Outbound Exchange

The exchange process begins one year in advance so students interested in studying on exchange in their third year (6th semester) should apply in their second year. 

To be eligible to apply for the exchange program, students must meet the following minimum academic requirements:

• Currently a second year student 
• Full-time status (domestic or international)
• Minimum CGPA of 2.5
• Clear academic standing (i.e. non-probation)

Important notes:

• Admission to The Creative School exchange program is highly competitive and meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee admission
• If you are a transfer student or studying the program out of sync, please consult with your Academic Advisor about your eligibility prior to submitting an application 

The Creative School has over 50 exchange partners across the globe! Students may choose to study with the partners listed within their program.

Students are encouraged to review the  (google sheet) Partner Profile Chart (external link, opens in new window)  to learn about the various exchange destinations. Please note, you must log in with your my.torontomu credentials in order to access this document.

All applications are reviewed after the deadline. Students will be evaluated and ranked based on their overall application: CGPA, Letter of interest, and an interview. Students who rank the highest will be considered for their first choice, second choice, or third choice until spots at each host university are filled up.

Factors that influence the rankings and selection:

• Total number of applicants 
• Interest at certain destinations
• Spot availability at each host institution 

There are a limited number of spots at each host university. Many host universities offer as few as two to three spots across the entire faculty. Students are encouraged to consider a variety of destinations as first choices are not guaranteed.

For the semester that students are completing their exchange, students pay the equivalent of a full-course load (approximately five to seven billing units) according to the fee schedule set out by the Office of the Registrar for that academic term. Tuition is paid directly to Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), students should adhere to TMU tuition payment deadlines.

Important notes: 

• Tuition will not be reduced if students are enrolled in a reduced course load. 
• Students who are OSAP-eligible will be still able to receive OSAP funding.
• Tuition does not cover additional academic expenses such as books, stationery, lab equipment, or other standard fees required by the host university.

As an exchange student, you will be studying alongside local students and other exchange students. When reviewing the  (google sheet) list of destinations (external link, opens in new window) , you should find a discipline that is somewhat similar to your area of study. 

All programs and courses offered by the partner institutions are taught in English. 

Students are required to take a full-course load at the host institution. Since the definition of a full-course load differs from institution to institution, you may be enrolled in fewer or more courses than what is typical at Toronto Metropolitan University. 

Course selection begins 2-3 months prior to the start of your exchange semester. When you receive information about course selection from your host institution, your Academic Advisor will be required to review your timetable and approve your credits for transfer.

Please note that some adjustments to your academic plan may be required to ensure you receive core credits either before or after your exchange semester. 

Official transcripts from the host institution are sent to your home faculty approximately 2 months after the host institution releases your grades at the end of the term. Your transfer credits will appear in MyServiceHub 1-2 months after the official transcript has been received. Please note that your credits will appear without a letter grade and therefore will not impact your CGPA.

Students are responsible for ensuring that all their exchange credits appear on MyServiceHub prior to applying for graduation.

Students are responsible for researching the costs of living in advance so that they are aware of the financial commitment of participating in exchange. The earlier you start planning, the better prepared you will be for financing your participation. To read about how to begin a financing plan, visit Financing Your Participation (opens in new window) . 

Students are encouraged to begin a budgeting plan so that they have proper financing before going on exchange. It is highly advised that students use a  (google sheet) Budget Spreadsheet (external link, opens in new window)  to calculate the expenses of living and studying abroad. This document provides estimated costs for living expenses during a 4-month period:  (google sheet) Cost Estimates for TMU Exchange Destinations (external link, opens in new window) 

For tips from past exchange students on how they financed their exchange, read this blog about Budgeting For Exchange (opens in new window) .

Important: Do not make any financial commitments until you receive the official Offer of Admission from the host university.

Successful students are required to attend a mandatory "Head Start: Exchange Orientation" session in May/June.

At this session, topics that will be covered include: timelines, housing, immigration, OSAP, tuition, programs and courses, and more.

This is also an opportunity for all students who have been accepted into the program to meet one another.

The date and time of this session will be emailed directly to students at the time when the conditional offers are sent out.

Between September to October (dates vary depending on the host university), nominated students will prepare to submit an application to the host university. The host university will directly email nominated students with admission instructions. 

Once the host university completes their review of students’ applications, students will receive the official Offer of Admission. Students typically receive the official offer between late October to January (dates vary depending on the host university).

Please note that students' exchange offer is conditional upon receiving the formal Offer of Admission from the host university. 

Receiving the official Offer of Admission means that you are fully registered as a student at the host university. After which, you will start receiving information regarding student dates, course enrollment, housing, and visa requirements and more.

Before students depart for their exchange semester, they must attend a mandatory Pre-Departure Orientation Session. This session is facilitated by TMU Global and will be attended by all students across the university who are participating in the exchange program. The date/time of this session will be emailed directly to students. 

Toronto Metropolitan University requires that all students participating in TMU affiliated international activity complete Mandatory Pre-Departure Risk Management Steps (opens in new window) .

While you're abroad, we encourage students to stay in touch. The International Coordinator will check in to see how you're settling in. We love to hear from students and see photos to share with The Creative School community!

When you return from exchange, we encourage you to keep in touch and we will reach out for ways that you can continue to stay involved by sharing your stories, mentoring students, and joining our events and panels.