Short programs
Undertaking a short program is a great way to gain credits towards your degree, experience new cultures and gain a competitive edge before you graduate.
Short program options
Study overseas for a few weeks and gain credit towards your degree.
Short programs give you the opportunity to travel and learn at universities and colleges all over the world.
You can undertake short programs at partner and non-partner institutions. Many programs run in the semester breaks, so you may even be able to fast-track your degree by completing units sooner.
Fees & costs
Most short programs have a tuition fee that you pay to the host university/program provider. If the host university waives the tuition fee, you may be required to pay the VU tuition fee for the unit(s) you complete. Some programs include accommodation as part of the program fee. Check the program’s website for the full list of inclusions and costs.
Summer Block Programs
Discover the programs offered during the summer block
Each year, ESSCA's Central European learning center host a very interactive winter program for students who come from a large number of partner universities from all over the world. The program, worth 7.5 ECTS credits (12 VU credits), is open to undergraduate students of business.
Cultural events will also be offered during the program.
Academic options
- International Marketing and Crisis Management
- Corporate Social Responsibility and Humanistic ManagementÂ
Students will need to have the units assessed for VU credit.
Program dates: 6—17 January 2025
Application Deadline: 1 October 2024
Program location: Hungary
Program host: ESSCA
Program type: Exchange (tuition is paid to VU)
Credit: 7.5 ECTS
Cost: €1,300
Cost inclusions: Housing, Company and cultural visits, Course materialsDiscover Berlin, deepen your academic knowledge and develop vital intercultural skills with one of the HWR Berlin’s short-term programs.
Consulting for Responsible Corporate Transformation
This course is on hot topics: management consulting, corporate responsibility and transformation management. Students will gain insights into the world of management consulting firms with their relevant growth drivers and practices as well as the topics of corporate responsibility and corporate transformation. They will work on a real challenge from a business partner applying their learned knowledge and finally presenting a solution in a consulting-like manner.
Students will need to have the units assessed for VU credit.
Program dates: 5—18 January 2025 (18 December—3 January 2025 virtual reading period)
Application Deadline: 1 October 2024
Program location: Germany
Program host: HWR Berlin School of Economics and Law
Program type: Study Abroad (tuition is paid to Host University)
Credit: 6 ECTS
Cost: €900
Cost inclusions: Tuition and program fees, study visits, most parts of the culture and leisure time program. Accommodation not included but can be arranged through HWR Berlin.Learn more about the Consulting for Responsible Corporate Transformation
Discover Berlin, deepen your academic knowledge and develop vital intercultural skills with one of the HWR Berlin’s short-term programs.
Strategy & Brand Management in the Brewing Industry
Discover the strategies that underpin the global brewing industry in one of the world’s most important beer markets. During this unique one plus two-week program students will explore the competitive strategies of global market leaders and the management challenges in craft beer production, distribution as well as brand management.
Students will need to have the units assessed for VU credit.
Program dates: 5—18 January 2025 (18 December—3 January 2025 virtual reading period)
Application Deadline: 1 October 2024
Program location: Germany
Program host: HWR Berlin School of Economics and Law
Program type: Study Abroad (tuition is paid to Host University)
Credit: 6 ECTS
Cost: €930
Cost inclusions: Tuition and program fees, study visits, most parts of the culture and leisure time program. Accommodation not included but can be arranged through HWR Berlin.Learn more about the Strategy and Brand Management in the Brewing Industry
iWinter MX is a program designed for international students who love traveling and learning about new cultures. Students will live in four vibrant cities in Mexico. Mexico City, the colonial cities of Queretaro and Puebla and the modern business and industrial center in Monterrey.Â
They will make everlasting memories exercising their intellectual curiosity and developing entrepreneurship, innovation and leadership skills, in a multicultural setting.Â
During their stay in Mexico, students will learn about different parts of the country without ceasing their studies.Â
Each campus has special activities, with field trips, company visits and networking events that will make their experience unforgettable.
Global Business
Students will undertake 2 courses (a total of 6 US credits - 24 VU credits).
- NI1002B International Business opportunities
- MT1001B Marketing Insights to Develop Strategies
Students will need to have the units assessed for VU credit.
Program dates: 6—31 January 2025
Application Deadline: 1 November 2024
Program location: Mexico
Program host: Tecnológico de Monterrey
Program type: Â Exchange (tuition is paid to VU)
Credit: 6 US credits
Cost: $2,250 USD
Cost inclusions: Housing, Transportation for all program activities, including pick up on official arrival day and transfer from city to city, Breakfast six days of the week, Tickets to all visits and events of the program, Student arrival kit and Health Insurance.WinterMX is a program designed for international students who love of travelling and learning about new cultures. Discover four of the most iconic states in Mexico, visit the capital Mexico City, enjoy the colonial city of Querétaro, go to the amazing Guadalajara, walk through historic places at Puebla, and choose to make everlasting memories in beautiful places like Puerto Vallarta and San Miguel de Allende.
During your stay in Mexico, you will have the opportunity to live for weeks on four different campuses. This will give you the chance to learn about different parts of the country without ceasing your studies.Â
Each campus has special activities, and several trips, that will make your experience unforgettable!
Mexican Cultural Heritage & Social Challenges
Students will undertake 2 courses (a total of 6 US credits- 24 VU credits).
- EH1013 - Cultural Heritage of Mexico
- EH1014 - Violence,Dignity and Social Justice
Students will need to have the units assessed for VU credit.
Program dates: 6—31 January 2025
Application Deadline: 1 November 2024
Program location: Mexico
Program host: Tecnológico de Monterrey
Program type: Â Exchange (tuition is paid to VU)
Credit: 6 US credits
Cost: $2,250 USD
Cost inclusions: Housing, Transportation for all program activities, including pick up on official arrival day and transfer from city to city, Breakfast six days of the week, Tickets to all visits and events of the program, Student arrival kit and Health Insurance.Learn more about the Mexican Cultural Heritage and Social Challenges program
Experience 4 weeks in Querétaro and experience ethics, sustainability and social responsibility with an innovative and social entrepreneurship program aligned with the United Nations sustainable development goals.
Discovers the Sierra Gorda in Querétaro, a biosphere reserve declared by UNSECO, while learning about ethics, sustainability and social responsibility.
Ethics, sustainability & social responsibility
Students will undertake 2 courses (a total of 6 US credits- 24 VU credits).
- EH1012 - Ethics, sustainability and social responsibility
- EM1002B - Innovative Social Entrepreneurship
Students will need to have the units assessed for VU credit.
Program dates: 6—31 January 2025
Application Deadline: 1 November 2024
Program location: Mexico
Program host: Tecnológico de Monterrey
Program type: Â Exchange (tuition is paid to VU)
Credit: 6 US credits
Cost: $1,990 USD
Cost inclusions: Housing (in Campus Residence Hall), Sierra Gorda program activities, breakfast and lunch, Breakfast (Monday to Friday), Transportation to and from Sierra GordaLearn more about the Social Impact and Environmental Consciousness
If you are passionate about learning other languages, connecting with people from different parts of the world, and are curious about Mexican culture, this program is perfect for you.
Learn Spanish at Campus Querétaro, in a vibrant and modern city with a preserved colonial charm in the heart of Mexico.
Spanish as a Second Language & Mexican Culture
Students will undertake 2 courses (a total of 6 US credits- 24 VU credits).
- Spanish for Beginners OR Intermediate Spanish
- EH1016 - Mexican Culture and Identity
Students will need to have the units assessed for VU credit.
Program dates: 6—31 January 2025
Application Deadline: 1 November 2024
Program location: Mexico
Program host: Tecnológico de Monterrey
Program type: Â Exchange (tuition is paid to VU)
Credit: 6 US credits
Cost: $1,190 USD
Cost inclusions: Housing (in Campus Residence Hall), Breakfast (Monday—Friday).Learn more about the Spanish as a Second Language and Mexican Culture
Third-party providers
VU has agreements with two third-party providers to offer our students short-term programs throughout the world.Â
The application process remains the same: you will need to seek credit approval from your college before applying for a third-party program.
CISaustralia is dedicated to providing university students with innovative, high quality, short-term overseas study, intern and volunteer experiences for academic credit, while promoting global awareness, inspiring personal growth, and developing engaged world citizens.
Program locations: Canada, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Spain, UK, USA
Program type: Study Abroad (tuition and program fees are paid to CIS)For more information about the CIS Australia January and July Programs, please visit their website:
University credited short term programs offer access to global learning environments during the Summer and Winter break periods.
With onsite staff providing high level holistic support, IFSA is proud of their commitment to inclusive excellence, individualised learning, and the focus on intercultural agility to enhance the enduring impact of the student experience.Â
The inclusive pricing covers arrival orientation, activities and excursions, housing, medical insurance, academic support, tuition, and transcript.
Program locations: Costa Rica, Italy, Mexico, Spain, Argentina, China, Czech Republic, England, Ireland.
Program type: Study Abroad (tuition and program fees are paid to IFSA)Find more information about the IFSA summer and winter programs
Apply
Apply now
To apply for a short program overseas:
- Complete the application for study overseas form (PDF, 257.5 KB)
- Complete the short-term overseas study plan (PDF, 177.99 KB)
- Submit both forms to [email protected] by the relevant application deadline
Eligibility
Both domestic and international students are able to undertake overseas short programs, subject to course requirements.
To be eligible, you must have:
- achieved a credit average (minimum of 60%); and
- completed one year of undergraduate study (eight units) by the time you depart; or
- completed one semester of postgraduate study (four units) by the time you depart.
Winter block programs
Below you will find a list of programs that ran the VU Winter Block 2024. This list will be updated in early 2025 when new programs and dates are announced.
CBS provides a short-term programme that is full of opportunities for you.
During your stay at CBS you can select courses from different disciplines to enhance your skills in theory and practice. Acknowledging that working successfully in an international environment requires excellent intercultural soft skills, you will work together with Bachelor and Master students from all over the world. Furthermore, you will get the chance to discover Europe and benefit from a wide range of extracurricular activities.
Academic Options
Students can choose 1 or 2 of the below parings.
Paring 1Â SUSTAINABLE TRANSFORMATIONÂ (6 ECTS)
- Sustainability Transformation: Basic Concepts
- Sustainability Transformation: Case Studies
Paring 2Â FUNDAMENTALS FOR SMART CITIESÂ (6 ECTS)
- Framework and Infrastructures of Smart Cities
- Technologies for Smart Cities
Paring 3Â EUROPEAN POLITICS AND ECONOMICSÂ (6 ECTS)
- EU Politics
- EU Law and Institutions
View the CBS summer program website.
Students will need to have the units assessed for VU credit.
Program dates: 17 June to 12 July 2024
Application Deadline:Â 1 April 2024
Program location:Â Cologne, Germany
Program host: CBSÂ International Business School
Program type: Study Abroad (tuition is paid to Host University).Â
Cost: 6 ECTS = €900 and 12 ECTS = €1,600
Cost inclusions: Tuition, course materials and social activities. Accommodation is paid separately.The Paris Summer Program offers courses on the themes of luxury and management in one of the world’s most vibrant city. Designed for undergraduate business students, classes will be complemented by some visits to the Yves Saint Laurent museum, the Louvre or on a boat trip on the Seine.
Teaching will be carried out by the regular ESSCA research staff and adjunct professors with the possibility of guest speakers and outings
Cultural events will also be offered during the programme.
Academic Options:
- Paring 1- Luxury Brand Management
- Paring 2Â -Cross- Cultural management and Leadership.
View the ESSCA summer program PDF.
Students will need to have the units assessed for VU credit.
Program dates: 16 June to 6 July 2024.
Application Deadline:Â 29 March 2024
Program location:Â Paris, France
Program host:Â ESSCA
Program type: exchange (tuition is paid to VU)
Cost: €1,900Â
Cost inclusions: course materials, shared-accommodation, Tourist Tax, welcome lunch and farewell social activities, public transportation card and 3-5 extra curriculum cultural activities.This program offers students the experience of discovering the French Provence through courses on tourism and culture. Students may participate in a wine tasting or attend the Aix Festival, Arles Festival or Avignon Festival.
Academic Program:
Developping Sustainable Experience in Cultural Tourism in Provence
- Digital Promotion in Cultural Event
- Wine Industry and Sustainable Environment
View the ESSCA summer program PDF.
Students will need to have the units assessed for VU credit.
Program dates: 16 June to 13 July 2024.
Application Deadline:Â 29 March 2024
Program location:Â Â Aix-en-Provence, France
Program host:Â ESSCA
Program type: exchange (tuition is paid to VU)
Cost: €2,900
Cost inclusions: course materials, shared-accommodation, Tourist Tax, welcome lunch and farewell social activities, public transportation card and 3-5 extra curriculum cultural activities.This program offers students the experience of discovering the World-famous wine region of Bordeaux through courses on wine business while also learning about Luxury Hospitality in an international must-see French city. Marketing of wine producers, luxury service management, selling wine, soft skills in the hospitality industry. Students will go on field trips at a 5-stars palace, on vineyards and undertake wine tastings.
Academic Program:
The French Wine Industry and the Bordeaux Region
- Bordeaux Wine and Food Tourism
- Hospitality and Luxury
View the ESSCA summer program PDF.
Students will need to have the units assessed for VU credit.
Program dates: 16 June to 6 July 2024.
Application Deadline:Â 29 March 2024
Program location:Â Â Bordeaux, France
Program host:Â ESSCA
Program type: exchange (tuition is paid to VU)
Cost: €2,400 (organisational costs)
Cost inclusions: course materials, shared-accommodation, Scheduled visits and field trips depending on availabilities and weather (Boat tour, vigneyards visit, walking tour, etc) and welcome and Farewell social events.Experience an unforgettable summer at HKBU in vibrant Hong Kong. Immerse yourself in a world-class metropolis where East meets West. From UNESCO Global Geopark Tour to Thrilling Theme Park adventure and staycation to exciting 80s roller party, embark on a journey filled with mind-blowing activities.
Academic Options:
The maximum study load for the four-week long summer programme is 6 HKBU credits. Each unit is worth 3 HKBU credits.
- Adventures, Treasures, and Archaeology in China
- Introduction to Modern Chinese History
- History of Hong Kong since 1900
- Making a Smart Decision
- Practical Putonghua
- Introductory Mandarin for Non-Chinese Speakers (Part I)
- Introductory Cantonese for Non-Chinese Speakers
- Visual Communication
- The Synergy of Chinese Arts and Literature as Self-Expression
- Business Communication
- Marketing Management
- Reading Chinese Literature in Translation
- Screen Acting Workshop
View the HKBU summer program website.
Students will need to have the units assessed for VU credit.
Program dates: 2 to 31 July, 2024Â
Application Deadline: 25 March 2024Â
Program location: Hong KongÂ
Program host: Hong Kong Baptist UniversityÂ
Program type: exchange (tuition is paid to VU)Â
Cost: $1,500 USDÂ
Cost inclusions: on-campus accommodation, staycation and theme park activities, administration, and visa fees.iSummer MX is a program designed for international students who love traveling and learning about new cultures. Students will live in four vibrant cities in Mexico. Mexico City, the colonial cities of Queretaro and Puebla and the modern business and industrial center in Monterrey. They will make everlasting memories exercising their intellectual curiosity and developing entrepreneurship, innovation and leadership skills, in a multicultural setting. During their stay in Mexico, students will learn about different parts of the country without ceasing their studies. Each campus has special activities, with field trips, company visits and networking events that will make their experience unforgettable.
Global Business
Students will undertake 2 courses (a total of 6 US credits).
- NI1002B Business Globalization
- MT1002B Market Solutions
Students will need to have the units assessed for VU credit.
Program dates:Â 24 June to 26 July 2024
Application Deadline:Â 1 May 2023
Program location:Â Mexico
Program host: Tecnológico de Monterrey
Program type:Â exchange (tuition is paid to VU)
Cost:Â $2,450 USD
Cost inclusions: Housing, Transportation for all program activities, including pick up on official arrival day and transfer from city to city and Breakfast six days of the week.iSummer MX is a program designed for international students who love traveling and learning about new cultures. Students will live in four vibrant cities in Mexico. Mexico City, the colonial cities of Queretaro and Puebla and Guadalajara. They will make everlasting memories exercising their intellectual curiosity and developing entrepreneurship, innovation and leadership skills, in a multicultural setting. During their stay in Mexico, students will learn about different parts of the country without ceasing their studies. Each campus has special activities, with field trips, company visits and networking events that will make their experience unforgettable.
Regional Economics
Students will undertake 2 courses (a total of 6 US credits).
EC1003B Macroeconomics and Economic Development
EC1020 Micro Economic Incentives and Macro Outcomes
Students will need to have the units assessed for VU credit.
Program dates:Â 24 June to 26 July 2024
Application Deadline:Â 1 May 2023
Program location:Â Mexico
Program host: Tecnológico de Monterrey
Program type:Â exchange (tuition is paid to VU)
Cost:Â $2,450 USD
Cost inclusions: Housing, Transportation for all program activities, including pick up on official arrival day and transfer from city to city and Breakfast six days of the week.iSummer MX is a program designed for international students who love of travelling and learning about new cultures. Discover four of the most iconic states in Mexico, visit the capital Mexico City, enjoy the colonial city of Querétaro, go to the amazing Guadalajara, walk through historic places at Puebla, and choose to make everlasting memories in beautiful places like Puerto Vallarta and San Miguel de Allende.
During your stay in Mexico, you will have the opportunity to live for weeks on four different campuses. This will give you the chance to learn about different parts of the country without ceasing your studies. Each campus has special activities, and several trips, that will make your experience unforgettable!
Mexican Cultural Heritage & Social Challenges
Students will undertake 2 courses (a total of 6 US credits).
- EH1013 - Cultural Heritage of Mexico
- EH1014 - Violence,Dignity and Social Justice
Students will need to have the units assessed for VU credit.
Program dates:Â 24 June to 26 July 2024
Application Deadline:Â 1 May 2023
Program location:Â Mexico
Program host: Tecnológico de Monterrey
Program type:Â exchange (tuition is paid to VU)
Cost:Â $2,450 USD
Cost inclusions:Â Housing, Transportation for all program activities, including pick up on official arrival day and transfer from city to city and Breakfast six days of the week.More information about the Mexican Cultural Heritage and Social Challenges program.
iSummer MX is a program designed for international students who love of travelling and learning about new cultures. Discover four of the most iconic states in Mexico, visit the capital Mexico City, enjoy the colonial city of Querétaro, go to the amazing Chiapas, walk through historic places at Puebla, and choose to make everlasting memories in beautiful places like Puerto Vallarta and San Miguel de Allende.
During your stay in Mexico, you will have the opportunity to live for weeks on four different campuses. This will give you the chance to learn about different parts of the country without ceasing your studies. Each campus has special activities, and several trips, that will make your experience unforgettable!
Migration Beyond borders
Students will undertake 2 courses (a total of 6 US credits).
RI2002B Regional Scenarios in the Contemporary World
RI1016 Gender, Society and Human Rights
Students will need to have the units assessed for VU credit.
Program dates:Â 24 June to 26 July 2024
Application Deadline:Â 1 May 2023
Program location:Â Mexico
Program host: Tecnológico de Monterrey
Program type:Â exchange (tuition is paid to VU)
Cost:Â $2,450 USD
Cost inclusions:Â Housing, Transportation for all program activities, including pick up on official arrival day and transfer from city to city and Breakfast six days of the week.More information about the Migration Beyond borders program.
The main goals of the summer school are to provide students with academic and applied knowledge, experience of an international environment and knowledge of the Swedish culture through a rich program of cultural and social activities.
You will be able to discover Sweden and the region of Småland as part of the social and cultural events included in the programme. You will visit Vadstena Castle – one of Sweden’s best preserved castles from the Gustav Vasa period in the 16th century – and Gränna, which is a small town outside of Jönköping where the popular peppermint candy canes are handmade. You will also visit the ruins of Brahehus Castle and experience the Swedish nature, in addition to a list of fun activities that will be organised for you and your classmates.
Purchasing Logistics with a Global Perspective
The aim of this course is to give advanced knowledge of logistics in purchasing and supply-chain management with a global perspective. The focus is on the purchasing functions important for the company result.
Students will need to have the units assessed for VU credit.
Program dates:Â 3 - 28 June 2024
Application Deadline:Â 22 March 2024
Program location:Â Sweden
Program host:Â Jonkoping University
Program type:Â Exchange (tuition is paid to VU)
Cost:Â SEK 1,500 approx. (Swedish Krona)
Cost inclusions:Â Social program and application fee.The Summer School for Sustainability is a chance to take action on sustainability and deepen your understanding of global challenges and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Join an international cohort of like-minded people for five inspirational weeks and get the chance to visit the beautiful city of Gothenburg.
The Summer School offers a programme of courses and activities to create synergy around sustainable solutions and encourage interdisciplinary collaboration. You will be able to get accepted for one 7,5 credits (ECTS) course, running from 27 June to 2 August, 2024.
Academic Options
There are 5 courses to choose from each worth 7.5 ECTS:
- Biodiversity in Western Sweden - BIO090
- Managing Migration - FH1550
- Digitalisation in a changing world - DIT004
- Imagining justice for a sustainable world: perspectives from fiction, philosophy and religion - LIR103
- Teaching Sustainable Development from a Global Perspective - PDG459
Students will need to have the units assessed for VU credit.
Program dates:Â 27 June - 2 August 2024
Application Deadline:Â 26 February 2024
Program location:Â Sweden
Program host:Â University of Gothenburg
Program type:Â Exchange (tuition is paid to VU)
Cost: No program fee, accommodation is guaranteed and approx. 4000 SEK.More information about the Summer School for Sustainability program.
Video: University of Gothenburg - Summer School for Sustainability