How do I apply to study as an Erasmus student at the University of Aberdeen?
Erasmus students wishing to study at the University of Aberdeen must complete an online application form.
Before beginning the online form, you must ensure that a bilateral agreement for student exchange in your subject area has been signed between your home university and the University of Aberdeen. If an appropriate bilateral agreement has been signed and you have successfully completed the application procedures of your home university, you must be nominated to the University of Aberdeen by your home university. This means that your home university will send your contact details by e-mail to erasmus@abdn.ac.uk. In response to this, you will receive the application information you require from the University of Aberdeen.
In order to complete the University of Aberdeen's online application process, you must have a scanned copy of your signed ECTS Learning Agreement listing the courses you hope to study at the University of Aberdeen and also a scanned copy of your Transcript of Records. This is the official record of the results you have obtained at University level so far. You will not be able to complete the online application process without these documents. It is important that you retain the original of your ECTS Learning Agreement, you should take this with you to Aberdeen.
When are the deadlines for applications?
For first semester/full academic year: 1 June 2013
For second semester: 1 November 2013
NB: LATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED
Do I have to have a TOEFL or other English Language qualification?
No. However, you must have adequate proficiency in English as you will have to follow lectures, participate in seminars and produce written work in English at an advanced level.
Are English Language courses available?
Yes. Pre-sessional English courses are available in August/September. The University Language Centre provides in-sessional English language training in both semesters. These courses are not credit-bearing and attendance should be arranged via the Language Centre: http://www.abdn.ac.uk/languagecentre/index.php?id=1
How do I find out about university courses?
The Catalogue of Courses is available online at http://www.abdn.ac.uk/registry/courses. Please note that you must choose at least 50% of your courses in the subject area in which the Bilateral Agreement with your home institution has been signed but may also take other courses, subject to timetabling and experience.
How do I know when courses run?
Look carefully at the course code. The first two letters denote the subject. The first digit indicates the level of the course (i.e. 3 = 3rd year). The second digit indicates when the course starts:-
0 = course starts at the beginning of semester 1
3 = course starts in week 7 of semester 1
5 = course starts at the beginning of semester 2
8 = course starts in week 7 of semester 2
How do Aberdeen credits compare to ECTS credits?
Divide Aberdeen credits by 2 to find the equivalent rate in ECTS credits i.e. 20 Aberdeen credits = 10 ECTS credits.
How many credits should I take?
The normal workload for Aberdeen students is 120 credits (60 ECTS credits) per year i.e. 60 (30 ECTS credits) per semester. This is the workload that is expected of visiting students; you will not be permitted to diverge significantly from these guidelines.
What level of courses may I take?
Normally, visiting students may apply to take courses at levels 1, 2 and 3. Some restrictions may apply at levels 3 and 4. All course choices are subject to timetabling and the previous study which applicants have undertaken. Please be aware that you should avoid choosing courses from a mixture of levels if possible as timetabling difficulties will often make it impossible for you to take all the selected courses. Advice will be offered by the relevant Departmental Coordinator where appropriate. Please note that courses at level 5 are not open to visiting students.
Do I have to pay tuition fees?
No. Incoming Erasmus students do not pay tuition fees to the University of Aberdeen. You will have to pay for accommodation and living expenses.
How do I apply for accommodation?
Details of how to apply for University accommodation will be sent to you by the Erasmus Unit when you complete the online application process. You will not be able to apply for a place in University-managed accommodation until this point. Please note that University accommodation is subject to availability and therefore places cannot be guaranteed.
My university does not have a bilateral agreement with Aberdeen. Can you accept my application?
No. The University of Aberdeen cannot accept visiting students as ‘freemovers’.
Who should I contact if I have further queries?
If you have further queries and cannot find a suitable response on either our website or in our Incoming Student Guides, please contact the Erasmus Unit at erasmus@abdn.ac.uk and we shall do our best to help. Please do not e-mail any other address with Erasmus-related queries.