The University of the Free State (UFS) is continually looking for ways to provide opportunities for students who want to study abroad and gain other academic and social living experiences. Ten UFS students are currently on exchange programmes in Spain and Germany getting some international experience.

The student exchange is part of the Erasmus+ International Credit Mobility (ICM) Programme, in partnership with Universidad Rey Juan Carlos de Madrid in Spain, Fulda University of Applied Sciences in Germany, and the Alliance 4 Universities consortium hosting students for a semester.

Erasmus+ ICM

The Erasmus+ ICM grant agreements are devoted to increasing the quality of higher education and one of the ways is through staff and student mobility, which are financed through grants that facilitate mobility. It permits students to study at institutions in Erasmus+ partner countries. Candidates for study at these institutions must first go through a selection process, whereafter nominations will be sent to the partner universities.

UFS Exchange Programme

The programme offers more than just providing students with international experience or introducing them to other cultures and activities. It also helps students to explore new professional prospects and expand their network in preparation for future employment or even business partnerships. Registered UFS students have an opportunity to study for a semester abroad at one of the university's European partners.

Studying abroad is not always an option for everyone, and most of time limited it is to those who could afford to travel. Erasmus+ Key Action 107 and International Credit mobility programmes offer fully funded grants to increase mobility.

Five students from the current cohort are on exchange at the Universidad Rey Juan Carlos de Madrid (Spain;, three at the Fulda University of Applied Sciences (Germany); and two will complete their student mobility at the Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona through the Alliance 4 Universities (Spain). Students are expected back at the end of January 2023.

Strengthening relationships

By sending students on exchanges, the UFS strengthens its links and collaborations with other universities throughout the world. It also positions the UFS as an active participant in collaborations, increasing the possibility that the UFS will be granted additional opportunities. Students gain a competitive edge for future career opportunities, benefiting the UFS community with the information and experience gained.

Interested in Study abroad opportunities? Visit the website of the Office for International Affairs to find out how you can study abroad at partner institutions.