Theatre Academy’s student exchange guidelines
This is how to apply for an international student exchange and internship as a student at the Theatre Academy.
Can I apply for an exchange or traineeship?
All degree students at TeaK can apply for an exchange or international internship grant. You can start your exchange in your second year of studies at the earliest.
The prerequisite for an exchange is that your studies are progressing according to the planned timetable. You may be prevented from taking part in an exchange if, for example, you have been studying for a long time or you have not completed some compulsory 1st or 2nd year studies.
Exchange studies or international internships will be part of your degree. Exchange studies or internship periods should be included in the personal study plan (HOPS) in order to be eligible for the grant.
You should discuss with the head of your study programme about the timing of the mobility and the content of the studies to be undertaken during the exchange.
The application for an exchange or traineeship cannot be sent to the host institution without the approval of the study programme in Theatre Academy.
When to apply
The application period for student exchange and internship for the academic year 2026-2027 starts on 1 December 2025. The application form must be filled in by 3 February 2026.
This is the preliminary phase where students’ plans are collected and reviewed. You still need to send the actual application according to the schedule and instructions of the university you are applying to. The earliest application deadlines are in late February, and the last ones are in June-July. You can apply to maximum three universities.
How to apply
1. Explore the various exchange and internship opportunities. Ask your teachers for suggestions for good exchange destinations or internship positions, and talk to students who have been on an exchange in the past.
From the link below, you can access a list of universities with which the Theatre Academy has an exchange agreement.
It is important that you look up the universities’ websites in advance and find out what kind of programmes or courses are available for exchange students, when their application period for incoming exchange students is, and what attachments are required for the application. Also check when their terms starts and ends. Usually, an exchange period lasts for one term or a full academic year.
2. Fill in the application form
The application deadline is 3 February 2026. In the application you need to name 1-3 universities where you are planning to apply and include a brief motivation and study plan for your exchange.
4. If the exchange or internship is approved in your personal study plan and your study programme supports your exchange, the international affairs planner will advise you on how to proceed.
After this application closes, the international affairs planner will review all applications, check the programme’s approval and contact the applicants about next steps.
5. Apply according to the instructions of the exchange institution.
Application deadlines vary widely depending on the country and the university. The first application deadlines are at the end of February and the last in June-July. Especially in Germany, the term schedules are very different from Uniarts which affects the application periods as well.
Student grants for exchange and internships
Erasmus+
Every student approved for an Erasmus+ student exchange from the University of the Arts receives a grant paid by the university. Please note that the Erasmus+ grant does not cover all expenses, so you will need to set aside some of your own money for living costs. The amount of the grant is fixed annually and is calculated according to the duration of the exchange and the host country.
Norteas network
Norteas, a network of dance and theatre universities in the Nordic and Baltic countries, awards grants for short-term exchanges and work placements. The network’s grants are well suited for a 1-3 week intensive course. Norteas scholarships are open for applications twice a year, in May and November.
Norteas has opened an additional call for grants to support mobilities during spring term 2026. For more information, email teak.international@uniarts.fi.
Other grants
If you are going on an international internship, course abroad or exchange studies outside Europe, you can apply for a grant from the University of the Arts Foundation.
Further information
If you have any questions, you can send email to teak.international@uniarts.fi.