PGE - Step 4 - Select your courses abroad

Now that you are preparing for your semester abroad, it's time to choose your courses. This step is essential to ensure that the credits you earn at your host university will be recognized by Rennes SB. Follow this guide to make the right selections.

Understanding Course Selection

When Should I Choose My Courses?

The timeline for course selection depends on your Host University:

• Some universities require course selection during the application process.
• Others allow selection after official acceptance or upon arrival.

Your Host University and/or Rennes SB Exchange Coordinator will inform you of the specific steps to follow.

WHICH COURSES CAN I CHOOSE?

You may consider adding extra courses to secure the validation of your semester, in case one of your courses is not passed. We recommend taking a maximum of 30 ECTS per semester.

N.B: For an Exchange in Semester 8, you are required to select 24 ECTS per semester. Optional courses can help you reach the 24 ECTS knowing that the majority of the courses must be related to Business or Management.  

Courses in French or courses already completed at Rennes SB are not allowed.

Completing Your Learning Agreement

The Learning Agreement is a formal document that lists the courses you plan to take.            

When should I complete it?

• You must submit your 👉 Learning Agreement before the deadline set by your Rennes SB Exchange Coordinator.
• It must be approved by your host university and Rennes SB before your semester begins.

How do I fill it out?

• Choose your courses from the host university’s catalog.
• Ensure they meet Rennes SB’s academic requirements.
• Get the document signed by:
  • Your host university
  • Your Rennes SB Exchange Coordinator
  • Yourself
• Submit it through WebRISE > Exchange Abroad > My Learning Agreement.

Tip: Keep a copy of the signed agreement for your records.

/!\ Special Note for Exchanges in Europe Europe is transitioning from paper-based Learning Agreements to a 👉digital format using the Online Learning Agreement (OLA) platform. Some universities already require this method. If your host university asks you to use OLA, contact your Rennes SB Exchange Coordinator for guidance.

Modifying Your Courses After Arrival

Can I change my courses once I'm abroad?

Yes, but you must update your Learning Agreement. Any changes must be approved by Rennes SB and your host university.

How do I update my Learning Agreement?

• Use the “Second page of the Learning Agreement” document.
• List the new courses and the ones you are replacing.
• Get approval from Rennes SB first.
• Then get approval from your host university.
• Send it back to your Rennes SB Exchange Coordinator

Deadline: You must submit changes within 15 days after your courses start.

Credit Requirements & Course Validation

How many credits do I need to validate?

You have to validate a total of:

• 24 ECTS for an Exchange in Semester 8
• 24 ECTS for an Exchange in Semester 9 (Apprenticeship pathway)
• 60 ECTS for a Full Year in Double Degree

For more details, see above.

Tip: If your exchange is outside Europe, your Rennes SB Exchange Coordinator will inform you about credit equivalency.

How do I ensure my credits are transferred?

Rennes SB only transfers credits, not grades. Credits are transferred only if marked as PASS according to the host university’s grading system. To avoid issues, understand your host university’s grading system from the start.

Handling Failed Courses During Your Exchange

If you do not validate all your required ECTS credits abroad, there are options to make up for the missing credits.

Can I Retake Exams at My Host University?

Some partner universities offer resit sessions. It is your responsibility to check their availability and register if needed. Rennes SB does not organize resit exams for courses failed abroad.

What If My Host University Doesn’t Offer Resit Exams?

If no resit option is available or you fail to register, you will need to take additional courses at Rennes SB upon your return. This may involve extra tuition fees, which will be determined after the Exam Board reviews your exchange results (transcript).

For more details, contact your Education Officer.