How TMU students can study abroad
Above, centre, Franziska Forsythe with fellow TMU exchange students Keral Mori, left, and Charleigh Cohee, right. The photo was taken in front of the Sydney Opera House during a weekend trip. (Photo courtesy of Franziska Forsythe)
Last year, when TMU student Franziska Forsythe boarded a flight to Australia, she wasn’t just crossing the globe – she was embarking on a life-changing experience.
“I wanted to get out of my comfort zone in Toronto and challenge myself academically,” said the fourth-year urban and regional planning student.
“Australia has always been on my bucket list,” she explained, adding that when she learned about the exchange opportunities through TMU Global Learning, she jumped at the chance to study at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT).
The experience turned out to be transformative – academically, personally and professionally.
Immersed in a new planning system, Forsythe gained fresh perspectives on urban design and transportation planning while exploring Australia and New Zealand.
“It really challenged me academically,” she said. “I had to quickly adapt to a new policy framework and teaching style – but it helped me grow.”
Beyond the classroom, the friendships she formed made the experience unforgettable.
“I met amazing people from all around the world,” she said.
Her advice to anyone considering studying abroad?
“Just go for it. You’ll learn so much about yourself and your field, and the experience will stay with you forever.”
If you’re a TMU student looking for an experience similar to Forsythe’s, below, explore the many ways you can study overseas – and start packing your bags.
Note: Attend the Global Learning Fair on Wednesday, Nov. 19 to learn more about the programs described here.
Student Exchange Program
Student Exchange Programs – which is the type of program Forsythe chose – are the most popular way for TMU students to study abroad.
In fact, this type of program is so in-demand – in Winter 2026, 234 TMU students will study at institutions all over the world as part of it.
In Student Exchange Programs, students gain global learning experience for a semester or a full year. They can do so at one of TMU’s more than 60 partner universities while earning TMU credits.
Exchange partners are in countries including Australia, Denmark, Germany, France, England, Ireland, Mexico, Thailand, Hong Kong, Singapore, Austria, Sweden, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Scotland, Spain and many more.
What’s special about this type of program is that students continue to be enrolled at TMU, and not at a foreign institution.
They also continue to pay tuition at TMU and can still qualify for OSAP, since they remain enrolled at an Ontario university.
Not only that, OSAP coverage will extend for the duration of the semester abroad – even if that semester runs longer than the semester at TMU (which can happen in many European countries, for instance, which have different holiday periods).
Thus, the Semester Abroad Program gives the chance to learn and explore a new culture, people and place while earning full academic credit as part of your TMU degree.
It’s available across many faculties at TMU. See below for a snapshot of how it works with The Creative School and TRSM.
Go global with The Creative School or TRSM
Students at The Creative School can study abroad for one semester during their third year (6th semester).
Those at the Ted Rogers School of Management (TRSM) can also study abroad for one semester or a full academic year. Most pursue an exchange in their 3rd or 4th year.
Key features:
- Duration: Up to 5 months during the Winter semester.
- Tuition: Students pay only their regular TMU tuition; no additional fees are required.
- Academic credit: All courses taken abroad are transferred back to TMU, ensuring timely degree completion.
- Global exposure: Experience different cultures while maintaining academic progress.
Learn more about Student Exchange Program opportunities at these faculties:
Independent Study Abroad
TMU also offers opportunities to study abroad independently. This differs from the Student Exchange Program in that students enroll at foreign institutions for one semester or a full academic year on their own.
TMU students pay tuition to the overseas institution and are considered a student of that university. The credits they earn are later applied to their TMU degree.
While this type of global learning experience involves more responsibility and planning on the part of the student, these experiences can be incredibly enriching and rewarding.
To coordinate an independent study abroad opportunity, students should contact their faculty or program advisor, and the TMU Global office for next steps.
Summer schools, specialized courses and more
TMU students can also gain international experience through summer schools, specialized courses or programs and destinations outside TMU’s formal partnerships.
Students can seek out these opportunities and approach TMU for permission to apply it to their degree. Learn more.
Faculty-led programs
Another way students can gain international experience as part of their TMU studies is by participating in a short-term course, “field school”, which is a short-term, faculty-led study abroad experience where students learn on location rather than in a traditional classroom, or study tour led by TMU faculty, alongside their classmates.
TMU’s Faculty of Community Services is one example of a faculty with many of these opportunities.
More information on faculty-led programs
Experiential Learning Abroad
TMU students can also go overseas through an Experiential Learning Abroad opportunity. This can include internships, placements, research or community projects.
These are typically faculty-driven, applicable to various departments and most often take place in the summer.
Experiential Learning Abroad opportunities can be arranged independently by the student, with approval of their TMU faculty, along with the organization/institution abroad, or by their TMU faculty, if the option is available.
More on Experiential Learning Abroad opportunities.
Apply today
Interested in learning more? Attend the Global Learning Fair on Wednesday, Nov. 19.
Inspired to apply? Various international study programs at TMU are accepting applications for Fall 2026. Those who are interested should contact their faculty or Global Learning.