Calgary skyline with airplane over downtown

UCalgary Global Online Exchange

What is a virtual exchange?

The UGo Exchange program allows UCalgary students to study online at partner universities around the world. As a virtual exchange student, you will be able to choose from your host university's selection of online courses, participate in virtual events, and remotely interact with the local community.

You will also become a member of UCalgary's Global Online cohort, engaging not only with other UCalgary students participating in UGo programs but also international students from partner universities "attending" UCalgary on their own virtual programs. This will go on your co-curricular record.

How is it different from a standard exchange program?

The main difference is that virtual exchanges do not include physical travel to another country. (As long as UCalgary travel restrictions remain in place, travel is not permitted.) There will still be opportunities for you to connect with local students, professors, etc. at your host university through online platforms.

You will not have to pay for travel insurance, student visas, or any other travel-related expenses. As a virtual exchange student, the only cost is your tuition, which will be paid to UCalgary at your normal tuition rate. You also remain eligible for all of your usual awards & scholarships.

Can I do a virtual exchange at any university?

Virtual exchanges are only available through select UCalgary partner universities who offer this unique opportunity. These universities are listed below. The UCalgary Study Abroad advisors will add more universities to this list if any others become available for virtual exchanges.

If you are a student who was previously nominated to a standard exchange program in the 2020/21 year, and your host university is not on this list, we encourage you to reach out to your exchange advisor to check whether you can complete your exchange virtually.

How do I apply?

Please check the program page before applying and ensure that you meet all eligibility and application requirements. You can then fill out the online application for your desired program.

In the "Course List" section of the application, please indicate whether you are seeking individual courses or a full semester courseload. Some universities may already publish a listing of their offered online courses, while others may not announce which courses they will offer until closer to the start of the semester. We encourage having some flexibility or back-up courses in mind.

Note: Reference letters are not required to apply for UGo exchange programs.

Tamarama, Sydney shoreline - photo by Larry Snickers on pexels

Western Sydney University

Virtual exchange students at WSU can take individual courses or a full semester courseload. (*Deadline extended!* Apply by Oct 28.)

View program page

Sciences Po

Virtual exchange students at Sciences Po may be able to take individual courses or a full semester courseload. Course instruction is available in both English & French. (Apply by Oct 28.)

View program page

Gyeongbok Palace in Seoul, photo by usagi_post on Pixabay

Korea University

Virtual exchange students at Korea University's International Winter Campus can take 1-3 courses. (Apply by Oct 29.)

View program page

Rock arch with sunrise over desert - picture from KDesign1974 on pixabay

Deadline passed

Arizona State University

Virtual exchange students at ASU can take individual courses or a full semester courseload. (Apply by Oct 14.)

View program page

Sydney harbour aerial view, photo by Mudassir Ali on pixabay

Macquarie University

Virtual exchange students at Macquarie can take individual courses or a full semester courseload. (Apply by Dec 10.)

View program page

Quito aerial view - from DEZALB on pixabay

Universidad de San Francisco de Quito

Virtual exchange students at UFSQ can take individual courses or a full semester courseload. Course instruction is available in both English & Spanish. (Apply by Jan 4.)

View program page

Floralis statue in Buenos Aires, photo from elluisx via pixabay

Universidad del Salvador

Virtual exchange students at USAL must take a full semester courseload. Course instruction is available in both Spanish & English. (Apply by Oct 30.)

View program page

Lima Peru harbour - photo from Alejandro Pinero Amerio via pixabay

Pontifícia Universidad Católica del Perú

Virtual exchange students at PUCP can take individual courses or a full semester courseload. Course instruction is primarily in Spanish. (Apply by Jan 11.)

View program page

red tram over Wellington NZ - pixabay Makalu

Massey University

Virtual exchange students at Massey must take a full semester courseload. (Apply by Nov 15.)

View program page

University of Leeds

Virtual exchange students at Leeds can take individual courses or a full semester course load. (Apply by November 20.)

View Program Page

Tec de Monterrey /ITESM

Virtual exchange students at ITESM can take individual courses or a full course load. (Apply by Dec 7)

View Program Page

Coming soon for winter

University of Kent

(Fall) Virtual exchange students at Kent can take individual or a full semester course load.

View Program Page

Verona street harbour - credit on pixabay Reissamme

Università di Verona

Virtual exchange students at Verona can take individual courses or a full semester courseload. Course instruction is primarily in Italian. (Apply by Dec 28.)

View program page

Beijing Temple - credit via pexels Paulo Marcelo Martins

Beijing Normal University

Virtual exchange students at BNU can take individual courses or a full semester courseload. Course instruction is available in English and Chinese. (Apply by Oct 28.)

View program page

More coming soon!

Check back for updates on participating partner universities.

View program page

The program page provides more details about your prospective host university, including important information such as available course subjects, language of instruction, and eligibility criteria. UGo-specific information is found at the bottom of the "Program details" drop-down menu.

Contact the Study Abroad advisor

Please contact study.abroad@ucalgary.ca (or the specific advisor, which you can find listed on each program page) to let us know that you are interested in applying. Space may be limited on some programs, so it is best to reach out early!

Submit your online application

When filling out your online application, please write in the "Course List" section that you are applying for a virtual exchange, and whether you are seeking individual courses or a full semester courseload. This will help us properly evaluate your application.

Apply now!

Please note that the deadlines for these programs have all passed. However, we expect some of these universities may offer virtual exchanges again in future semesters!

Deadline Passed