Outbound Exchange

The exchange process begins one year in advance. Students interested in studying abroad during their third year (6th semester) must apply in their second year (Fall semester).

Semester exchange is only available in the winter semester of your third year. No exceptions are made.  

Minimum Eligibility Requirements:

• Be a second-year student in full-time status (domestic or international)
• Maintain a minimum CGPA of 2.5
• Be in clear academic standing (non-probationary)

Important Notes:

• Admission to The Creative School’s exchange program is highly competitive—meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance.
• If you are a transfer student or studying the program out of sync, please consult with your Academic Coordinator about your eligibility prior to submitting an application

The Creative School has over 50 exchange partners across the globe! Students may choose to study with the partners listed within their program.

Students are encouraged to review the  (google sheet) Partner Profile Chart (external link)  to learn about the various exchange destinations. Please note, you must log in with your my.torontomu credentials in order to access this document.

All applications are reviewed after the deadline. Students will be evaluated and ranked based on their overall application, including their CGPA, letter of interest, and an interview or questionnaire. The highest-ranked students will be considered for their top choices (first, second, or third) until spots at each host university are filled.

Key Selection Factors:

• Total number of applicants
• Student demand for specific destinations
• Limited spot availability at each host institution

Important Notes:

• Many host universities offer only 2–3 spots for the entire faculty.
• First-choice destinations are not guaranteed—consider multiple options.

For the semester that students are completing their exchange, students pay the equivalent of a full-course load according to the fee schedule set out by the Office of the Registrar for that academic term. Tuition is paid directly to Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), students should adhere to TMU tuition payment deadlines.

Important notes:

• Tuition will not be reduced if students are enrolled in a reduced course load. 
• Students who are OSAP-eligible will be still able to receive OSAP funding.
• Tuition does not cover additional academic expenses such as books, stationery, lab equipment, or other standard fees required by the host university.

As an exchange student, you will be studying alongside local students and other exchange students. When reviewing the  (google sheet) list of destinations (external link) , you should find a discipline that is related to your area of study.

Key Details:

• All courses are taught in English.
• All students must be enrol in a  full-course load while on exchange (see  (google doc) Credit Equivalency Chart (external link) )
• Course availability differs year to year and is only made available 1-2 months prior to the exchange semester. Students must be flexible.

Credit Transfer:

• If your program department has a student guide, check their exchange policies first.

• Important: Program departments will advise students only after they’ve been accepted into the exchange program. 
• Courses taken on exchange will be assessed based on pass/fail. If you fail any courses, you may be required to make up for any lost credit(s) upon your return from exchange.

• The host will send transcripts to TMU. Exchange transcripts are then reviewed and processed.
• Transferred credits will be indicated with a “CRT” notation on your TMU transcript. As a result, the grades you receive while on exchange will not be calculated into your CGPA.

Students are responsible for researching the costs of living in advance so that they are aware of the financial commitment of participating in exchange. The earlier you start planning, the better prepared you will be for financing your participation.

Key Resources:

• Begin with the  (PDF file) Financing Your Participation guide for step-by-step advice.
• Use the  (google sheet) Budget Spreadsheet (external link)  to calculate expenses for living and studying abroad.
• Review  (google sheet) Cost Estimates for TMU Exchange Destinations (external link)  for 4-month expense projections.

Funding Opportunities:

Explore scholarships like The Creative School Passport Fund through TMU’s AwardSpring, the central award management system. All TMU funding is transitioning to this platform, where you can easily discover eligible opportunities.

Second year students interested in applying to the Exchange Program must attend an Exchange Info Session (external link, opens in new window) 

Although first year students will not be eligible to apply until their second year, they are welcome to attend the session to learn more.

After you've attended the mandatory Exchange Info Session, students are encouraged to do further research into their exchange.

Here are some key points for your consideration:

• Explore our exchange partners: Are there particular programs or courses offered at a partner institution that appeal to you? Create a pro/con chart of your top 10 choices from this  (google sheet) Partner Profile Chart (external link) . 
•  (PDF file) Financing your exchange: Begin a financing plan to understand the costs associated with studying abroad. 
• Academic and career planning: Consider how a Fall or Winter exchange might fit into your academic plan at TMU and your professional goals. 
• Identities abroad: What is the relationship between the host country and your country of origin, background and identity? 
• Location: Where do you want to live in the world? Consider the cost of living as larger metropolitan cities are more expensive than smaller cities. 

Refer to Eligibility above to ensure you meet the minimum academic requirements prior to submitting your application form.

Online Application Form Requirements:

1. Select your top three destinations: All efforts will be made to place and offer an exchange spot to students at one of their top three selections, but, given the competitiveness of the exchange program, students may not be granted their top picks.
2. Unofficial Transcript: Submit an electronic copy of your unofficial transcript. For instructions on how to retrieve your unofficial transcript, please visit: How to view my Unofficial Transcript.
3. Letter of Interest: Students must submit a 1-page Letter of Interest. For a guideline on how to write your letter, please read:  (google doc) How to Write Your Letter of Interest. (external link) 

Apply Via: https://torontomu.moveonca.com/form/68e3e97e02b0aa1bda00ed9e/eng  (external link) 
Deadline: January 31

*All applications are reviewed after the deadline.

After applying, students may be invited to complete an interview or questionnaire with the Dean’s Office. This helps assess your preparedness for the personal, financial, and academic commitment of exchange.

Example questions:

1.  What kind of financial planning have you done/will you do?
2. Give examples of obstacles that you might face while being on exchange. How might you address those obstacles?
3. What makes you a good international ambassador for The Creative School and Toronto Metropolitan University?
4. If we cannot place you in one of your top three choices, would you be interested in accepting an exchange with another partner? (Please answer truthfully)

Important note:

• Portfolio requirement: Fashion and Interior Design applicants may need to submit portfolios. Instructions will be emailed after successful interview/questionnaire completion.
• All interviews/questionnaires are assessed by the Dean’s Office.

Students who are accepted into the Exchange Program will receive a conditional offer in April/May. The International Program Coordinator will inform all students of their acceptance or non-acceptance into the program.