Eligibility, Application and Acceptance
Outgoing Students
Internationalize Your Degree!
Going on an International Exchange is a great way to travel without delaying graduation! Take classes towards your BComm requirements at one of our partner institutions, and see the world!
Get Ready to Apply
Ready to take your degree global? Here’s how to kickstart your international exchange journey:
- Check Your Eligibility
Ensure you've completed at least 60 units (20 courses) towards your BComm, including 3 of BTMA 317, FNCE 317, MKTG 317, OBHR 317, OPMA 317.
Pro Tip: Completing ENTI 317 and MGST 391 before you go is strongly recommended. - Maintain a Strong GPA
Aim for a minimum GPA of 2.90 on your last 30 units.
Note: Some partner schools require higher GPAs. - Submit Your Application
Applications are submitted online . For some competitive partner schools, you’ll also need to complete an additional questionnaire — if this applies to you, you’ll get an email with all the details.
Pro tip: The application system can time out without saving your progress, so we recommend copying the questions into Word (or your favorite text editor), drafting your answers there, then pasting them into the application before submitting. This way, you won’t lose your hard work!
Remember: Priority round applications are reviewed based on “best fit,” while secondary round applications are reviewed in the order received. - Understand the Selection Process
We select students based mostly on your application responses, not GPA. During the secondary round, it’s first come, first served.
Note: Some partners may close applications earlier than final deadlines. - Prepare for the Next Steps
Once accepted, you'll receive instructions for course registration, housing, visas, and more.
Not sure if you meet the eligibility criteria? Contact us before applying to discuss your situation.
Application Guidelines
Q: Can I apply to more than one partner school?
A: Yes – in fact, we recommend it! You can submit applications to multiple partners, but you will have to indicate which is your 1st/2nd/3rd choices. We review students for their 1st choice first and only consider other choices if needed.
Note: When you submit your 2nd choice application, the system will see the overlapping dates and ask you to indicate 1st and 2nd choice for your two submitted applications. The same will happen when/if you submit a 3rd choice application.
Q: What courses can I take abroad?
A: You can take both business and non-business courses (if offered at your partner school), but you need to complete at least 2 business courses during your exchange. You don’t need to know your exact courses when applying—just a rough idea. After acceptance, you’ll finalize course selection with your advisor’s help.
Q: How do I know what transfer credit I’ll get for my courses?
A: During your exchange prep, you’ll review our Exchange Course Guide and submit course outlines for transfer credit assessment at least 2 months before departure.
Want more details on courses and transfer credit? Check out the Prep for Takeoff page.
Q: Can I apply if I’m planning to graduate soon?
A: Absolutely! If you’re close to graduating, chat with us early in the process. We’ll help you plan your courses to meet graduation requirements and figure out how your exchange might affect your timeline.
Q: What if I miss a deadline?
A: Priority round deadlines are crucial, especially for popular partner schools. Some partners reopen for a secondary round with limited spots, but not all do. Make sure to submit on time to maximize your chances! Secondary round deadlines are usually firm, and late applications cannot be accepted.
Q: What funding is available for my exchange?
A: You can apply for awards and scholarships specifically for exchange students, plus government loans and travel grants. Don’t forget—you’re still a degree-seeking student here, so you can also apply for our regular awards and scholarships. Just make sure you meet all deadlines and requirements! For all the details, check out our Prep for Takeoff page.
Q: How do tuition and fees work during my exchange?
A: You’ll continue paying your regular UCalgary tuition and fees while on exchange — no extra international tuition at the partner school! You’re responsible for your own travel, accommodation, and living expenses. Some partner schools may charge small fees (like student union or activity fees); your partner school will send you more info during the prep process.
Note: Some partner schools offer “fee-paying” summer programs with different fee structures. If that applies to you, contact us so we can help clarify!
Q: Can I defer or cancel my exchange if something comes up?
A: We get it, life happens! Reach out ASAP if you need to defer or cancel — there are processes for this, but timing is key.
Online Application
Start preparing these pieces in advance for your online application. Applications can be started and saved before being submitted.
- The questions on the application will give you an opportunity to tell us more about yourself, why you are applying to this particular host institution, and how you plan to fund your experience. You will also be asked to provide your passport information – if your passport is currently being renewed and you do not have this information, please explain that and send us your passport information via email as soon as you receive it.
- If you are applying for this exchange with a friend, you’ll be able to add their name and UCID to your application so we can review your applications together. Note you will be asked if you prefer to stay with your friend(s) or go to your first choice – your answer is kept confidential and allows us to help prioritize your goals for your experience abroad.
- You do not have to submit new answers for each application you submit, but it is recommended that you modify your answer regarding why you chose that particular country/city/partner institution.
- Research the selected universities’ course offerings and prepare a list of tentative courses with course names/titles and numbers (course descriptions or timetabling not needed). You will need it for the online application.
- Course offerings can be found on the partner institutions websites, linked under our Exchange Partners page.
- Please note: Lists are tentative and often based on the host university's current or previous year's course offerings. You are not committed to these courses, we just want to be sure you’re familiar with the academic programs at each selected university and have plenty of suitable courses available. You do not need to confirm transfer credit for courses at this stage; this will be done after approval.
Online Questionnaire (written)
All students who have successfully submitted an application for a competitive exchange partner will be sent a link to the mandatory online questionnaire. This written questionnaire helps us to determine “best fit” for competitive partners.
The online questionnaire link will be emailed to applicants shortly after the competitive deadline (above). Only students who have applied to competitive partners will be required to complete this questionnaire.
The deadline to complete the questionnaire will be noted in the email; it should be approximately 2 weeks after the competitive deadline (above). Failure to complete the questionnaire will result in your application being reviewed for non-competitive partner institutions only.
Acceptance
The Haskayne exchange program specialists will review your application for your first choice host institution, ; We will review alternative choice host institutions only in the event that we cannot accept a student to their first choice host institution.
After you have received the acceptance email you will need to complete the Program Registration in RAISA. This is crucial information that is sent to Risk Management in the event of an emergency or situation while you are away. Please complete this Program Registration as soon as you receive acceptance to the exchange program. You can edit the host country contact information section after initial submission (IE after you arrive in the host country and confirm your contact details there).
If you ever have any questions about your exchange, please don't hesitate to contact us.