FAQ for Luiss Outgoing Students

Every selected Luiss student is nominated by the International Student Mobility staff, who communicate the required basic student details to the partner universities (nomination). Subsequently, the partner universities contact the students directly via their official Luiss institutional email, sending instructions to complete the application process. Completing this application is the sole responsibility of the student. 

Students must also carefully review the academic offerings reserved for exchange students and prepare course recognition proposals to be submitted to the Academic Delegate for their Area in order to define the Learning Agreement (study plan) to be followed during the mobility period.

The application procedure is managed directly by the host university and must be completed according to the methods and deadlines specified by them. Instructions, required documents, and timelines will be communicated directly by the host institution and are often available on their official website and factsheets, which students are encouraged to review in advance. To this end, partner university factsheets can be accessed on MyLuiss using your Luiss login credentials.

It is essential to strictly comply with all procedures and deadlines,paying special attention to housing applications and course registration. You are also advised to check your Luiss institutional email regularly, as host universities send key updates and guidance through this channel throughout the mobility process.

Selected students are usually contacted by host universities after the nomination period. Timelines and application submission methods may vary depending on the Department/Area and study level, even within the same host institution.

It is important to check your Luiss email regularly and follow the host university's instructions to complete your application on time. While waiting, it is advisable to prepare the required documentation: International Student Mobility issues the language certificate/letter, while the official Transcript of Records (self-declarations hold no legal value abroad) must be requested from the Student Office upon payment of the duty stamp. Both documents are generally required by host institutions. Failure to complete the application within the specified deadlines and guidelines may result in exclusion from the exchange program.

Not all partner universities guarantee accommodation for exchange students. Some provide university dormitories or offer contact details for private real estate agencies, while others do not offer support for accommodation searches.

Luiss relies on the procedures set out by host universities, as they possess the best knowledge of the local housing market. Therefore, it is the students’ responsibility to inform themselves regarding accommodation availability, application procedures, and deadlines.

To offer additional support to mobile students, Luiss has established a partnership agreement with Housing Anywhere. To take advantage of this agreement, students must register on the platform via the dedicated Luiss page. Below are other useful accommodation portals abroad:

• Spotahome: 30% discount on agency fees using the discount code reserved for Luiss students:
  'LUISS30'.
• Uniplaces: 50% discount on agency fees by applying the Luiss discount code (request via email at residenze-collegi@luiss.it.
• Erasmus Play.

Before making any bookings through these portals, carefully read the general and specific terms. Students are urged to be vigilant against online scams and take necessary precautions.
We also recommend reading the student reports on MyLuiss written by students who attended your host institution in previous years and contacting them for advice and recommendations on university and private housing.

For any queries regarding visa applications for extra-EU mobilities, please contact the Consular Section of the competent Embassy and follow the preliminary instructions provided directly by the host institution.

Students must submit their proposed study plan to be completed abroad directly via Web Self Service during the periods indicated in the 'Terms for Learning Agreement Submission' document (available online).

You must carefully follow the Technical Guide. For bilateral destinations, the 'Credit Balancing Table for Bilateral Partners' is available online to evaluate credit equivalence with the ECTS system. Under no circumstances may more than 36 ECTS credits per semester be recognized at Luiss upon return, or more than 5 exams for Law students.

For non-flexible compulsory courses, strict compatibility and syllabus alignment are required. 'Elective Abroad' and 'Core Abroad' courses will be recognized with their foreign course titles and it is not necessary to match foreign courses to specific Luiss subjects. For Elective Abroad, courses must simply be coherent with your Academic Area. Core Abroad courses must align with the educational goals of your major/degree program and must not closely duplicate the title or content of other courses in your Luiss curriculum. 'Mandatory Abroad' courses must correspond to the specific academic field (SDS) of the course they replace.

An overall credit balance must be achieved: the total credits obtained abroad cannot be less than 85% of the credits recognized at Luiss, and individual course pairings (foreign course – Luiss course) must be balanced to at least 50%. This condition is strictly necessary, but not sufficient on its own. The Academic Delegate for your area, after evaluating your proposed study plan, may request that you increase the total number of credits taken abroad.

In cases where a foreign course carries a high credit weight, a single foreign course may be paired with two Luiss courses. However, when such a dual pairing is included in the Learning Agreement, the overall credits earned abroad must equal at least 100% of the total credits recognized at Luiss across the entire plan. 

For recognition purposes, credit balance must be maintained at all times: before, during, and after mobility. Credit balance can be verified using the online Minimum Credit Calculator.

At many host universities, course registration is conducted on a first-come, first-served basis. Therefore, it is essential to register promptly for Luiss-approved courses as soon as the host university's registration period opens.

If you are unable to secure a place in one or more desired courses offered abroad, you must submit a new Learning Agreement proposal via Web Self-Service, indicating the urgency to your Academic Delegate in the 'notes' section. For this reason, it is strongly advised to identify alternative courses in advance. 

Once the Learning Agreement is approved by the Luiss delegate, you may register for those exact courses at the host university according to their procedures and schedule.

NB! Approval of the Learning Agreement by Luiss does not imply enrollment in courses at the host uni- versity; these are two separate and independent processes.

In the event of changes to course offerings, timetable clashes, courses deemed too advanced or too basic, or lack of places during course registration, a new Learning Agreement can be submitted within three weeks from the start of each course at the host university.

For any doubts, consult the Technical Guide here. 

Attention: The Learning Agreement must always align with the course selection made with the host institution, and must be updated and approved by Luiss within the deadlines set by Regulations to guarantee course recognition. Courses must never be changed arbitrarily, even if alternative options appear similar.

If the Learning Agreement is locked for editing because it was transmitted to the foreign host via EWP (Erasmus Without Paper), you must ask the host university to reject it so you can submit a new proposal. If time constraints are tight due to host registration deadlines, you can submit a new plan proposal by downloading and filling out the template and emailing it directly to your Academic Delegate for approval, copying relint@luiss.it.

Once the Learning Agreement is unlocked on Web Self Service, it must always be formally updated to reflect your foreign course selection.

N.B. During university closure periods, Academic Delegates will continue reviewing Learning Agreement proposals, albeit less frequently.

Transmission of the Online Learning Agreement (OLA) directly to the host institution via Web Self-Service is required once the plan is approved by Luiss. In case of technical issues with EWP transmission/acceptance, and if acceptable to the partner institution, you must download the Learning Agreement template, fill it out manually, sign it, get it signed by Luiss, and send it to the host university. You must then send the fully signed document to relint@luiss.it. Subsequently, as soon as the EWP link is restored, re-submitting the Learning Agreement through the EWP system remains mandatory.

Withdrawal from an assigned destination is not permitted. Exceptional withdrawals must be promptly communicated to the International Student Mobility Office by filling out the dedicated form (available at the link), stating the reasons and attaching supporting documentation.

Any withdrawal at any stage will be reported to the Vice Rector for Education of the student's School, who will evaluate the reason. If deemed inadequate, it will be communicated to the Chair of the Graduation Exam Committee, as it is relevant to the overall merit assessment of the student's academic career.

ERASMUS mobility (including UNITED KINGDOM):

The EU financial contribution varies based on destination country groups divided by cost of living and exchange duration. A travel grant is also provided, calculated based on distance between home and host institutions and the transportation used (Green contribution for sustainable means of transport).

Grants are paid in two installments:

• First installment: 70% of the total grant paid between late September and late November upon
  receipt of the official Erasmus Arrival Certificate.
• Final balance: Paid upon completion of mobility, following submission of the Final Erasmus Cer-
  tificate and the EU Survey.

A minimum study period abroad of 2 months (60 days) is strictly mandatory for academic recognition and grant entitlement.

BILATERAL mobility:
Students selected for a study period at a non-European institution will receive a Luiss mobility grant upon return, subject to funding confirmation. Further details will be announced in the autumn. Grants are disbursed after receipt of the Official Transcript of Records.

Mobility in SWITZERLAND:
Students assigned to Swiss destinations fall under the SEMP (Swiss European Mobility Programme). Any grants awarded by the Swiss Federal Government will be communicated directly by the host universities to eligible students. 

All departing students are strongly advised to keep flight or train tickets as proof of presence in the host country.

Grade conversion tables will be sent upon request to all students after the start of mobility or after the summer period.

We live in an era characterized by rapid changes that often present additional challenges for students studying abroad. We strongly recommend staying continuously informed through reliable sources, including:

1. Viaggiare Sicuri: : Country-specific travel advice sheets updated regularly.
2. Ministry of Health: Official health guidelines and updates.
3. Host University: Direct guidelines and official safety links.

Students must strictly comply with the Vademecum for travellers prepared by the Viaggiare Sicuri portal of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and are reminded to activate the Safety Check feature in the Luiss Mobile App.

Please refer to the 'Start of Mobility' email sent to all students prior to departure, which instructs you to:

• Activate the 'Safety Check' function in the Luiss App.
• Fill out the form in providing your foreign contact details.
• Verify foreign course availability and amend your Learning Agreement, if necessary.
• Submit your Arrival Certificate - Erasmus+ mobility only.

Please refer to the 'End of Exchange Reminder' email sent to all students, which requires you to:

• Submit your duly filled out Foreign Grade Conversion Form.
• Send your official Transcript to relint@luiss.it (if protected) or have the partner university send it.
• Complete the Final Report on your mobility experience.

Erasmus+ mobility only:

• Submit your End of Mobility Certificate.
• Fill out the EU Survey sent directly from the European Commission.

The grade conversion process takes up to five weeks from receipt of the official Transcript of Records. Converted grades are first communicated to students via email and subsequently recorded on their official student career by the Student Office.

The Call is published annually around mid-December and can be consulted online on the dedicated Luiss webpage.

The following students are eligible to participate in the selection process:

• Bachelor's Degree students enrolled in their 2nd year at the time of application.
• Single-Cycle Law Degree students enrolled in their 2nd, 3rd, or 4th year at the time of application.
• Master's Degree students enrolled in their 1st year at the time of application.

Selections are based on total earned credits, weighted average grade (GPA), and language proficiency. For the purpose of calculating the score for the Call for Applications, credits earned and recorded in the student's academic record by the end of the winter examination session will be considered. Are excluded credits earned from “corsi liberi”, internships, and "other activities" (e.g. seminars, soft skills, second and/or third languages, or summer schools that do not involve the recognition of elective courses).

Applications can only be completed and submitted online via Web Self-Service during the month of January. Step-by-step instructions are available at this page.

Submit your application only after consulting MyLuiss and partner university websites for exchange information and course catalogues. Do not wait until the last minute, submit at least a few days before the deadline.

For all Bachelor's and Master's students, departure is scheduled for the first semester, unless explicitly specified otherwise in the Call. Only Law students may choose their mobility semester (where not specified in the Call), subject to partner university academic offer.

It is crucial to choose a destination offering optimal academic compatibility with your degree program by reviewing course offerings prior to selection. Information regarding universities listed in Annex A of the Call can be found on partner university websites and under each university's section on MyLuiss. 

MyLuiss also contains student mobility reports, pre-approved course lists (historical reference, non binding), and other useful information. You can also contact international exchange students currently at Luiss.

• Identify universities of interest.
• Evaluate the academic compatibility of host course offerings.
• Check language proficiency requirements for desired destinations and ensure you possess valid
  language qualifications as specified in the Call.
• Prepare scanned copies of all required mandatory attachments.

Yes. Students participating in the International Exchange Call and in calls for Double Degree, LLM Educational Program, QTEM, Structured Exchange, or GSM programs will be automatically excluded from the International Exchange Call prior to ranking elaboration, if they are selected for and confirm participation in one of those specialized programs.

As indicated in Annex A of the Call, required language levels are listed next to each university. Where specific certificates (TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge, Duolingo) are specified, holding that official certification is mandatory to list that university as a preference. Where only a general language level is listed, a Luiss language level is sufficient. To be valid, all levels, whether Luiss or external, must have been obtained within the timeframe set by the Call for Applications.

For universities offering courses in two languages (e.g., 'English or French'), students must select only one language in their application form. It is not necessary to demonstrate proficiency in both languages.

No, candidates must possess adequate language proficiency to participate in the exchange program.

In the absence of an existing Luiss language level or official certification, candidates may take a language test organized by Luiss. Details are published in the MyLuiss News Archive.

No presumed language level is assigned to native speakers or foreign citizens. Such candidates must demonstrate language proficiency according to the standard methods outlined in the Call.

Earning degree credits scheduled to date is crucial, alongside language level. Knowing a second foreign language increases competitiveness, as most applicants list English-taught destinations. Reviewing historical applicant-to-seat ratios and minimum/average winning scores on MyLuiss helps assess destination popularity and competitiveness.

Language bonuses are determined based on languages associated with selected choices in order of preference. A decreasing bonus percentage is awarded for each additional language associated with your choices (refer to the Language Table in the Call). If a student submits a language certificate for a language not associated with any selected destination preference, no bonus will be awarded. At least 50% of courses taken abroad must be taught in the language associated with the destination.

In compliance with privacy regulations, public rankings will not be published. Assigned destinations will be visible on Web Self-Service around mid-March and email notifications about selection results will be sent to all applicants.

No action is required to accept an assigned placement. By submitting an application, the student commits to participating in and completing the program if assigned to any requested destination. Only Law students must communicate their semester choice within 3 days of publication, where applicable, based on the compatibility of the host institution’s academic offering.

No. Under no circumstances are student-to-student placement swaps permitted.

Students meeting requirements who were not assigned a seat due to capacity limits are placed on waiting lists. If an assigned student withdraws, vacant seats may be reallocated to waiting-list candidates who requested that destination, in ranking order, subject to host university deadlines and procedures.

Following online Learning Agreement approval and positive application outcome, students must independently manage all procedures to formalize departure (foreign university application, tuition payment, course registration, etc.) within host university modes and deadlines. Luiss holds no exchange agreement for Free Mover mobility, and students are not formally selected and nominated by Luiss. Students liaise directly with foreign institutions. Commit financial resources only after receiving written confirmation of admission from the host institution.

In the event of changes to course offerings, timetable clashes, courses deemed too advanced or too basic, or lack of places during course registration, a new Learning Agreement can be submitted within three weeks from the start of each course at the host university, specifying reasons in the notes field. Warning, the LA must always be aligned with course registration made at the Host Institution, be updated and approved by Luiss to ensure course recognition upon return.

Syllabi must be retrieved directly from the host university's website. Direct correspondence with the host institution is recommended as Luiss does not mediate with foreign universities.

Courses belonging to academic years prior to the mobility year cannot be recognized. A maximum of 36 ECTS credits can be recognized for Economics, Business, and Political Science, and up to 5 exams for the Single-Cycle in Law.

Free Mover students must pay regular Luiss tuition fees as well as host university tuition fees directly to the host institution in the time and manner set by them.

Refer to the ‘End of Mobility’ email sent by the Office for instructions.

Once we receive your Transcript of Records, the International Student Mobility Office will convert your grades, which will be sent to your university email address.
The conversion decisions will then be forwarded to the Student Affairs Office for inclusion in your academic record.

Upon receipt of the official Transcript of Records, the International Student Mobility Office converts grades, notifies you via email, and forwards conversion resolutions to the Student Office for official transcript recording (taking up to 5 weeks total, with recording usually within 15 working days).

Request conversion tables by emailing freemover@luiss.it.

First, carefully read the Free Mover Regulations. Applications are submitted via Web Self-Service in the month of April. You may select a pre-approved destination or propose new non-partner destinations for case-by-case evaluation. Check minimum credit requirements and host admission criteria prior to applying. 

After submitting their application, students must await a notification from the Office that will require them to proceed with completing the Luiss Learning Agreement, following the procedures outlined in the "Technical Guide". The approval of the Learning Agreement is an essential requirement for successful completion of the application.

Summer School Regulations are published online and updated annually around December for the upcoming summer session.

Students attending a Summer School Abroad at a host university between June and August for at least 2 weeks, may request recognition for an elective course in their study plan counting toward graduation credits.

Alternatively, credits can be recognized for 'other activities' (following the specific School procedures) or as an extra course (“corso libero”) taken abroad, which does not count toward degree credits or GPA.

You may attend any university offering a Summer School program provided the course meets regulatory requirements and is included in the pre-approved list or approved ex-novo by your Academic Delegate before the deadline.

On the host universities’ websites in the Summer Schools section.

Although we do not have specific agreements with the universities offering these courses, you can consult past student reports, brochures and information materials by sending a request to riconoscimentosummerschool@luiss.it. In addition to these universities, you may also identify one independently and request approval for the course in accordance with the procedures set out in the Regulations.

For each Area and level, a list of pre-approved courses is available, valid exclusively for the Area and the study cycle to which it belongs. The lists are updated every year and are available here.

To request recognition of a new course you must follow the instructions provided here.

Costs vary by university and are available on host websites. All expenses associated with Summer School mobility are borne entirely by the student.

Send your official Transcript of Records directly from the host institution to the International Student Mobility Office by late October. Online platform transcripts (e.g., LSE) are accepted. Don’t forget to complete the recognition request form available here by late October.

Upon receiving documents, the office converts grades and notifies you via institutional email. You may reject converted grades below 30/30 within 72 hours of notification. If no rejection is received, the grade is deemed accepted and registered by the Student Office within approximately 15 working days.

No. Upon return, recognition cannot be requested for a course different from the one approved prior to departure or listed in pre-approved course list.

Request conversion tables by emailing riconoscimentosummerschool@luiss.it.