are admitted to the institution abroad, your Study Program Coordinator (SPA) at INN must approve and sign that the courses you plan to take at the foreign institution will be credited toward your degree after the exchange period. If you are traveling through the Erasmus+ program, you must submit your signed "(Online) Learning Agreement" to the International Office.
How do I get my courses approved for studying abroad (outside the EU)?
Once you are admitted to the institution abroad, your Study Program Coordinator (SPA) must approve and sign that the courses you plan to take at the foreign institution will be credited toward your degree after the mobility period. This is done by submitting a signed pre-approval form.
Visa
Do I need a visa to study abroad, and where can I find information?
The International Office will inform you whether you need a visa after you receive confirmation of your mobility placement. You will receive more details from your international coordinator about this. Note that the visa process starts only after you have been admitted to the institution abroad.
Should I choose a "single" or "multiple" entry visa?
If you choose a "multiple entry visa," you will be able to enter the host country multiple times. This is useful if you need to make a trip back to Norway or want to visit other countries during your mobility period. However, if you choose a "single entry visa," there is no guarantee that you will be allowed back into the host country if you leave during your stay.
If you plan to travel while on exchange, make sure you are aware of the regulations and entry restrictions for the countries you wish to visit (as well as returning to the country where you are on study mobility!).
Before Departure and During the Semester
Before Departure
Do I need to register for the semester and pay the semester fee to INN?
Yes, this is done as usual in Studentweb. When selecting courses, choose “Courses in self-selected combination.” Students are required to pay the semester fee to retain their study rights at INN. This applies even if you are going on mobility for taking courses in another country as part of your degree at the university.
Why do I need to submit the Declaration of Personal Information?
The form provides us with details about your planned stay, emergency contact information for relatives, insurance coverage, and more. This is helpful for both you and us in case a crisis occurs during your mobility
If the information you provided on the form changes, it is your responsibility to inform your international coordinator at INN about the updates.
Where can I find information about safety abroad?
All INN students who travel for a mobility abroad must familiarize themselves with INN's guidelines for safety abroad.
Why do I need to participate in the INN Model?
The INN Model for Intercultural Competence Development (INN Model) has been designed to help you, as a mobility student, develop skills to communicate effectively and appropriately across cultural differences. Your intercultural learning begins with an awareness of your own cultural lens—how you perceive and experience the world within a cultural and social context.
Please note that the INN Model is not guaranteed to be offered at all campuses.
During Your Mobility Abroad
What should I do if I change courses after submitting my (Online) Learning Agreement (within the EU/Erasmus+)?
If you change courses before or during your stay, you must have your new (Online) Learning Agreement approved. If you are using a paper-based Learning Agreement, you can fill in the changes under the "Changes" section of your Learning Agreement.
If you forget to get these changes approved, there is no guarantee that the courses can be credited toward your degree after completing the mobility.
What should I do if I change courses after submitting the pre-approval form (outside the EU)?
If you change courses before or during your stay, the new courses must be approved by your Study Program Coordinator (SPA). This can be done via email with the International Office copied in.
If you forget to get these changes approved, there is no guarantee that the courses can be credited toward your degree after completing the mobility.
I still haven’t received my Erasmus grant, what should I do?
It can take up to four weeks from the time you submit the required documents until you receive the payment. If it takes longer than this, contact your international coordinator at INN.
I would like to help promote mobility opportunities for other students. How can I do this?
You can help promote mobility opportunities for other students through INN's Instagram account (@universitetetinnlandet). Feel free to tag us in your posts, reels, and stories, and we may repost some of your content. Follow @universitetetinnlandet and send a message if you are interested in sharing your experiences with us.
You can also do an Instagram takeover to: 1) Showcase your daily life in the country you’re studying in, and/or 2) Highlight a special event (e.g., cherry blossom season in Japan, Oktoberfest in Germany, or the 4th of July in the USA).
After Returning Home
Transcript and Credit Transfer
How do I obtain the transcript from my mobility?
You are responsible for obtaining the transcript from the institution where you studied abroad; the International Office will not request it for you. Some institutions send transcripts automatically. If the institution sends the transcript only to you, it is your responsibility to provide a copy to the International Office. We cannot transfer credits without an official transcript.
Will the grades I receive abroad appear on my INN diploma?
No. Due to differences in grading systems across countries, the International Office will only register and transfer completed courses as passed, without grades. If you need your grades from abroad (e.g., for applying to a master’s program abroad), you must include the official transcript from the host institution along with your INN diploma.
Engage in the International Environment at INN
I already miss the mobility experience abroad and the international environment! What can I do?
If you miss the international environment after your mobility, you can become a buddy ("fadder") for international students at INN. This is a rewarding experience that creates lasting memories. You can help foster a welcoming environment for international students at your campus. Being a buddy involves planning activities, providing support, and assisting students throughout the semester.
I want to help promote mobility opportunities for other INN students. How can I do this?
You can participate in information sessions for your study program or other relevant programs and share your mobility experience. Let the international coordinator for your study program know, and they will involve you when needed.