Participating in an OSU Exchange Program

We are delighted that you are considering studying at Oregon State University as an exchange student! Students who are currently enrolled at one of OSU's Partner Institutions are eligible to apply to OSU on the exchange program for a short term stay.

Are You Eligible?

In order to participate in an exchange program at OSU you must:

  • You must be formally nominated by the exchange coordinator at your home university.
  • You must have the equivalent of a GPA of 2.25 (undergraduate students) or 2.75 (graduate students), or higher.
  • If you are applying at the graduate level, you must also have a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent).

Once you are successfully nominated, you will be prompted via email to create an account in our online application website where you must complete the required steps before the deadline. This includes submitting all online forms, reading all content within the application, and handing over all supporting documents to your home university exchange coordinator who will then transfer them to OSU.

Any applications started or submitted online without the endorsement of one of our partner institutions will not be considered. If you have questions about your application for admission to OSU or other issues prior to your arrival, contact the OSU Incoming Exchange Coordinator, Tavia Mendez.

Application Deadlines:

  • October 15th: Winter and Spring Programs

  • March 15th: Fall Programs

Required Documentation

The following documents are required for application to the OSU exchange program:

  • Online Incoming Exchange Student Application Form
  • Course Preference Form
  • Passport ID Page
  • English proficiency scores no older than 2 years from program start date
  • Official transcripts, degrees, and certificates for all university studies
  • Proof of financial support no older than 9 months from program start date

Additional Requirements (if applicable):

  • Some graduate departments may require higher English proficiency scores and/or additional materials. Students are responsible for researching the possibility of additional requirements.

  • Official confirmation of undergraduate degree completion is required before graduate-level exchange students can register for classes

Additional Information for Applicants

Our academic year consists of three terms:

  • Fall: September – December
  • Winter: January – March
  • Spring: April – June

Under the terms of the exchange agreement, students receive tuition waivers for 12 credits of undergraduate level courses or 9 credits of graduate level courses. Summer term and E-campus classes are not included in the tuition waiver. The remaining expenses are estimated to be:

  • 1 term = $8,953
  • 2 terms = $17,905
  • 3 terms = $26,858
Undergraduate & Graduate 9 months (3 terms)
Non-instructional Mandatory Fees $2,445
Room and Board * $15,697
Books and Supplies $647
Transportation $640
Personal and Misc. $2,422
Health Insurance (see below) $5,007
TOTAL $26,858

* Room and Board rates are based on Residence Hall rates. Cost can vary significantly if a student chooses to live off-campus.

All costs are approximate and subject to change. No international travel costs are included. The exchange program does not cover summer term tuition. Your financial documentation should demonstrate that this amount of money is available for your expenses during the entire duration of your exchange program. 

Proof of English Proficiency must be dated within 2 years of the beginning of a student’s exchange program.

Accepted forms of proof:

  • TOEFL
    • iBT: 80 (16 on each section for undergraduate; 18 on each section for graduate)
    • “My Best Score” report is accepted by OSU for undergraduate level applicants, but not for graduate level applicants
    • TOEFL Home Edition is currently being accepted by OSU
  • IELTS: 6.5
    • Note: While COVID continues to affect testing centers, the IELTS Indicator Test is currently accepted by OSU for graduate level applicants, but not for undergraduate level applicants
  • DET (Duolingo English Test): 110 overall score for both undergraduates and graduates

At OSU, university classes are called “courses.” Courses may vary from 1-6 credits. You will need to take a combination of courses that totals 12 undergraduate credits or 9 graduate credits each term you are at OSU in order to be considered a full-time student.

  • Look up courses by term in the OSU Schedule of Classes or review the archived schedules from past years
  • Find more detailed course information in the General Catalog
  • List as many options as possible on your Course Preference Form
  • Actual schedule and offerings are subject to change, and registration cannot be guaranteed

Summer term and E-campus classes are not included in the exchange program tuition waiver; if you take summer classes or E-campus classes you will have to pay out of pocket for them.

While you are a student at OSU, you have different housing options. Many international exchange students choose to stay in the residence halls. This allows international students to meet and get to know their US peers while they become fully immersed in college life. Living on campus is also a convenient option as on campus residents live within walking distance of most, if not all, university buildings. 

Students can find more information about on campus residence halls, available dining services, costs, application deadlines, and much more online through University Housing & Dining Services (UHDS). UHDS also provides information about finding safe off-campus housing options.

OSU conducts a mandatory orientation for international students at the beginning of each term to help you integrate into the US student lifestyle. You will receive exact days for your orientation once you have been formally accepted to OSU. More information about International Student Orientation is provided online a few months before each term.