The exchange programme allows you to study abroad for a term, at one of UAL's partner institutions. You will go abroad for the first term (Autumn) or second term (Spring) in your second year of studies.
To be eligible for a semester abroad, you must:
- Be in your second year of undergraduate studies by the time your exchange takes place. Note, you will apply for the programme in your first year of studies.
- Be registered and in full time attendance at UAL.
- Be studying a subject at UAL that provides an exchange opportunity as part of the course.
Not all degree programmes offer a semester exchange. You should check with your College mobility team if you can go on exchange as part of your degree and where you can go.
They can also provide:
- Insights into the programme.
- Key dates and deadlines, such as when the application opens and closes.
- Information about where you can go and who you can study with.
- Answers to any questions you may have about exchange.
Want to know what it is like to go on exchange? Contact our Global Student Ambassadors, who have recently completed a mobility abroad.
How to apply
1. Understand your options
Your first step should include reaching out to your College mobility team. It is important to research the destinations available for exchange. Consider the following:
- Your interests (both within and outside of your course).
- Your budget: while there are funding opportunities available, these are not guaranteed.
- Language requirements: some universities may not teach in English. You may need to provide evidence that you meet their language requirements.
In your application you will list your top 3 'host' universities.
2. Gather your supporting documents
As part of your online application, you will need to provide a:
- Personal statement: this should explain why you would like to go on exchange and how it will benefit you.
- CV: this should showcase your education and work experience, as well as skills.
- Portfolio (if applicable): students should speak to their College Mobility team for details on this.After your application has been reviewed and accepted by UAL.
After your application has been approved by UAL, you will then apply directly to the host university. Please note that your exchange is not approved until you receive confirmation the College mobility team.
3. Start your online application
If you would like to apply for the exchange programme you must contact your College mobility team to request the application form.
Application deadline
Each College has their own exchange application deadline:
- Camberwell, Chelsea and Wimbledon Colleges: Wednesday 15th January 2025.
- Central Saint Martins: Monday 03 March 2025.
- London College of Communication: Friday 31 January 2025.
- London College of Fashion: Friday 31 January 2025.
Late applications will not be accepted. Speak to your College Mobility team if you have any issues with the application or any questions regarding the deadline.
4. Getting your portfolio ready (if applicable)
Some Colleges may ask for a Portfolio as part of your supporting documents. You will be able to include a link in the application form to this. Please follow the instructions below:
- Central Saint Martins: The portfolio should include 20-25 images. Use an online sharing service and provide the link in your online application.
- Camberwell, Chelsea and Wimbledon: The portfolio should make a focused selection of your work in 10-12 images. Please use Flickr for images and Vimeo for all film clips and include the link on the online application. Please ensure your Flickr portfolio is set to public and your Vimeo clip is rated suitable for all audiences. You can include more than one link.
- London College of Communication: The portfolio should be a focused selection of your work in 10-12 pages, submitted as a web link. Only practice-based courses need a portfolio. If you are unsure if you need to provide a portfolio, contact LCC's Mobility team: mobility@lcc.arts.ac.uk.
- London College of Fashion: Students from the School of Design and Technology and School of Media and Communication need to provide a portfolio. The portfolio should be a focused selection of your work in 10-12 pages, submitted as a web link. Only practice-based courses need a portfolio. If you are unsure if you need to provide a portfolio, contact exchanges@fashion.arts.ac.uk.
5. Submitting your application and next steps
Once you’ve prepared all your documents, you’re ready to submit your application!
But what happens next?
- Applications are only reviewed after the final deadline. Submitting your application earlier doesn't increase your chances of your application being approved.
- Course leads review applications and forward feedback to the College Mobility teams.
- The general strength, quality, and suitability to complete an exchange is key.
- The College Mobility teams send the outcome of your application via email. If your application is approved, you should accept or reject your offer.
- If you accept your offer, you will then be sent details to apply to the host university.
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Maria Magalhaes (BA Graphic and Media Design, London College of Communication, 2024)
Global Ambassadors
Speak to a student who has been abroad about any questions you may have about life on exchange.
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Sketchbook by Tanikha (Renzo) Allen
Contact us
Find the contact details of your College Mobility team.
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Visible Justice Exhibition 2019, London College of Communication, UAL
Where you can study on exchange
Find out where you can go before submitting an application.
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Eva, exchange in Switzerland
Main outbound hub
Everything you need to know about going on an overseas exchange