EXCHANGE FAQs

• Information sessions are group sessions that introduce you to the exchange process and allowing you to connect with other students going through the process, or past participants who can share their experience.
• Advising sessions are 15 minute one-to-one meetings with a Global Learning Coordinator. You should attend an information session first, and come prepared with questions about your exchange options. To set-up an appointment, please email goglobal@yorku.ca

Some Universities require you to be academically proficient in one of the languages of instruction. Over 70% of our partner universities teach at least some of their courses in English. We suggest you your own research to determine if the host institution you are choosing is the correct fit.

We require a 5.5 overall GPA. Some of our partners have a higher requirement so please refer to our list of partners.

Students with lower GPA should speak with a Global Learning Coordinator to discuss their options.

Yes, you must have completed 18 credits at the time of application.

Yes, but please keep in mind that if you would like to graduate in the year that you go on exchange, you will only be able to go on exchange in the fall semester. If you decide to go for two semesters, the earliest you’ll be able to graduate is October. Please note that October convocation ceremonies are only held at the Keele Campus.

Remember, this is an academic exchange, so your choice of university matters!

We understand that you will be pulled by a particular destination, but having your heart set on Italy when you aren’t academically proficient in Italian will not make a great academic choice and will not set you up for success.

The list of universities can be found here and we urge you to speak to one of our Global Learning Coordinators about your options. The world is your oyster!

You can go for one semester or one academic year (two semesters). When deciding, it is important to take into account your academic requirements as well as your financial situation.

The cost varies depending on where you go but these are some fixed costs:

• Tuition: While on exchange you will be enrolled in 15 credits per semester and paying your regular YorkU tuition fees. Credits will be assessed upon return. No refunds will be given if fewer than 15 credits are completed.
  The fees will be payable to York University on your student account. Information regarding fees can be found here.
• Living costs: Consider that living costs vary based on location and length of exchange. It includes accommodation, meals, local transportation, and entertainment. You can find more about living costs here.

Yes!
Over 70% of students who go on exchange are on OSAP.
Some host Universities and countries require proof of funds. We go over that material in our information sessions and during advising.

Yes!
All courses taken on exchange will automatically count as electives. You may also have the credits count towards your electives OR major/minor/language requirements. See the credit transfer tab above for more information on the course assessment form process.

Your exchange does not impact your YorkU GPA. Your YorkU transcript will show your exchange grades as Pass/Fail. If you are considering graduate or further studies, you will need to submit your YorkU transcript and your transcript from your host (exchange) university.

When our application portal opens, you would be applying one year in advance. This means that if selected you would go on exchange the next academic year. However, due to the academic calendars of specific countries, some exchanges start only in the Winter term (e.g. Australia, South Africa or Uruguay).