Full-Semester Student Exchange Programs | Guelph Students
Go abroad while earning credit towards your U of G degree!
Studying abroad is an exciting way to expand your education, experience a new culture, and build international connections - all while earning credit toward your University of Guelph degree. Through exchange, you remain registered at U of G and pay U of G tuition while studying at a partner university abroad. U of G has exchange agreements with over 100 partner institutions in more than 30 countries across Europe, Asia, Oceania, and Latin America. There are so many options to explore!
Whether you want to spend a full semester or a summer abroad, there are multiple pathways available. If your destination isn’t one of our exchange partners, you may also be able to study abroad on a Letter of Permission.
Why go on Exchange?
- Tuition: you will pay U of G tuition and fees, not international student tuition and fees.
- Course Credit: take courses that count towards your degree while studying in another country.
- Develop Yourself: build your intercultural skills and your resume, learn about yourself and the world, make new friends, and develop a global perspective.
Exchange Options
Discover the different ways you can take your studies abroad. From full-year and semester-long exchanges - the most popular choice, to shorter summer programs, you’ll find opportunities to fit your goals. You can also explore OUI provincial exchanges or take courses abroad through a Letter of Permission.
Full-Semester / Year Abroad
Spend one or two semesters at a partner university. Explore courses, language learning, and cultural immersion while staying on track with your degree.
- Duration: One or two semesters
- Where: Over 100 partner universities worldwide
- Credits: Transfer back to U of G with approval of your Academic Advisor
OUI (Ontario Universities International) Provincial Exchanges
The University of Guelph partners with other Canadian universities to offer exchange opportunities to students in France and Germany:
- Duration: One or two semesters
- Where: Through the Ontario/Rhône-Alpes (ORA) program in France and the Ontario/Baden-Württemberg (OBW) program in Germany
- Credits: Transfer back to U of G with approval of your Academic Advisor
The Ontario/Rhone-Alpes (ORA) Student Exchange Program organizes exchanges between 14 Ontario universities, including the U of G, and 10 universities in the Rhone-Alpes region in France. Therefore, University of Guelph students can go on exchange for one or two semesters to one of the participating universities in the Rhône-Alpes, France. Students from most fields of study can apply for the ORA Exchange but must have at least an intermediate level of French (usually considered to be equivalent to having taken second-year level French courses at the University of Guelph).
Information on the ORA program and the partner France universities can be found on the ORA website. Please note that besides the exchange program, the ORA also offers a Summer Language Program (any level) and Summer Research Program.
*Note, participants are eligible to receive a $3000 scholarship for one semester and a $4000 scholarship for full-year exchange.
The Ontario/Baden-Wurttemberg (OBW) Student Exchange Program organizes exchanges between 12 Ontario universities, including the UofG, and 9 universities in the Baden-Wurttemberg region in Germany. University of Guelph students can go on exchange for one or two semesters to one of the participating universities in Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany. Students from most fields of study can apply. No German-language skills are required to participate. While on the exchange, students will be required to take at least one German language course, and may also take courses in English (the number of courses taught in English and their subjects varies at the participating German universities).
Information on the program and the partner German universities can be found on the OBW website. Please note that besides the exchange program, the OBW also offers a Summer Language Program (any level) and a Summer Research Program.
*Note, participants are eligible to receive a $3000 scholarship for one semester and a $4000 scholarship for full-year exchange.
the OUI program has offered scholarships in the past to participants. Scholarships may be available to future applicants but we are waiting for confirmation.
Please refer to the Student Financial Services Travel Bursaries and Scholarships information for financial assistance.
Exchange Locations
Guelph has exchange agreements with over 100 partner institutions in over 30 countries! Europe, Asia, Africa, Oceania, Latin America...there are so many choices available to you.
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.
Summer Exchange Programs
Looking for a shorter international experience? Many partner universities offer summer programs that run for 2–6 weeks between May and August. Options include language study, research, and specialized courses, with the potential to transfer credit back to your degree.