A group of students sitting under a tree in the fall.

Incoming Exchange | Nomination & Application Process

Getting started

We're thrilled you're considering coming to UCalgary as an exchange student!

This page will guide you through all the necessary steps to applying for exchange at UCalgary — from your initial interest to filling out an application.

A field of wildflowers in the town of Banff with mountains in the background.

Banff National Park and historic town are a short drive away from Calgary.

Exchange student??

Important dates

Nominations and applications open: December 1

*Please note: Winter 2027–28 deadlines are now earlier. If these dates are a challenge to meet at your institution, please reach out to us and we will do our best to find an alternative.

Fall and full-year exchanges

Fall term: Sept.– Dec.
Full-year: Sept. – Apr.

Mar. 30: Nomination deadline
Apr. 30: Student application deadline

Winter exchanges

Winter term: January – April

Aug. 15: Nomination deadline
Sept. 15: Student applications deadline

Law exchanges

Fall/Winter and Full Year

Priority nomination period: Dec. 1 – May 15
Priority application period: Dec. 1 – June 15

Winter

Nomination period: May 16 – Aug.15
Application period: June 15 – Sept. 15

*Please note: The priority application period has the most course availability.

  1. Review academic restrictions

    Your academic studies will be the foundation for your exchange! However, we cannot guarantee access to all courses, even if they are required by your home university. Flexibility is key. Please review the restrictions and make sure that UCalgary is a suitable exchange destination for you. 

    Review the restrictions

  2. Have your home university nominate you

    After your home university approves you for exchange, your exchange coordinator nominates you to UCalgary with our Exchange Nomination Form.

    Note: If you wish to take graduate courses, this must be in your nomination. Keep in mind that being a graduate student at your home university does not guarantee you will be considered a graduate student here.

  1. Invitation to apply

    Once UCalgary receives your nomination, you will be emailed an "Invitation to Apply" with a link to your personal exchange application. This email is sent through the application system directly, so we will also send you a follow-up email. Make sure to check both your inbox and junk mail!

  2. Include your course list

    The course list in your application is used only to evaluate academic suitability (i.e. whether or not UCalgary offers enough of the right type of courses to meet your needs). You are not automatically registered or guaranteed a seat in these courses. All exchange students must register themselves in courses after being accepted.

  3. Upload your transcript

    After submitting your application online, you will receive an email that contains your University of Calgary Identification Number (UCID) and asks you to upload a scanned copy of your home university transcript to your MyUofC Student Centre. Your application will not be reviewed until this step is complete.

  4. Submit your English proficiency

    If English is not your first language, depending on arrangements with your home university, you may be required to submit proof of English language proficiency. Please consult with your exchange coordinator for details. Proof of English language proficiency can be submitted by email to iexch@ucalgary.ca.

    Review the English proficiency requirements

  1. Apply for on-campus housing

    If you wish to live on campus, we encourage you to apply for on-campus housing as soon as possible to have the best chance of getting your preferred building. You may apply for housing as soon as your exchange application is submitted and you receive your UCID; you do not need to have your exchange application accepted by the University of Calgary first.

    Apply for residence

  2. Register for courses

    Once your exchange application is accepted, you will get access to the course registration system. You will need to make Course Requests to our academic departments and wait for approval before registering. Start working on this right away!

    Note: Course registration opens annually. Accepted students can register in Fall & Winter courses at the same time.

    Review course registration information