Exchange application and departure process

If you haven't already done so you must apply to the Students Exchange Program

  • If you meet the eligibility requirements to participate, you will receive and must complete an Outgoing Student Exchange Placement Acceptance Form
  • ISSAC will send a formal student nomination to the host institution
    • In order to participate in the exchange program, the student nomination must be sent by ISSAC.

  • Students who are nominated will be invited to an information session specifically about the partner institution. Here you will learn how to:
    • Travel safety & risk management abroad
    • Housing options and resources
    • Immigration and visa matters
    • Opportunity to meet other USask students who are going to the same institution or region as you

  • You will need to complete the host exchange application by the given deadline. Further information will be provided once you complete the Outgoing Student Exchange Placement Acceptance Form and receive an official nomination from your host instituion. Your application will be reviewed by the partner institution.
  • If approved, you will receive an Official Letter of Acceptance

Once you receive the Official Letter of Acceptance, you are officially accepted as an exchange student to your host institution. Congratulations! Now you can start planning your trip!

  • It will be your responsibility to arrange for accommodations while on exchange.
  • General information on the various housing options can be obtained from an ISSAC International Education Officer or communication may be recieved directly from the host institution.
  • You will be responsible for confirming your housing arrangements prior to departing on your exchange program.

  • You will need to work with your college advisor to create a study plan indicating the courses you would like to take at the partner university.
  • Your College will review your course selections and determine which courses will transfer back to your USask degree.

Passport

  • You must have a valid Passport to travel overseas
  • Most countries require your passport is valid for at least six months after you return to Canada after your time abroad
  • Passport applications can be downloaded from the Passport Canada website. You must obtain your passport before you can apply for any student immigration documents.  

Immigration Documents

  • Each country has its own requirements for student immigration documents. It will be your responsibility to comply with these requirements.
  • In some instances, the process can take up to 12 weeks. 
  • Do not leave immigration matters to the last minute!

You are responsible for handling your own immigration matters. This includes obtaining your own passport and student immigration documentation.

Registration at USask:

  • Register for a Student Exchange Placement Holder to maintain USask student status while abroad
  • Selected students will be emailed directly with a Course Reference Number (CRN) to register in before your departure

Registration at the Partner Institution:

  • You will register for the approved courses you wish to take at the host institution (Course selcetion should be based on your Study Plan and authorized by your USask College)
  • Keep in mind each host institution have different methods of course registration. Further instructions will be provided by the host institution.
  • Please be mindful of possible issues such as time conflicts, full classes, canceled classes etc. are all host institutions.

  • You are required to complete the tasks listed on the International Travel Registry prior to departing.
  • All students traveling on a University approved and/or funded trip must complete the International Travel Registry.
  • The University of Saskatchewan Risk Management and Safety team will assist you with the International Travel Registry registration process.
  • You will receive an email with further instructions from itr.admin@usask.ca once you have completed the registration form.

You must obtain adequate medical coverage for travel outside Saskatchewan. This includes two types of insurance coverage:

  1. Basic provincial health coverage; and
  2. Extended medical coverage for travelers
  • You should already have basic provincial coverage, either from Saskatchewan Health or your province of permanent residence (to which you pay taxes). If you participate in an exchange program, you will also have to make arrangements for extended medical coverage. 
  • Some host institutions will require exchange students to purchase a specific medical insurance plan before the university will issue a Letter of Acceptance. If not, you will be required to purchase privately. 

Useful Resources  

Contact the Saskatchewan Health Authority - International Travel Centre  to discuss your potential travel plans. They can provide you with health information about any country of interest including suggested and/or required vaccinations and potential illnesses of which you should be aware.

  • You are resopnsible to book your flights abroad and arrange your own transportation to and from your host country/exchange program destination.
  • TIP: Keep in mind your arrival time (and time dffference) when traveling to your exchange program. Will you be arriving late? If so, please look into makng temporary housing arragements (e.g. hotel, hostel, etc.) as you may not be able visit your host institution after business hours.

Exchange students may be eligible for funding upon selection and completion of their program.

Scholarships:

  • A student on exchange is still formally registered at the USask and is considered a USask student for the purposes of student Financial Assistance and Scholarships.
  • Generally, exchange students can continue to receive and/or apply for scholarships. Please be sure to check the specific terms of your current scholarship to ensure that you are in compliance. 

Loans/Budgeting tips:

  • Student loans may be available to students participating in an exchange program. Students are strongly encouraged to explore their various options.
  • Recommended for students to browse exchange programs where they wish to study. Financial assistance may be available.
  • Host instutiton websites often include information on the estimated cost of living for international and exchange students. This could help students better budget for the duration of their program.

  • If you go on exchange, you will be assessed full USask tuition.
  • Regardless of how many courses or credits you plan to transfer back to USask, you will be charged the equivalent of 15 credit units of instruction for each semester that you participate in the exchange.
  • You will not be charged USask student fees while on exchange. However, estimated student fees may be applicable at the host institution.
  • Prior to your departure you must pay your first semester of tuition. Make sure you pay your second semester fees by published payment due dates.

Bon voyage!  Have fun. 

The Univeristy of Saskatchewan will be in contact with you throughout your study abroad program to see how you are doing.

Please make sure you request an official Academic Transcript when you complete your study abroad program. Inform the host instutition to send a copy directly to ISSAC at study.abroad@usask.ca