Tromso Landscape
Photo courtesy of Simone Mesman, BMW exchange student to Tromsø University in 2008
The Biomedical Sciences Bachelor’s (BMW) Program encourages students to do part of their study abroad. This field of study transcends countries, cultures and languages, and studying abroad will enable you to be competitive in this international environment. You will become acquainted with an educational system at an internationally renowned institute, be immersed in another culture, and improve your English skills.
Study abroad calls for adaptive, flexible, motivated individuals, with a desire to learn. Through the process of arranging your study abroad, you will demonstrate your ability to organize, be independent and think broadly, all characteristics sought after by employers and higher education programs.
Guidelines to think about before applying.
- We encourage you to begin organizing your semester abroad at least 1 year prior to your departure. Please note any deadlines a foreign university may have for their own application processes.
- The semester dates of foreign universities may differ from that of Utrecht University. For example, Utrecht University starts its semester in February, whereas most universities start in January. Therefore, we advise you to go abroad during Periods 1 and 2 so you do not need to delay your studies.
- Always discuss your plans with the study counselor. They can advise you on your study planning and requirements for the major.
- Course levels differ by university. At most foreign universities, levels 1 and 2 (or 100 and 200-level courses) are usually introductory. Levels 3 and 4 (300 and 400-level courses) are advanced Bachelor’s and sometimes Master’s courses. Please discuss which level is appropriate for your studies with your study counselor. The Board of Examiners will decide the appropriate course level for your curriculum.
When and for low long can I study abroad?
- You may go abroad when you have completed all required courses (see BMW Curriculum).
- You may study abroad for a semester - generally, students go abroad during September-January of Year 3.
- Please discuss your plans with your curriculum advisor before applying as your curriculum may not exactly match that of the foreign institution.
Please note any deadlines a foreign university may have for their own application processes.
What are the requirements for study abroad?
In order to study abroad, you need fulfil the requirements set by the Biomedical Sciences Bachelor's Program:
• You are allowed to go abroad for maximum of 60 credits (ECTS)
• The courses taken abroad can only count as (biomedical) optional courses.
• You may go abroad after you have completed all mandatory (color-coded red in the curriculum) courses, except Populatie
• If you want to receive credits for courses taken abroad, you need to request permission before you go abroad from the Board of Examiners.
The Board of Examiners considers your academic progress, whether your previous studies provide you with enough background for the intended program, and whether the study abroad curriculum matches the high standards of the Utrecht University/UMC Utrecht.
For an explanation of the different types of contracts and agreements, click here.
FAQ - Contract Institutions
FAQ - Non-Contract Institutions
Research Project Abroad.