International Learning Experiences

Apply Now – University‑Wide Exchange/Study Abroad

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Update: Applications for the Winter 2024 term are now closed.

The International Centre offers Dalhousie University students the opportunity to study abroad through established linkages with overseas institutions. Ideally, students may study under a bilateral student exchange agreement whereby the student pays tuition fees at Dalhousie and is exempted from tuition fees at the overseas institution.

Eligibility criteria

Students must meet the following criteria to participate in a university-wide student exchange/study abroad program:

  • Enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program at Dalhousie, must be in good academic standing with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or above for undergraduate and a cumulative GPA of 3.0 for graduate programs
  • Have completed a minimum of 15 credit hours of university study before the application deadline
  • Be returning to Dalhousie for at least one term following the study abroad/exchange term
  • Be eligible to register at Dalhousie for the period of the international experience
APPLY NOW!

We are aware that there are issues with the functionality of the application form and are working to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.

In the meantime, if you experience an error when trying to access the application form, please try the following:

  • Clear your browser history, and delete cookies
  • Try accessing the form in a new browser (i.e. if you’re using Firefox, try Chrome, and vice versa)
  • Close the browser and try to open it again. Sometimes it works immediately!

NEXT STEPS...

1. Receive your nomination

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.

2. Attend the orientation meeting

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

3. Select your courses for your host institution

  • 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

4. Arrange for academic transfer

  • 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

5. Apply to host university

  • 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.

6. Meet Dalhousie's pre-departure requirements

As soon as you have received an admission letter from your host institution you can start your pre-departure work.

7. Apply for bursaries, scholarships, and grants

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