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Practical preparations before exchange

Here you’ll find information about the most important things to prepare before going on exchange abroad, after you have submitted your application. The most important preparations involve visa, vaccinations, and insurance.

This page in Norwegian

See also the topic page about exchange abroad.

Questions? See 'Frequently asked questions about exchange'

Many countries outside of Europe require you to hold a valid student visa. You are responsible for checking whether you need a visa for the country you are going to. You must be admitted to your host institution before applying for a visa.

Lånekassen can provide a preliminary confirmation of funding eligibility, which may be needed for visa applications (e.g. for the USA and Canada).

See the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ country pages for visa requirements. It’s also a good idea to check with the Norwegian embassy in the country you’re going to.

MFA country pages

Depending on your destination, you may need certain vaccinations before departure. More information is available from NTNU’s HSE section.

More about vaccinations – HSE section

When going on exchange, you must be covered by the Norwegian National Insurance Scheme and have sufficient health and travel insurance. There are different ways to ensure you are covered.

Health rights while studying abroad

If you are a resident of Norway, you are normally covered by the National Insurance Scheme, which entitles you to medical treatment abroad. However, there are exceptions, and you are responsible for finding out whether these apply to you. Read more on NAV’s website, and see Helsenorge for information on which healthcare costs may be covered. Be especially aware of any factors that could affect your rights — for example, if you plan to work while on exchange.

There is a difference in entitlements depending on whether you are going to a country inside or outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland:


Exchange within Europe

If you are going on exchange in Europe, you must bring the European Health Insurance Card, which confirms your right to essential medical treatment in all EU/EEA countries. Read more at Helsenorge.

Order the European Health Insurance Card


Exchange outside Europe

If you are an EU/EEA citizen and receive funding from Lånekassen, Helfo will automatically send a letter to your registered address with information about healthcare rights outside Norway.

If you are not applying for support from Lånekassen, you may consider applying for voluntary membership in the National Insurance Scheme:

Voluntary membership in the National Insurance Scheme

You must ensure that you have travel insurance that covers the entire exchange period. Most students will need to purchase private travel insurance, but in some cases, you may be covered under the insurance of a parent or partner. There are also insurance policies specifically designed for students abroad.

If you are doing a traineeship or internship abroad, you must have liability and accident insurance. You are responsible for arranging the right insurance, but your student advisor can help guide you.

Find your student advisor

Start looking for housing early, but don’t sign a contract until you have received your admission letter from the host institution. In most cases, the host institution will provide guidance or information on housing options. NTNU cannot help you find accommodation abroad.

Get familiar with the city and surroundings you’ll be living in. Learn how local public transportation works and check which campus your classes will take place at. Online maps are useful to check distances and travel times. You may also find social media groups for exchange students in your area. Be cautious — if something seems too good to be true, it often is.

  • Check your email regularly. All information regarding your application and exchange will be sent to your NTNU email address.
  • Consider making language preparations and check whether you are required to take a language test.
  • You must pay the semester fee and register at NTNU while on exchange. Remember to withdraw from any NTNU exams if you won’t be taking them.
  • Apply to Lånekassen:
    • Once you have accepted your exchange offer from NTNU, Lånekassen will be notified. Wait to apply for funding until you receive an email confirmation from the Unit for International Relations.
  • Download the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ "Reiseklar" app. It gives you access to travel information, travel advice, and the travel registration portal.
  • Read about safety during your exchange before you leave.

See also


Contact

Questions and guidance – Exchange

Frequently asked questions about exchange

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