Short-term student exchange scholarships: is a semester abroad worth it?

🔄 Cập nhật lần cuối: 08/10/26

Not everyone is ready to study a full course abroad, but a semester abroad can provide an international experience at much lower cost and risk. Short-term student exchange scholarships help you study at a partner school for 3–12 months and still graduate on time from your school. So is it worth it, and what do you need to prepare? Specific analysis article.

How does student exchange work?

The exchange program is based on a cooperation agreement between the school you are studying (home school) and the foreign partner school. General characteristics:

• You are still a student at your home school: you usually pay tuition at your home school and are exempt from tuition at the partner school.
• Recognized credits: courses taken abroad are transferred to your program according to the study agreement signed before departure.
• Return to graduation: degree issued by home school.
• Applications submitted through the home school: the international cooperation department selects and nominates students.

There are also shorter programs (a few weeks) such as summer camps, short courses – see article Summer scholarships and short courses.

Typical student exchange scholarships

Erasmus+ (Europe)

According to the official page of the European Commission, Erasmus+ supports long-term exchanges of 2–12 months (and short-term combined online) between schools with agreements. Students are exempted from tuition, registration fees, and exam fees at the receiving school and receive a subsidy to contribute to travel and living expenses (not fully funded). There is no generic Erasmus+ application form – you start from your school's international office. Before you go, you sign a study agreement with both schools to ensure your credits are recognized. Many Vietnamese universities participate in Erasmus+ exchange projects with European schools; Ask the international cooperation office if your school has any agreements.

JASSO Student Exchange Support Program (Japan)

According to Study in Japan, scholarships for students going to Japan under exchange agreements between schools, duration from 8 days to 1 year, 80,000 yen/month. Conditions include: being accepted by the Japanese school as agreed, having good academic results, having financial difficulties if self-sufficient, and having to return to the home school to continue studying and graduate. Applications are made through the school you are attending.

Scholarships from schools and other partners

Many other universities, foundations or governments (Korea, Taiwan, Singapore...) also have their own exchange scholarships. Please follow the announcements of the international cooperation department and the official information portal - avoid invitations to "exchange 100% sponsorship" of unknown origin, as warned in the article Find reputable scholarships and avoid fake scholarship traps.

Is a semester abroad worth it?

The answer is usually worth it, if you ensure two things: credits are clearly recognized and the budget is enough for the non-scholarship portion. Exchange experience is also good material for scholarship essay higher level later.

Prepare documents and plans

1. Find out early from first and second year: most programs recruit 2nd–3rd year students, considering GPA and foreign language.
2. Choose a subject first: compare the partner school's course outline with your program, and request conversion confirmation from the faculty.
3. Prepare foreign language: IELTS/TOEFL or local language certificate – see Choose an English certificate.
4. Write a motivational letter: clearly state why you choose a partner school and which subjects serve your goals.
5. Make a budget: airfare, housing, insurance, living expenses minus scholarships.
6. Visa: many countries have separate visa types for short-term courses; check on the embassy's official page.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to pay tuition at a foreign school to exchange?

Usually not, if going under a formal exchange agreement – ​​you pay tuition at your home school. Free movers must pay tuition fees to foreign schools.

Does the exchange scholarship include airfare?

Depends on the program. Erasmus+ has a contribution to travel costs based on distance; JASSO is a monthly allowance. In many cases, you take care of the tickets yourself.

Will going on an exchange delay graduation?

It is possible, if the subject is not fully recognized. Signing a clear study agreement before leaving is the best way to prevent it.

Can I work part-time while on an exchange semester?

Depends on visa type and destination country regulations. Many short-term visas do not allow part-time work.

Conclusion

Student exchange scholarships are a low-risk way to "try" studying abroad, helping you grow and have a stronger profile for the next steps. If you are preparing for an exchange semester, check it out air tickets to study abroad or contact hotline/Zalo 090.1800.918 for advice on suitable flight schedules.

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