Come on exchange
Do you want to study abroad at the Université Grenoble Alpes (UGA) as part of a student exchange program? Below, you will find information on the application process, as well as the necessary steps to prepare you for your stay in Grenoble.
Before applying
First, you need to make sure that the UGA has a valid partnership with your home university.
Learn more about the UGA student exchange agreements
Learn more about the UGA student exchange agreements
Step 1: Apply for exchange with your home university
Your home university must approve your period of study abroad. They will evaluate the relevancy of services offered by the UGA within the parameters of your studies.
Nomination deadlines at UGA:
- Semester 1 and full-year mobility: until April 30.
- Semester 2 mobility: until September 30.
Once you are approved at home, the host faculty at UGA will send you a link to an online application for study here.
Nomination deadlines at UGA:
- Semester 1 and full-year mobility: until April 30.
- Semester 2 mobility: until September 30.
Once you are approved at home, the host faculty at UGA will send you a link to an online application for study here.
Step 2: Apply to UGA
Applying deadlines :
- Semester 1 and full-year mobility: until May 30.
- Semester 2 mobility: until October 18.
You will have to complete the application form sent by the host faculty and include the following supporting documents:
- all academic transcripts
- a resume
- Results from an approved language test or a Language Certificate (proving your ability to take courses in the language of instruction)
- a brief letter of intent
- a learning agreement: Consult the guidelines on how to draw up your learning agreement
Accepted students will then be notified of their admission by the host faculty.
- Semester 1 and full-year mobility: until May 30.
- Semester 2 mobility: until October 18.
You will have to complete the application form sent by the host faculty and include the following supporting documents:
- all academic transcripts
- a resume
- Results from an approved language test or a Language Certificate (proving your ability to take courses in the language of instruction)
- a brief letter of intent
- a learning agreement: Consult the guidelines on how to draw up your learning agreement
Accepted students will then be notified of their admission by the host faculty.
Step 3: Register for French courses
UGA offers French courses. These courses are free and are worth credits.
Your host faculty will give you the information you need to apply.
Your host faculty will give you the information you need to apply.
Step 4: Prepare your stay
Focusing on finding the following practical information that will ensure your stay is comfortable, and that it goes smoothly at the Université Grenoble Alpes:
- Visa and residence permits
- Accommodation
- Health insurance and available services.
Step 5: Register to the buddy system program
Do you have many unanswered questions? Do you want to meet local students and discover the campus life?
Register to the program
Register to the program
Step 6: Register at UGA
Your final registration both at the university and for classes will take place upon your arrival. You will receive your student ID card, your passwords for campus Wi-Fi and online student resources, etc. at that time.
To finalize your registration, you will need the following documents:
- Passport or ID (copy and original)
- Registration form (provided by the host faculty)
- A proof of Civil Liability Insurance (only if you will be interning during your time abroad). You can purchase Civil Liability Insurance from an insurance company or your bank in France.
Please note:
- Exchange students pay tuition at their home university.
- Exchange students are not entitled to a UGA degree or diploma at the end of their stay. However, a final transcript or your coursework at the UGA, including the number of ECTS credits, will be sent to your home institution.
To finalize your registration, you will need the following documents:
- Passport or ID (copy and original)
- Registration form (provided by the host faculty)
- A proof of Civil Liability Insurance (only if you will be interning during your time abroad). You can purchase Civil Liability Insurance from an insurance company or your bank in France.
Please note:
- Exchange students pay tuition at their home university.
- Exchange students are not entitled to a UGA degree or diploma at the end of their stay. However, a final transcript or your coursework at the UGA, including the number of ECTS credits, will be sent to your home institution.
Step 7: Prepare for your return home
Before going home remember to:
- Return any borrowed items (books and other equipment)
- Validate the documents requested by your home university to conclude your studies abroad. Exemple: Learning Agreement, Certificate of Stay
- For Erasmus students, check with your university if you need to take the OLS (Online Linguistic Support) test
- Pick up your transcript (if issued before your departure, your host faculty will send it)
- Cancel any contracts: mobile phone, internet, gas, electricity, landline (if you have rented an apartment independently), etc...
- Close your bank account
For your accommodation, you must:
- Confirm your departure date with the residence reception (one month in advance)
- Make an appointment with the residence reception to schedule a date for the "état des lieux" (walkthrough inspection).
- Leave your bank details (IBAN) in order to receive in return (2 months after your departure) the amount (in whole or in part) of the deposit paid before your arrival.
- Return the keys of your accommodation to the residence reception.
- Return any borrowed items (books and other equipment)
- Validate the documents requested by your home university to conclude your studies abroad. Exemple: Learning Agreement, Certificate of Stay
- For Erasmus students, check with your university if you need to take the OLS (Online Linguistic Support) test
- Pick up your transcript (if issued before your departure, your host faculty will send it)
- Cancel any contracts: mobile phone, internet, gas, electricity, landline (if you have rented an apartment independently), etc...
- Close your bank account
For your accommodation, you must:
- Confirm your departure date with the residence reception (one month in advance)
- Make an appointment with the residence reception to schedule a date for the "état des lieux" (walkthrough inspection).
- Leave your bank details (IBAN) in order to receive in return (2 months after your departure) the amount (in whole or in part) of the deposit paid before your arrival.
- Return the keys of your accommodation to the residence reception.
Extension of your stay
As an exchange student, you must obtain the authorizations from the academic coordinators of your home university and the UGA. If both coordinators give their approval, you must provide an authorization to extend the period of your exchange.
If you wish to extend your mobility at another faculty, you must respect the application deadlines (see "Step 2: Apply to UGA").
Accommodation
If you live in CROUS accommodation managed by ISSO housing department: ask studenthousing@univ-grenoble-alpes.fr for an authorization to extend your lease:
- to pursue your studies during the second semester: no later than mid-November. The CROUS must anticipate availability of housing for new arrivals in January and February. If you apply later, your application will be rejected.
- after February: at least 1.5 months before the end of your lease.
Please note:
CROUS accommodation extensions are only valid for the current academic year.
You must provide proof of your extended study or internship at the time of application.
If you live in the private sector, please contact your landlord directly to negotiate an extension of your lease.
Residence permit
Remember to check if you should apply for an extension of your residence permit. The International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) team is at your disposal for any assistance or information on administrative procedures.
Learn more
If you wish to extend your mobility at another faculty, you must respect the application deadlines (see "Step 2: Apply to UGA").
Accommodation
If you live in CROUS accommodation managed by ISSO housing department: ask studenthousing@univ-grenoble-alpes.fr for an authorization to extend your lease:
- to pursue your studies during the second semester: no later than mid-November. The CROUS must anticipate availability of housing for new arrivals in January and February. If you apply later, your application will be rejected.
- after February: at least 1.5 months before the end of your lease.
Please note:
CROUS accommodation extensions are only valid for the current academic year.
You must provide proof of your extended study or internship at the time of application.
If you live in the private sector, please contact your landlord directly to negotiate an extension of your lease.
Residence permit
Remember to check if you should apply for an extension of your residence permit. The International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) team is at your disposal for any assistance or information on administrative procedures.
Learn more
Published on January 8, 2021
Updated on February 22, 2024
Updated on February 22, 2024
List of host faculties
You will find the following information: disciplines, level of study and language required, administrative and academic contacts.
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Download the list