The latest call for exchange studies abroad attracted a record number of applications. A total of 607 University of Turku students applied for exchange, whereas in recent years the number of applicants has typically been around 400–500.
The number of students applying to study abroad from the University of Turku has remained strong over the years. Apart from the period of the coronavirus pandemic, there has been no significant decline in the number of applicants. However, the clearly higher number of applications in the most recent round and the strong interest in international studies it reflects has been a pleasant surprise for the University.
"Studying abroad improves language skills and deepens understanding of different cultures. It also offers a good opportunity to develop important working-life skills such as collaboration, networking and problem-solving. For this reason as well, it is encouraging to see that exchange studies and the international experience they provide are of interest to our students," says International Affairs officer Heli Rahko.
Growing interest in exchange studies was already visible in 2025, when a total of 544 students travelled abroad for exchanges lasting three months or longer. In 2024, the corresponding figure was 450 students. The exact reasons for the sharp increase are not yet known, but the University plans to explore the issue through a feedback survey.
According to the University's strategy, internationalisation is a central part of education at the University of Turku. The aim is to strengthen students' multicultural skills and their readiness to operate in international environments. The University's International Office works actively to increase awareness of exchange opportunities, for example by visiting faculties and organising information sessions for students.
A wide range of opportunities for exchange studies
Typically, there have been differences between faculties in terms of the number of students interested in studying abroad, as the culture of exchange studies is more prevalent in some faculties than in others. In recent years, the number of outgoing exchange students has grown especially in the Turku School of Economics, the Faculty of Humanities, the Faculty of Law and the Faculty of Education. However, exchange opportunities are available to students from all faculties.
The length of exchange periods varies. While most students still go abroad for one semester, full academic-year exchanges are also of interest to many. In addition, there are shorter exchange opportunities available. With nearly 400 partner universities around the world, the University offers students the chance to gain international experience both near and far.
To ensure that the studies completed during the exchange period can be included in the student's degree, it is advisable to plan them well in advance.
“It would be important for all degrees to have sufficient flexibility to allow for studies completed through exchange programs," Rahko notes.
Destinations in Europe and Asia attract applicants
In the most recent application round, the most popular destination among students was the University of Coimbra in Portugal, which received applications from a total of 60 students. The next most popular destinations were the University of Padua and the University of Pavia in Italy.
Like the University of Turku, the University of Coimbra and the University of Pavia are members of the European Campus of City-Universities (EC2U) Alliance. The Alliance's newest member, Umeå University, also attracted interest among students.
“Cooperation between the member universities of the EC2U Alliance has intensified significantly over the past five years, which is visible in the substantial growth of short-term exchanges. It is encouraging to see that longer exchanges at EC2U universities are also attracting interest from our students," says Project Coordinator Lassi Yli-Muilu.
In addition to European universities, students were also interested in studying in other continents. Among destinations outside Europe, the most popular in this application round was the City University of Hong Kong. Partner universities in Japan and South Korea also featured prominently in students' choices.
The exchange places from the early-year application round have now been allocated, and applicants have been informed of the results. As there was some competition for places at certain destinations, it has not been possible to offer a place to every applicant. However, the International Office reminds that supplementary application rounds will still be organised during both the spring and autumn semesters.
International experience can also be gained on the home campus through various activities and events. One excellent opportunity for internationalisation at home is the EC2U Forum to be held in Turku next May, which students can also apply to attend.
