Norwegian version of this page

Before you travel

Before you travel, make the necessary practical arrangements. Apply for student loan, travel grant or language scholarship (for preparatory language courses).

Semester Registration

Even if you are going on exchange, you must still register for the semester at AHO. This is essential to maintain your study place, receive financial support from Lånekassen, and ensure you are listed as an active student. You register as usual via Studentweb.

Learning Agreement

Europe

If you are going on exchange to a European university through Erasmus+, you must complete an Online Learning Agreement (OLA). This is a digital agreement between you, AHO, and the host university outlining the courses you will take. You log in to the system using Feide.

Go to Online Learning Agreement

Outside Europe

If you are going on exchange outside Europe, you must use AHO’s own Learning Agreement template. This must be completed, signed by you and your programme coordinator, and submitted to the international office.

AHO’s Requirements for Courses During Exchange

To have your exchange semester approved as part of your degree at AHO, the courses you take must:

Be relevant to your study programme and specialisation
Be at master’s level
Add up to 30 ECTS per semester, or the equivalent workload at the host institution
Internships and language courses are not accepted as part of the required 30 ECTS

Financing

Students who exchange through the Erasmus or Nordplus programs will receive an Erasmus or Nordplus scholarship.

Accommodation abroad

AHO’s partner institutions will in most cases assist in finding accommodation for incoming exchange students. Some institutions order a room for you. Others provide you with a list of possible hosts.

Visa and residence permit

If you hold a residence permit in Norway, you are entitled to stay in any Schengen-country for three months without having to apply for visa. The local police authorities and/or the international office at your host institution will inform you how to register for a student’s residence permit for a longer period

Depending on your nationality, different requirements apply for visa and residence permit in countries outside Schengen. Contact the international office at the host institution and/or the embassy of the host country in Norway for information on how to apply.

Insurance

Remember to consider your safety abroad; travel insurance, theft insurance, health insurance etc.

When you study in another Nordic country, you are covered by the social insurance in the country where you are residing.

Health and Vaccinations Before Departure

Check which vaccinations are recommended for the country you are travelling to, and whether you need documentation of your health status. If you take regular medication, bring enough for the entire stay—ideally with a doctor’s note. Also make sure you have valid travel insurance that covers illness, accidents, and emergency repatriation.

Emergency Preparedness While on Exchange

While exchange experiences are usually smooth, it’s important to know what to do if something unexpected happens. This could include illness, accidents, political unrest, or natural disasters. AHO has emergency procedures in place, and you will receive information about who to contact—both locally and at home—if you need assistance.

Language Courses

In many of the countries where AHO has exchange agreements, e.g. France and Germany, lectures are mainly given in native language, and only to a small extend in English. If you are going on exchange in a country where you do not know the language, you are advised to study the local language prior to the start of the semester abroad. Y

ou may either follow a language course in Norway before you go, or find an intensive course in the city to which you are heading. Some partner institutions offer language courses for incoming exchange students a few weeks before the start of the studies, or during the semester. Norwegian citizens and others eligible for support from The Norwegian State Educational Loan Fund may apply for a scholarship for preparatory language courses.

Please do also note that some partner institutions may demand documentation of language skills as part of the application for exchange studies.

English tests

If the institution you are planning to exchange to demand documentation of knowledge of English, it could be a good idea to order a TOEFL- or IELTS-test well ahead of the application deadline. These tests are accepted by academic institutions throughout the world.

Other resources

ANSA (Association of Norwegian Students Abroad) is a non-profit and independent organisation voicing the interests of Norwegian students who study abroad. Non-Norwegian citizens can obtaine membership while registered as students with residence permit in Norway. ANSA provides guidance and supervision throughout your stay abroad, and offer insurance and banking solutions specially designed for Norwegian students abroad.

Published Sep. 12, 2024 11:26 AM - Last modified Sep. 1, 2026 3:31 PM