Financing your Study Abroad | Guelph Students

While on exchange, you pay tuition and student fees to the University of Guelph. Students who are going on exchange in the fall or winter semesters must still pay full-time tuition even if they take part-time courses while on exchange.

For students participating in short-term summer exchange programs where it is not possible to take a full-time course load, they will be charged part-time U of Guelph tuition for the number of credits they will be able to transfer.  While on exchange, you must still pay U of G for the Student Health Plan and student organization fees. The only fee that you do not have to pay is the bus pass.

Your U of G tuition and fees are due and paid for the semester when you are considered away on exchange. For example, although the semester in Australia doesn’t start until February, your U of G tuition and student fees will be due in early January. Check WebAdvisor for your account summary, deadlines and how to pay. For questions about your U of G fees, contact Student Financial Services.

This $85 fee is paid to CIP and covers the administrative costs of sending students on exchange. Student accepted into an exchange program will be emailed more information about making this payment.

You are responsible for all exchange student fees required by the host university (excluding tuition, which you pay to the University of Guelph). These fees may include residence fees, meal plan, mandatory health plan (such as OSHC in Australia), athletic centre fees or student union fees.

All U of G students participating in an exchange program are required to purchased Guard.Me insurance. There a no exceptions to purchasing this insurance. Find out more details and how to purchase the insurance, here. 

Make sure your passport will be valid for at least 6-months after your return date. If you need to renew your passport before travelling, do it as soon as possible.
 

Additionally, look into visa requirements early. This includes the process of getting the visa, where do you have to send your documents, do you have to go for an in-person interview or provide biometrics, etc.

Budget for round-trip airfare and any side trips you intend to take during your time abroad. Check out different airlines and sites to determine the average price of a flight to your host country. From there you will be better able to recognize a deal when you find it. Setting realistic expectations now about the amount of travel you can afford while abroad will allow you to make the most of your time there.

Accommodation, food, local transportation, utilities, and personal expenses in your host country.

The exchange rate can make a big difference in the cost of your abroad experience. Therefore, you should keep the exchange rate in mind when looking into possible destinations and know that the exchange rate fluctuates constantly.