Student exchange program
An opportunity for a one or two-term study abroad experience at Université de Montréal.
You may study at UdeM for one or two terms while staying enrolled in your home university. Every year, UdeM hosts over 1000 international students as part of its exchange program.
Fact sheet
Our exchange program in 6 steps:
- 1. Eligibility
- 2. Choose a program of study and courses
- 3. Read the academic information
- 4. Nomination and application
- 5. Admission process
- 6. Once admitted at UdeM
1. Eligibility
Partnership agreement
To participate in the UdeM student exchange program, your home institution must have a partnership agreement with Université de Montréal. Please check with your home university to ensure that it has a valid partnership agreement with UdeM. If your home institution does not have a partnership agreement with UdeM, you can apply to study at UdeM as a regular (non-exchange) student, by submitting an application to the Service of Admissions and Recruitment.
UdeM is also part of the National Student Exchange, Killam Fellowship and TASSEP consortia, which allows eligible students to participate in the exchange through these programs.
Please note that UdeM does not accept “free-mover” students or applications to participate in internships under its student exchange program.
Programs in engineering and in management and business administration are offered by two UdeM-affiliated schools that manage their student exchange partnerships and programs independently. You cannot take courses at these schools while participating in the UdeM student exchange program.
- Polytechnique Montréal (engineering)
- HEC Montréal (management and business administration)
Requirements
To be admitted as an exchange student in an undergraduate program at UdeM: you must have completed at least one year of full-time studies in the undergraduate program at your home institution before starting your exchange at UdeM.
To be admitted as an exchange student in a graduate program at UdeM: you must have completed at least the first semester of the master’s or doctoral program at your home institution before starting your exchange at UdeM.
Note for students from institutions in France:
- If you wish to study at UdeM during the first semester of your Master 1 or for the entire first year of your Master 1, you must submit an application for an undergraduate (bachelor’s) program.
- If you wish to study at UdeM during the second semester of your Master 1, or during your Master 2, you may submit an application for a master’s-level program.
Language requirements:
The language of instruction at Université de Montréal is French. To take courses at UdeM, you must have a level of French proficiency equivalent to at least level B2 in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL). To identify those programs that require higher French proficiency levels or require you to take official language tests, see the list of programs with particular requirements.
If the language of instruction at your home institution is not French, then you must submit:
- a proof of French proficiency, which may be issued by the language department of your home institution, the Alliance française, a language school, etc. Check the list of programs with particular requirements to see whether the program in which you want to enrol requires you to provide an official language test.
Other requirements:
- Remain enrolled full-time in your home institution for the entire period of your exchange at UdeM.
- Pay the tuition fees at your home institution for the entire time that you are studying at UdeM (UdeM will not charge you any tuition fees).
- Make sure that the credits that you earn at UdeM will count toward your degree requiremets at your home institution (UdeM does not award any degrees to exchange students).
- Be in good academic standing.
- Meet any particular requirements of the UdeM program in which you want to study.
- Begin attending class at the very start of the term. Late arrivals will not be accepted.
- Be covered by UdeM’s mandatory insurance plan.
2. Choose a program of study and courses
Choose a program according to your field of study
First, go to the list of programs of study offered at UdeM and choose a program of study that interests you and that matches your field of study. Make sure to choose a program at the right level according to the eligibility criteria.
Check the list of programs with particular requirements to see whether your chosen program of study accepts exchange students and whether you meet all of its requirements. Note that some programs of study accept applicants only from institutions with which they have a department-level agreement (agreement signed specifically with the academic department).
You must then select your courses from those listed in the structure of the chosen program (you are allowed to take one elective per term). You should therefore select a program that includes several courses that you will be able to take and for which you will receive credit transfers from your home institution.
Course selection
Choosing your courses
You must choose your courses from those offered within the structure of a single program of study. You may be allowed to take one elective course per term, such as a language course or a course in another program of study.
As an exchange student, you will not be required to comply with the minimum and maximum numbers of courses in the various blocks of the program structure, and you will not have to choose a specializing major.
If you want to take course with prerequisites, your academic advisor may verify courses you have previously taken.
Language courses
To enroll in a French language course from the École de français or a course in any other language at the Centre de langues, you will need to take a placement test. A fee of up to $75 will be charged to your student account for 3-credit language courses.
See the options to take French language courses
Find courses in your selected program
To see a list of the courses that are part of a program, find your program of study and then click on the “Structure de programme” tab.
To see which courses are being offered each semester, and the schedules for these courses:
- Consult the list of offered courses on the website of the academic department in charge of your program of study. You can access the website for each academic department from our faculty’s websites. Each department’s website usually has a tab that shows its courses and the schedules .
- Go to the online schedules page and specify the semester and the level (undergraduate, master’s or doctoral). You will then be able to view the courses, classified by subject (the first three letters of the course codes).
Detailed descriptions of the course contents are usually posted on each academic department’s website. You can display a short description of each course by clicking the course code on the program structures page.
Note: internships, individualized research courses and courses in honours programs are not open to exchange students. Exchange students are also ineligible to take any courses at UdeM’s affiliated schools, HEC Montréal and Polytechnique Montréal.
Preliminary course selection
When you submit your application for the student exchange program, you must fill out a Tentative Learning Agreement which provides the department in which you want to study an idea of your areas of interest, whether you have the prerequisites and whether your exchange is feasible. When filling out this form, choose courses as best you can from the information provided on the UdeM website.
Course schedules for the following academic year usually become available in February or March. If the schedule for next year has not yet been published when you are filling out your Temporary Learning Agreement, use the schedule for the current year to make your preliminary choice of courses.
The courses available in any given semester are subject to change, depending on class sizes, course schedules, course prerequisites (if any) and other things that may change before that term begins. We therefore cannot guarantee that you will be able to enrol to any given course, so we highly recommend that you list some alternative course choices as well (up to a total 10 course) per term when filling out your Tentative Learning Agreement, in descending order of preference.
Here is an example of a properly completed Tentative Learning Agreement.
Finalizing your course selection
After receiving your admission notice, you will receive a message providing the contact information of your assigned academic advisor. You must contact your advisor to validate your final choice of courses (we recommend that you check the updated course schedules first). Your advisor may suggest some courses other than the ones that you chose initially, and you may have to change the courses chosen in your Tentative Learning Agreement. It is important to be flexible.
Multidisciplinary programs
You cannot enrol in two programs of study at the same time: you must choose a single program of study. Here are some multidisciplinary programs offered within the Faculty of Arts and Sciences.
There is also the Minor in Arts and Sciences program that may let you take courses in multiple disciplines in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences.
Engineering, management and business administration programs
Programs in engineering and in management and business administration are offered by two UdeM-affiliated schools that manage their student-exchange partnerships and programs independently. You cannot take courses at these schools while participating in the UdeM student exchange program.
- Polytechnique Montréal (engineering)
- HEC Montréal (management and business administration)
3. Read the academic information
Academic year
The academic year is divided into three terms:
Fall term: early September to late December
Winter term: early January to late April
Summer term: early May to late August. The summer term is not open to students in the exchange program, with some exceptions. For mobility possibilities during this term, see our summer schools.
For the exact dates for each term in your faculty or school, see the university calendar.
How long may you study at UdeM?
You may study at UdeM either for one term or for an entire academic year.
- One term: either fall OR winter
- Academic year: fall AND winter
Levels of study and course codes
Undergraduate level: bachelor’s-degree programs, majors, minors, undergraduate certificate programs, undergraduate microprograms
Undergraduate course numbers start with 1XXX, 2XXX, 3 XXX, 4XXX.
For example: ECN1700
Master’s level: master’s degree programs, specialized graduate diploma programs, master’s level microprograms
Master’s-level course numbers start with 6XXX.
For example: POL6101
Doctoral level: Ph.D. programs
Doctoral course numbers start with 6XXX or 7XXX.
For example: IFT6330 or HAR7008
For students from a French institution, please consult the eligibility requirements before choosing your level of study.
Credits
Minimum and maximum number of credits per term
At the undergraduate level, you must be enrolled for a minimum of 12 credits (4 courses) and a maximum of 15 credits (5 courses) per term.
At the master’s and doctoral levels, you must be enrolled for a minimum of 6 credits (2 courses) and a maximum of 9 credits (3 courses) per term.
The workload per course is heavier at the master’s and doctoral levels than at the undergraduate level. For this reason, three courses at the master’s or doctoral level are usually equivalent to five courses at the undergraduate level.
In exceptional cases, after discussing your workload with your UdeM academic advisor, you may be authorized to enrol in one course more than the usual maximum.
Credit equivalences
Your home institution determines the exact equivalences that you receive for the credits that you earn at UdeM; these equivalences may differ from country to country. Please contact your home institution to find out how many credits you must take at UdeM.
UdeM credits are issued as follows:
- 1 UdeM credit is equivalent to 15 course hours per term.
- Most courses are worth 3 credits. One 3-credit course at UdeM is equivalent to 3 course hours per week for 15 weeks, for a total of 45 hours per term.
Europe: the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) is designed to facilitate the recognition of courses taken abroad. The equivalences between UdeM credits and ECTS credits are as follows:
- Undergraduate level: 1 UdeM credit = 2 ECTS credits
- Master’s and doctoral levels: 3 UdeM credits = 8 to 10 ECTS credits
Teaching and evaluation methods
The Québec university system emphasizes on developing skills in both analysis and synthesis, and learning theory through practical application. Students must study steadily and regularly to acquire a deeper knowledge of the concepts presented in class.
At UdeM, progress in each course is measured throughout the term. Evaluation methods may vary from one course to another, but generally consist of mid-term examinations, final examinations, and assignments.
Throughout your time at UdeM, you can take advantage of the services of the Student Success Support Centre to help you succeed academically.
4. Nomination and application
Nomination and application periods
| Nomination (submitted by home institution) | Application (submitted by student) | |
|---|---|---|
| Fall term or full year (fall and winter) | From January 10 to March 1 | From January 10 to March 25 |
| Winter term | From June 1 to September 1 | From June 1 to September 15 |
Steps
- Be selected by your home institution
If you wish to be selected as a candidate for the UdeM student exchange program, contact the student mobility office at your home institution to find out about their selection process and deadlines. - Nomination
If selected for the UdeM student exchange program, your home institution must proceed with your official nomination. - Submit your online application form
The application information will be sent to you once your nomination is received. The application to the exchange program is free; you will not have to pay any fees. Please note that submitting the application does not guarantee acceptance into the UdeM student exchange program. - Upload your application documents
After submitting the application form, you will receive an email entitled Bienvenue dans votre Centre étudiant. You will then be able to log into your Student Centre (UdeM’s online portal) with the same identifiers as your visitor account. A delay of a few working days following the submission of the application is to be expected. If you have trouble logging into your Student Centre, please visit this page for help.
Once you have signed into your Student Centre, it will display a list of tasks indicating the documents required for your application. Upload these documents in PDF format. No paper documents are required.
Once you have finished uploading all the required documents and no further tasks are displayed, your application will be considered complete unless you receive a message stating otherwise from our office. You will not receive any additional confirmation that your documents have been received. - Evaluation of your application
Your nomination by your home institution does not guarantee that you will be accepted into the exchange program. Your application must still be evaluated by the UdeM academic department for which you applied. This evaluation process may take several weeks.
Any applications that are incomplete or do not meet all requirements will be rejected.
5. Admission process
Receiving a response
- Applications for a full academic year (fall and winter terms): the notice will be issued by May 31.
- Applications for the fall term only: the notice will be issued by June 30.
- Applications for the winter term only: the notice will be issued by October 31.
The time frame may vary depending on the program of study and the total number of applications received.
If your application is approved
If your application for the student exchange program is approved, the International Affairs Office will first send you a welcome message with more information regarding your enrolment.
A few weeks later, you will receive an automated e-mail notifying you that your official notice of admission is posted on your Student Centre. This is the official document to be used for immigration purposes.
Note: the official notice of admission available in the Student Centre is essential for immigration formalities. The welcome letter sent with the first e-mail that you receive does NOT constitute an official notice of admission.
Note that you are not required to accept your offer of admission. Your acceptance will be activated automatically.
If you decide to withdraw from the exchange program, please let us know as soon as possible, by sending an e-mail to echange@umontreal.ca.
If your application is not approved
Submitting an application for the UdeM student exchange program does not guarantee that you will be admitted. 80% of the applications that we receive are generally approved.
If your application is rejected, you will receive a letter on the Student Centre explaining the reasons (limited number of places, insufficient academic standing, application documents incomplete, etc.).
If you are not accepted, you will be able to submit a new application the following year. To do so, you will have to contact your home institution.
6. Once admitted at UdeM
Immigration procedures
As soon as you are admitted, please make sure to undertake the necessary immigration procedures required for your exchange at UdeM. Procedures may differ depending on your nationality, the length of your stay and the nature of your activities.
These steps can be found here:
After the start of the school year, you will receive messages via your @umontreal.ca email asking you to upload immigration documents on your Student Centre. This is mandatory for all international students, regardless of the length of your stay. Upload these important documents on your Student Centre within the prescribed time frame or your enrolment at Université de Montréal could be revoked.
Academic life
Course selection
Once your admission has been confirmed, you must contact your assigned academic advisor to finalize your course selection. Your advisor’s contact information is included in the welcome message. It may happen that not all of the courses that you originally chose will actually be available. Your academic advisor or your Student Technician (TGDE) will then help you to make your final course selection.
Information on course selection
Official course enrolment
To officially enrol into your courses, contact the Student Technician (TGDE) of your program of study. See their contact information >
Please note that, as an exchange student, you will not be able to enrol to courses on your own through the Student Centre; your TGDE must complete your enrolment on your behalf.
A few days after your enrolment, your courses will appear in your schedule on your Student Centre. You will also have access to your courses on the Studium platform, where your professors will share course content.
Successful completion of courses
If you have any academic concerns or are having difficulty with your courses, contact the academic advisor or your TGDE who can direct you to the right resources. We also recommend consulting the Student Success Centre.
French language
For help improving your French, make sure to check out these tips.
Transcripts
Transcripts are available on order at the UdeM Registrar's Office (see transcript issuance schedule). Fees apply to obtain a transcript.
View the UdeM grading scale.
Proof of exchange
To obtain a certificate or proof of exchange, you may submit a request with the Registrar's Office.
Webinars for newly admitted exchange students
Join us for one of our live webinars during which important information will be presented regarding travel regulations, immigration formalities, and course enrolment. The webinar will mainly be held in French, but all your questions can be asked and answered in English.
The webinars are now over.
Resources are available online.
Housing
Learn more about student residences. For more information and assistance regarding off-campus housing, please see the Student Services website where you will find a practical guide for housing search and links to housing search assistance workshops there (in French only).
Administrative information
Medical insurance
UdeM has a mandatory group medical insurance plan. Please note that a medical insurance fee of approximately $356 per term will automatically be charged to you via your Student Centre.
Some students may request to be exempt.
Learn more about medical insurance
Student Centre
The Student Centre is the online portal through which you can find information about:
- Your studies at UdeM (course schedule, list of courses, grades, etc.)
- Financial information (account statements, health insurance fees, language course fees)
- Admission (progression of your application, official acceptance information)
- Your personal contact information
- Uploading documents (application, immigration, insurance, etc.)
If you are having difficulty accessing the Student Centre, please consult the Student Centre Help Page.
Institutional email
Communications from UdeM will be sent to your institutional email. See how to set up your @umontreal.ca email >
University calendar
Consult the university calendar for the exact start and end dates of each term, depending on your faculty or school at UdeM.
Student invoice
Once your enrolment is finalized and during the beginning of each term, fees will appear on your Student Centre. These are mandatory medical insurance fees and faculty fees, if applicable. You must pay these fees by the date indicated on your invoice or you will be billed for interest.
Certificate of enrollment
Should you need for an official document to be issued or signed (certificate of enrolment, proof of arrival/departure, letter for obtaining a scholarship, etc.), please request it by contacting the Registrar’s Office (fees apply).
Student ID
New Students Office
Kick off your exchange at UdeM on the right foot with a wide range of resources and opportunities to help with your arrival and integration.
UdeM +1 Facebook Group
This Facebook group is dedicated to newly admitted students and students awaiting admission to UdeM in the fall or winter. You are invited to ask questions and share with your peers.
Through their unique backgrounds, the student ambassadors will answer your questions and share their experiences with you.
Buddy Program
Studying abroad can be challenging, but you do not have to go through it alone! Experienced students can help you with your arrival and the early stages of your exchange. The Buddy Program pairs you with students who will offer you their support and expertise. With its various exclusive networking activities, you will also have the opportunity to meet other new students.
It is possible to apply as of the beginning of August.
Orientation activities
At the start of every academic year, UdeM Student Life Services (Services à la vie étudiante) orgaize a wide variety of events that offer you many opportunities to build friendships and to discover all that UdeM has to offer. Orientation Week, designed especially for new students, takes place at the end of August. It includes orientation activities, workshops, campus tours, and much more.
You won’t want to miss this chance to discover all the good things waiting for you at UdeM. It’s also a great chance to meet the yearly group of ambassadors in person—the people who will use their knowledge of the UdeM campus to keep you entertained and welcome you into our big family.
For exchange students who are coming to UdeM at the start of winter term, a similar set of orientation activities is held at the start of January. Whenever you arrive, take advantage of these opportunities to familiarize yourself with everything that your UdeM has to offer and to start off your time here on the right foot!
Learn more about the Orientation Week
Focus UdeM blog
Check out our blog for new students where student ambassadors share their authentic university experiences.
Resources on living in Montréal
Familiarize yourselves about life in Montréal and find out more about cost of living, food, culture, transportation and much more.
Health and psychological support
Our health and psychological support services are accessible at any time.
Students living with disabilities
Students can contact the Office for Students with Disabilities for assessment and support prior to arrival, to ensure that they qualify for services.
Additional fees may apply for some services.
Learn more about the support offered
Athletic activities
As an exchange student, you will have access to the UdeM athletics centre (CEPSUM).
Your resources
| Questions about choosing courses, enrolment, etc. | Academic advisor - Your advisor's contact information is included in your welcome message. Mitacs Globalink Research Awards: international-bourses@umontreal.ca |
|---|---|
| Immigration procedures | immigration@umontreal.ca |
| Health insurance - Group health insurance plan | immigration@umontreal.ca |
| Housing | Off-campus housing | logement@sve.umontreal.ca |
| Support and activities for international students | Support for the International Students Community | scei@sve.umontreal.ca |
| Activities for new students | New Students Office |
| Any other questions | Student Mobility Team: echange@umontreal.ca Mitacs Globalink Research Awards: international-bourses@umontreal.ca |