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Outbound exchange frequently asked questions

  • Why should I consider doing an international exchange?
    • Participating in an international exchange is a unique learning experience.
    • Students are able to learn about another culture, country, and language.
    • Students are able to compare and contrast academic knowledge and enhance or gain a global perspective.
    • It is a valuable experience that can be applied to all levels of academic, personal and professional growth.
  • Where can I go?

    Students are able to apply to any of Ontario Tech University's international exchange partners.

  • What will be the language of instruction?

    It is important that students research the institution and courses of interest, to confirm the language of instruction. Students will need to confirm the courses selected are in the desired language of their choice.

  • When can I do an international exchange?

    Students can do an international exchange once they have completed two years of study at a Canadian university. Generally, the exchange will occur during the third or fourth year. It is important for students to review their academic requirements before pursuing the international exchange application.

    International exchanges can begin in any semester. Students will find they have more courses to choose from in the fall and winter. If a student is interested in participating in an exchange during the summer semester, he or she must research the partner institution to find out which courses, if any, are offered during that time.

  • What is an international exchange partner?

    An international exchange partner is a university outside of Canada that has signed an exchange agreement with Ontario Tech University. In this agreement, both parties have decided to participate in an academic exchange for a period of time. The agreement generally ranges from three to five years and can be faculty-specific. The partner university is able to send students to our university, and our students are able to study at the partner institution. This agreement enables students to study at an international institution while maintaining their status with our university. Students continue to pay Ontario Tech University tuition and are not considered international students.

  • Do I have to go to an exchange partner institution?

    Ontario Tech University students do not have to do an exchange at a partner institution. If a student decides to study at an institution our university does not have an exchange agreement with, the student will be subject to international student fees. In addition, the student will have to request a Letter of Permission (LOP). If approved, this letter will permit students to leave Ontario Tech University for a period of time to study elsewhere.

    Learn how to apply for a Letter of Permission.

  • How long can I go for?

    Students have the opportunity to participate in an international exchange for one or two semesters, depending on their academic requirements. They should discuss their exchange and academic requirements and options with their faculty. Depending on the course offered at the partner institutions, students may be limited on how many courses they are able to transfer towards their Ontario Tech University degree.

    Our university currently has agreements that allow students to study abroad for:

    • eight weeks (summer institutes only)
    • four months
    • eight months
  • How much will it cost?

    Students will continue to pay their Ontario Tech University tuition when participating in an international exchange with a partner university. Please review scholarships and costs. The additional costs a student may incur while participating in an exchange could include, but are not limited to:

    • visa/passport fees
    • immunization/medication and extended health insurance
    • flight and transportation arrangements
    • accommodations and living expenses
    • personal expenses
  • Are there any scholarships or bursaries I can apply for?

    Yes, students are able to apply for Ontario Tech University's International Education Scholarship. Our university is pleased to provide allocated funding through the support of the International Education Scholarships for students completing part of their academic program abroad through their faculty with approval.

    This scholarship will provide eligible students with financial support for a set period of academic study, work term or co-op placement outside of Canada. Please refer to the scholarships and bursaries page for award value and eligibility requirements.

  • Are students allowed to apply for OSAP while going on an international student exchange program?

    Yes, domestic students that are OSAP eligible can apply for OSAP while going on an International student Exchange program however please note:

      • Students need to have Ontario Tech enrolment showing as full-time (60% course load - or 40% course load for students that have a permanent, persistent or prolonged disability approved by OSAP).
      • Courses must be for degree requirements.

    If you have any questions please contact SAFA directly at connect@ontariotechu.ca. 

  • Can I earn course credits?

    Students are able to earn credits that can be transferred towards an Ontario Tech University degree if the course credits are approved by their faculty. They should contact designated faculty members with the name of the international institution, the program, and the courses of interest. Following faculty approval, Academic Advisors will be able to assist students in deciding if the exchange course work and the faculty approval will allow them to graduate. 

  • How will the courses I take abroad show on my Ontario Tech transcript?

    The course details from the exchange university will not show up on your Ontario Tech transcript.

    • For a transfer course deemed equivalent to an Ontario Tech core course, it will be listed as normal, with the exception of the standard letter grade and instead it will note a “T” for “Transfer”.
    • For transfer courses deemed equivalent to an elective course at Ontario Tech, they will be listed simply as electives.

    For example:

    Partner institution courses:

    • MATH XYZ – final grade B (core Ontario Tech)
    • SOCI XYZ  - final grade A+ (elective Ontario Tech)

    The Ontario Tech transcript would read:

    • MATH 1010U – Grade T
    • UNSP 1XXX – Grade T (that’s our code for electives)

    Note: A full description of the courses completed abroad will be available through your host university official transcript.

  • Can I go on an exchange as a part-time student?

    International exchanges are only for full-time Ontario Tech University students. This is a requirement stated in the international exchange agreements. Please contact the International Office at internationalexchange@ontariotechu.ca for further information.

  • When should I apply?

    Please refer to the application deadlines. Partner institutional deadlines for nominations and application may vary. If a student is interested in doing an exchange, it is important to contact the International Office or attend an Outbound Exchange Information Session. Students should consider which semester would work best for doing an exchange, and when the specific courses they require are offered. Courses for your exchange may be chosen two to three months before departure. Schools release their course offerings at different times. It would be helpful to refer to courses offered in the previous academic year.

  • What is the application process?

    Please refer to the outbound exchange application process section of our website.

  • Can I do an exchange with a friend?

    All Ontario Tech University students who would like to participate in an international exchange during their third or fourth year of study are welcome to apply for an exchange through the International Office. Applying does not mean a student will be nominated. Student nominations for an exchange are based on academic standing, faculty requirements, availability and individual motivation. If students would like to go on an exchange with friend(s), they are welcome to go through the application process. There are no guarantees a suitable match will be found and a nomination given based on social request. The exchanges offered at Ontario Tech University are founded on the primary focus of academic priority.

  • Can I do my placement on an exchange?

    Students can do an international placement at a partner institution if approved by their faculty. International placement opportunities may vary depending on program requirements. Student must discuss placement options and requirements with the placement co-ordinator within their faculty.

  • Where will I live during my exchange?

    Every international institution has different arrangements for exchange student accommodations. Students should research the institution of choice and inquire about on- and off-campus housing options.

  • What does it mean to be nominated?

    To be nominated for an international exchange means the International Office has reviewed your application, course requirements, transfer credit form and faculty approval, and has agreed that the student would be a prominent candidate for an exchange at the desired institution. At that point, the International Office will contact the host university and officially nominate the student for the course(s) applied for.

  • How do I apply to the host institution?

    Once a student has been nominated, they will need to apply to the host institution by the application deadline. Application processes vary depending on the university. Please refer to your school of choice to learn more about their exchange application process.

  • How long does the application process take?

    Students must give themselves enough time to learn as much as they can about the options available to them, the courses that are offered, and their degree requirements. Please refer to the International Office deadlines for submitting outbound exchange applications. These deadlines are flexible but are suggested as a guide to support students in the application process. An important factor to consider is the time it takes to find appropriate faculty-approved courses.

  • How should I prepare for my exchange?

    Preparing for your exchange should be exciting, fun and organized. The International Office will help you by inviting you to attend a pre-departure session, where several elements regarding your exchange will be discussed, and questions will be addressed. Students will receive a pre-departure guide that will outline important things to considering when doing an exchange. They will be responsible for taking initiative in much of the preparation.

    Here's how students can prepare:

    • Learn about the institution (courses, faculty members, international co-coordinators, etc.).
    • Understand course expectations and prepare a detailed study plan.
    • Learn about the culture, environment, climate and geography of the host country.
    • Acquire language training if possible.
    • Understand the risks associated with travel and submit a student travel risk form to the International Office.
    • Attend a pre-departure session.
    • Learn about health risk, health insurance and local medical centres.
    • Arrange all accommodations and transportation requirements before departing.
    • Find out which Canadian Consulates are closest to where you will live.
    • Consider beginning a journal or blog about your experience.
    • Inform family, friends and professors about your future plans.
  • Will I need a study visa?

    All exchange students will require a study visa. Students are responsible for applying for the study visa and ensuring they have the visa prior to departure. If you require further information, please email internationalexchange@ontariotechu.ca. 

  • Can international students participate in an exchange?

    Similar to domestic students, international students will need to maintain student status as registered full-time students at Ontario Tech University. International students who wish to participate in an exchange must renew their Temporary Resident Visas at least three months before leaving Canada if they will require readmittance into Canada.