Exchange Programs

Applications usually open in November each year and remain open for about 10 days. Applications are accepted only once a year — there is no second application period for the spring semester.

The platform to be used, the step-by-step instructions, and all necessary links will be provided in an email sent to you by your Departmental Exchange Coordinator.

Yes. You need an e-Government password to log in to the system and complete your application.

No. You do not need to be a Turkish citizen to participate in Erasmus through Bilkent. A valid passport is sufficient for application.

You will see the list of required documents once you log into the system and click “Apply.” Typically, a CV, a statement of purpose (motivation letter), and a signed form are required.

It should not exceed one page. Three or four short paragraphs are sufficient.

Explain why you want to participate in the Erasmus exchange, how it will benefit you academically and professionally, and introduce yourself briefly.

No, work experience is not required. However, it is recommended to include your computer and language skills, as well as any certificates you may have received.

Your score is calculated based on 50% of your CGPA and 50% of your grades from English 101 and 102. The statement of purpose is not scored, but it is a required part of your application.

You must have a minimum CGPA of 2.50 at the time of application and maintain it until the exchange period. If your CGPA drops below 2.50 before your departure, you will not be allowed to participate, even if you have already been placed.

You can go on exchange during the fall or spring semester of your third year. In your fourth year, you must be at Bilkent to take the COMD 481 Visual Communication Project I course.

If you are a second-year student at the time of application (currently taking COMD 281), you are eligible to apply for Erasmus for your third year.

No, the programme lasts for only one semester for all students.

Yes. The most important consideration is that you must be able to take equivalent studio courses at the host university during your exchange period.

Courses taken during Erasmus are considered equivalent to COMD 381 (Fall) or COMD 382 (Spring). When you return, your studies continue as normal. If a course does not match any in the COMD curriculum, it can be counted as a free elective or an additional course, depending on your available credits.

No, you cannot complete your internship course while on exchange. However, you can apply for an Erasmus Traineeship grant each April with an acceptance letter from an institution where you plan to do your internship.

Yes. COMD students enrolled in a Minor programme can take one course related to their minor while on Erasmus, provided they obtain approval and a signature from their Minor Programme Erasmus Coordinator.

No. Grants are not enough to fully cover your living costs. You should have additional funds equal to at least the amount of the grant, or ensure that your family can financially support you.

The grant is not paid in full at the beginning. A portion is paid before departure, and the remainder is paid upon return, after completing the programme requirements.

You do not pay any tuition fees to the host university. However, you must continue paying your Bilkent tuition. Accommodation expenses are your responsibility, as most universities do not offer free housing for exchange students.

• Leuphana University Lüneburg (Germany) — 4 students, spring only
• Breda University of Applied Sciences (Netherlands) — 2 students, fall or spring
• Tilburg University (Netherlands) — 1 student, spring only
• Corvinus University (Hungary) — 4 students, fall or spring
• New Bulgarian University (Bulgaria) — 2 students, fall or spring
• Universitat Jaume I (Spain) — 1 student, fall or spring; only for Catalan or Spanish speakers

Visit each university’s website and review their programmes and offered courses. Each school has a different focus: Leuphana on digital design, Breda on creative industries, Tilburg on media and journalism, and Corvinus on media studies.

No. You should only list the universities you are interested in. It is not mandatory to fill in all preference slots.

Yes. You can withdraw your placement if you have a valid reason such as family, health, or other personal circumstances, by submitting a written petition before the specified deadline.

Yes. Bilkent also has bilateral exchange agreements with other universities. These programmes generally have different application timelines and requirements (such as CGPA thresholds, portfolios, or interviews). Check the Bilkent Exchange Office website and confirm whether the agreement is still active before applying.

Yes. There are agreements with institutions in countries such as Singapore and Taiwan. Although no COMD students have attended these schools yet, you can contact the Exchange Office to learn about the requirements if you are interested.