Exchange Semester for Students of the School of Management
An exchange semester is far more than just a period of studying abroad – it is a life-changing experience. You immerse yourself in a new culture, build international friendships, and broaden both your academic and personal competencies. Along the way, you develop skills such as independence, adaptability, intercultural competence, and language proficiency – qualities that are highly valued in today’s global job market. An exchange semester is a significant step forward, both professionally and personally.
«An exchange semester is much more than simply studying abroad – it is a unique opportunity to grow personally, academically, and culturally. My time in Lisbon challenged me to step outside my comfort zone, connect with people from all over the world, and experience a new way of learning and living.
From inspiring lectures to spontaneous sunsets by the ocean, an exchange semester creates memories, friendships, and perspectives that stay with you long after your studies have ended.»
Sina Bick, Exchange Student, Fall Semester 2025/26, at the NOVA School of Business and Economics, Portugal.
“I encourage everyone to spend a semester abroad. You will have the opportunity to meet amazing people, discover beautiful places, and study at renowned business schools. Living and studying abroad not only allows you to further develop your academic skills, but also to grow as a person and broaden your horizons.”
Anna Schneider, Exchange Student, Fall Semester 2021/22, at the NOVA School of Business and Economics, Portugal
“An exchange semester is something unique and gives you the chance to explore new countries and culture at a young age. It also helps you to widen your horizon and to realise how life is like thousand kilometres away from your home country. Personally, I think that this experience helps you to understand other cultures better, which is getting more and more important in our globalised world.”
Pascal Egli, Exchange Student Fall 2021/22, at Anàhuac Mayab University, Mexico
Studying a semester abroad
The School of Management at OST has over 80 selected partner universities around the world, and students in all degree programs have the option of spending a semester abroad.
If you choose to study BSc International Management, an exchange semester is integrated into your regular curricula. In other degree programs, you may have to take mandatory modules before you go abroad or catch up when you come back. The following semesters are best suited for a stay abroad:
BSc International Management, full-time: 4th or 5th semester
BSc International Management, part-time: 6th semester
BSc General Management, full-time: 5th semester
BSc General Management, part-time: 7th semester
BSc Business Information Technology, full-time: 5th semester
BSc Business Information Technology, part-time: 7th semester
BSc Management and Law: 5th semester
BSc Management and Law, part-time: probably 7th semester
MSc Business Administration: 4th semester
MSc Business Information Technology: 3rd or 5th semester (depending on selected study model)
A list with the available places for GM/WINF/MARE will be published on Moodle from week 40. Registration for the following year is possible until the end of week 42 via the registration form. The International Office regularly organizes information sessions!
Please note that not all partner universities may be suitable for your field of study. An overview can be found here.
Detailed information about studying abroad is available on our internal system moodle.
You can also go abroad on your own, as a so-called freemover. With this variant, you choose the host university yourself. Attention: Tuition fees are due abroad as well as at OST!
Financial Support
Funding for EU Destinations
Switzerland supports students with the Swiss-European Mobility Program (SEMP), the Swiss counterpart to the European Erasmus+ program. For a semester abroad at an OST partner university, a lump sum of CHF 1,900 will be paid. Anyone who opts for a low-CO2 emission means of travel such as train, bus or carpooling can also benefit from a «Green Travel Top-Up» of CHF 100.
Funding for Destinations Overseas
In some cases, SEMP scholarships can also be paid out for semesters abroad outside Europe. The International Office allocates the available funding in accordance with pre-defined criteria.
Overseas exchange students also benefit from a Green Travel Top-Up of CHF 100 if they choose an environmentally friendly means of travel.
For further sources of funding please see www.auslandstipendien.ch
Average costs for a semester abroad
The costs for a semester abroad depend on a variety of factors, for example the destination, the type of accommodation or the student’s personal needs. The International Office is happy to provide OST students with reports by former outgoings.
Further International Options
For students in the MSc Business Administration track, OST has a double degree program with the University of the Sunshine Coast (USC) in Australia. By doing just one extra semester in Australia, you can earn a second master’s degree! In the first semester of your studies at OST, the International Office will organize an information session on this great opportunity.
If you do not want to spend a whole semester abroad, you can also attend a suitable summer school. In consultation with the head of your degree program, up to 4 ECTS can be obtained (approx. 1 ECTS per week). OST students can find more information on Moodle.
An international student consulting project is also a unique opportunity to gain intercultural experience. More information can be found on the pages of the Knowledge Transfer Unit.