Some common prerequisites

Current enrollment at a higher education institution. The vast majority of free mover programs require you to be an active student at a recognized university at the time of application. This is the baseline that makes you eligible to apply as a visiting student rather than as an independent applicant. If you are a researcher or a recent graduate considering a free mover semester for non-credit purposes, check each institution individually, as some accept non-enrolled applicants while most do not.

Minimum GPA. A minimum grade point average is the most common screening criterion across partner universities. Thresholds vary by institution, but the most common range on a 4.0 scale is 2.5 to 3.0. More competitive institutions in business, law, or engineering may require 3.2 or above. On our platform, we use the US 4.0 GPA scale as a common reference framework, and your academic transcript is converted to this scale for university officers to evaluate. Our Grade Converter gives you your equivalent GPA on the 4.0 scale before you apply.

Language proficiency certificate. If the courses you plan to take are taught in English, a recognized language certificate is required in nearly all cases. The most widely accepted certifications are IELTS (typically band 6.0 or above), TOEFL iBT (typically 4.0 or above), Cambridge B2/C1, and Duolingo English Test. In some cases, a letter from your home university confirming your degree is fully taught in English is accepted as a substitute. If courses are taught in another language, a certificate in that language is required instead. Check the specific requirement for each destination before applying.

Academic transcript. Your transcript is required for every application. It should be the most official version available, typically downloadable from your university’s student portal or obtainable from your academic office. Screenshots or informal printouts are not accepted. If your transcript is not in English, an official translation is required. Full guidance on the transcript is available in our guide on credit recognition for free movers.

Passport copy. A valid passport is required for both the application and enrollment. Check validity: many countries require your passport to remain valid for at least six months beyond your planned return date.

Proof of sufficient funds. Many universities and most consulates require evidence that you can financially support your stay. The threshold varies by country and is usually calculated as a monthly living cost estimate multiplied by the duration of your stay. As a general reference, Italian and Spanish immigration requirements typically set the threshold at around €1,000 per month, while other destinations, like the USA, may require significantly more. Bank statements from the past three to six months are the standard document. This requirement is particularly relevant for non-EU students applying for a student visa.

Health insurance coverage. Most universities require proof of valid health insurance for the full duration of your stay. EU students can satisfy this requirement at many European destinations with their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), though EHIC has significant coverage gaps that are worth understanding before relying on it alone. Non-EU students must hold private health insurance that meets the host country’s minimum standards. Our dedicated guide on EHIC coverage gaps for free mover students covers what EHIC does and does not cover in detail.

Scope of mobility declaration. Many institutions require you to specify what level of student you are (bachelor, master, or PhD/researcher) and to select courses that match that level. A master’s student is generally not permitted to take bachelor-level courses. Some institutions have specific incoming programs for each level, so applying under the wrong category can result in an ineligible application. Clarify this before selecting courses.

Housing confirmation or proof of accommodation. Some universities and most visa-issuing consulates require evidence of where you will be living during your stay. This can be a booking confirmation at a student dormitory, a signed rental contract, or a university-issued housing letter. It is also a practical reminder: start looking for accommodation immediately after admission, particularly for destinations like Milan, Amsterdam, and Seoul where the student housing market is competitive.

Most universities, both home and host, do not allow free mover mobility during the first year of a bachelor’s degree. The rationale is academic continuity: the first year is typically dedicated to foundational coursework that must be completed at the home institution.

The restriction on the final semester of a bachelor’s or master’s degree is less universal but common enough to check explicitly. Some institutions are flexible if your learning agreement can be completed before the home graduation deadline. Others prohibit it categorically.

Mobility during the first year of a master’s degree is generally more permissive and is often the most strategically valuable moment for a semester abroad. We explain the timing logic in detail in our guide on semester abroad vs full degree abroad.

If you are unsure about your home institution’s position on timing, check with your faculty coordinator directly rather than the general international office, as restrictions often vary by department.

Nationality affects two things: eligibility and fees.

On eligibility: most partner universities accept students from any country. A small number of institutions have geographic restrictions, accepting students only from specific regions or countries. These are edge cases and will be flagged on the platform if applicable to a destination you are considering.

On fees: EU/EEA students and non-EU/EEA students are often charged different tuition rates at European institutions. In some cases the difference is marginal. In others, non-EU students pay a notably higher semester fee. Check the fee structure for your specific nationality at each destination before applying.

Nationality also determines visa requirements, which is the more consequential variable. EU students studying within the EU do not need a visa. Non-EU students, or EU students studying outside the EU, must research visa requirements specific to their passport and destination. Processing times of two to three months are standard, and this has direct implications for your application timeline. Our timing guide covers the visa processing constraint in full at when is the best time to apply as a free mover.

Vaccination and health records. Mandatory vaccination requirements are destination-specific and most commonly required for institutions in parts of Asia, Africa, or Latin America. Common requirements include hepatitis B, meningitis, and where applicable, yellow fever. Some universities in the US and Australia also require standard immunization records before enrollment. Check the specific requirements for your destination country at least three months before departure, as some vaccinations require multiple doses over several weeks.

Interview or assessment. A small number of institutions, particularly those with competitive programs in business, law, design, or performing arts, require a brief interview or submitted assessment as part of the application process. This is more common at highly selective institutions and is usually disclosed in the application requirements on the university’s international office page. If an interview is required, it typically takes place via video call and focuses on your academic background and motivation for the specific program.

Additional academic prerequisites for specific courses. Some courses require prior knowledge in the subject area. A statistics course may require calculus as a prerequisite. A finance course may require introductory accounting. These are course-level requirements rather than institution-level ones and are visible in each course’s description in the host university’s catalogue. Verify course prerequisites before including them in your learning agreement.

Partner university conflict. If your home university already has a bilateral exchange agreement (such as Erasmus) with a specific institution, you may not be permitted to attend that institution as a free mover. Your home university may require you to go through the existing formal exchange channel instead. Check your home institution’s list of existing exchange partners before selecting your destination. This is covered in more detail in our guide on maximizing your chances of acceptance as a free mover.

For every partner university on wearefreemovers, the entry requirements visible to you before you apply include the minimum GPA, language certificate requirements, accepted student levels (bachelor, master, research), and any destination-specific notes on visa or health insurance. This is designed so you can assess your eligibility before investing time in an application, not after.

When you create your profile, you specify your current GPA, your language certificates, and your enrollment level. The platform uses this to surface the destinations where you meet the baseline requirements. If you are unsure about a specific requirement at a destination you are interested in, contact us before applying. We verify requirements directly with university officers and can give you a clear answer faster than navigating the host institution’s website independently.