How to apply
In the first instance, please contact your home institution for details of how to apply to study on exchange at DMU. To apply to study on exchange with us, an active exchange agreement with your home institution must be in place prior to your application.
Your home institution will nominate you to study at DMU, and will send your details to us in the year prior to you starting your exchange at DMU. Once you have been nominated, you will receive instructions regarding the application process via email.
Application deadlines for 2026-27
- Semester 1 (Autumn/Fall) and full academic year exchange: Wednesday 8 April 2026
- Semester 2 (Spring) exchange: Monday 12 October 2026
Application process
Nominated students will be required to submit the following documents to us through an online application form – further information regarding this will be provided to all applicants via email:
- Proof of English language proficiency – See requirements below.
- Transcript of current studies – Please make sure your transcript of records is signed and stamped by your home institution. Postgraduate students must also provide their degree certificate. Transcripts from non-higher education institutions are not required.
- Copy of passport – This must be a clear scan of your photo page. If you have studied in the UK previously, please include all previous visas. If you are currently renewing your passport, please inform us and submit it once it is available.
- Portfolio (if required) – You’ll need to submit a portfolio for the following courses: Animation, Architecture, Contour Fashion, Design Crafts, Fashion and Textiles, Fashion Buying, Fashion Communication and Styling, Fine Art, Footwear Design, Game Art, Graphic Design, Interior Design, Photography and Video, Product Design, and Music. Portfolios help us understand your skills and ensure you’ll enjoy your chosen course. Focus on quality over quantity. We recommend 15 to 25 carefully selected pieces that are clearly presented and easy to navigate. You may include a brief introduction, and your portfolio should be submitted as a PDF.
- Motivation Letter – Provide a statement explaining why you wish to study on exchange at DMU, your subject area, existing skills and knowledge and any additional information to support your application. This does not need to be longer than two pages.
- Module choices
Please note that the supporting documents must be named as follows: ‘Full name – document name’. e.g., John Doe – Transcript.
English language requirements
All modules are delivered in English. .Students must demonstrate proficiency before enrolling and will need to meet the overall score as well as the minimum requirements for each component, being equivalent to an IELTS 6.0/6.5 IELTS standard.
Students coming on exchange for the full academic year will need to demonstrate proficiency through an approved provider as per UK Visas and Immigration standards. View the full list of accepted tests. Please note, these tests need to have been issued within the last two years.
Students coming for one semester only are able to provide a signed letter from the home institution indicating English language proficiency according to a minimum level of CEFR B2.
We also accept the following as evidence of English Language Proficiency. These do not have a validity period so can be issued prior to the last two years:
- Pearson English Language Test (PTE Academic): With a minimum overall score of 50, with at least 42 in each component
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) IBT: With a minimum overall score of 60 (79 or above for Law) and at least the following for each component: Reading: 13, Writing: 21, Speaking: 18, Listening: 12
- Cambridge English (First Certificate): With Grade B, minimum score of 169
- Cambridge ESOL Level 1: Equivalent to CEFR B2
- IELTS: Minimum score 6 with at least 5.5 in each component (For Law students, an overall score of 6.5)
- LanguageCert: 2+ language skills between 33-50 and no skill below 25 OR 3+ language skills between 25-32 and 1 skill between 39-50
- Duolingo: Overall 105: Reading 100, Listening, Writing, Speaking 95 each
- UKVI approved English language test taken within the last 2 years
View the list of those exempt from demonstrating this evidence.
No English language proficiency documents are required from native English speakers.
Your exchange application journey
Begin by applying through your home university’s exchange programme. They will guide you through their process and timeline.
If your application is successful, your home university will officially nominate you to study on exchange at DMU.
Once nominated, you’ll receive details on how to complete DMU’s online application form. Follow the instructions carefully and make sure you upload all required documents.
DMU will check your application and supporting documents. Your application will be sent for faculty and academic
approval. This process will take a few weeks.
If your application is approved, you’ll receive an official acceptance letter from DMU with information about your exchange.
This may include arranging your accommodation, planning your travel, applying for a visa (if required), and attending any pre-departure sessions organised by your home university.
On arrival at DMU, you’ll be invited to take part in welcome and orientation activities to help you settle in and meet fellow students.