Academy of Fine Arts’ student exchange guidelines
This is how to apply for an international student exchange as a student at the Academy of Fine Arts.
Can I apply for a student exchange?
All degree students at the Academy of Fine Arts can apply for a student exchange. You can leave for an exchange during the second year of study at the earliest.
Indicative exchange period in the Degree Programme in Fine Arts
5,5-year studies:
- for bachelor’s degrees, the autumn of the 2nd year, the spring of the 2nd year or the autumn of the 3rd year
- for master’s degrees, the spring of the 4th year if you commit to complete the bachelor’s degree in the targeted study time of 3.5 years (or at the latest before the start of the exchange)
- the autumn of the 5th year if your bachelor’s degree is completed in 3.5 years (or at the latest during the spring of the 4th year)
2-year master studies
- the autumn of the 1st year
In the final term of your master’s studies (4th term), you can only go on exchange if you have progressed in your studies so that graduation in the targeted study time is possible. You must complete the compulsory theory studies and possible required language studies of the degree before the exchange period and the written part of the thesis must be completed during the 4th term. In addition, the studies completed during exchange must be included within the minimum scope of the degree. The term of the exchange destination must end before the end of the year in question.
Exchange opportunities and the timing of the exchange will be discussed separately with master-level students in the Praxis programme and bachelor-level students in the history and theory of contemporary art programme.
Please note that exchanges are not possible after the normative study time (5.5 years, or 2 years in separate master’s degrees).
Doctoral students can leave for an exchange during four years from the beginning of their study right. However, you cannot be in employment relationship with Uniarts Helsinki during exchange.
Apart from these periods, no other periods of exchange are allowed, even in exceptional cases. Only statutory absences (section 39 of the Universities Act) are taken into account in the timing.
How to apply for a student exchange
Discuss your exchange plans
If possible, discuss your plans with your supervising teacher, for example, in connection with a PSP meeting (note that this is not mandatory, i.e., there is no need to reserve a PSP discussion appointment for this).
Explore exchange destinations
You can select up to three destinations for the preliminary application.
Fill in the preliminary application for student exchange at the beginning of the year
A link to the form will be sent by e-mail via the Students mailing list. Please note that if it is necessary to prioritise students for some exchange destinations, this will be done based on the information given on the preliminary application and the progression of studies.
Find out the application periods and instructions
If the professors in the subject areas support your plans, find out the period of application and instructions for your destination with the planning officer of international affairs. The exchange may also be subject to conditions, such as the completion of certain compulsory courses before the exchange or the timely completion of your bachelor’s degree.
Submit your application
Submit the actual application and its appendices (usually a motivation letter, portfolio, CV) according to the destination’s instructions.
Wait for further information from the destination
When you receive a response from the destination, contact the planning officer for international affairs to take care of grants and other practical matters. Remember that ultimately the destination higher education institution will decide whether to accept or reject your exchange application.