What is an International Exchange?
This option allows students to pursue the equivalent of full-time study at one of Carleton’s partner universities overseas. Students pay tuition to Carleton while on exchange and can transfer credits toward their Carleton degree. This option is administered by the International Student Services Office (ISSO). You may go on exchange in either the Fall or Winter term, or both, though for BGInS students the Winter term is normally preferred.
Decide if an International Exchange is right for you
| Exchange Considerations | Academic Requirements | Financial Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Term:
Fall, Winter, Fall and Winter |
Status:
Full-time at the undergraduate level Note: Students must have enough credits remaining to study full-time at a partner institution |
Tuition:
Paid to Carleton for the term(s) that you study abroad |
| Duration:
One or two terms (12 weeks or 24 weeks) |
Year Standing:
3rd year standing (2nd or higher at time of application) Students must have completed at least 4.0 credits at Carleton at the time of application . |
Cost:
Over $5,000. Students are responsible for the cost of travel, accomodation and living expenses |
| Group vs Individual:
Student should be comfortable travelling as an individual |
CGPA:
A 7.0 CGPA is required at the time of application |
Destinations:
Worldwide, must be outside of Canada |
| Travel planning:
Student makes their own travel plans |
Work or Academic:
Academic |
|
| **Transfer Students | May not be possible to go on exchange within the regular amount of credits required for an Honours degree (20 credits) |
Application Procedure for International Exchange
1) Visit the ISSO website for complete application instructions after attending a mandatory Exchange Information Session.
2) Thoroughly research your host institution/country of choice. Review the ISSO’s list of partner institutions in order to be able to rank your top three choices on your application. Ensure that your preferred institutions are open to BGInS students.
3) Visit the International Exchange Course Equivalencies database to gain knowledge on how your desired courses may transfer back to your Carleton degree. Please note that the database is to be used as a guideline only as part of the research process. Students hoping to get credit for Specialization courses on exchange MUST receive approval by the Department offering the specialization BEFORE enrolling in the course.
How to Obtain Course Credit for International Exchange
A database on course equivalencies with international institutions can be found on the Registrar’s Office website. Students hoping to get credit for Specialization courses on exchange MUST receive approval by the Department offering the specialization BEFORE enrolling in the course.
Please note that the start and end dates at a partner institution may not match with Carleton’s calendar. It is the student’s responsibility to research the exchange term dates.
Carleton University recognizes students who successfully complete a pattern of study at a non-Canadian university comprising a significant international experience with a notation on both the student’s transcript and diploma. To qualify for a notation, the pattern of study must be either an approved pattern of study under a recognized International Exchange program, or an alternate pattern of study approved by the Dean.
The notation with Study Term Abroad will be used when the equivalent of 2.0 to 3.5 credits of courses are successfully completed, normally within one term.
The notation with Study Year Abroad will be used when the equivalent of 4.0 or more credits of courses are successfully completed, normally within one year.
Application Timeline
The International Exchange application is open in the academic year preceding your intended exchange year. The next exchange application session will be open from October 7 to December 8, 2024, for the Fall 2025 – Winter 2026 academic year.
Required Documentation
All students participating in an exchange program must fill out and complete supporting documentation, which can be found here.
Note: Only students who have received written confirmation that they have been accepted into the exchange option should submit these forms.