Application Process

Who can go on exchange?

Students at AHO can go on exchange during specific semesters, depending on their study programme and admission route. There are also limits to how long students may stay abroad:

• Architecture and design students may go on exchange for up to 12 months in total.

• Landscape architecture students may go on exchange for up to 6 months in total.

   

Students who have completed the bachelor level (3 years) at AHO

• Master of Architecture: Eligible for exchange in the 7th, 9th, or 9th semester (1st, 2nd, or 3rd semester at the master’s level).
• Master of Design: Eligible for exchange in the 7th or 8th semester (1st or 2nd semester at the master’s level).

Students admitted directly to the master’s level at AHO

• Master of Architecture: Eligible for exchange in the 2nd or 3rd semester of the master’s programme.
• Master of Design: Eligible for exchange in the 2nd semester of the master’s programme.
• Master of Landscape Architecture: Eligible for exchange in the 3rd semester of the master’s programme.

How do I apply?

The application procedure consists of two stages:

1. Apply for nomination by AHO – Complete the online application form by the deadline, either via the link provided below or by clicking the “Apply here” button at the top of the page.You may list up to three partner institutions, ranked in order of preference.

   Complete the online application

2. Apply directly to the nominated host institution – If you are nominated, you will receive guidance on how to apply to the host university. 

   Please note that nomination procedures differ from one institution to another, and in most cases you will be required to submit your application and supporting documents afresh.

Selection of candidates

All applicants must submit a portfolio as part of their application. Portfolios will be assessed by the relevant programme committee, which reserves the right to reject applications.

Each exchange agreement provides for only a limited number of places at the partner institution. If the number of applicants exceeds the number of available places, AHO will make a selection of which application(s) to forward. In such cases, priority will be given according to the order of preference indicated in your application.

Please note:

• Admission decisions are made only after the application deadline has passed.
• Selection is based on an academic evaluation of the portfolio. Portfolios are compared and ranked within each institute. In cases of high competition for a partner institution, the student with the highest ranking will be nominated.
• You must regard all partner institutions listed in your application as equally relevant, as you may be offered nomination to any of them.
• Students nominated for a full academic year exchange are committed to the host institution for both semesters and cannot apply for a different exchange destination for the spring semester. If you wish to apply to different destinations for the fall and spring semesters, you must submit separate applications. Note that students may choose to end their exchange after one semester, but they cannot reapply for the same academic year.
• Some institutions have specific prerequisites, which are listed under the respective partner agreements on AHO’s website.
• You may only be nominated through the official application process; direct contact with the host institution will not be considered.
• Nomination decisions are final; there are no waiting lists.
• If you are not nominated to any institution, you may apply again in the supplementary admission round. Please note that you cannot reapply in this round if you have already been offered a nomination and declined.
• All exchange agreements are contingent on the study period being recognised as part of your degree at AHO and not leading to any delay.
• You are exempt from tuition fees at the host institution, provided that you continue to pay the semester fee at AHO.

Guidelines for portfolio content

Architecture

The portfolio is assessed according to the following criteria:

• Knowledge of, and sensitivity to, various aspects of architectural studies
• Spatial awareness
• Tectonics
• Functionality
• Range of scales (from interior to urban)

Quality and variety of skills:

• Technical drawings
• Diagrams, graphs, maps
• 3D illustrations / renders / axonometry
• Physical and digital modelling

Portfolio structure:

• Scope
• Clarity
• Development

Portfolio guidelines:

• Portfolios should contain a minimum of 5 academic projects and a maximum of 10
• 1–2 non-academic projects may be included, e.g. professional work experience or self-initiated projects
• Start with one of your strongest projects and finish with another of your strongest projects
• Portfolios must include short descriptive texts (context, project period, and your role, semester, tutor)
• Make clear which works are group projects and which are individual
• Use one page per project; 2–3 pages for your best projects, including process images
• Clearly separate projects, either by starting a new page or using another method
• Layout, spacing, typography, information hierarchy, and composition should make it easy to overview
• PDF format, landscape layout
• A website may also be included
• Include a CV as part of the portfolio

Design

• The portfolio should contain a minimum of 5 academic projects and a maximum of 10
• If desired, 1–2 non-academic projects may be included, but these must be in addition to the academic projects and clearly described
• Start with one of your strongest projects and finish with another of your strongest
• Portfolios must include short descriptive texts (context, duration and your role, and when in your studies the project took place)
• It must be clear which work is individual and which is group work
• Use one page per project; 2–3 pages for around three of your strongest projects (including process images)
• Remember to start a new page or otherwise clearly separate the projects
• Layout, spacing, typography, information hierarchy, and composition should make it easy to review
• PDF format, landscape layout; a website may also be included
• CV in separate portrait A4 format

External Education Outside the School’s Exchange Agreements

It is not possible to undertake an exchange outside AHO’s partner network. If you have previously completed courses at another institution, you may apply for recognition and credit transfer of these external courses at AHO. Read more about recognition of external education here.

Apply for approval of external education