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Outbound Exchange

The Exchange Program is an enriching international learning opportunity for students to study abroad for one semester in their third year (6th semester). With over 50 exchange partners, students have access to some of the top quality universities in the world.

Benefits of Exchange

Exchange is a formal agreement between two institutions that allows students to study at each other’s schools. Students who participate in an exchange:

  • Live abroad and study at another institution for a semester
  • Pay regular tuition directly to Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University)
  • Can transfer credits back to their degree
  • Experience no delay in their ability to graduate

This exchange was without a doubt the best and most enriching part of my entire university career. Not only did I learn so much at school, I learned outside in the city of Aarhus every day just by walking around and living life in a new place.

Ben Snider-McGrath, Journalism, Danish School of Media and Journalism (Aarhus, Denmark)

How It Works

October-December

Second-year students interested in applying to Exchange must attend an Exchange Info Session (external link, opens in new window)  (various dates, register for one) prior to the application deadline on January 31. 

First-year students are not eligible to apply until their second year but are welcome to attend an info session to learn more. 

January Apply to the 2025-2026 Semester Exchange Program by January 31. All applications are reviewed after the deadline. 
February-March Students may be invited to an online/in-person interview with representatives from the Dean's Office International Team.
April-May Successful students will receive a Conditional Offer in April/May. Those students will be invited to attend a mandatory 'Head Start Orientation Session.'
Exchange Semester Timelines

The Creative School offers Semester Exchange in the Winter semester only.

September-October: The host institution will reach out to students to begin their internal application process. 

October-December: Once the host university completes its review of applications, students will receive the official Offer of Admission from the host institution and a welcome package including key info such as: getting a visa, finding housing, course selection, and more. 

January-March: As you prepare for your Exchange Semester, please note that the academic calendar start and end dates vary by region and institution. To find the expected start dates for your semester, please visit our Destinations Tab. There, you'll find the Partner Profile Chart which outlines all the essential details for your specific adademic institution. 

The exchange process begins one year in advance so students interested in studying on exchange in their third year (6th semester) should apply in their second year. 

To be eligible to apply for the exchange program, students must meet the following minimum academic requirements:

  • Currently a second year student 
  • Full-time status (domestic or international)
  • Minimum CGPA of 2.5
  • Clear academic standing (i.e. non-probation)

Important notes:

  • Admission to The Creative School exchange program is highly competitive and meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee admission
  • If you are a transfer student or studying the program out of sync, please consult with your Academic Advisor 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, opens in new window)  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: CGPA, Letter of interest, and an interview. Students who rank the highest will be considered for their first choice, second choice, or third choice until spots at each host university are filled up.

Factors that influence the rankings and selection:

  • Total number of applicants 
  • Interest at certain destinations
  • Spot availability at each host institution 

There are a limited number of spots at each host university. Many host universities offer as few as two to three spots across the entire faculty. Students are encouraged to consider a variety of destinations as first choices are not guaranteed.

For the semester that students are completing their exchange, students pay the equivalent of a full-course load (approximately five to seven billing units) 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.

 

Note: 

  • 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, opens in new window) , you should find a discipline that is somewhat similar to your area of study. 

All programs and courses offered by the partner institutions are taught in English. 

Students are required to take a full-course load at the host institution. Since the definition of a full-course load differs from institution to institution, you may be enrolled in fewer or more courses than what is typical at Toronto Metropolitan University. 

Course selection begins 2-3 months prior to the start of your exchange semester. When you receive information about course selection from your host institution, your Academic Advisor will be required to review your timetable and approve your credits for transfer.

Please note that some adjustments to your academic plan may be required to ensure you receive core credits either before or after your exchange semester. 

Official transcripts from the host institution are sent to your home faculty approximately 2 months after the host institution releases your grades at the end of the term. Your transfer credits will appear in MyServiceHub 1-2 months after the official transcript has been received. Please note that your credits will appear without a letter grade and therefore will not impact your CGPA.

Students are responsible for ensuring that all their exchange credits appear on MyServiceHub prior to applying for graduation.

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. To read about how to begin a financing plan, visit Financing Your Participation (opens in new window) 

Students are encouraged to begin a budgeting plan so that they have proper financing before going on exchange. It is highly advised that students use a  (google sheet) Budget Spreadsheet (external link, opens in new window)  to calculate the expenses of living and studying abroad. This document provides estimated costs for living expenses during a 4-month period:  (google sheet) Cost Estimates for TMU Exchange Destinations (external link, opens in new window) 

For tips from past exchange students on how they financed their exchange, read this blog about Budgeting For Exchange (opens in new window) .

Important: Do not make any financial commitments until you receive the official Offer of Admission from the host university.

Applying & Preparing for Exchange

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:

Important: Please do not contact any of our partner institutions. If you have any exchange questions, please inquire with the International Coordinator at exchange@torontomu.ca

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. Choose a semester: Choose to study on exchange in the Winter semester (6th semester). 
  3. 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 (opens in new window) .
  4. 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, opens in new window) 

Apply Via: https://torontomu.moveonca.com/form/652802c53e95fb0701044250/eng (external link, opens in new window) 
Deadline: January 31

*All applications are reviewed after the deadline.

After submitting an application, students may be invited to interview with representatives from the Dean's Office. The purpose is to get a better sense of your preparedness to make the personal, financial and academic commitment to 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: Fashion and Interior Design may require portfolios for their semester exchange. Portfolio instructions will be emailed to students, if you've successfully completed the interviews.

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

Important Considerations

Students are responsible for finding and securing their own housing/accommodation.

Students are encouraged to research the rental market, explore various housing options and calculate the cost of accommodation into their budget.

To support students with their search, the host institution typically shares on-campus and off-campus housing resources with students 2-3 months prior to departure. 

Considerations when researching housing and accommodations:

  • Budget for monthly rent
  • Off-campus vs. on-campus
  • Proximity to campus and the city centre
  • AirBnB vs. short term lease vs. homestay
  • Roommates
  • Pets 
  • Other amenities (e.g. air conditioning)

Important: Students should not make any financial or logistical commitments towards housing until they have received the official Offer of Admission from the host institution.

Students can arrive at the host country anytime before the start of the exchange semester. Please note that the host institution typically hosts a mandatory 'Orientation Week' for exchange students one week prior to the start of classes. Settling in at least a week before classes start will help you familiarize yourself with your new environment and meet other exchange students from around the world. 

Students are responsible for their immigration plan and travel expenses, including acquiring any student visa, travel insurance and making travel arrangements. Students are encouraged to research flights, visa requirements and border entry/exit requirements. To support students with navigating through this process, the host institution typically provides immigration resources 2-3 months before departure.

Visas: Many countries require students to get a student visa in order to formally study at their institution on foreign exchange. Information regarding student visas can be found on the immigration website of the host country. 

Insurance: Students should review the Travel Medical Emergency Insurance (opens in new window)  section of this webpage to review the type of insurance you should purchase prior to travelling. Students are responsible for acquiring travel medical emergency insurance for the period in which they are out of the country. 

Important notes: 

  • Students should not make any financial or logistical commitments towards travel until they have received the official Offer of Admission from the host institution.
  • Students who wish to work while they are abroad, it is the students' responsibility to research and apply for a separate work permit to work abroad while as a visiting exchange student.

Additional Considerations

When researching exchange institutions, start by looking at the following pages:

Student standing in street festival with two locals in brown overalls and hats
Landscape photo of a cliff with a person standing on the cliff looking at the view

You've Been Accepted. What's Next?

Successful students are required to attend a mandatory "Head Start: Exchange Orientation" session in May/June.

At this session, topics that will be covered include: timelines, housing, immigration, OSAP, tuition, programs and courses, and more.

This is also an opportunity for all students who have been accepted into the program to meet one another.

The date and time of this session will be emailed directly to students at the time when the conditional offers are sent out.

Between September to October (dates vary depending on the host university), nominated students will prepare to submit an application to the host university. The host university will directly email nominated students with admission instructions. 

Once the host university completes their review of students’ applications, students will receive the official Offer of Admission. Students typically receive the official offer between late October to January (dates vary depending on the host university).

Please note that students' exchange offer is conditional upon receiving the formal Offer of Admission from the host university. 

Receiving the official Offer of Admission means that you are fully registered as a student at the host university. After which, you will start receiving information regarding student dates, course enrollment, housing, and visa requirements and more.

Before students depart for their exchange semester, they must attend a mandatory Pre-Departure Orientation Session. This session is facilitated by TMU Global and will be attended by all students across the university who are participating in the exchange program. The date/time of this session will be emailed directly to students. 

Toronto Metropolitan University requires that all students participating in TMU affiliated international activity complete Mandatory Pre-Departure Risk Management Steps (opens in new window) .

While you're abroad, we encourage students to stay in touch. The International Coordinator will check in to see how you're settling in. We love to hear from students and see photos to share with The Creative School community!

When you return from exchange, we encourage you to keep in touch and we will reach out for ways that you can continue to stay involved by sharing your stories, mentoring students, and joining our events and panels. 

Questions? Email the International Programs Coordinator at exchange@torontomu.ca