Supplementary subjects abroad (ITTU)

With an individually planned supplementary subject abroad (ITTU), you have the opportunity to spend a semester abroad. This means you can choose to complete the final semester of your supplementary subject abroad – either by going on exchange through AU or as a freemover.

If you wish to apply for an exchange spot through AU, you can read more about the application process here.

You can also read more about your options for going abroad as a freemover.

Please note that not all BA programmes offer the possibility of taking a supplementary subject abroad. Read more in the FAQ.

Application Deadline

The deadline for applying for enrolment in an individually planned supplementary subject abroad (ITTU) is:

  • 15 April

This deadline applies whether you go abroad through one of AU’s exchange agreements or as a freemover.

You apply via AU’s Digital Application System (DANS), where you indicate:

  • which supplementary subject you wish to take
  • that you wish to combine the supplementary subject with ITTU

Structure of Supplementary Subject Abroad (ITTU)

A Supplementary Subject abroad consists of:

  • 15 ECTS from a bachelor supplementary subject offered at Arts, Aarhus University
  • 30 ECTS bachelor-level courses at a foreign university

As a rule, the structure is as follows:

5th semester

ITTU:
Bachelorsupplementary subject at Arts, AU

15 ECTS

Bachelor's project

15 ECTS

6th semester

ITTU:
Courses at a foreign university

30 ECTS

  • Combinations that extend your study period cannot be approved. Therefore, your ITTU and your bachelor project must be completed within one year.

For the 15 ECTS at AU:

For the 30 ECTS abroad:

  • You may take courses both within and outside your major subject.
  • Courses must not overlap academically/content-wise with disciplines in your major subject.
  • Courses must be at bachelor level.
  • Courses must not include propædeutic (beginner language) or introductory courses (e.g., German for international students in Berlin or introductory courses for exchange students).

Step-by-Step: How to Plan a Supplementary Subject Abroad (ITTU)

1. Arrange your stay abroad

Once you have decided to go abroad for your bachelor supplementary subject, you need to choose the university where you want to study and identify courses that match your interests and the requirements in Arts’ internal ITTU regulations.

You can either go abroad through AU’s exchange agreements or arrange your stay abroad yourself as a so-called freemover.

If you want to go abroad via AU’s exchange agreements, you can read on this page how to apply and which deadlines apply.

See also the list of exchange agreements.

If you have applied for AU’s exchange agreements, you will receive notification in mid-January about whether you have been nominated for an exchange spot. After that, you can apply for ITTU enrolment.

If you go abroad on your own (freemover), it may take longer to finalise an agreement.

2. Apply for ITTU + 15 ECTS in a BA supplementary subject at Arts

You apply via AU’s Digital Application System (DANS).

✅ Remember:

  • Indicate several supplementary subject priorities if possible
  • Confirm that you wish to combine your supplementary subject with ITTU
  • Application deadline: 15 April

Please note that it is not possible to add ITTU after the application deadline of 15 April

3. Find courses at your host university and apply for pre-approval at AU

You must apply for pre-approval of the courses you wish to take during your exchange stay to ensure that they can be credit-transferred when you return.

You apply for pre-approval via the form Apply for pre-approval of a course at another educational institution, which you can find on mitstudie.au.dk.

Attach the following:

  • Course descriptions for all courses you apply for pre-approval of (including content and learning objectives) – preferably with a link to the course catalogue
  • Level (BA or MA)
  • ECTS weighting

📌 We recommend waiting to apply for pre-approval until you have received information from your host university about their course offerings.

⏳ There is no fixed deadline for applying for pre-approval of courses, but please note that processing time can be up to 6 weeks.

You can find guidance for pre-approval here:

Changing Courses

If your courses change when you arrive at the foreign university, it is important that you apply for a change to your pre-approval as soon as possible.

You apply for a change of courses via the form "Apply for pre-approval of a course at another educational institution", which you can find on mitstudie.au.dk

📌 Remember to attach new course descriptions including level and ECTS.

When You Return from your stay

When you return from your stay abroad, you must remember to apply for credit transfer for the courses you have passed.

How to apply for credit transfer:

📌 Guide to completing the credit transfer form on mitstudie.au.dk
📌 Read more about credit transfer and documentation requirements

Important:

  • Aarhus University does not automatically receive your course results from your host university. You must obtain the transcript yourself.
  • If you have not received your course results within two months, you should contact the host university or your international coordinator.
  • Late credit transfer applications may affect your SU and your eligibility for admission to a Master’s degree programme. Therefore, apply for credit transfer as soon as you have received your course results.

Rules for ITTU

The rules for the organisation, application and approval of ITTUs are described in the internal rules for the Faculty of Arts for ITTUs.

FAQ

Which degree programmes do not offer the ITTU option?

Students enrolled in the following BA programmes cannot choose ITTU:

  • Archaeology
  • International Business Communication
  • Educational Science
  • Theology
  • Classical Philology (track without supplementary subject option)

If you are enrolled in one of these programmes and wish to go on exchange or as a freemover, check your academic regulations to see if and when you have the option to go abroad. You are also welcome to contact the international team at Arts.

Can I cancel my exchange stay?

If you are unable to go on exchange, you must cancel your exchange stay and, if necessary, withdraw your pre-approval.

  • Contact your international coordinator and inform them that you wish to cancel your exchange stay
  • Submit the form 'Exemptions' which you can find on mitstudie.au.dk
    • Indicate that you wish to cancel your supplementary subject abroad and instead complete your entire supplementary subject at AU

Can I still apply for ITTU if I apply for exchange via MoveON in May?

Yes – you must apply for ITTU enrolment no later than 15 April, even if you have not yet applied for or been allocated an exchange spot. This also applies if you plan to applyat the deadline in May.

Can I take the 15 ECTS in Denmark outside the supplementary subject packages?

No, the 15 ECTS must be taken as part of one of Arts’ supplementary subject packages.

I have been allocated an exchange spot in the May round – can I switch to ITTU?

If you are allocated an exchange spot after you have already been enrolled in a regular 45 ECTS supplementary subject, unfortunately, it is not possible to add ITTU after the application deadline of 15 April.

However, you can still go abroad if the courses you choose at the foreign university can be included and fully credit-transferred for the courses you would otherwise have taken in your supplementary subject at AU.

Does there need to be an academic link between the courses abroad and my supplementary subject at AU?

No, there does not need to be a direct connection between the 30 ECTS abroad and the 15 ECTS in your supplementary subject package.

What if I do not pass all courses during my exchange stay?

If you are unable to retake exams at your host university, you must apply as soon as possible for a change to your ITTU approval so you can complete your ITTU in another way.

The solution will typically be to take a course at AU Summer University or find a course in another BA programme that can be included in your ITTU.

What if I have an oral exam at AU after the semester starts abroad?

If you have an exam at AU that conflicts with the start of your semester abroad, you can apply for a specially scheduled exam that takes place before the semester begins at your host university.

  • The deadline for applying is 1 October
  • Send your application to Studiecenter Arts and include documentation of your host university’s semester start

Application forms

Questions?