Apply to be an Exchange Student

Apply to be an Exchange Student

Each semester, the University of Portland community is continually enriched by the exchange of students and scholars to and from partner programs around the globe. For admission purposes, students coming to University of Portland through one of these approved exchange partner agreements should submit a Transfer Application and plan to attend the University in J-1 Exchange Visitor visa status. The following information will provide details that will assist you throughout the admissions process.

Exchange Student Checklist

  • Transfer Application
    • There is no application fee
  • Official University Transcripts
    • Transcripts should be sent directly from your university by post mail or email to intl-adm@up.edu
  • Essay (for Nursing majors only)
  • Copy of Passport Biographical Page
  • English Proficiency Exam (for non-native English speakers)
    • The institutional TOEFL and CEFR scores can be accepted from exchange partner universities.
    • Minimum score requirements and further information is available at our English Proficiency Requirements page.
  • Financial Support Documents
    • Documents should demonstrate enough support to cover room and meal plan (double occupancy and meal plan 2 recommended), student activities fee, health and counseling fee, and books (approximately $200).
    • Students studying for one semester need only demonstrate funds for one semester. Students studying for two semesters should show support for the full academic year. 

Mailing address for application documents:

International Student Services
University of Portland
5000 N Willamette Blvd 
Portland, OR 97203
USA

Application documents may also be emailed from exchange partner universities to International Student Services at: intl-adm@up.edu. 

Timeline - Application Deadlines

April 1 Fall Semester applications due (classes held late-August through mid-December).
October 15  Spring Semester applications due (classes held mid-January through early-May).

Confirming Enrollment & Planning for Arrival

Detailed information regarding enrollment confirmation, registration, and additional next steps in preparation for arrival at University of Portland.

Review the Confirmation Process

Exchange Partner Programs

Students interested in attending University of Portland from an approved exchange partner program should contact their home study abroad office to begin the application process. Once a student is selected for exchange by the host institution, nomination information should be sent to intl-adm@up.edu and the nominated student should begin the application process to University of Portland.

Students interested in short-term study at University of Portland who are attending non-exchange partner universities should apply using the Transfer Application process. Please indicate you are interested in a short-term study program in the transfer application form.

During Your Stay & Return Home

Important information regarding your stay at University of Portland and tasks you may wish to complete before returning home.

It is important for J-1 students to maintain legal student status while in the U.S. We have provided a Travel page to advise international students about immigration documents and considerations for travel. Please visit our Maintaining Status page for additional information and links to forms that will help you maintain your J-1 status while studying and living in the U.S.

Exchange students will be assigned an academic advisor in their school or college of study while at University of Portland. Your advisor will assist in course registration prior to arrival in Portland. If you need help adding or dropping a course from your schedule, please contact your advisor for assistance. Undergraduate students should maintain a course load of at least 12 credits per semester, unless otherwise authorized by International Student Services.

It is important that you consult with ISS before you accept an offer of employment or begin working. We advise you whether or not it is possible for you to work, and if it is, assist you with the appropriate documents. Keep in mind that it is illegal to begin employment in anticipation of being granted permission to do so; you must have permission first documented on your DS-2019. Generally, J-1 students may work up to 20 hours per week while classes are in session. Full-time work is permitted during official University breaks. Please consult an ISS advisor on J-1 employment options for detailed information on on-campus employment and the types of off-campus work authorization that are available for international students.

It is the responsibility of each exchange student to request and submit transcripts of University of Portland grades to their home university. Exchange students should follow the Registrar’s instructions for requesting printed or electronic transcripts at the end of each semester. ISS recommends that students request a copy of transcripts to be sent to their home institution, and also request a few official printed transcripts for your own personal future use. Trust us, it is much simpler to request transcripts while in Portland than years later from your home country.

Contact Us!

The Office of International Student Services is open Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Phone: 503.943.7367

Email: intl-adm@up.edu

Follow us on Instagram!