Reciprocal Exchange

Want to experience university life in another country? With reciprocal exchange agreements at more than 130 universities around the world, UT Austin students can choose from a wide range of destinations and academic disciplines. Exchange is a good fit if you want to become part of an international university community and immerse yourself in a new academic and cultural environment while continuing to pay UT Austin tuition.

While you’re abroad, a student from your host university will have the opportunity to study at UT Austin, bringing their own perspectives and experiences to campus. An exchange program gives you the chance to build global friendships, gain independence, and broaden your understanding of the world.

To get started, explore semester exchange and summer exchange to find options that fit your academic interests, destination preferences, and schedule. Then, review the partner university and program details to learn more about available courses, language of instruction, program dates, and other requirements.

Program Details

Exchange programs are available in the fall, spring, summer, or for a full academic year. Some programs require a full year, and semester programs can sometimes be combined for a longer experience. Students must maintain full-time enrollment while abroad, with at least 12 credit hours during the fall or spring and 6 credit hours during the summer. Courses taken on exchange count as in-residence credit and grades earned abroad affect your UT Austin GPA. 

Language of Instruction

Many exchange partners offer courses taught in English, including some universities where English is not the local language. Course availability varies by university, so review the language of instruction and course options for each program when planning your exchange.

Costs and Funding

The cost of spending a semester abroad can be significantly cheaper than spending a semester in Austin, depending on the cost of living in your host country! You continue to pay UT Austin tuition while participating in a reciprocal exchange program. You’ll also pay a $75 application fee, a $500 reciprocal exchange fee, and $30 per week for overseas insurance. Other costs, such as transportation, housing, food, and personal expenses, vary by location.

Any scholarship, grant, or loan you have received to study on campus in Austin can be applied to a reciprocal exchange program. Additionally, there are special scholarships for outbound exchange students, including Liberal Arts scholarships, the Swedish Excellence Endowment, and the British American Foundation of Texas Undergraduate Award.

Learn more on our Funding Resources and Scholarships pages.

Get Started

Applying for a reciprocal exchange program is a two-step process. First, you apply through the MyAbroad portal. If you are selected, you then apply to the host university. Review the application process and next steps for participating in a reciprocal exchange program.

How to Apply for a Reciprocal Exchange

Direct Enrollment

If UT Austin does not have a reciprocal exchange agreement with a university, or exchange spots are limited, you may still be able to study there through direct enrollment. You’ll enroll directly at the host university, earn credit, and may be able to use financial aid, but you will not pay UT Austin tuition. Instead, you’ll pay the host university’s program cost directly, along with a $600 affiliated studies fee. Costs and credit work similarly to an affiliated program. We offer direct enrollment options with the following institutions:

Review the application steps and learn about the application process for affiliated programs.

How to Apply for Direct Enrollment