Incoming Exchange Students

INFORMATION FOR INCOMING EXCHANGE STUDENTS

Please note that the following information is applicable only to exchange students, including REACH and International Management Exchange Program (IMEP) candidates. International students who wish to apply as degree seeking candidates should contact the Office of Admissions directly.

Rensselaer offers exchange opportunities to students from universities throughout the world. If you attend a partner university, you may apply for a semester or year at Rensselaer as an exchange student. Please check with the international office at your home university to determine your eligibility. Exchange students must be nominated by their home institution before submitting an application.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Please read the following instructions carefully before completing the application. In addition to the Application for Exchange Admission, the following materials are required as part of the application process:

1. Copy of official university transcript and English translation.

2. Copy of the identity page of your passport.

3. Proof of financial support in the amount of a minimum of US$7,520 per semester to cover living expenses during the period of the exchange. This amount includes room, board and basic living expenses. It does not include international travel or extensive travel within the US, nor does it cover the laptop computer that each student is required to have. Acceptable financial proof would be either:

  • A letter from your bank verifying that this amount is available in your account; or
  • A letter from the bank of your parent or other sponsor verifying that this money is available, accompanied by a letter from your parent/sponsor which states that the funds are for your support while on the exchange program.
All amounts must be indicated in U.S. Dollars.

4. Applicants from certain countries may be required to submit a TOEFL report form. Please check with the study abroad coordinator at your home institution or the appropriate RPI contact person listed below.

5. Brief statement explaining your motivation for participating in an exchange program and how this experience will help you to meet your academic and personal goals (undergraduate exchanges only; not required for REACH or IMEP).

The application form is available in two formats:

Application Deadlines

  • February 15 – Fall Semester or Full Academic Year (Please note this is a newly revised deadline)
  • October 1 – Spring Semester

Tuition and Fees

In most cases, exchange students pay tuition and fees to their home institution. Housing, transportation, visa expenses and insurance fees must be paid directly and are the responsibility of each student unless otherwise noted. A student activities fee of approximately $270 per semester will be added to your RPI student account. This fee covers membership to the Rensselaer Student Union and is required of all full time students; details can be found at Rensselaer Union

Health and Medical Insurance

All registered students must pay a Health Center Fee of approximately $250 per semester which covers visits to the Student Health Center. All students are required to maintain comprehensive health insurance coverage while enrolled at RPI. Students who wish to waive coverage under the RPI Student Health Insurance Plan must show proof of coverage under another plan. Details are available at Student Health Center and will be included in your acceptance packet.

Accommodation

Exchange students may apply for campus housing through the Office of Residence Life. Detailed information is available at Residence Life and will be included in your acceptance packet.

What happens next?

Once your application has been approved, the International Office at your home institution will be notified via e-mail. You will then receive acceptance materials and important immigration documentation that you will need to obtain a student visa from the U.S. Consulate in your home country. With the exception of your immigration documentation, which will be sent to you by post, all other acceptance materials will be sent electronically to the e-mail address indicated on your application or to the International Office of your home institution.

  • Questions about Undergraduate Exchanges? Please contact Karen Dvorak
  • Questions about IMEP? Please contact Beth Macey
  • Questions about REACH? Please contact Jamie Obst
  • Questions about arrival, orientation, registration? Please visit the website of the Office of International Services for Students and Scholars at International.