Applying to the Exchange Program
- UVic students can apply for one or two exchange terms (2 terms max.)
Process:
- UVic students must first apply to participate in the UVic International Centre for Students (ICS) Exchange Program, using the steps below.
- Once accepted, the Exchange Team will nominate you to your first choice university for consideration.
- After being nominated, the host university will reach out to you directly, asking that you apply to their exchange program.
- Finally, the host university will review your application and notify you of their decision.
ICS Exchange Program Application Deadlines:
- February 1 for Fall term or full year exchanges (two terms)
- August 1 for Spring term exchange
Step 1: Request Your References
You must submit two reference forms with your application:
- Academic reference – from an instructor at UVic (professors, lab instructors, teaching assistants or other UVic academic educators)
- Character reference – from a community member (past or current employer, volunteer coordinator, coach, etc.)
Downloadable reference form templates:
Please download and provide a copy of the relevant form to each referee, and then ask that they return the completed form to you. You will later upload the reference forms as part of your application package.
Freedom of Information: The information on the International Exchange Application Forms is collected under the authority of the University Act R.S.B.C. 1979, c.468 and section 26 of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. The information is used for the purpose of admission to the ICS Exchange Program, course registration, and other purposes consistent with the administration of this program. It may be provided to the relevant host university. If you have any questions about the collection and use of this information, please contact the ICS Exchange Team at goglobal@uvic.ca
Step 2: Complete Required Documents
Please complete the following documents as part of your application:
Proposed Study Plan
- The Proposed Study Plan is a preliminary list of relevant courses offered at the host university you have selected as your first choice. You will be able to find specific course information on the host university's website. Check out the list of partner universities and then go to the host university's exchange website for more information about courses.
Budget worksheet
- Prepare a budget worksheet identifying the potential costs of your exchange for your potential host university, as well as the financial resources available to you. Students can research online to learn more about the cost of living in your host country and region. The host university also provides information about costs on their website for incoming exchange students.
- Prepare a letter (one page maximum), addressed to the Exchange Selection Committee, that describes the following:
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Your motivations for wanting to participate in an international exchange opportunity.
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How the exchange will enhance your studies and compliment future career and/or life plans.
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Interest in other cultures and values, your previous travel to other countries, and/or involvement with international students.
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Student photograph
- Submit a digital passport-style photo (head and shoulders) with your application. This does not need to be an official passport photo.
Passport copy
- Submit a copy of the picture page of your passport with your application. If you are in the process of applying for or renewing a passport, please indicate this information with your application and include a copy of your existing or expired passport.
Step 3: Submit Application Form & Fee
Application Form
- Please submit the online application form via the MoveOn portal, which summarizes your personal and academic information, and allows you to select your preference for a host university.
- You will select two universities as possible hosts for your exchange term(s), as your first choice may be unavailable. We cannot guarantee that you will receive your first choice.
- You will receive an email to confirm you've successfully submitted your exchange application via MoveOn.
Fee
- All UVic students applying to the ICS Exchange Program are required to pay a non-refundable $100 CAD application fee, through the secure UVic payment page.
- If the application fee poses a financial challenge for you, please do not hesitate to email the ICS Exchange Team to discuss possible accommodations. We are committed to reducing barriers to participation and fostering an inclusive program.
Transcript review:
- By submitting your exchange application, you are authorizing the ICS Exchange Team to review your unofficial UVic administrative transcript electronically, as part of the academic application requirements for exchange. You are not required to submit an official transcript as part of your application.
Importance of email communication:
- On the application form you are asked to provide a UVic email address; all correspondence regarding your application will be sent to this email. Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail and other email services will sometimes reject emails sent from UVic or host universities, and should not be used for exchange correspondence.
What Next?
- The Exchange Team will wait until the application deadline (August 1st or February 1st) to collect all applications.
- After the deadline passes, you will be notified within 3 weeks regarding the outcome of your application. If there are any issues, the Exchange Team will reach out to discuss these with you!
- If successful, you will be nominated you to your first choice university, according to their nomination guidelines and deadlines (which vary from university to university).