How to apply: Exchange

Application overview - 3 steps

  1. Search and narrow down to 3 university partners you would like to attend
  2. Meet the eligibility requirements and apply to Go Global with your 3 choices by the application deadlines
  3. If you are accepted to Go Global, you’ll get an email 6-8 weeks after the submission deadline notifying you which university you have been matched to and the next steps. Over the following weeks, you will apply to your host university.

Application Deadlines

Deadlines for 2023/2024 winter session term exchanges

Applications for Exchange will only be reviewed after the following deadlines.

December 13, 2022 at 11:59 pm PST

 Main exchange deadline for all exchange partners (Term 1, Term 2, and Full-Year or Split-year exchanges)
May 4, 2023 at 11:59 pm PST The second round deadline for remaining spots at select partner universities (Term 2 exchanges only)

See Go Global Deadlines

How to apply

Before you apply

See if you meet the eligibility requirements before starting your application.  When starting your application, plan in advance to meet the application deadlines.

Incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Application Instructions

You will be applying through Gateway, the online application program. If you've already started your application, you can resume from where you left off at any time.

  1. Complete and submit relevant supporting documents, and your statements of interest (within the Gateway application) by the application deadline. 
  2. You must pay the Go Global fee ($415.00). The fee will be posted to your tuition account 1-3 weeks after the application deadline has passed.

Apply now

Supporting documents for your exchange application

All students applying must download and complete the Go Global Study plan (pdf) in addition to downloading the supporting documents that apply to you. 

All students are also required to write one statement of interest within the Gateway application. Students are asked to complete a short statement (approx. 450 words) to consider the following questions: 

1. Why do you want to study abroad at the three universities you selected?
2. How might this program contribute to your personal, academic and career goals?
3. How might this experience contribute to your understanding of global issues at a local and global level?

There is no particular format required for the statement. 

All supporting documents must be uploaded on Gateway.

Some students may require additional documents: 

Required for Supporting document
Applied science students: If your top choice is a Coordinated International Experience (CIE), you must complete the CIE study plan for your first choice and your plan must be signed by the appropriate departmental advisor in Applied Science. CIE study plan (for Applied Science Students) (pdf)
First-year students and transfer students: If you are in your first year at UBC completing a 6-credit course that spans the full-year (Sept – Dec, and Jan – April), you must complete this form, if you are applying for the round 1 deadline. Please note you do not need to complete this form if you are applying for the round 2 deadline Go Global Interim Grade form (pdf)
Students doing courses in any Chinese dialect: In order to receive transfer credits for UBC CHIN, you must complete this form. Online Chinese placement exam
Graduate students: You must complete this course plan and have your plan approved by your Graduate Advisor and the Faculty of Graduate Studies. Graduate Student Course Plan Approval (Word doc)

Tips and tools: Applying for exchange

  1. Check to see if you’re eligible to go.
  2. Plan your finances by  creating a budget.
  3. Visit the Resource Library to browse a collection of international student handbooks, course catalogues, and departmental overviews.
  4. See what courses at your host university can count towards UBC course credits in the "Courses + Transfer credits" section of the individual partner pages.
  5. Talk to your faculty advisor about your degree requirements.
  6. Use the study plan tool (pdf) to map out the courses you need for graduation and how exchange and study abroad fits into that. 

Accessibility

If you are considering applying for a Go Global program and identify with having a disability or pre-existing health condition (mental or physical) which could impact your participation, or if you require academic accommodations, you can contact the following offices to meet with an Accessibility Advisor before the start of the program:

The Centre for Accessibility (Vancouver) 

Disability Resource Centre (Okanagan) 

Paying the Go Global Fee

The Go Global Fee (CAD $415) is an administrative fee required for all applicants to all Go Global programs. The fee will be posted to your Student Services Centre (SSC) account 1-3 weeks following the application deadline, and will be due approximately 2 weeks later. You will be notified of the due date by email once the fee is posted.

Please see the list of options you have for paying tuition.

Students participating in Research Abroad and Global Seminar programs are subject to a different fee policy.

Go Global Fee Adjustment Policy

The Go Global Fee ($415.00 CDN) is an administrative fee required for all applicants to Go Global programs. The fee is non-refundable. However, it may be adjusted under the following circumstances.

If you are not matched to a partner university

You are eligible to have your Go Global fee adjusted from $415.00 to $93.25 (reduced by $321.75) if:

  • You have applied to Go Global but do not meet our minimum eligibility requirements
  • Go Global cannot match you to a partner university
  • The partner university does not accept your application and Go Global cannot find another option

If you withdraw from Go Global

To withdraw from your Go Global exchange, research or summer abroad program, you must contact Go Global by email to request withdrawal. You will then be asked to complete a short withdrawal form.

Students who withdraw from Go Global by the relevant deadline below, will have their Go Global fee adjusted from $415.00 to $321.75 (reduced by $93.25).

  • March 30: For summer and research programs
  • June 30: For UBC Winter Term 1 and Full-Year exchange
  • September 30: For UBC Winter Term 2 and Split-Year exchange

If you have questions, please connect with your Go Global advisor by completing our Ask Us Webform.

Contact Go Global

Connect with an advisor using our Ask Us Webform!

In-person and Virtual Drop-in advising hours

  • Tuesday: 1:00 - 3:00 pm
  • Wednesday: 1:00 - 3:00 pm

Go Global offers both in-person and virtual drop-in advising through Zoom during the times listed above.