Exchange students

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Student Inquiries

Understanding Exchange Student Status

Admission Procedures

ISSS Services to Exchange Students

Financial Benefits

Nominated Students

Application Process

Forms and Checklists

Arrival and Housing

Exchange students
Application Process

This page is intended for students who are nominated by our current and active exchange partners according to formalized agreements. International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) administers incoming exchange programs. ISSS is the primary contact office for international exchange students visiting the University of Minnesota.

In order to study at the University of Minnesota as an exchange student, please read the following instructions completely. All forms referred to on this page are found at Forms and Checklists.

• Application for International Exchange AdmissionTo be considered for admission to the University of Minnesota, complete the University of Minnesota Application for International Exchange Admission and return it to International Student and Scholar Services by April 1, 2009. We will forward the information to our Admissions Office. Students are eligible for formal admission only after this form and all required documentation has been reviewed by our Office of Admissions. Please do not fax applications. When completing the form, please note the following:

1. Do not include the application fee for the non-degree application for admission.

2. Provide official copies of all university-level transcripts in both native language and English translation and a copy of TOEFL or IELTS scores. Official scores should be reported to the Undergraduate Admissions Office at the University of Minnesota. Students not meeting the English requirement can be considered for conditional admission to the College of Liberal Arts, but may not register for classes until completing an ESL placement test on our campus. (Note: Institutional TOEFL scores are not accepted.)

3. Along with this form,send financial documentation, such as bank statements, or aspecific letter of support from a loan agency and a copy of passport identification page

• Housing Request Form and Housing Application/Contract:
  The Housing Information Sheet contains information and instructions on regarding on- and off-campus housing options and financial obligations associated with living in the residence halls. Housing requests received after the stated deadline date cannot be guaranteed.

  We can only accept original signed applications. A $25 Application Fee will be assessed on the first student bill for those requesting campus housing. DO NOT send money with your application.

  Once a student has been admitted to the University of Minnesota, the home institution coordinator will receive an Acceptance Packet containing a Letter of Admission, a DS2019 visa document, and Immunization Form, and information on orientation, housing, and academic life at the University of Minnesota. This information is generally sent twelve weeks prior to the start of the semester.

  Exchange students admitted to the University of Minnesota, will be considered undergraduate “non-degree seeking” students. This carries with it certain restrictions on the kinds of classes you can take. Please review the “University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Academic Overview for more information.

  Every year students inquire about admittance to a University of Minnesota graduate program. Only students who are planning to complete a graduate degree at the University of Minnesota should apply for admission to the Graduate School. Eligibility requirements can be strict, the process is lengthy, and programs are highly selective. Please note that most deadlines for the fall graduate admissions are in December and January. For an application, contact the Graduate School, University of Minnesota, 309 Johnston Hall, Minneapolis, MN 55455-0421, or visit Graduate School website .International Student and Scholar Services does not assist exchange students with this process.

  Students should arrive at the University of Minnesota approximately two weeks prior to the start of the term in order to participate in orientation and get settled. Please refer to visa documents for any additional entry requirements. Please consult the academic calendars for the upcoming year. Mandatory orientation dates will be mailed to your home institution coordinator with acceptance packets.