1. What is study abroad?
  2. How can I apply for study abroad at Carleton?
    1. Step 1 – Read and understand the application instructions
    2. Step 2 – Complete and submit the online study abroad application with supporting documents
    3. Step 3 – Letter of acceptance
    4. Step 4 – Prepare for your study term

What is study abroad?

The study abroad program at Carleton is designed for undergraduate students who wish to study temporarily at Carleton and whose home institution is not one of our formal exchange partners. The study abroad program is not offered at the Graduate level. Study abroad students may study at Carleton for one or two academic terms, (Fall, Winter or Fall/Winter). As a study abroad student, you pay international tuition fees to Carleton.

How can I apply for study abroad at Carleton?

There are several steps that are required before studying at Carleton as a study abroad student. Carefully review the steps below and feel free to contact us should you require further information.

Step 1 – Read and understand the application instructions

In submitting your application for study abroad to Carleton University, it is important to ensure that all requirements are completed and supporting documents are uploaded into the online application..

Please use the following checklist for submission information and required supporting documentation:

  1. Incoming Study Abroad Application Form: submitted online by the deadline date (refer to the table below).
  2. Course Selection: Students should not select courses they do not have the academic background for. All applicants must present adequate evidence of sufficient preparation/background for the courses they are interested in. Please refer to the list of Courses Not Available. These are restricted courses and are not open to study abroad students.
  3. Official transcript (academic record). Document must be current and in English. It must be an official document endorsed by the home institution and include all completed courses and the grade achieved in each course.
  4. Grading system of the home institution must be included with the official transcript.
  5. Portfolio is required when requesting courses in Architecture, Industrial Design, or Interactive Multimedia Design (IMD).
  6. An Audition is required when requesting performance courses in Music.
  7. Official proof of English proficiency (required if the student’s first language is not English):
    1. Document must be original and translated into English.
    2. The test date cannot be more than 24 months from the time of application
    3. Acceptable test reports and required test scores are noted below:
      1. Internet Based TOEFL (iBT): 86 (minimum of 22 in writing and speaking, 20 in reading and listening)
        1. Note: we cannot consider a student based on their TOEFL MyBEST Scores. Eligibility will be assessed using the Test Date Scores.
      2. IELTS: 6.5 (minimum of 6.0 in each band)
      3. CAEL: 70 (minimum of 60 in each band)
      4. DAAD (minimum B2 score)

Students must achieve the TOTAL minimum score indicated. They must also achieve the minimum score indicated for each BAND in Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening.

Step 2 – Complete and submit the online study abroad application with supporting documents

Students should consult the following resources when researching courses and building a study plan:

Incoming Study Abroad Application

Study Period Application Deadline
Fall term  (September – December) June 15, 2024
Full Year (September  – April) June 15, 2024
Winter term (January – April) October 15, 2024

Step 3 – Letter of acceptance

After you have submitted your application form, the ISSO will review it. Upon acceptance to the study abroad program, the ISSO will email your letter of acceptance. In the letter you will find your Carleton University Identification Number (CUID) and MyCarletonOne (MC1) credentials, which you will use to set up your Carleton accounts and apply for on-campus housing if desired. If you require a student visa or study permit, you should include the letter of acceptance with your visa or study permit application.

Step 4 – Prepare for your study term

Please review the new student website for important resources and tasks to complete before arriving at Carleton.


Questions? Contact the International Student Services Office:

isso@carleton.ca or +1 (613) 520-6600