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

Exchange application deadlines 2020/21

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

December 15, 2020

11:59 pm PST

 Main exchange deadline for all exchange partners (Term 1, Term 2, and Full-Year or Split-year exchanges)

May 6, 2021

11:59 pm PDT

 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 statements of interest for each university choice within the Gateway application.

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)

First-year students and students in transfer programs: If you are a first-year student, and a student in a transfer program who is participating in full-year courses (Sep - April), you must complete this form.
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.

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. 

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 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 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 or email Go Global at go.global@ubc.ca.

Contact Go Global

Go Global Vancouver

Go Global's campus office is closed until further notice. At this time, you can contact Go Global by email, phone or virtually through Zoom.

If you need to book an advising appointment, please complete the online request form. Appointments will be held through Zoom or by phone.

Advising hours

Monday: 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Tuesday: 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Thursday: 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Go Global quick links

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