Botho University has established a number of partnerships with International Universities which offer study abroad and student exchange programs. This provides our students the opportunity to travel and study in international locations and interact with students from across the world giving them a definite competitive edge. Announcements for applications to all exchange programmes are made on our Learning Management platform. All students selected for exchange programmes with our partners are closely supported by the Student and Alumni Affairs Department (SAAD) for any assistance and to have a fulfilling student experience.
Currently, the following study abroad programs are active at Botho University:
KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden
Botho University has a very successful partnership with Sweden’s top Engineering University namely the KTH Royal Institute of Technology. Since 2018, a number of Botho University undergraduate students have traveled to Sweden on student exchange for a period of One semester (6 months). As part of the partnership agreement between the two universities, tuition costs are fully covered. However there are limited spaces for the fully funded exchange program including travel and living costs but students who are willing to pay for these costs themselves are also welcome to apply. Students are given academic credit for the modules that they study at KTH and have the opportunity to have a multi-cultural experience and gain amazing international exposure during their period of stay in Sweden.
There are two exchange periods in a year for which students can apply – either the Spring semester from January- June or the Fall semester from August – December. Students are invited to apply using an online form and from there the Academic team headed by the Pro-Vice Chancellor – Academics and Quality and the Faculty Deans make decisions based on a number of criteria including high academic performance and relevance. Once selected, the students are informed over email and closely assisted to complete their application process.
Baden-Württemberg Cooperative State University
Due to DHBW Germany’s extensive linkages with industry with almost 8,000 employer partnerships as part of their renowned work integrated study model, students who are selected for this exchange programme may also have opportunities to work with German employers during their stay. There may also be a chance to earn a stipend as part of this work arrangement and all these details will be communicated to the student at the time of application and availability.
University of Venda, South Africa
Botho University established a student exchange program with University of Venda in 2015. This was our first study abroad program and its immense success encouraged the university to actively seek such opportunities for its students with other partner universities across the globe. As part of this agreement all tuition costs are taken care of by the host universities. Students receive academic credit for the modules they study at the host university. In 2019, this programme was introduced in the Botho University, Lesotho campus. The number of students per programme has also been increased from five to ten students each year due to the tremendous success seen.The University of Venda study abroad program is currently open to undergraduate students from Botswana and Lesotho campuses. Usually the period of exchange with UNIVEN is from July-December every year.
Botho University has an exchange agreement with Yasar University in Turkey. The partnership allows for our undergraduate students from Botswana and Lesotho campus to travel to Turkey for a semester. As part of this agreement tuition fees are taken care of by the host universities. Students receive academic credit for the modules they study at the host university. However they are expected to take care of all other expenses related to this exchange. This is a relatively new exchange arrangement and the first cohort of students who have been part of this exchange have found the opportunity very beneficial. Usually there are two periods of exchange namely theSpring Semester and the Fall semester. Students are invited to apply on our learning management platform and from there the Academic team makes decisions based on a number of criteria including high academic performance and relevance. Once selected, the students are informed over email and closely assisted to complete their application process.
Hochschule Bremen City University of Applied Sciences in Germany
Botho University’s latest exchange partner is Hochschule Bremen City University of Applied Sciences, a public university in the state of Bremen in Germany. As per their official website, being “..a university of applied sciences, their focus is on practice-oriented study and application-oriented research. Students are given ample opportunity to apply new knowledge and skills even before they graduate. The practical component is particularly high in the dual courses of study that HSB offers in cooperation with companies and organisations from the region. “ This exchange opportunity is currently offered to students from any of our campuses. Being a new exchange partner, currently students are expected to take care of all their costs in relation to this exchange except for tuition fees (which are taken care of by the host university as part of their agreement). Despite the costs associated, HS Bremen and its offerings have evoked a lot of interest amongst our students. Botho University is currently working on sending our first cohort of students in the Fall semester soon to kickstart this exchange.
Pitzer College, Claremont, USA
Botho University established a partnership with Pitzer College, USA to host their students for short term exchange to Botswana. As part of this agreement, Pitzer College Pitzer guarantees two year-long exchange students from Botho universuty (or four semester-long) annually. In January 2025 our first two students from Botswana will be travelling to Pitzer College as part of this exchange agreement.
The Pitzer Exchange Scholarship provides each student with an allowance for one economy round trip airfare, books, and health insurance Botho students will be housed at Pitzer College’s residence halls in rooms for double or triple occupancy. Pitzer will provide each Botho student with a full meal plan in its dining hall. Botho students will be responsible for, any independent travel, room and meals during university holidays and vacation periods when the dormitories are not open. Students are also responsible for expenses related to travel, including passport, visa, immigration fees, excess luggage fees, luggage storage, expenses related to unforeseen travel delays, and independent travel. In providing educational opportunities and program support, students are responsible for all personal expenses such as school supplies, internet and cellphone charges, laundry, local transportation, personal entertainment, etc.Students will have access to the host institution’s student health facilities, which will cover most routine health needs. All students are responsible for purchasing and providing written proof of adequate health insurance coverage and paying for any prescription and over-the-counter medications. All students are required to obtain medical evacuation insurance.Pitzer will arrange for students to be met at the airport on arrival and assist them with initial ground transport to Claremont. Pitzer will provide on-site orientation to both the host institution and to-the local community. At all times Pitzer shall take reasonable steps to ensure student safety and will consult with the home institution with respect to any potentially dangerous situations.
