Before match

Applications for Round One will open October 1, 2024, and close October 31, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. ET. Spots will be available for the Summer 2025, Fall 2025, Winter 2026 and Spring 2026. 

To be considered for an exchange match, you need to review a pre-recorded mandatory information session. This Go Abroad Information Session will open September 3, 2024, and closes October 30, 2024, at 2:59 p.m. ET. 

To access the session:

• Find Go Abroad Info Session* in LEARN under Self Registration
• Please review all content in the course. 
• Complete the final quiz. You must get a 100% to be uploaded onto 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 viewing
• If you attended an info session last year, you need to attend again. The information in these sessions changes every year

*Last day to review the information session is October 30, 2024, at 2:59 p.m. ET 

Note: Due to LEARN limitations, students will still be able to self-register for the Go Abroad LEARN course after the course closes on October 30 at 2:59 pm. While registration is still possible, access to the course will not be granted. You will NOT be able to complete the course after the deadline. We will NOT reopen the course under any circumstances.

Faculty Events

• Math: Math Exchange Information Session, October 2, 11 a.m. - 1:45 p.m. in DC 1302
• Environment: International Opportunities Info Session, October 25, 2:30 - 4 p.m. in EV3 4408

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 25/26 academic year, applications for first round will open in Fall 2024. There will be ONLY two application rounds for the 25-26 academic year.

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 application deadline (e.g. October 31, for first round applications) 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. Join the Go Abroad Discord server to connect with other students.

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.