Free mover prerequisites
Ready for a free mover semester? Make sure you are prepared by knowing all the possible prerequisites. This article lists the entry requirements you might face, ensuring you have all the information you need for a successful application.
Table of contents
- You should be a currently enrolled student or researcher
- You usually can’t leave during your first year of study
- Define the scope of your mobility
- Language requirements
- Nationality
- Proof of sufficient funds
- GPA
- Health insurance
- Visa and immigration requirements
- Vaccination and health checks
- Housing arrangements
- Additional academic requirements
- Interview or assessment
Discover if you are the right candidate for a free mover semester
A free mover semester is the study abroad choice that gives you the maximum flexibility as an applicant. However, some universities or specific countries have entry requirements for free mover students.
We want to be clear that not all of them will be asked of you: we are basically outlining all the possible prerequisites that might be asked to free mover applicants so that you are prepared in advance.
Information is power! Let’s list them:
You should be a currently enrolled student or researcher
Some institutions require you to be a student, while others accept also non-students. If you want your credits to be recognized once you return from your study abroad experience, you should be enrolled at a higher education institution.
Nonetheless, you could also be a passionate ex-student or non-student who wants to expand your knowledge in a specific field without committing to a full degree program, with the bonus of doing it abroad in a new and exciting environment.
You usually can’t leave during your first year of study
You must stay at your institution during your first year of bachelor’s. That applies even to organized mobility programs. Leaving during the first year of the master’s is way more common, but you should always check with your institution if you can do it.
Define the scope of your mobility
You can go abroad as a free mover for various reasons. Maybe you are a bachelor’s student, or a master’s one, or a PhD seeking research opportunities overseas.
It should be clear what kind of applicant you are. Please define the scope of your mobility as an applicant. It is not uncommon to see institutions having specific program options for incoming free movers, such as “undergraduate only,” “master only,” or “research only.”
Furthermore, if you plan to study at a foreign institution, make sure that the level of the selected courses matches yours. For example, if you are enrolled in a master’s program, you are usually not allowed to take bachelor-level courses, while the opposite can hold true.
Language requirements
Universities might ask for language requirements, such as a certificate of language proficiency. You can clearly see the partner institution’s ones on wearefreemovers, while the other ones really depend on the application process of the specific university. Please be prepared in case a language recognition is asked!
You can specify your language proficiency and certificates when you sign up to wearefreemovers so that universities can see whether or not you can be a good fit based on these criteria.
Nationality
Nationality can play a big role when it comes to fees and eligibility. In some countries, university fees differ for EU/EEA and non-EU/EEA applicants.
Another less common situation is universities that only accept students from specific countries/regions. If that is the case, our team will notify you after you have selected a destination.
Proof of sufficient funds
Some universities or countries may require you to prove you have sufficient funds to sustain your expenses during your free mover experience. Be aware also of this prerequisite, which might emerge later on in the application process. The amount of funds asked is usually a proxy of the country selected’s yearly cost of living.
GPA
Universities might ask for a minimum GPA. This is one of the most common and basic screening methods for applicants. Be prepared with yours by consulting this table.
On wearefreemovers, we use the US 4.0 GPA scale since we believe that a common framework of reference might benefit grade recognition worldwide. In this case, university officers will use your US 4.0 GPA equivalent grade to evaluate your profile. Be sincere! A fake GPA might invalidate your application.
Health insurance
Many countries or universities require students to have health insurance coverage during their stay. This insurance should be valid in the host country and cover specific types of medical services. Some institutions might ask for a copy of the insurance policy or proof of purchase. It is important to check the health insurance requirements of your destination country and institution, as not having the right coverage can affect your visa application and overall ability to study abroad.
Visa and immigration requirements
Obtaining the correct visa is a crucial step for any free mover student. Visa requirements vary by country, but commonly include demonstrating sufficient financial means, proof of enrollment at the host institution, and sometimes a clear intent to return to your home country after the study period. Additionally, some countries require a medical examination as part of the visa process. Make sure to research and start the visa application process well in advance to avoid any last-minute complications.
Vaccination and health checks
Depending on your destination, mandatory vaccination requirements or health checks may exist. This can be particularly relevant if you are traveling to countries with specific public health concerns or if your host institution has health and safety protocols in place. Common requirements may include vaccinations for diseases like hepatitis, meningitis, or yellow fever. Ensure that you have an up-to-date vaccination record and be prepared to undergo any required medical checks.
Housing arrangements
Some universities might have specific requirements regarding student housing. This can include applying for university accommodations or providing proof of private housing arrangements. Early application for housing is often recommended as spaces can fill up quickly. Additionally, certain countries may require proof of accommodation as part of the visa process.
Additional academic requirements
Beyond maintaining a certain GPA, some programs may require specific prerequisite courses or a certain level of academic preparation in a particular subject area. It is important to verify that your previous studies align with the academic requirements of the courses you wish to take abroad. This might involve providing detailed course descriptions or syllabi from your home institution. You can do all of this on wearefreemovers.
Interview or assessment
Certain programs might require an interview, entrance examination, or additional assessment to determine a student’s suitability for the program. This is particularly common in competitive fields or prestigious institutions. Being prepared for these additional evaluations can make a significant difference in your application’s success.
