Study Abroad Options | Guelph Students
Global opportunities for Gryphons!
Explore study abroad opportunities that fit your goals, including semester exchanges, summer programs, internships, and research placements. Going abroad is a chance to expand your learning, build global connections, and experience new cultures while developing valuable academic and professional skills. Exchange programs typically last 1–2 semesters, while summer programs typically run for 1-6 weeks in the summer. With approval, research abroad can even count as a co-op term. Explore all your options to find the experience that’s the best fit for you.
Start Here: Attend a Study Abroad Information Session
Interested in studying abroad? Attending a Study Abroad Information Session is your first step in the application process. Students are required to attend a session in order to apply for the current application period. The session will introduce your study abroad options, academic considerations, and financial planning, and will help you decide if going abroad is right for you. Once you’ve completed the session, you’ll receive access to the online study abroad application (available in mid-December).
Study abroad should be planned about a year in advance, so it’s important to start early!
Explore Your Options
Exchange Programs
Spend a semester or year at one of the University of Guelph’s partner universities while earning credit toward your degree. Tuition is paid to U of G, and your credits transfer back.
Field Schools
Take part in a faculty-led course abroad that blends classroom learning with hands-on experience, giving you the chance to apply what you learn directly in an international setting.
Summer Exchange Programs
Spend 2–6 weeks at a University of Guelph partner university through a summer exchange program while earning credit toward your degree.
Summer Language Programs
Immerse yourself in another culture while developing language skills through short, intensive summer language courses at partner institutions.
Research Abroad
Deepen your academic experience by conducting research abroad through hands-on projects, faculty collaboration, and opportunities to explore global perspectives in your field.
Search for Study Abroad Programs
Explore study abroad programs for undergraduate and graduate students through our searchable database. Filter by field of study, destination, and more to find opportunities and partners that fit your goals!
Planning Resources for Studying Abroad
Safe Travel Information
Travel smart. Learn about safety while studying abroad.
Financing Your Study Abroad
Understand the costs and explore funding options.
Study Abroad Community
Connect with other students, share your experiences, and get involved.
Carbon Neutral Study Abroad
Explore how to reduce and offset your travel emissions.
Apply to Study Abroad
Once you’ve attended a Study Abroad Info Session and explored your options, your next step is the application. Our study abroad application instructions page will guide you through eligibility, deadlines, funding, approvals, and pre-departure requirements so you know exactly what to expect.
Study Abroad Options FAQs
Co-op students are welcome to participate in our programs and have a few different options to consider. A semester exchange can count towards an academic term or a research abroad placement may be able to be used towards a co-op placement with the proper approval ahead of time. Attend an info session for more details and to get access to the online application.
The majority of our partner universities have offices similar to U of G's Student Accessibility Services. We advise students to speak to a Study Abroad Advisor before submitting their study abroad application to ensure the necessary services will be available at a particular partner university on their exchange.
If you would like to attend a specific university that Guelph does not have an exchange agreement with, you can do what is called a Letter of Permission (LOP). A Letter of Permission gives a student from the University of Guelph permission to take credits at another university and transfer the credits back to their degree at the University of Guelph.
On an LOP, the student pays international student tuition and fees to the host institution (often 2-3x more than UG tuition) and is considered a student at the host university for the duration of the LOP. The student is responsible for applying to the host institution and the Centre for International Programs does not provide assistance. More information on an LOP is available through the Registrar's Office, and your Academic Advisor will be able to talk to you about Guelph's administrative process.