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Application

Steps to Start an Application:

  1. Register for a Study Abroad System account
  2. Log in as a Student
  3. Research and select at least one partner institution (Program) to begin your application    
    - You may make changes to your selection up until 11:59 pm on the day of the exchange deadline.
    - An overview of program offerings will be available at the time the application opens.
  4. Review the main application instructions below. Additional items, "such as emergency contact", that do not require research are included in the online application. 
  5. Documents for each section in the application must be uploaded together to be saved. You may complete the exchange application in any order.  

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Select Your Destination(s)

Select your destination(s)

In your exchange application you may list up to 3 institutions. However, you may select one or two institutions if you prefer to be considered for fewer institutions. 

For each institution you are listing as your preference(s) please be sure to:

  1. check the specific eligibility requirements on each host institution's webpage

  2. check the Exchange Terms Available document to see if terms are available at the host institutions you want to select.
    • Each institution is assigned an application deadline. 
  3. list them in order of preference (you will only be selected for one institution, per application) 

If you are applying for two separate institutions for two separate exchange terms, please complete and submit two separate applications. 

Institution Preference Comments (Optional)
Use this space in your application if you have any comments regarding your institution preferences or preference order, or if you were recommended to do so by a Study Abroad Officer (for example if you don't have a preference and are equally happy with any of the 3 institutions). 

Academic Documents

Academic References

A reference form or written letter of reference is not required for the SFU Exchange Application. 

You will need to pre-arrange at least one SFU professor/instructor who would serve as your reference if ultimately required for your exchange institution. Referees should be willing to submit a reference letter at a later date, if needed. The timeline and requirement will vary, and will be communicated to you following your nomination.

  • In the application, check the box to confirm you have spoken to at least one SFU professor/instructor who has taught you at SFU. 
  • If selecting one of the following instutions below, please review the Application Notes section for additional reference requirements.
    • Grenoble Ecole de Management, France
    • Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, India
    • Kansai Gaidai University, Japan
    • Kyoto University, Japan
    • Waseda University, Japan

Received references for another application?

  • If you received a reference for an application in the last two years, you can check if your previous reference may be reused, if required for your proposed host institution(s). Email studyabroad@sfu.ca with your full name, student number and the the countries/regions you are applying to for your exchange and we can confirm if it may be reused, if needed, for future applications. (Please send your request at least 1 week prior to the application deadline.)

How to request a professor/instructor reference

1. Choose your reference(s). We recommend selecting a class you have done fairly well in.

  • Consider how well the professor may know you. How was your participation in the class? Did you attend their office hours? Were they an advocate of study abroad or international research? 

2. Contact your referee to request permission to possibly use them as a reference, if required for exchange, at a later date. At this stage, they only need to agree to be your referee, and no further action is required of the referee. However, at a later stage your host institution may request a reference letter, if they do:

  • You may wish to provide documents to your professor when requesting their permission to be your referee (such as a statement of why you want to go on exchange, a resume and/or your transcript).
  • Teaching assistants, high school and work references are NOT eligible to act as your reference.
  • For reference: How to ask for a reference letter

SFU Advising Transcript

Upload your most recent SFU Advising transcript (it is called "Transcript: Advising"). Select it to be sorted by "Both", ie. it will show your academic record by term and subject. Steps on how to download an SFU advising transcript are here. Co-op, official, and unofficial transcripts are not accepted.

January deadline applicants: Upload SFU transcript after Fall grades have been posted.

May deadline applicants: Upload SFU transcript after Spring grades have been posted.

Other Transcripts (Optional - Strongly Recommended)

Do you have transfer credit from other post-secondary institutions (not including IB or AP credits from high school or test credits)?

If yes, we strongly recommend that you upload a copy of an unofficial transcript for each institution from which you have received transfer credit at SFU, to show your full academic history, especially if you have completed few terms or units at SFU.

Note: If you are nominated for exchange, you will be asked for an official transcript for each institution. We suggest that you request these now as they can take some time to be processed.

Zip files are not accepted.

Advisor Discussion Worksheet (ACADEMIC)

Your Academic Advisor can be found on your Advisor Link Success Team. If you’re an undeclared student and you do not see your departmental academic advisor for your intended program, contact the advisor from this list. If you are a Business student, please book an appointment through Advisor Link with the Beedie Study Abroad Advisor. 

A Study Abroad Officer at ISS or Student Services Academic Advisors are not able to assist with these forms.

Undergraduates: Complete the advisor discussion worksheet with your intended or declared departmental academic advisor for the academic program most relevant to your exchange. It is recommended that you complete additional copies of this form for each of your declared or intended programs (major(s), minor(s), etc.). Provide your advisor(s) with this form via email in advance of your discussion(s). 

Please click to download/edit using Adobe Acrobat Reader prior to starting, to save the content you type into the fillable fields. The digital signature field will not appear if you open the file in a web browser, due to security features. 

If your academic advisor is not able to complete the e-signature you may upload an email confirmation from the advisor noting they completed the Advisor Discussion Worksheet with you, along with your completed Advisor Discussion Worksheet.

Download the Advisor Discussion Worksheet (Undergraduate) 

Zip files are not accepted.

Graduates: Connect with your Graduate Supervisor (or Faculty Advisor) and Graduate Program Chair to complete this form. 

Download the Advisor Discussion Worksheet (Graduate) 
Zip files are not accepted.

Proposed Study Plan

Your Proposed Study Plan will likely take the most time to research and complete, so we recommend starting this early.

In your exchange application you will be able to select up to 3 institutions. Complete a Proposed Study Plan for each institution you would like to be considered for, by researching available classes on their website. If you are applying for a two-term exchange, complete a Proposed Study Plan for each term.

If you are applying for a full-time exchange, complete a minimum of six classes for each of your preferred host institutions.

If you are applying for a short-term summer program
, complete a minimum of two classes for each of your preferred host institutions. Select classes:

  • That are available for exchange students (review restricted subjects/classes)
  • That are taught in-person or online, depending on if you are applying for exchange or virtual exchange
  • That are normally offered in the term you plan to go on exchange
  • For which you anticipate meeting pre-requisite requirements

Tip: Check out the Exchange Credit History in the host institution profile.

Download the Proposed Study Plan:
Please click to download/edit using Adobe Acrobat Reader prior to starting, to save the content you type into the fillable fields.

Zip files are not accepted.

Statement of Interest

Statement of Interest

In your application, you will be asked to respond to the following questions. Your answers will be typed directly into the Study Abroad System, no additional document is needed.

1: Why have you decided to apply for the exchange program?
Include how this experience would benefit your degree and support your future academic, career and/or personal goals. (Up to 200 words)

2: Why have you selected your first preference institution?
(Up to 100 words)

3: Why have you selected your second preference institution?
If you do not have a second preference institution, write "n/a". (Up to 100 words)

4: Why have you selected your third preference institution?
If you do not have a third preference institution, write "n/a". (Up to 100 words)

5: How do you prepare for, and adapt to, new and challenging situations?
If you have had experiences that you think are relevant to your participation in the exchange program (either internationally or locally) or virtual exchange program (an online context) include these as examples. (Up to 200 words total).

If there are extenuating circumstances you would like to share with the selection committee, please include them under the "Additional Documents" section.

Personal Documents

Photograph

Upload a colour passport-style photo of just yourself. Please do not upload a scan of the photo in your passport. Selfies are accepted as long as they meet the criteria listed (see image below).

Supported file formats: .jpeg, .gif, .png, or similar photo file (please do not submit a .pdf, .doc file, .heic, .heif or zip file)

Passport or Travel Document ID Page

Exchange:
Upload the photo identification page of your current passport or travel document. For your exchange term, your passport or travel document may need to be valid up to 6 months past your expected date of return to Canada. It is your responsibility to ensure that your passport or travel document is valid for the appropriate duration.

If you need to renew your passport or apply for a new passport, check the passport processing times and apply as early as possible to allow time for other process, such as visa applications, to take place if needed. 

Virtual Exchange:
As virtual exchanges do not involve travel, students who are ONLY applying for virtual exchange are not required to submit passport information. Instead upload a blank pdf or word document.

Applying for either a virtual exchange or in-person exchange:
You must submit a scan of your passport or travel document.

Don't have a passport*, or passport expired?

If you need to renew your passport or obtain a new passport we strongly recommend applying doing so as soon as possible.
 
Passport about to expire or already expired? Upload a copy of the receipt you received when you applied for your renewal, or upload your expired/expiring passport and a document stating your name, student number, and details on when you will be applying for your renewal.

Don’t have a passport? Upload a copy of the receipt you received when you applied for your passport, or upload a document stating your name, student number, and details on when you will be applying for your passport.

Have a travel document? If you have a travel document, please upload this to your application portal. Submission of your travel document does not verify your eligibility for travel and some countries may also not accept your travel document as a valid piece of identification. Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada. If you have any questions about applying for exchange to certain destinations, please contact a Study Abroad Officer or if you have questions about your ability to return to Canada on your travel document, please contact an International Student Advisor

Language Background

This section is not used to assess language proficiency for the host institution. 

If you have a background in the languages of any of the host countries to which you are applying -- even if you plan on taking courses in English -- there is space in the application to comment on this. Include how you learned the language (eg. spoke it growing up, learned formally in a classroom, etc.), and your approximate level of fluency. 

If you do not have a background in the languages of any of the host countries to which you are applying, leave blank. Language background is not expected for most destinations.

NOTE: For Successful Applicants

Some institutions may request a language assessment or exam to assess your language proficiency before or after acceptance into the program.  If you intend on taking courses that are taught in a language other than English, you may be required to provide proof of your language proficiency, please check the program page for requirements. More information will be provided upon nomination. 

You may use the Language Proficiency Form   if your host institution doesn't require another specific form. This can be completed by a language instructor, or SFU faculty/staff member who speaks the appropriate language as a first language. Not sure who to contact? You may connect with the SFU Department of World Languages and Literatures to meet with an instructor of one of the languages they offer. As some of SFU staff and faculty members are working remotely, please discuss with them how they would prefer to complete the form with you (e.g. email, phone, or video call).

Note, this document must be downloaded and saved prior to starting, in order to save the content you type into the fillable fields.

Acknowledgment and Waiver

Outbound Exchange Student Acknowledgment Form 

The SFU Outbound Exchange Student Acknowledgment Form outlines the terms of participation for SFU's exchange program. Students will be required to submit this form by the application deadline. 

  • Please make sure your Acknowledgment follows these points to be considered complete:
  • Complete the one applicable to your first preference institution
  • Read
  • Signed by hand or esignature (if using e-signature complete the "SFU Outbound Exchange Student Acknowledgment Form Signature Date" field below)
  • Scanned (if signing a hard copy)
  • ALL pages are merged, in order, into ONE PDF (Zip files are not accepted)

If you are under the age of 19 at the time of signing, your parent or guardian has also signed

The 2024-2025 Acknowledgment forms are available to download below:

 Outbound Undergraduate Exchange Student Acknowledgment (2024/2025)

 Outbound Undergraduate Virtual Exchange Student Acknowledgment (2024/2025)

The Outbound Graduate Exchange Student Acknowledgement forms will be available soon. Please contact studyabroad@sfu.ca if you are a graduate student applying for exchange. 

Please click to download and save using Adobe Acrobat Reader prior to editing, to save the content you type into the fillable fields. The digital signature field will not appear if you open the file in a web browser, due to security features.

Exchange Student Waiver and Release OR Informed Child Consent

In Person Exchanges:

Please complete the SFU Outbound Exchange Student Waiver and Release form. This form is a release of liability, waiver of claims, assumptions of risks and indemnity agreement which must be completed electronically by the applicable application deadline.

If you are 19 years of age or older at the time of signing, you will be directed to Adult Consent Form which you must have all sections completed (e.g., your full legal name; SFU student number; SFU email address; current address; all fields checked off; signed; and the witness was signed by an adult who saw you complete the form) by the application deadline.

If you are under the age of 19 at the time of signing, you will be directed to Child Consent Form which requries your parent/guardian to complete. The form must have all sections completed (i.e. student's full legal name; SFU student number; parent/guardian's full legal name and address; all fields checked off; signed by parent/guardian; signed; and the witness was signed by an adult who saw the parent/guardian complete the form) by the application deadline. 

Virtual Exchanges: 
Students who are nominated to a virtual exchange do not complete an SFU Outbound Exchange Student Waiver and Release form.    

Suite of Study Abroad Awards

Award Application

Suite of Study Abroad Awards

In the Study Abroad (Formal Exchange or Field School) program application, degree seeking SFU students applying for a full-time study abroad program may apply to the Suite of Study Abroad Awards. Students will submit one application in order to be considered for the full suite of awards, but only a maximum of one International Mobility Award (IMA) will be awarded per student. IMA applications will first be considered for the highest value IMA eligible. Each award has its own eligibility and selection criteria, which are detailed on the application.

NOTE: Virtual exchange students and visiting students accepted to SFU for the purposes of participating in a field school are not eligible for these awards.  

  • Diamond Family International Mobility Award (DFIMA)
    Awarded to undergraduate participants accepted into a formal undergraduate Exchange or Field School program intended to provide additional funding to assist with the costs of travel and living expenses while pursuing studies abroad.
    Value: Multiple awards, valued at a minimum of $2000 each are awarded each year.

  • International Mobility Award (IMA)
    In an effort to support students who are participating in a formal international Exchange or Field School programs, in addition to bursaries and scholarships, SFU has identified this additional funding to assist students with the costs of travel and living expenses while pursuing studies abroad. Multiple awards will be distributed each year.
    Value: Up to $1000 

  • Beedie Study Abroad Award (BSAA)
    SFU Beedie School of Business Student Exchange to a SFU Beedie School of Business Partner 
    The SFU Beedie School of Business recognizes the impact of educating students within a global context, developing diversity in the academic community and encouraging students to extend their learning beyond our borders. To support our students studying abroad while on exchange, Beedie has provided funding to assist students with the costs of travel and living expenses abroad. Multiple awards will be distributed each year.
    Value: Minimum of $1000

  • Lana Cooke International Mobility Award (LCIMA)
    In an effort to support Faculty of Applied Sciences students who are participating in a formal Exchange or Field School programs, in addition to bursaries and scholarships, SFU has identified this additional funding to assist students with the costs of travel and living expenses while pursuing studies abroad. Preference will be given to students enrolled in the Engineering Program. 
    Value: A single award of at least $1000 will be distributed each year.  

  • Ali Dastmalchian Memorial International Study Abroad Award
    Awarded to students who:
    •  are enrolled full-time in the Bachelor of Business Administration program in the SFU Beedie School of Business in the term of eligibility;
    •  are in good academic standing;       
    •  are participating in full-time SFU Formal Exchange or full-time Field School programs administered by the International Services for Students office; and 
    •  have prior engagement in internationalization activities (e.g. volunteer activities, mentorships, community activities).
    Value: Minimum of $1500

  • Ben West Student Exchange Annual Award (BWSEA)
    The Ben West Student Exchange Award will be awarded to support a student who:
    •  Is enrolled full-time in the Bachelor of Business Adminstration program in the Beedie School of Business in the term of the award;
    •  Is in good academic standing;
    •  Has been accepted or is currently enrolled in an SFU international exchange program
    administered by the International Services for Students office in the term of award, and;
    •  Has demonstrated exceptional community service
    Applications must include a letter of reference from an individual who can verify the student's community service. 
    Value: $2000
  • Barry Macdonald Award for Global Mobility (BMAGM)
    Awarded to students who:
    •  are enrolled full-time in the Bachelor of Business Administration program in the SFU Beedie School of Business in the term of eligibility;
    •  have completed at least 60 SFU units;
    •  are in good academic standing;
    •  have been accepted or are currently enrolled in an SFU international exchange program administered by the International Services for Students office in the term of eligibility; and
    •  have demonstrated exceptional community service.
    •  preference will be giving to students who are enrolled in their international exchange term(s) in Asia.
    Value: $2500+

X Application CLOSED

Next application deadline: January 10th, 2025

Applications re-open mid-Fall 2024 for Summer 2025, Fall 2025, and Spring 2026 Exchanges

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RESOURCES:

As you consider where to go, ensure you look into financial, immigration, and risk considerations for each of your preferred destination(s). Safety considerations, immigration requirements / processes, and costs (e.g., currency exchange rates) are subject to change, thus you are strongly recommended to research these factors early in advance and on a continual basis leading up to your departure: