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Incoming Exchange Students

In April 2022, Ryerson University changed its name to Toronto Metropolitan University. Our new name better reflects our values and promises a future filled with possibilities, and will be implemented in a phased approach. Learn more about our next chapter.

Toronto Metropolitan University has a wide-variety of programs that participate in exchanges. Incoming exchange students will benefit from a real-world, relevant curriculum that lets them practice while they learn.

As an exchange student, you can study at Toronto Metropolitan University for one or two semesters while remaining enrolled at your home university. The credits you take at Toronto Metropolitan University are then eligible to be transferred back to your home university and used to complete your degree requirements. 

Students are eligible to participate in an exchange at Toronto Metropolitan University if they:

  • Are a currently registered student at one of our partner universities (visit our Exchange Database (external link, opens in new window)  for partner list)
  • Are nominated by the office that oversees exchange at their university (our partner)
  • Meet all of our eligibility requirements (included in tab below)

Toronto Metropolitan University can only accept a limited number of exchange students per year, so contact your university’s study abroad office early to find out if you are eligible for exchange.

To participate in an exchange at Toronto Metropolitan University you must:

  • Be currently registered at an institution that has an exchange agreement with Toronto Metropolitan University (visit our Exchange Database (external link, opens in new window)  for full list)
  • Have completed at least one academic year with a full course load at your home university
  • Be able to conduct written and group work in English. All courses at Toronto Metropolitan University are in English. You do not need to submit proof of english proficiency. However, we recommend that all students ensure that their level of English meet Toronto Metropolitan University’s english language requirements (opens in new window)  for their selected exchange program (refer to the tab called "Undergraduate Degree Programs - Minimum English Proficiency Result Requirements" on the linked page)
  • Have a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 or 70% equivalent

If you meet the eligibility requirements outlined above, then you can apply as an exchange student to Toronto Metropolitan University. 

Step 1:  Be nominated by your home university

All exchange students to Toronto Metropolitan University must first be nominated by their home university to participate in exchange. 

To be nominated for exchange at Toronto Metropolitan University, you must apply to your home institution's exchange program first. Contact your home institution's International Office for details. Once you have been accepted into the exchange program at your home institution they will then nominate you to Toronto Metropolitan University. 

Step 2: Complete Toronto Metropolitan University’s Inbound Exchange Student Application 

Once you have been nominated to Toronto Metropolitan University, we will send you an email with detailed instructions on completing our Inbound Exchange Student Application. Here is what you will be asked to submit as part of that application: 

  1. Our online application form (Iink will be provided through email)
  2. A copy of your transcript
  3. Additional supporting documents as required by your program. 

Step 3: Acceptance

If you are accepted, you will receive an initial acceptance email, followed by an official Offer of Admissions letter that you can use to apply for any immigration documents you may need.

Need to Know Information When Considering Exchange at Toronto Metropolitan University

Toronto Metropolitan University has two semesters or study periods per year. The fall semester runs from September to December. This is followed by the winter semester, which runs from January to May. You can come for either a single semester (fall or winter), or for the full academic year (fall and winter). Make sure you choose a semester that best aligns with your home institutions calendar. 

Exchange students must select one Toronto Metropolitan University undergraduate program (opens in new window) . You must choose courses offered through that program when completing your study plan. Exchange students are required to take a minimum of four courses and a maximum of six courses.

When preparing a study plan, students should choose 8-10 courses per semester to allow for flexibility during the enrollment process. The courses listed in the Undergraduate Program Calendar (opens in new window)  may not be offered every semester! Furthermore, course schedule conflicts may arise or courses may fill up quickly. Having extra courses pre-selected and pre-approved at your home institution will allow you the most flexibility. 

Course registration will be done by your academic program coordinator - you will not register yourself in courses. You will be put in touch with an academic program coordinator when you are accepted. They will reach out to you directly with more information on the course registration process. Each program has its own process, so please reach out to your academic program coordinator if you have any questions. Do not assume that information provided to other inbound exchange students applies to you as well.

Exchange students are responsible for arranging their own housing while at Toronto Metropolitan University. The majority of exchange students at Toronto Metropolitan University stay off-campus.

Full-Year Students (Sept to May) can apply to live in an on-campus residence. However, space is limited and acceptance is not guaranteed. On-campus housing costs range from $1600 - $2600 CAD per month. 

Housing in Toronto is expensive and short-term housing is difficult to secure. We encourage students to budget a minimum of $850 CAD per month. However, students regularly pay anywhere from $1000 - $2800 CAD per month. Please make sure you have the financial resources in place to support your housing costs during your exchange. 

Our off-campus housing section in our Pre-Arrival Manual has important resources for securing housing.

All exchange students are required to have Toronto Metropolitan University’s mandatory health insurance, also known as University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP). You should review UHIP’s coverage (external link, opens in new window)  and, if necessary, purchase additional health insurance to cover services that are not covered by UHIP, such as dental care, prescription drugs, etc.

Cost of UHIP for the 2023/2024 year: 

One-Semester Enrolment = $252.00 CAD

Full-Year Enrolment = $504.00 CAD

If you have a disability (visible or invisible, permanent or temporary) that affects your academic functioning, you can access Toronto Metropolitan University’s Academic Accommodation Support office during your exchange for support and services. This includes having singular or multiple disabilities such as learning disabilities, sensory impairments, acquired brain injuries, ADHD, and mental health, medical, and mobility issues. 

The Academic Accommodation Support office works confidentially with incoming exchange students. If you require support, please contact Ryerson International at global.learning@torontomu.ca as soon as possible before you begin your exchange. This will ensure that your needs can be appropriately met.

Incoming exchange students at Toronto Metropolitan University can also access mental health resources, such as one-on-one or group counselling, through Toronto Metropolitan University’s Centre for Student Development and Counselling (CSDC) when you are on campus.

The services offered by the CSDC are available to all students, regardless of if you have a previous or existing mental health condition.

Inside and outside the classroom at Toronto Metropolitan University, students have the opportunity to build new skills in a dynamic learning environment. Students with innovative, entrepreneurial ideas are given the opportunity to turn their learning into businesses through Zone Learning, a network of interconnected Zones that provides a platform for young entrepreneurs to collaborate with their peers and get the resources and support they need to take their ideas to the next level.

Coming to Toronto Metropolitan University as an Inbound Exchange Student

If you have been accepted as an exchange student at Toronto Metropolitan University, make sure to read through our Inbound Exchange Pre-Arrival Manual. The manual contains important information on how you can prepare for your exchange at Toronto Metropolitan University.

Faculty Contact Details

Faculty of Community Services /

Faculty of Architecture & Engineering

Ashley Ruffin
416-979-5026
global.learning@torontomu.ca
Faculty of Arts Jill Careless
416-979-5000 x4798
jill.careless@torontomu.ca
The Creative School Swathi Chembathi 
416-979-5000 x544365
exchange@torontomu.ca
Faculty of Science Salwa Saeed
416-979-5000 x3248
salwa.saeed@torontomu.ca
Ted Rogers School of Management  Kristy Holzworth
416-979-5000 x556725
trsmexchange@torontomu.ca