Incoming exchange students
Every semester, the University of Borås welcomes exchange students from partner universities around the world to experience our unique course offerings, many of which are exclusive to our institution. Here, you will be inspired to think critically and encouraged to find solutions for a sustainable future.
On this website, you will find all relevant information regarding how to become an exchange student at the University of Borås. To apply, your home university must have a valid exchange agreement with us. Please check with the International Office at your home institution.
Questions? Feel welcome to contact the International Office at internationalstudent@hb.se.
Nomination and application
Application process
To apply, students must be nominated by their home university. Nominated students will receive an email with an invitation to start their application in our application system TransIT. Make sure to have the required documents available to upload during your application.
If you have not received an email two weeks before the application deadline, contact the International Office at your home university.
Deadlines
Autumn semester
- Nomination: 15 April
- Application: 1 May
Spring semester
- Nomination: 15 October
- Application: 1 November
Please respect the deadlines. Late applications are not guaranteed to be reviewed.
Admission
Accepted exchange students will receive their admission letter at the end of May/November.
Required application documents
All documents are to be issued in English.
Transcript of Records
The Transcript of Records should list completed courses at your home university. You may also include courses you are currently enrolled in.
Students enrolled in a master’s programme should include the courses from their bachelor’s programme, and if applicable, their BSc degree.
English language proficiency
All exchange students are required to demonstrate that they have English language proficiency at least equivalent to B2-level (CEFR).
This can be demonstrated by a language of instruction certificate from the home university, upper secondary school diplomas that meet the English requirement for bachelor studies in Sweden (information available at University Admissions), or with a standardised language test.
Accepted English language tests
- IELTS: An overall mark of 6.5 and no section below 5.5
- TOEFL (paper based): A score of 4.5 in a written test and a total score of 575
- TOEFL (internet based): A score of 20 in a written test and a total score of 90
- TOEIC: An overall mark of 775
Applicants for Fashion Design and Textile Design
All exchange students must upload a Transcript of Records and a Certificate of English Language Proficiency with their application. Additionally, students applying for Fashion Design and Textile Design must also upload a portfolio and a CV.
Portfolio
The portfolio should demonstrate your competence and skills within the field of design through artistic, experimental, technical, and critical reflection skills, as well as sketches that show your theoretical knowledge.
If you are applying to Fashion Design, the portfolio should include photographs of sewn and constructed collections and garments, as well as illustrations.
The portfolio should be in PDF and have a maximum of 10 pages.
CV
Your CV should include a brief presentation of your experience related to textiles and fashion, such as internships, previous studies, etc.
The CV should be in PDF and a maximum of 1 page.
Academic calendar
Orientation Days for all new international students are held on Thursday and Friday the week before the semester starts.
Academic year 2024/2025
- Autumn semester: 2 September 2024 – 19 January 2025
- Spring semester: 20 January 2025 – 8 June 2025
Academic year 2025/2026
- Autumn semester: 1 September 2025 – 18 January 2026
- Spring semester: 19 January 2026 – 7 June 2026
There are no official breaks during the semesters, and students are advised not to make any travel arrangements during the semester without consulting their responsible teacher.
See key dates for more information about the university’s academic calendar.
Course catalogue
ECTS distribution
At the University of Borås, the academic year consists of two semesters, each lasting 20 weeks. One semester of full-time studies corresponds to 30 ECTS and is divided into two study periods, each representing 10 weeks and 15 ECTS.
Autumn semester
- Period 1: August/September to October
- Period 2: November to mid-January
Spring semester
- Period 3: Mid-January to March
- Period 4: April to June
Most courses are 7,5 ECTS, with students typically studying two courses per study period at a 50% pace. However, there may be some exceptions depending on the subject area.
