The difference between College-Wide International Exchange and School Exchange/Erasmus lies in the partnership scope and geography. College-Wide International Exchange is open to all Trinity students and focuses on universities outside Europe. School Exchange/Erasmus is specific to individual Schools/Departments and is mainly Europe-based, though some are with non-EU countries or outside the Erasmus framework (i.e. partners in the UK or Switzerland).

In short, College-Wide International Exchange are global and open to all students, while School Exchange/Erasmus are discipline-specific and often Europe-focused.

You can study abroad for a semester or a year. Check with your academic mobility coordinator to find out which works best for your course. Many of our partner universities also offer shorter summer courses.

To apply for International College-wide exchange, you need to have achieved a 2.1 in your Junior Fresh (1st year) exams and be currently in your Senior Freshman (2nd) year. This is different for Engineering students who apply in their third year and are assessed on their second year grades. On the application form, you list your top six universities in order of preference.

You can find the application form on our webpage here - www.tcd.ie/global/mobility/outbound/how-can-i-go 

Students can go on European mobilities provided they have a minimum 2:2 in their examinations.

For International mobilities, places are highly competitive and restrictions on allocation of places apply. Only students with a proven history of being in ‘good academic standing’ will be eligible for places. You may be considered for extenuating circumstances should you fail to achieve a 2:1 in your examinations in first year.

In Trinity students often take broader courses in their first two years. When you go on mobility, you will have to pick a field as a ‘major’ to specialise in. Choosing a major usually involves taking more modules in one subject than the other(s). Credits gained during your semester or year abroad will transfer back to Trinity and count towards your final year so you can complete your degree as normal.

However, some Trinity courses require you to take specific courses during your time abroad so you can re-enter classes with your friends who have stayed at Trinity.

For TJH students, you must study both subjects equally while abroad. We would normally expect students to take classes equivalent to 60 ECTS per year. TJH students must achieve a minimum of 22.5 ECTS in each subject for a full year and at least 10 credits in each subject for a half year, with an equal minimum amount of credits in each subject.

You will need to make this decision in advance of your application and research the universities you wish to apply to so that you can complete your degree with any required courses. Talk to your Academic Mobility Coordinator for more information.

Whether you spend a semester or year abroad on mobility your time and grades will count as an integral part of your Trinity degree. If, for example, you are away throughout your Junior Sophister (3rd) year, you will rise to Senior Sophister (4th year) upon your return, assuming you have passed your exams at the host university. Your grades abroad contribute directly to your final degree. Summer courses do not contribute towards your degree.

Students are expected to maintain good academic standing while on mobility. In the event that your exam results are lower than expected, please speak to your Academic Mobility Coordinator immediately. A minimum of 45 ECTS, or equivalent credits elsewhere, are required to progress to the next academic year.

When you register with Trinity at the start of the academic year and pay your usual student contribution or fees, tuition fees at the host university are waived. However, you are responsible for travel, accommodation, health insurance, and living costs. Summer course fees, outside the academic year, are typically your responsibility, though some partners may offer discounts or waive these fees.

Your course load will depend on the number of classes needed to meet Trinity’s credit requirements, as well as the typical course load at your host university, which can vary by institution and country. To meet Trinity’s requirements, full-year mobility students must take at least 45 ECTS (or the equivalent) to progress after returning. Semester students must take at least 22.5 ECTS (or the equivalent). Your School/Department may have additional requirements. While 45 ECTS is the minimum, it's often a good idea to take an extra module to ensure you meet all the necessary credits.

As you register with Trinity at the beginning of the academic year and pay your usual fees, your mobility does not incur extra tuition costs. However, you are responsible for covering additional expenses such as flights, accommodation, health insurance, and the cost of living abroad. You can find more information on living costs at individual universities and in each country by checking their university fact sheets on our "Where Can I Go?" page.

Summer programmes, being outside the academic year, have separate tuition fees that are payable to the host university.

The cost of participating in mobility can vary greatly depending on the country and the length of your stay. Some students report saving significantly on day-to-day costs by being outside of Dublin, while others, such as those studying at universities in New York City, find that their mobility year can cost up to €20,000 for the full year, including visa, flights, accommodation, and living expenses.

Departments/Schools will have a grade requirement you must achieve in your Senior Freshman exams before you are allowed to go on mobility. Please ensure that you are familiar with the grade requirement. Specific requirements are available from the Department/School coordinators.

In most disciplines you will have to maintain a 2.1 throughout your Senior Fresh year, attaining a 2.1 in your end of year exams. Some disciplines will not allow you to go on exchange if your marks drop below a 2.1. Please speak with your Academic Mobility Coordinator(s) to confirm the requirements in your department.

Students should check their Trinity email regularly during their time abroad along with their spam folder. Once abroad, students also need to provide an alternative email contact to Academic Registry, e.g. their new email address from the host university.

Students usually go abroad in their third year (Junior Sophister) of four year degrees. Special arrangements apply for certain programmes such as Engineering. Speak to your coordinator for further advice!