Before match

Note: For the 2026/2027 application year, there will be only one round of applications for our exchange program. If you're hoping to take part, please make sure to apply during this window—it's your only chance to do so.

Applications will open October 1, 2025, and close October 31, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. ET. Spots will be available for the Summer 2026, Fall 2026, Winter 2027 and Spring 2027 terms.

To be considered for an exchange match, you need to review the mandatory information session and complete the quiz. 

You must get 100% on the quiz to gain access to Passport. 

The Go Abroad Information Session will open September 1, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. ET. and close on October 31, 2025, at 8:59 p.m. ET.  

To access the session:

• Find Go Abroad Info Session in LEARN under Self Registration
• Review all content in the course. 
• Complete the final quiz. You must get a 100% to get access to Passport. You will have an unlimited number of attempts to complete the quiz. 
• Access to the exchange application will be given within two business days of passing the quiz.
• If you reviewed and passed the quiz for an info session last year, you need to complete again. The information in these sessions changes every year.

Note: The last chance to self-register for the LEARN Information Session is October 31, 8:00 p.m. ET.  The last day to review the information session is October 31, 2025, at 8:59 p.m. ET. We will NOT reopen registration for the LEARN Information Session under any circumstances. 

Country-Specific Questions?

For questions tailored to a specific destination, please book a one-on-one meeting with your Global Learning Coordinator. Scroll down to the “Ask Us” section for contact information.

Watching the Go Abroad Info Session in advance will help you come prepared and make the most of your time with us!
 

Check Waterloo Passport for a listing of all available opportunities around the world. Start by researching term dates, course availability, eligibility requirements, and the average cost of living at the host schools you're interested in. You should also check the likelihood of being matched with the host schools you apply to. If you are a graduate student, you should verify in Waterloo Passport that the program you are interested in is open to graduate students.

AND

Get advice from the right people

We recommend undergraduate students connect with their faculty exchange representative and graduate students connect with their graduate supervisor before starting the application process. 

Other resources that can help you decide on a program and destination 

• Search your faculty's international exchange page. 
  • Arts
  • Engineering
  • Environment
  • Health
  • Mathematics
  • Science

Graduate students

If you are a graduate student, complete a change of enrolment status/withdrawal form and have it signed by your supervisor before you apply in Waterloo Passport. 

Undergraduate and graduate students

If you are interested in going on exchange for the 26/27 academic year, applications will open in Fall 2025, and there will be only one application cycle for the entire academic year—so don’t miss your chance!

Important notes

• When applying for an exchange program, you are encouraged to list up to four schools in one application.
• After you’ve submitted your application, pay your non-refundable application fee immediately. Your application fee must be paid by the October 31, 2025 application deadline in order for your application to be considered and endorsed by your faculty.
• If you are applying for a full semester exchange program, your application fee will be $150.
• If you are applying for a short term/summer/internship program listed on Passport – your application fee will be $50.  
  • If necessary, students who participate in a short term/summer or internship program may additionally be charged a $25 Letter of Permission fee to transfer credits after their international experience.
• Students applying for both full term exchange and a short term/summer or internship program will be charged $150.

Frequently asked questions about the fee

Why do I have to pay a fee?

The fee covers the costs associated with your mobility program application and is in line with other Canadian institutions. It is an application fee, not a match or placement fee. 

I applied last year and paid the application fee, but didn’t go on exchange. Do I have to pay again this year?

Yes. You must pay the application fee associated with the application year cycle you are applying.

When am I eligible for a refund?

You’re eligible for a refund if: a) you don’t get endorsed by your faculty; or b) your exchange is canceled by the University of Waterloo or your host school for travel or safety reasons.

If I decline my match, but I’m interested in going somewhere else, do I have to pay the fee again?

No, you would not pay the fee again. You pay once in the application year’s cycle and you can request to be considered for a new match if there are available places at that host school.

While you wait, research how you can make the most of this experience.

Undergraduate students

The appropriate contact in your faculty will review your application to assess if you're academically fit for exchange. You must be endorsed by your faculty before the global learning team can match you to a host school. No action on your part is required, but you can check the status of your application by logging into Waterloo Passport and clicking the my application tab.

GLIDE Certificate

GLIDE (Global Learning, Intercultural Development, and Engagement) is a co-curricular program at the University of Waterloo designed to help students thrive in today’s diverse and globalized world. Through experiential learning and guided reflection, participants build intercultural competence, inclusive engagement, and leadership capacity—skills that are highly valued by employers across industries. GLIDE encourages students to explore diverse perspectives, strengthen communication across cultures, and develop a deeper understanding of their own identities. The empathy, adaptability, and collaboration fostered through the program support strong interpersonal relationships and long-term career success. Travel is not required for GLIDE, but your exchange experience counts towards the certificate!