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Exchange Programs Important Information

What is an Exchange Program?

Montclair State University has a partnership with a university abroad. We send Montclair State students to the university abroad and receive students in exchange for one or two semesters. You will be in class and living with students from your host institution, allowing for a deeper immersion experience.

Exchange programs allow you to pay Montclair State tuition and fees directly to Montclair State and then pay accommodation and other fees to the host university. This means you can use both federal and state aid to fund your program.

Application Deadlines

Fall, Academic Year, and Summer

  • March 1
  • Spring
  • October 1
Eligibility
  • 2.5 GPA
  • Sophomore
  • No current action on your disciplinary record
  • COVID vaccination: All participants in Montclair State University study abroad programs are required to show evidence that they are fully vaccinated. Students must have submitted their documentation to the University Health Center prior to acceptance. Medical and religious exemptions are not accepted for study abroad.

*Some exchange programs may require a higher GPA or may require a certain level of language proficiency in order to be eligible for the program.

**Montclair State University policy states that a minimum of 32 credit hours of the total required for the baccalaureate degree must be completed at Montclair State University. The final 24 credit hours required for graduation must be taken at Montclair State University and cannot be acquired through transfer. A study abroad applicant who wishes to waive the final 24 hour residency requirement to participate in a study away or study abroad in their senior year must indicate this request on the “Request For Work At Another Institution” form and request a signature from an Academic Advisor in University College.

Payments

All students must pay a non-refundable $100 application fee in order to submit their applications for review. After acceptance, students must pay a $300 participation fee.

Students participating in exchange programs will pay Montclair State tuition to Montclair State, then the accommodation and some additional fees at the host institution. Students arrange and purchase their own airfare.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Students participating in exchange programs are able to apply both federal and state aid.

Aid will first be credited to your Montclair State University tuition. Any aid that is left over will be disbursed to the account linked to NEST or sent as a check directly to the address linked to NEST.

View scholarships.

Receiving Credit

Students may earn transfer credit upon completion of their study abroad program. Once the international transcript has been received, the Office of International Academic Initiatives will process the credits and send to Registrar.

Credit can only be earned if a student receives the equivalent of a C- or higher in their classes. The names of the classes and credits earned appear on your Montclair State transcript. Grades appear as T (for transfer) with the overseas grade (e.g. TA- or TB) or in some cases, simply (TP) for “pass”. Credits earned abroad on exchange programs do not impact your Montclair State GPA.

Selection Process

Students will be selected for an exchange place based on the number of places available and eligibility for the program.

Term options include: one semester, one full academic year, and summer (select programs).

Visa

Students who participate in a study abroad program through Montclair State University may be required to obtain a visa and/or resident permit to enter and study in their host country. Visa requirements vary by country and length of stay.

The Office of International Academic Initiatives cannot advise on specific visa requirements for each country.

It is very important that you understand the visa requirements for your specific program. Therefore, you are advised to take the following steps as you apply for and make arrangements to participate in your study abroad program:

  • Go to the website for the embassy or consulate of the country in which you will be studying.
  • Explore the requirements for a student visa based on your citizenship and length of stay in your host country.
  • Check with your program provider/host institution to get detailed instructions regarding requirements for your host country.
  • If a visa is required, gather all requested documents, materials and information.
  • Request any necessary letters or documents from the Study Abroad Office and your program provider/host institution.
  • Make an appointment for an interview at the consulate as soon as possible (if required)

Do Not Wait! Please begin exploring visa/resident permit requirements as soon as you know where you are going. While OIE cannot advise on the specific requirements of the more than 50 countries we work with, we are available to help direct you and to provide any necessary documents related to your participation in study abroad.

Placeholder Course

Students will be enrolled in a full-time enrollment placeholder course for the term they are abroad. This course will appear on the transcript to maintain full-time enrollment while the student is away. Once the international transcript is received and processed, the overseas transfer courses will also appear. The placeholder course will also remain on the transcript.  The placeholder course will also ensure you are billed for tuition and fees by Montclair State.