Semester structures

🌍 Overlapping Exchange Semesters

When planning an exchange stay, it’s important to be aware that the semester structure at the host university may overlap with DTU’s semesters—especially if you are going to Germany, Austria, or Japan. Most destinations will overlap slightly with DTU’s semester (particularly in January), but this is often not a major issue. This section focuses on countries where the overlap is greatest and therefore sometimes requires a bit more planning.

✅ How to Prepare

• Check the semester calendar at the host university – when do classes and exams start and end?
• Talk to DTU’s student guidance about options for flexibility in your study plan.
• Contact your DTU instructors well in advance if you expect to start courses late.
• Consider exam formats that can be taken online or earlier (e.g., written reports or oral presentations).
• Apply for dispensation if you need to start your thesis before your exchange credits have been transferred. If you plan to write your thesis the semester after your exchange, this often becomes relevant.
• International students: Check SIRI’s rules on residence permits and dispensation for extended stays abroad.

💬 Advice from Former Exchange Students

“Make sure to get dispensation to start your thesis while waiting for credit transfer.”
– DTU student

“Plan ahead and create multiple study plans – things can change!”
– DTU student

“Contact your DTU instructors early – some allow online participation at the start.”
– DTU student

“If you only have your thesis left, it’s easier to handle overlap since the start date is flexible.”
– DTU student

Below you can see a chart showing what most former students did to manage overlapping semesters.