Frequently Asked Questions

OUTGOING STUDENT MOBILITY

In addition to the questions below,  you will also find a video with FAQs as presented during a Dec 2020
event during which former UNamur students shared their experience of an Erasmus exchange mobility and its impact on their professional and personal life under this link.
For the general link to the Erasmus testimony section, where you will also find various videos, please go here.

Before a mobility

How should I plan my exchange?

If you are interested in a mobility semester, you will find all the information on our website. Each faculty has an international mobility coordinator that than help you plan your mobility project.

How long are the exchange periods?

Depending on your faculty and study programme, a mobility project is either for one academic semester or the entire academic year.

Who are the international advisors/contact persons in my UNamur faculty and/or programme?

- Please find the list of your faculty international coordinators under this link. 

Can I combine a study exchange semester with in internship exchange period?

- Depending on your faculty and study programme (i.e. if an internship is part of your curriculum) this may be a possibility. Please check with the international coordinator at your faculty.

What are the language skills that I should have in order to participate in an exchange programme.

- Some destinations require a minimum knowledge in the local and/or teaching language at their university. Please check with your faculty international coordinator or with the universiy that you are interested in for an exchange. Please note that some universities, notably in the United States require an internationally recognized certificate (such as TOEFL or IELTS), which you would have to pay for.

What are the selection criteria for a exchange period?

- The selection criteria vary by faculty and by academic programme. Please assist in the information sessions organized at your faculty and/or contact your faculty coordinator. 

I am a master’s student and have already participated in an exchange programme during my bachelor studies. Can I go abroad again?

- This depends on your faculty and study programme, but theoretically, students can be financed with a mobility scholarship for a maximum of 12 months per study cycle.

I have already done a “study” mobility abroad. Can I still benefit from a scholarship for a possible internship mobility?

- Yes, this is possible, as long as the total duration of your mobility does not surpass 12 months per academic cycle.Do I have to have a minimum academic average in order to be chosen as an exchange programme participant? 

- The academic requirements to be accepted as a mobility participant vary from faculty to faculty and by academic programme.  Please assist in the orientation sessions and contact your academic coordinator for more information.

 

Do I have to take an official language test (TOEFL or IELTS, for example)?

- This depends on your exchange destinations. Universities in the United States often require such a certificate.

What are the destinations I can select from as an outgoing exchange student?

- The destinations vary on your academic programme and faculty. Please assist in the orientation sessions and contact your academic coordinator for more information.

Will the academic credits I obtain abroad be integrated into my study program at UNamur?

-Yes, all the academic credits you will obtain at your host university and which are formalized in a learning agreement, which is signed by you, l’UNamur and your host university, are completely accepted by UNamur for your study programme. 

How many credits do I need to get while an exchange? Is there a minimum?

- The number of credits you will have to follow at a host university vary by your UNamur faculty and academic programme. However, the number usually corresponds to the duration of your exchange, thus 30 ECTS credits for a one semester mobility and 60 ECTS credits for a mobility lasting an academic year. For internship mobilities the number of credits you obtain depends on your academic programme at UNamur.

 

What is the procedure to follow to apply for an exchange semester abroad?

- The procedure varies by UNamur faculty and academic programme. Please assist in the orientation sessions and contact your academic coordinator for more information.

What classes should I take abroad?

- This depends on your academic programme and faculty. At the bachelor level, your UNamur faculty will usually tell you which classes to take. At the masters level, where you have more optional courses you are usually able to follow course according to your own interests. For more information please assist in the orientation sessions and contact your academic coordinatorfor more information.

 

Can I make changes to my learning agreement once I am at my host institution?

-Yes, there is usually a period of a few weeks after your arrival at a host university during which you can still do changes to your learning agreement in concertation with you UNamur faculty coordinator and your host institution. So, if you do not like a particular course or the academic content is very different from what you had expected, you can still do changes.

Will I benefit from a scholarship during my exchange mobility abroad?

Yes, all UNamur students officially nominated by their faculty for a mobility semester abroad will benefit from a mobility scholarship. Please find more information on the scholarship amounts and rules here.

 

What are my obligations in order to be able to benefit from a mobility scholarship?

Please find all information on the scholarship amounts and rules here.

 

What are the scholarship rates for an exchange period abroad?

Please find all information on the scholarship amounts and rules here.

I am a student who benefits from a scholarship of the Federation Wallonie Bruxelles? Can I still benefit from a mobility scholarship?

Yes, the two are perfectly compatible. Actually, if you are a “allocataire” of a scholarship from the FWB, the amount of the mobility scholarship will be higher as you are considered as a student from a disadvantaged economic background. Please find more information on the scholarship amounts and rules here.

 

Does the income of my parents affect the scholarship amount I can benefit from?

- Indirectly. If you are an “allocataire” of a scholarship from the FWB, the amount of the mobility scholarship will be higher as you are considered as a student from a disadvantaged economic background. Please find more information on the scholarship amounts and rules here.

 

What are my obligations in order to benefit from a financial support during my exchange abroad?

- Please find more information on the scholarship amounts and rules here.

 

Do you have any financial support for preparatory language classes prior to my mobility abroad? If so, what type of proof/documentation do I have to provide in order to benefit from that support?

- Yes, UNamur students officially nominated for a mobility semester abroad by their UNamur faculty who wish to participate in a preparatory language class can benefit from financial support (usually in the amount of about 300 Euros) for such a class. The class that can be financed must be an intensif one, meaning for example,  5-8 of language sessions per day during a week rather than only 2 hours per week during an entire semester.  Please contact your faculty coordinator or the institutional coordinator for more information.

Can I do my academic internship abroad?

 - Yes, this is possible. Please see your faculty coordinator for more information

Will I benefit from a scholarship if I do my internship abroad?

- Yes, please see here for more information on the scholarship amounts and rules here.

What type of internships can benefit from financial support?

- All types of internships that your faculty can recognize for your UNamur academic curriculum. Financial support can be offered to all intenships except those at international institutions, such as the UN or the EU.

Can I do an academic internship without receiving academic credit for my programme at UNamur?

Yes, this may be possible. Please contact your faculty coordinator and discuss with him/her the possibilities explained here that may be applicable to your particular case.

 What exactly is the internship possibility offered to young graduates from UNamur?

Please find a description here. 

Do you have any reports or other documentation of former UNamur students that went abroad for an exchange semester?

- Please find a number of testimonies under the following link. You may also contact your  faculty coordinator in order to contact former participants in mobility programmes.

 What kind of insurance is required for an exchange period?

- If you are participating in an official mobility semester, meaning your UNamur faculty has nominated you for a mobility as part of your academic programme, UNamur covers you with an accident/civil liability insurance during your stay abroad. It is your responsibility to make sure that you are covered by an adequate health insurance. 

 

Does UNamur provide me with an accident/civil liability insurance?

- If you are participating in an official mobility semester, meaning your UNamur faculty has nominated you for a mobility as part of your academic programme, UNamur covers you with an accident/civil liability insurance during your stay abroad. It is your responsibility to make sure that you are covered by an adequate health insurance.

What is the Erasmus testimony evening?

- UNamur organizes once per year, usually in early November, an evening session where former participants (UNamur alumni and/or students from the previous year) in mobility programmes report on their experience and on is impact on their professional and private lives. Please find more information under this link. 

Will I benefit from a scholarship during my exchange mobility abroad?

Yes, there is usually a period of a few weeks after your arrival at a host university during which you can still do changes to your learning agreement in concertation with you UNamur faculty coordinator and your host institution. So, if you do not like a particular course or the academic content is very different from what you had expected, you can still do changes.

Will my studies take longer if I include an exchange semester abroad?

No, as all academic credits you obtain at your host university are completely integrated into your curriculum at UNamur, you will not lose any time. It is as if you were continuing at UNamur, but you just earn the credits elsewhere.

Is there a minimum number of credits I have to take during my stay abroad?

The number of credits you will have to follow at a host university vary by your UNamur faculty and academic programme. However, the number usually corresponds to the duration of your exchange, thus 30 ECTS credits for a one semester mobility and 60 ECTS credits for a mobility lasting an academic year. For internship mobilities the number of credits you obtain depends on your academic programme at UNamur.

What is the learning agreement and how do I complete it?

The learning agreement is an official document that contains the list of course you will take at your host university and that UNamur will accept for inclusion into your academic programme after your return. The document is signed by you, UNamur and your host university. Please find a template for a learning agreement here.

During a mobility

Who will welcome me at my host institution?

Usually, your arrival will be organized by your host university. You will receive clear instructions on where to be and when, especially if you have reserved on campus housing. Usually the host university will also organize welcome activities, such as a welcome day or days/weeks. Many universities also employ a study-buddy system, meaning a local student will assist you during the first days or weeks.

What do I have to do soon after arrival?

You should go to international or Erasmus office at your host institution to get your arrival certificate formed (you will receive this document at the same time as the scholarship agreement). You should also contact the Erasmus office or the academic coordinator in order to finalize your learning agreement (if not yet done), get your class schedule, a campus plan so you know where to go etc.

Can I make changes to my learning agreement once I am at my host institution?

Yes, there is usually a period of a few weeks after your arrival at a host university during which you can still do changes to your learning agreement in concertation with you UNamur faculty coordinator and your host institution. So, if you do not like a particular course or the academic content is very different from what you had expected, you can still do changes.

What are some arguments for participating in an exchange programme?

- Internationalizing your academic programme, studying in another language, learning another  language, opening your mind to another culture and language, adding an interesting element to your curriculum vitae, becoming more independent and confident.

Is there a minimum number of credits I have to take during my stay abroad?

The number of credits you will have to follow at a host university vary by your UNamur faculty and academic programme. However, the number usually corresponds to the duration of your exchange, thus 30 ECTS credits for a one semester mobility and 60 ECTS credits for a mobility lasting an academic year. For internship mobilities the number of credits you obtain depends on your academic programme at UNamur.

Can I cancel my exchange?

After you have been accepted by your UNamur faculty for an exchange abroad, and especially after you have been nominated to our partner university and after you have began the administrative procedure with the partner, and especially one you have arrived at the partner institution, we expect you to go through with your project, unless for reasons that can be considered as “force majeure”.

After a mobility

 What is the mobility report? Do I have to complete it?

- After your mobility, as part of the obligations towards your scholarship provider, you have to complete an online survey form reporting on your experience. UNamur also asks you to complete an internal survey form, so that she can learn from your experience and better inform future students on what to look out for or pay attention to.

What is the Erasmus testimony evening?

- UNamur organizes once per year, usually in early November, an evening session where former participants (UNamur alumni and/or students from the previous year) in mobility programmes report on their experience and on is impact on their professional and private lives. Please find more information under this link.

What documents to have to deliver to Unamur after my return?

Your signed departure certificate, clearly indicating your arrival and departure dates and signed and stamped by your host institution.

What can I do if I have failed an exam at my host institution?

In this case, your host university's rules apply, meaning that you should be ready to go back for a retake exam if no other solution can be found for your to retake the exam or to make up the credit missed.

How will I obtain my transcript of records and how will the grades by translated?

Your host university will supply you with a copy (or the original) of your transcript of records and they usually also send a copy to UNamur. Your faculty coordinator will then convert the grades into the Belgian grading system,  using well established conversion tables.

INCOMING STUDENT MOBILITY

How do I apply as an exchange student ?

In order to apply as an exchange student you will have to have been nominated officially as an exchange student for UNamur through your home university. After that is done, we will send you an application link. Please find all other information for incoming exchange students on our website

What documenys do I have to supply with my application as an exchange student ?

We will usually ask you to supply an application form, the transcripts of records from your previous university studies, a letter of recommendation, a French language certificate (if you are planning to follow courses taught in French (minimum level of B1 on European Framework of Reference for Languages, no certificate is needed if you wish to follow courses taught in English), a health insurance certificate (including hospitalization/repatriation insurance) and a list of course you would like to follow during your mobility with us. All this is explained in detail in the application platform. 

Do I have to provide a language certificate for my French and/or English language skills?

We ask for a French language certificate (minimum level of B1 on European Framework of Reference for Languages) if you are planning to follow courses taught in French. No certificate is needed if you wish to follow courses taught in English. 

How can my home university nominate me as a student

A simple email to ser-mobilite@unamur.be suffices. More information on our website.

When will I receive my acceptance letter

If accepted for a mobility semester you will receive the admission letter at the latest 4 weeks after the application deadline. 

Do you accept Free-Waiver students?

Yes, we accept Free-Waiver applications under the following conditions: 1. Your home university agrees as well and 2. Our faculty at UNamur accepts your application. Please contact our international relations office at ser-mobilite@unamur.be to inquire into this possibility. 

Where can I find the courses for my learning agreement?

Please consult our website for incoming international students for all information regarding how to complete your learning agreement.

I am a master’s student. Can I follow courses at the bachelor level?

Yes, if your home university agrees to this in your academic programme we allow it as well.

I am a bachelor student. Can I follow courses at the masters level?

Yes, if your home university agrees to this in your academic programme we allow it as well. Please note that a handful of advanced masters level courses at UNamur are exempt from this. Your UNamur faculty coordinator will explain this when examining your proposed learning agreement. 

Can I take courses outside of my UNamur faculty and my study domain?

In concertation with your home university and your UNamur faculty coordinator (who checks for scheduling conflicts, also during the exam session), you can take up to two courses (max 10 ECTS credits) outside of your UNamur faculty to which you have been nominated. 

How can I sign up for the French as a foreign language course?

There is a placement test to assess your French language skills (beginner, intermediate, advanced) in the second week of the semester. All necessary information will be communicated to you upon arrival and during the welcome session. The course is worth 3 ECTS credits. 

Can I get credit (3 ECTS credits) at my home university for the French as a foreign language course?

Please discuss this with the coordinator at your home university. It depends on your academic programme at home. We will mention the course (and grade and credits obtained) on the academic transcript we issue for you at the end of your stay. 

Do I have to pay any fees at the University of Namur?

No, except for about 30 Euros for the sports card, which allows you to use all the sports facilities, just like a regular UNamur student. 

Do you have scholarships to exchange students.

No,  unfortunately we do not offer any scholarship for exchange students. (Exception: non-European students coming as participants in the Erasmus International Credit Mobility program). 

Can I work as a student on campus or off-campus during my exchange stay?

Yes,  you can work as a “jobbist” (student helper) for a fixed number of hours per month. However, these positions are in high demand and may not always be available. 

How can I register for the two weeks of orientation before the fall semester or for the three days or orientation before the spring semester ?

The information regarding the orientation weeks are published on this website. A sign-up link also appears in time for the academic semester. We will also remind you about this possibility frequently via email. 

I do not have comprehensive health insurance? Do you offer such an insurance?

All international students must be covered by health insurance and we require a certificate in that sense with your application package. If you need to purchase such an insurance we can offer you a comprehensive package for about 40 Euros. Please contact the international relations office for more information at ser-mobilite@unamur.be

Where can I find the academic calendar?

Please find it here.

When do classes start?

Please find our academic calendar under this link.

How can I sign up for my classes? 

Your faculty coordinator will inform you about the sign-up procedure after your arrival. You usually have a few weeks after your arrival to drop or replace classes before you have to definitely sign up. Please note that you will have to submit a preliminary list of classes you wish to follow already with your initial application as an exchange student. We will examine that list and provide comments in terms of availability and scheduling conflicts.

How many credits should I sign up for at UNamur?

We require a minimum of 20 ECTS credits (with 30 ECTS being a typical full-semester class load). 

How can I find the scheduling for my classes and the lecture hall?

Please consult our website for all the necessary information. 

What are the following student resources: Webcampus and the Virtual Student Office?

After your arrival we will provide you with an eID and password enabling you to access these resources which are used by the university to communicate important information to you, either from the central office (you exam results, for example) or your professors in regard to your classes. All this will be explained in detail during the welcome sessions at the beginning of the semester. 

Do I have access to the sports facilities and courses organized at UNamur?

Please check here for all the sports-related possibilities. 

What cultural offers do you offer to the UNamur community?

Please check here for all the sports-related possibilities. 

Do you have an Erasmus Student Network Chapter in Namur?

Yes, we do. The ESN team is at UNamur represented through the ErasmusKOT and they
will be your study-buddies in the beginning and throughout your stay at UNamur. They also accompany you during the orientation activities and organize fun activities throughout the semester. 

What extracurricular activities do you offer to exchange students?

Excursion and other fun activities organized by Namur’s Erasmus Student Network chapter. 

What is the PAN (le pôle académique de Namur)?

The PAN is a network of all higher education institutions in Namur. The members of the PAN jointly organize several activities for international students, notably the two weeks or orientation before the fall semester and the three days of orientation before the spring semester but also two cultural excursions throughout the academic year, one in the fall and one in the spring. 

Can you provide testimonies or reports from former exchange students at UNamur?

Please find several video testimonies by former students under the following link.

Can you help me identify former exchange students from my home university that went to Namur, so I can ask them for practical tips?

Please contact us at ser-mobilite@unamur.be and we will try to get you connected with former students. Also ask the international office at your own  university for such contacts.

Whom do I have to contact for any practical question (academic administrative or other) about UNamur or the city of Namur?

 

For any general questions please contact the international relation’s team at UNamur at ser-mobilite@unamur.be

Who can sign my arrival and departure certificats?

 

The institutional coordinator or the faculty coordinator can sign these certificates at the welcome session and at the end of your stay.

When does UNamur fix the dates for the exam sessions?

This is not done before mid-November for the January exam sessions and mid-April fo the June exam session. Your faculty coordinators will communicate the dates you,

What grading systeme does UNamur use?

 

Belgian grades are distributed on a scale from 0-20 with 10 being the passing grade.  In terms of ECTS grades, 17-20 at UNamur correspond to an A, 15-16=B, 13-14=C, 11-12:D, 10=E, <10=F

 

How are the Belgian grades on my academic transcript converted to the grades at my home country?

 

UNamur will provide you with a transcript of record containing the Belgian grades, and the ECTS equivalents. The actual conversion is then being done at your home university.

How can I get the academic credit I have obtained at UNamur to my home university?

 

This is something you have to discuss with your home university, but usually, as long as the academic content of your stay is formalized in a learning agreement, the courses, credits and grades will be integrated into your curriculum at your home university.

If I fail a class what are my possibilities for retaking an exam or other academic aspec

There is only one retake exam session per year and it takes place in August. So if you have failed a class in the first semester exam session in January, or the second semester exam session in June,  you will only be able to retake the exam in August. Taking an exam at a distance is only possible under special circumstances and for ONE exam only.