ÓÈÎïÊÓÆµ

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International Learning Opportunities

International Exchange ÓÈÎïÊÓÆµ

Undergraduate and graduate degree-seeking students at SFU may apply for a student exchange. With planning, courses may be used toward a ÓÈÎïÊÓÆµ degree, and need not extend a student’s period of study. ÓÈÎïÊÓÆµ has over 120 exchange relationships in more than 40 countries around the world and in Canada.

Participants must meet certain academic and residency requirements. Undergraduate exchange participants may apply for a maximum equivalent of 30 exchange units toward their ÓÈÎïÊÓÆµ degree. In some cases, a maximum of 15 exchange units may apply to the residency requirements for completing a credential at ÓÈÎïÊÓÆµ.

Formal exchange program students may receive exchange credit for approved courses completed at the host university with a passing grade.

See International Program section on Special Fees for information about international exchange program fees.

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Eligibility for Undergraduate Exchanges

Canadian citizens, permanent residents and visa students enrolled in undergraduate degree programs at ÓÈÎïÊÓÆµ may apply to participate in the exchange program. At the time of application, all undergraduate exchange applicants must

  • have completed a minimum total of 36 units* with a minimum of 12 units completed at ÓÈÎïÊÓÆµ
  • have been approved in a program specialization (for example, a major or minor) or have an intended program specialization
  • have achieved a minimum 2.67 cumulative grade point average (CGPA) or higher as required by partner institutions
  • be enrolled as a ÓÈÎïÊÓÆµ undergraduate degree student†

*undergraduate students undertaking second/subsequent undergraduate degrees must have completed a minimum total of 12 units at ÓÈÎïÊÓÆµ at the time of application
†undergraduate visiting, non-degree, diploma and certificate students are not normally eligible for the exchange program

Acceptance into the ÓÈÎïÊÓÆµ Exchange Program is based on the general eligibility requirements. However, selection for an exchange to a specific partner institution(s) is competitive. Selection is based on the general eligibility requirements for exchange as well as academic performance, motivation, academic reference(s), and any additional requirements of the specific partner institution(s).

Participants must meet certain academic and residency requirements. Exchange participants may apply for a maximum equivalent of 30 exchange units toward their ÓÈÎïÊÓÆµ degree. In some cases, a maximum of 15 exchange units may apply to the residency requirements for completing a credential at ÓÈÎïÊÓÆµ.

For a list of exchange destinations, application details and deadlines, please visit the International Services for Students website at .

The undergraduate exchange eligibility criteria are intended to select student participants who are likely to succeed academically in the exchange program. If students have unique circumstances and wish to appeal the exchange eligibility requirements, they may contact International Services for Students for information on the formal appeal process.

Eligibility for Graduate Exchanges

Canadian citizens, permanent residents and visa students enrolled in graduate degree programs at ÓÈÎïÊÓÆµ may apply to participate in the exchange program. At the time of application, all graduate exchange applicants must

  • have the approval of both their graduate supervisor (or faculty advisor in the case where no graduate supervisor is appointed) and the chair of their graduate program;
  • normally have achieved a minimum 3.5 cumulative grade point average (CGPA), or higher as required by partner institutions;
  • be in good standing and making satisfactory progress in their program of study; and
  • be enrolled as an active ÓÈÎïÊÓÆµ graduate degree student*

*Graduate visiting students, non-degree students, and diploma students are not eligible for the SFU Exchange Program.

Participants on all exchanges must meet certain academic and residency requirements. The graduate residency requirement for Masters and PhD students completing a credential at ÓÈÎïÊÓÆµ may include up to half of the minimum course work of the university or departmental degree requirements completed at an SFU partner institution on a formal exchange program (as per GGR 1.7).

Graduate students approved for participation in an SFU exchange may, in special cases, be granted permission to take undergraduate courses at a partner institution. However, in most cases, undergraduate coursework taken by graduate students while on exchange will not be counted toward their graduate degree requirements at SFU (as per GGR 1.7).

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Field Schools

A field school is a term program led by a ÓÈÎïÊÓÆµ faculty member for 7 to 12 weeks in the field with some ÓÈÎïÊÓÆµ course work prior to departure. Field school participants can earn 9 to 12 ÓÈÎïÊÓÆµ units toward their degree and grade point average. All applicants should

  • be 19 years of age or older on the day of departure
  • have completed 30 units prior to application
  • have a minimum 2.5 grade point average

Additional requirements may apply.

For a complete list of exchange destinations, field school details, information sessions, deadlines and application information, visit

All field schools are subject to cancellation due to insufficient enrollment, departmental funding and availability of instructors, or safety issues in the destination country.

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Funding for Study Abroad

Financial aid, awards, bursaries and scholarships are available to help with the cost of international study through ÓÈÎïÊÓÆµ. See Financial Aid for Undergraduate Students and Study Abroad Funding and Costs for more information.

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Independent Study Abroad

ÓÈÎïÊÓÆµ undergraduate students may study and receive transfer credit at institutions which do not have a formal exchange agreement. Students arrange this individually, and must also organize transfer credit using a letter of permission. Finance, tuition, academic and language requirements of the host institution must be met. Contact the host university regarding application and admission requirements. Information regarding the process for a ÓÈÎïÊÓÆµ letter of permission (LOP) is available from Student Services (see Courses at Other Institutions/Letters of Permission).

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