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Ontario Tech acknowledges the lands and people of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation.

We are thankful to be welcome on these lands in friendship. The lands we are situated on are covered by the Williams Treaties and are the traditional territory of the Mississaugas, a branch of the greater Anishinaabeg Nation, including Algonquin, Ojibway, Odawa and Pottawatomi. These lands remain home to many Indigenous nations and peoples.

We acknowledge this land out of respect for the Indigenous nations who have cared for Turtle Island, also called North America, from before the arrival of settler peoples until this day. Most importantly, we acknowledge that the history of these lands has been tainted by poor treatment and a lack of friendship with the First Nations who call them home.

This history is something we are all affected by because we are all treaty people in Canada. We all have a shared history to reflect on, and each of us is affected by this history in different ways. Our past defines our present, but if we move forward as friends and allies, then it does not have to define our future.

Learn more about Indigenous Education and Cultural Services

Outbound exchange: The world awaits

About the process

Ontario Tech University has many opportunities for students who are interested in gaining an international learning experience. 

Through this student exchange application process you should be asking yourself:

  • Why should I go? 
  • What are my goals?
  • Where should I go? 
  • What are my expectations? 
  • What do I have to do?
Please review the following steps if you are interested in participating in an outbound international exchange:
  • Step 1: Learn about the outbound student exchange program and review your options
    1. Check the Ontario Tech student exchange eligibility criteria to see if you qualify. 
    2. Check the Ontario Tech outbound application deadlines. 
    3. Attend an information session regarding outbound exchange.
    4. Review partner institutions and courses offered.
    5. Research what courses are available to you at the host institution.
    6. Book a one-on-one appointment with the International Mobility Officer to discuss your plans and any related considerations, by emailing internationalexchange@ontariotechu.ca.
  • Step 2: Start the outbound student exchange process

    Once you know where you would like to go, here is how to start the process. Select up to two exchange partners in order of preference:

    1. Review your tentative courses with your Academic Advisor to ensure you meet your program requirements.
    2. Once courses are selected, complete the Transfer Credit Form and have it approved and signed by your Academic Advisor.
    3. Apply for outbound student exchange through the Outbound Exchange Application.
    4. Wait for approval from the International Office. If successful, you will be required to confirm acceptance within three business days.
  • Step 3: The nomination process to the host university
    1. Upon confirmation, you will be formally nominated to our partner institution. 
    2. The partner will contact students directly with information regarding their application process. 
    3. Students are responsible for applying directly to the international institution after they have been formally accepted. 
    4. The application results will be notified by the partner institution.
  • Step 4: Once accepted as an exchange student by the host institution

    In preparation for the exchange semester ahead, you are required to:

    1. Make sure you register for exchange courses at Ontario Tech.
    2. Pay tuition and ancillary fees to the university as normal.
    3. Attend the mandatory pre-departure session, provide respective forms and complete final steps. 
  • Additional information
    • If you are traveling in your last academic semester, make sure to be aware of any special necessary arrangements regarding your graduation. If you are taking a course in your final (winter) semester before graduation, your final transcript must be received by the Office of the Registrar no later than May 1.
    • Minimum four-weeks processing time upon submission of complete documentation.
    • There is a limit to how many students we are able to send to each institution each year (normally two).
    • You are responsible to register for the approved course(s) at the host institution.
    • When students participate in an approved outbound international exchange, they are eligible to receive and transfer credits that can be used towards their degree at Ontario Tech. 
    • Students who participate in an exchange at one of our partner institutions will continue to pay Ontario Tech tuition and selective ancillary fees at the partner institution. 
    • Make sure your passport will not expire during the time you are away. Some countries require that your passport be valid for six months after your planned return.
    • Review the outbound exchange frequently asked questions page for answers to some of the most common questions. 

The Student Exchange program is conditional to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic status and any travel restrictions that may be in place, at the time you are expected to start your visit abroad.

Approximate timelines are listed blow. Actual deadlines will be determined by the nomination and application dates at the host university.

Please note: the academic term start and end dates abroad may vary from our timeline at Ontario Tech.

Exchange - Fall (September to December)

  • December - February: Submit transfer credit form.
  • March: Nomination to host institution.
  • April: Apply to host institution.
  • January - April: Begin housing and flight arrangements.

Exchange – Winter (January to April)

  • April - June: Submit transfer credit form.
  • July: Nomination to host institution.
  • August: Application to host institution.
  • May - August: Begin housing and flight arrangements.

Exchange – Summer (May to August)

  • August - October: Submit transfer credit form.
  • November: Nomination to host institution.  
  • December: Apply to host institution.
  • September - December: Begin housing and flight arrangements.

Important notes:

  • Do not confirm housing or book your flight before receiving an acceptance letter from the host institution.
  • If there are non-refundable deposits and your exchange plans change, Ontario Tech will not reimburse you for these deposits.

Student exchange programs are a great opportunity for students, however they have an added cost so make sure to plan as best as possible.

On our mobility scholarships page, you can find possible outbound scholarships, to help support your experience abroad. Please note: For the most up to date information make sure to visit the external scholarship websites. 

If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at internationalexchange@ontariotechu.ca. 

Studying in a different country is an experience of a lifetime. The entire process requires proper planning and the International Office at Ontario Tech University is committed to helping you throughout this journey.

Mandatory pre-departure session

All students going on international mobility programs—exchange, internship, research, conference, etc.—are required to attend a pre-departure session before they leave. 

  • The session covers important information on health, safety, culture and everything students need to think about when planning their trip. 
  • We will also talk about the forms and documents that will need to be submitted.

 Visit the pre-departure session page for more information. 

Request your final transcript

You are responsible for requesting your transcript from the host institution in order to receive your course credits. Please request your transcript to be sent electronically to internationalexchange@ontariotechu.ca, or mailed to:

Ontario Tech University 
International Office
2000 Simcoe Street North
Oshawa, ON L1G 0C5

Third-party transcript services, such as MyCreds, are also acceptable. The email address that the transcript should be sent to is internationalexchange@ontariotechu.ca.  

Transcripts submitted by the student are not considered official, even if they are in a sealed envelope.

If you are taking a course in your final semester before graduation, your final transcript must be submitted to the Office of the Registrar no later than the following dates, based on the semester an application to graduate is submitted:

  • Fall semester: December 31
  • Winter semester: May 1
  • Spring semester: June 28
  • Summer semester: August 31
Re-entry transition

All exchange students are expected to attend a re-entry session hosted by the International Office. Email internationalexchange@ontariotechu.ca to book this session.

Volunteer and share your experiences
  • Returning exchange students can have an opportunity to share their exchange experiences with other students during events and information sessions held by the International Office.
  • Volunteer as a mentor for exchange incoming or outbound students.