Exchange programs – SPU students

To be eligible for an exchange program, you must

• Be registered full-time in an undergraduate or graduate program at Saint Paul University when you apply;
• Have completed at least one year of university studies or the equivalent: that is, 24 credits completed by March 1;
• Have obtained a cumulative grade point average of at least B;
• Be proficient in the language of instruction at the institution where you would like to study.

Student benefiting from a transfer agreement

Students who are admitted with 60 equivalency credits (transfer agreement 2+2) can participate in a student exchange, but they must be sure to complete the 60 credits required for graduation from Saint Paul University. An extra trimester may be needed to meet this requirement.

Where to study? Choose your host university

You can choose to study at one of the universities around the world with which Saint Paul University has an agreement.

You can also take advantage of several other exchange agreements thanks to Saint Paul University’s affiliation with the University of Ottawa.

Consult the list of SPU’s international partners and exchanges offered through the University of Ottawa to make your choice.

Choose an institution that offers a program that is similar to or related to the program you are registered in at SPU.

Check with the SPU International Office to see if places are available at the university you have chosen, and find out the deadlines for applying.

Download form

The SPU International Office will help you with the application process by providing you with the information you need to prepare your file and by liaising with the host university.

Here is the list of required documents to apply for an exchange:

• Signed application form for the international exchange program (outgoing student)
• Application form for the host university exchange program
• Official transcript from Saint Paul University

If required by the host university:

• Letter of recommendation issued by the director of your program
• Photocopy of passport
• Curriculum vitae
• Proof of language proficiency
• Photo (passport style JPEG or PNG)

Sending documents to the host university

The SPU International Office will send your file to the host university once your application for an exchange has been accepted by SPU.

SPU deadline

The deadline for submitting your complete file to the SPU International Office is April 15.

Please note that the applicant must also respect the nomination and applications deadlines of the host university abroad which can be months earlier than our application deadline. For more information you can reach out to the student exchange program representative at international@ustpaul.ca.

University of Ottawa deadline

To find out the deadlines to apply for an exchange with partner universities of the University of Ottawa, : Exchange program

Get a study visa

Once your participation in the exchange program has been confirmed, you must apply for a study visa from the host country.

Contact the diplomatic service of your host country right away to find out about the conditions of entry and the documents you need to apply for a study visa. Note that you will need to pay fees to obtain a visa.

Make sure that your passport will be valid for six months after the expected date of your return to Canada.

Register for the Registration of Canadians Abroad and consult the Travel Advice and Advisories section on the Government of Canada website.

Pay your tuition fees at Saint Paul University

You must be registered full-time and pay your tuition fees at Saint Paul University, even if you are studying abroad as part of an exchange program. You do not have to pay tuition fees at the host institution. You must register and pay your tuition fees before you leave.

Financial aid and scholarships to participate in the international exchange program

Students who take part in the international exchange program are eligible for a mobility grant:

• $1,000 for a minimum of four months of studies abroad (one trimester)
• $1,500 for a minimum of eight months of studies abroad (two trimesters)

To be eligible, you must meet all the eligibility requirements of the international exchange program, and must also

• Pay tuition fees and the other applicable fees at Saint Paul University before leaving for the host institution;
• Pay your expenses related to travel, housing, health insurance, and other expenses related to your time abroad;
• Not receive other financial aid for the exchange program when you apply for the mobility grant.

You must submit your grant application once your participation has been approved.

You can continue to receive scholarships and financial aid from Saint Paul University or the provincial or federal government during your international exchange.

Transcript and other official documents from the host institution

At the end of your studies abroad, contact the International Office of the host institution to obtain your transcript.

All documents must be prepared on the letterhead of the host institution, bearing the official seal and signed by a competent authority.

All official transcripts sent or issued directly to Saint Paul University must be in English or French. You are responsible for having them translated into one of these two languages, if needed.

Share your experience with us

Tell us about your adventures and discoveries: photos, videos and testimonials in all forms are accepted: international@ustpaul.ca.