## Breadcrumb
1. [Home](/index%2Ephp/)
2. [Overview](/index%2Ephp/academics)
3. Mobility
4. Exchange
5. [Incoming Exchange](/index%2Ephp/markdownify/node/274)
# Incoming Exchange
Explore
- [Overview](/index%2Ephp/academics/student-exchange)
- [Exchange Partners](/index%2Ephp/academics/mobility/exchange-partners)
- [Incoming Exchange](/index%2Ephp/academics/mobility/exchange/incoming-exchange)
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### How to Apply
Eligible students can participate in the program for a maximum of one term at OCAD U, either the Fall or Winter Term.
To apply to OCAD U as an exchange student, you must be currently enrolled at an OCAD U exchange partner institution, and you must be nominated by your home institution. If your institution is not listed as one of our partners, you will not be eligible to apply. Please contact the exchange office at your home institution for details.
Once you've been nominated by your home institution, you'll be invited to complete the online application through **SlideRoom**.
You will need to [create an account](https://ocadu.slideroom.com/#/login/register "Slideroom"). Once an account has been created, you'll need to complete the online Student Mobility/Exchange Program-Incoming Application Form.
Please refer to the [FactSheet](https://www.ocadu.ca/sites/default/files/2026-02/fact_sheet_final%20Jan%202026.pdf) for more information.
### Application Deadlines
Inbound exchange nomination and applications are considered once a year for both Fall and Winter Terms.
Nomination deadline: **April 1**
Application deadline: **May 15**
Students who have been nominated will be emailed application instructions. Application results are emailed to students by early June.
Note: Academic term dates at OCAD University may not be the same as the academic terms at your home institution. Please refer to [dates and deadlines](/student-services/office-registrar/dates-and-deadlines "Dates & Deadlines") for other important information.
### Documents Required with Application
All documents must be submitted in English or an official English translation must be provided. You will need to submit a letter of intent (250-300 words), the most recent copy of your official transcript, and your portfolio (10-12 pieces of your original work).
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### Admission decisions
Being nominated for the exchange program is not a guarantee of acceptance to OCAD U. Decisions are based on the quality of your application, the terms of the exchange agreement with your home institution, as well as the balance between incoming and outgoing students at OCAD U. We strongly recommend that you also consider other study abroad options in case we are not able to offer you a spot for exchange.
Admission decisions will be communicated by email in mid-June for both Fall and Winter Term applicants.
### Course selection and registration
Exchange students are normally admitted into Year 3 - Level 3000 programs. Information on how to select courses will be sent to students prior to arrival.
A full-time course load at OCAD U is 2.5 credits (five 0.5 credit courses) per term. All incoming exchange students must maintain full-time student status for the duration of their studies at OCAD U. Students must take a minimum of four 0.5 credit courses (2.0 credits), and no more than five 0.5 credit courses (2.5 credits) per term. Please contact your home institution to confirm the number of credits you are required to complete (2.0 or 2.5 credits).
Course offerings usually become available in June for the upcoming Fall/Winter Term.
Exchange students can learn more in our [Program Guides](https://ocaduniversity.sharepoint.com/sites/RecordsandRegistration/SitePages/Program-Guides.aspx) for OCAD U students, and in our [Course Catalogue](https://erpapps.ocadu.ca/CourseCatalogueMenu/).
NOTE: Field placement, independent study, internship, research, self-directed study and thesis courses are not open to exchange students.
### Fees
As an exchange student, you pay tuition fees to your home institution. At OCAD U, exchange students are **required** to pay mandatory fees, including fees for the [University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP)](http://uhip.ca/ "UHIP"), course materials, and software (required for certain programs of study).
Note that **UHIP** provides international students with basic health coverage (hospital and medical services) during their exchange. It does not provide supplementary insurance. Students may wish to opt in to [Studentcare](https://www.studentcare.ca/), OCAD U's student health and dental plan.
Students must clear any outstanding accounts (fees, AV loans, etc.) before any documents or transcripts can be issued by the University. Please visit [Tuition and Fees](/student-services/tuition-and-student-accounts) for important information on fee payment deadlines, payment methods, and late payment penalties.
### Housing
OCAD U has residence opportunities available. However, spots are limited. Please reach out to for more information.
### Immigration and employment
Exchange students coming for one term (less than six months) are not required to have a study permit, however depending on your [country of citizenship](http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/visas.asp "IRCC"), you may be required to obtain a temporary resident visa (TRV) or an electronic travel authorization (eTA) to enter Canada. Your letter of acceptance from OCAD University will be required for your visa application. Please consult with the [Canadian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate nearest you](https://travel.gc.ca/assistance/embassies-consulates).
Exchange students are not permitted to work on campus or off campus. Details can be found on the [Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)](https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/work/work-on-campus.html "IRCC") website.
### No exchange agreement with OCAD U?
You can take courses at OCAD University as a part-time [special student](https://admissions.ocadu.ca/apply/transfer-options). Submit a special student admission application form and supporting documents to the [Office of the Registrar](slickplan:grmqn2gvwe0p) at least four weeks prior to the start of the first week of classes in a given term.
Please contact the Office of the Registrar at for further questions.
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### Contact
Email us at , or book a meeting through our [**booking page.**](https://outlook.office365.com/owa/calendar/ExchangePrograms@ocaduniversity.onmicrosoft.com/bookings/) Meetings are held using [Microsoft Teams](https://support-its.ocadu.ca/index.php?/Knowledgebase/Article/View/2491/79/teams---quick-start-guide-for-students#gsc.tab=0).
### Mailing address
International Programs and Collaboration Office
OCAD University
100 McCaul St.
Toronto, ON
M5T 1W1