Apply Now – University‑Wide Exchange/Study Abroad

If you are selected to participate in an exchange or study abroad program, you will receive a nomination letter. Keep this letter on file, as you may need to provide it to immigration officials or your host university to demonstrate that you have been chosen to participate in the program.

Details about next steps and expectations will be provided at this event

• Make sure you're clear about what they call a course (modules, papers, subjects etc).
• Be clear about how many courses constitute a full course load. At some of our partner institutions, a full course load is 2 courses per term, and you take each course one at a time. Select accordingly.
• Note that students participating in exchange programs are charged an exchange program fee which is the equivalent of a full course load of tuition and fees in your faculty. The expectation is that you will take a full course load abroad as you have paid for it at your home institution before departure

• Before you leave, follow the procedure for receiving academic credit from Dalhousie for the courses you will take abroad.
• You will need to complete a Learning Agreement that either needs to be signed by your Study Abroad and Exchange Advisor, or your academic advisor (Varied by program of study)
• Plan for last-minute errors.
• Have more classes approved by Dalhousie than you can actually take at the host institution so you can make changes when you arrive. It's more difficult to get classes approved for equivalencies once you are abroad. If you must register for a class that you do not have pre-approved, email LOP@dal.ca with your new course selection and syllabi for assistance
• Once you complete your term abroad, the Registrar Office receives your final transcript and they will assign credit and update your record accordingly

• Once you've been nominated, you apply to the host university to obtain a student number, get an admission letter and be provided with all the instructions on preparing for life at your host institution. You'll receive an admission letter along with any other special instructions related to things like health insurance and applying for a visa.
• You must apply according to their stated deadlines and you must meet their academic standards.
• Be prepared to provide several documents that they request for their admission process. These might include: transcripts, passport-sized photos, a letter of intent, a reference letter, a copy of your passport, etc.

Depending on your nationality, depending on where you’re going, and depending on how long you will be staying, you may need a visa to enter the country as an exchange student.  Start your research early.  Check the host country’s visa requirements.  If you require a visa, start the visa application process as soon as you receive confirmation of admission from the host institution.

Some exchange partners offer on-campus housing. Others may help to facilitate off-campus housing options. Some may refer you to off-campus housing directories and third-party providers. The host institution will provide you with more information after you are admitted as an exchange student.

All Dalhousie students travelling internationally must complete a series of pre-departure steps and requirements to comply with Dalhousie’s International Travel Policy. Review the steps and requirements on the Before You Go page. Get started once you receive confirmation of admission from the host institution.

Once you're nominated, accepted, and are beginning to think about booking plane tickets and your visa, you should consider the funding options available.