Exchange Partner Fact Sheet

Welcome, Exchange Partners

Thank you for your partnership with The University of Texas at Austin. This fact sheet provides essential information to support you in nominating students for our reciprocal exchange program and guiding them through the application process.

Below you'll find key details about nomination timelines, application procedures, academic offerings, and resources to help your students prepare for their time at UT Austin. For additional information about student life, housing, and campus resources, please explore the related pages on our website.

How to Nominate Students

International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) manages the inbound exchange process and sends the call for nominations by email twice annually. Emails include a survey link for submitting individual nominations.

What to Know

• Before Nomination
  • Review partner agreements between our institutions to verify available majors.
  • Verify student email addresses are accurate (students receive automated application instructions via email).
  • Check the Exchange Before You Apply webpage for eligible programs and restricted majors.
• After Nomination
  • Once nominated, students automatically receive an email containing their application access password.
  • Students may not begin the application process without their password.
  • Applicants should carefully follow the instructions provided in the nomination confirmation email and on the Exchange Application Process webpage.

Important Dates

• Nomination Periods

  Fall semester arrivals (Aug.-Dec.): January 15–February 15*

  Spring semester arrivals (Jan.-May): July 15–August 15*

  *Late nominations are accepted upon request.

• Application Periods

  Fall semester arrivals (Aug.-Dec.): January 15–March 1*

  Spring semester arrivals (Jan.-May): July 15–September 1*

  *Applications submitted after the published deadlines are reviewed on a rolling basis.

• University Calendar

  Inbound exchange students may come to UT Austin for either one semester or the full academic year. 

  • Fall term: August-December
  • Spring term: January-May

  Visit the University’s Academic Calendar for all important semester dates.

Academics

With over 170 areas of undergraduate study, your students are sure to find subjects that pique their interest and contribute meaningfully to their degrees. 

• Course Selection and Flexibility

  UT Austin academic departments make every effort to accommodate exchange students with their course selections. However, students should be prepared for flexibility.

  Important considerations:

  • High demand for many courses may limit availability
  • Equipment or space constraints in some majors affect enrollment
  • Students should not depend on specific UT courses for graduation or academic progression
  • Exchange students must be flexible with course selections
• Restricted Programs

  Some majors require additional departmental review. Students who apply to restricted programs will first be admitted to "undeclared major" status while their application is under review.

  Students not accepted by their department of choice may remain undeclared or choose an alternative major that does not require department approval. 

  Completing an application does not guarantee admission into restricted majors. 

  See the Restricted Programs section on our website for details.

• Level of Study
  • All general exchange students are admitted at the undergraduate level
  • Graduate-level course enrollment is not guaranteed
  • Graduate course enrollment requires permission from the relevant academic department
• English Language Requirement

  All incoming exchange students must provide proof of English proficiency.

  Accepted Proof of Proficiency

  Non-native English speakers must submit one of the following:

  Option 1: Standardized Test Scores (exams taken within the last two years)

  • TOEFL: 79 or higher
  • IELTS: 6.5 or higher

  Option 2: Home Institution Attestation

  • Exchange coordinator submits attestation confirming student's language abilities
  • Assessment must be based on standardized assessment tools
  • Must meet Common European Framework (CEFR): B2 or higher

Immigration and Visa Requirements

Students participating in the reciprocal exchange program are issued a Form DS-2019 to apply for a J-1 visa covering the duration of their academic study, typically one or two semesters. These students enroll in a non-degree program in accordance with the exchange agreements between UT Austin and their home institutions. 

U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents

Students with United States citizenship or permanent residency must enter the country using their U.S. passport or Green Card. 

Financial and Housing Information

• Cost of Living

  Monthly expenses: $1,600 to $2,000+

  Costs vary based on individual lifestyle and housing selection.

• Housing Cost and Options

  Monthly housing costs: $1,000 to $2,500

  Housing options include:

  • On-campus residence halls
  • Co-operative houses
  • Private dormitories
  • Apartments

  Important: Students are responsible for securing their own accommodations. Housing near campus is competitive, so we recommend starting the search early—ideally upon submitting a UT Austin application.

• Required University Fees

  While students will not be charged UT Austin tuition, they should be prepared to pay these required fees.

  ISSS Support Services Fee

  All international students are assessed the ISSS Support Services Fee of $125 each semester of enrollment, subject to change. 

  Insurance Fees (J-1 visa holders only)

  • J-1 visa holders are required to maintain adequate health insurance by the U.S. Department of State and UT Board of Regents.
  • J-1 exchange students are automatically enrolled in the UT System Student Health Insurance Plan (UTSHIP).
  • UTSHIP cost is included in the tuition and fee bill after students register for classes.
  • J-1 exchange students cannot waive UTSHIP enrollment

  For more information regarding UTSHIP refer to the ISSS insurance section of the website.

Life at UT Austin

In addition to world-class academics, the University and the city of Austin offer many opportunities to immerse oneself in the local community and culture. 

• About Austin, Texas

  Austin is the capital of Texas and the seat of Travis County. Located in Central Texas, Austin is one of the top 15 most populous cities in the United States and among the fastest growing.

  Why students love Austin:

  • Vibrant music scene with numerous festivals
  • More than 250 days of sunshine annually
  • Wealth of outdoor activities
  • Balance of work and play with unique experiences for everyone
• Student Engagement Opportunities

  Exchange students are encouraged to take advantage of UT's robust variety of events, student organizations, and social opportunities.

  Special opportunities for exchange students:

  • Passport to Austin social program
  • Representation of home institutions at Texas Global's annual Education Abroad Fair
  • Pre-departure orientations for outbound students
  • Hundreds of student organizations

UT Austin Exchange Contacts

For inquiries regarding the establishment and renewal of Exchange Agreements, contact txglobal-agreements@austin.utexas.edu.

• Inbound and Outbound General Exchange

  University Partners: For inquiries regarding the exchange nomination and application process, balance inquiries and exchange student matters, contact Texas Global at exchangepartners@austin.utexas.edu. 

  Inbound students: Please direct students to send their inquiries to inbound-exchange@austin.utexas.edu.

  Texas Global Exchange Staff

  • Inbound Contact (ISSS): Tina Ross, Senior Program Coordinator of Sponsored and Exchange Programs
  • Outbound Contact (Education Abroad): Daniel Ach, Assistant Director of Education Abroad
• International Engineering Exchange

  For inquiries regarding Engineering Exchange Program administration, contact:

  Helena Wilkins-Versalovic
  Director of International Engineering Programs, Cockrell School of Engineering

• School of Law Exchange

  For inquiries regarding the establishment and renewal of School of Law Exchange Program Agreements, and the nomination and application process for the School of Law, contact:

  Natalie Shields
  Assistant Director of Law Exchange Programs, School of Law

  Sarah Vela
  Senior Program Coordinator, School of Law

• McCombs School of Business Exchange

  For inquiries regarding the establishment and renewal of McCombs School of Business Exchange Program Agreements, and the nomination and application process for the McCombs School of Business, contact:

  Josh Rucker
  Senior Program Coordinator for Semester Programs, Undergraduate B.B.A. Programs

  Debbie Carney
  Senior Program Coordinator, Graduate M.B.A. Exchange Programs