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Exchange students study at Nipissing for a single semester or a full academic year. To attend Nipissing as an exchange student, your home institution must have an exchange agreement with us. Check to see if your university is on our partner institutions list.

Students must be nominated for exchange by their home institution. Partners nominate their students using the Nipissing University Exchange Nomination form.

Nomination Deadlines

• May 1st for Fall Term (September to December)
• September 15th for Winter Term (January to April)

Nominations are reviewed to ensure that students meet the requirements for exchange and can move forward to completing the exchange application.

Following the submission and acceptance of their nomination, a student will receive detailed instructions on how to complete the exchange application.

Applications are submitted online using the Incoming Exchange Application form.

Deadlines

• May 20th for Fall Term 
• September 20th for Winter Term

Process to Review and Select Courses at Nipissing University

At Nipissing University some courses are taught over a period of 2 semesters (September-April) and have a designated code of FW meaning Fall and Winter.

These courses are worth 6 credits. Other courses are taught in either our Fall semester (FA = September-December), or Winter semester (WI = January-April). In these latter two cases the one semester courses are typically worth 3 credits each.

Exchange students coming to study just one semester beginning in September, will have to select courses offered in the Fall semester, which is coded FA.

• May 20th for Fall Term 

Exchange students coming to study just one semester beginning in January, will have to select courses offered in the Winter semester, which is coded WI.

• September 20th for Winter Term

Note that courses coded FW are taught throughout the academic year from September to April.

Follow this 5-step procedure to search out course offerings:

1. Go to: www.nipissingu.ca
2. Select: WebAdvisor (top right corner)
3. Select: Student tab
4. Under Registration select Search for classes (no login required)
5. Enter in the following three fields: Term: click drop down arrow and select 26FW – UG 2026/2027 FA/WI Subject: select your subject/discipline/area of study of choice Location: click, cursor down and select “NORTH BAY” Then click: SUBMIT

Exchange students must select courses that are being offered at the North Bay campus. Details regarding each specific class will be listed (ex: day of the week the class is being offered, class start/end time, room number, the professor’s name, and availability of seats, etc.)

Please note that you can view the course description by clicking on the course name and title. More information about Nipissing University course offerings:

To view a list of all Programs and Courses offered please go to: www.nipissingu.ca/calendar

Click on the desired discipline of study and then select “programs and courses” to view courses for that specific field of study International Exchange Student Course Pre-Registration Form:

Course Pre-Registration Form

Please list the courses you would like to take at Nipissing University during your semester or year on exchange. After the submission, you will be contacted by our Academic Advising office via email prior to your arrival.

• Process to Review and Select Courses at Nipissing University

If you have questions about the program selection, please contact us at internationaladvising@nipissingu.ca

In addition, please refer to the link “Courses Available List”  open to exchange students.

Following the review of their exchange application, a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) is emailed to the student.

For students studying in the Fall term or a full year, letters are sent in June and for students studying in the Winter, term letters are sent in October.

Letters of Acceptance are quite detailed and include information such as:

• Nipissing University Identification Number
• Important dates and deadlines
• Residence

Housing

Exchange Students

Space is reserved in our 4 on-campus residences for exchange students. You can live in any of our residence complexes. For more information please visit our residence website.

Note: Exchange students are not required to pay their residence deposit prior to arrival at Nipissing. Please do not send money before arrival. (paymytution payment)

What items are required for exchange students living on-campus?

Students will need sheets, a pillow and quilt plus a kit containing dishes, cutlery and cooking pots. However, all utilities and phone service are included. There is no mandatory meal plan for the on-campus residences, but an optional meal plan is available.

Costs and Fees

Most exchange students will pay tuition fees to their home institution rather than Nipissing University. However, in certain cases, incoming international exchange student will pay tuition fees at the Canadian domestic rate as noted in the International Student Handbook. If you are a fee-paying exchange this will be noted in your acceptance letter from Nipissing University.

Fees for exchange students

• Ancillary Fees
• University Health Insurance
• Cost of Living in North Bay

Note: The fees are subject to increase each academic year.

Immigration

You do not need a study permit if your studies in Canada will be less than 6 months.

If your studies are more than 6 months or if you would like to have the option to work on campus, you need a study permit. Application instructions for a study permit are available at the website of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada.

Your acceptance letter from Nipissing will be part of the documentation you must include with your study permit application.

Most international students need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to travel to Canada.

• If you apply for a study permit, your TRV or eTA will be issued to you automatically
• If you don’t need a study permit, check to see if you need a TRV or an eTA. You should indicate that you plan to “visit Canada” or “visit as a tourist”. This letter may be used in a TRV application to explain the purpose of your visit to Canada.

Who Needs a Study Permit?

Most international students need a study permit to study at a Canadian university.

Most students must apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada  (IRCC) for their study permit before coming to Canada to study.

These are general rules, but there are exceptions.

• Some students don’t need a permit.
• Some students may apply for a study permit from inside Canada.

Citizens and permanent residents of the United States may apply for a study permit as they enter Canada.

A study permit holder has temporary resident status in Canada. They may remain in Canada and study at a Designated Learning Institution for the period indicated on the permit. Most Nipissing students have a study permit that indicates they may also do some work in Canada.

It’s important for students to know the terms and conditions that apply to study permit holders in Canada as well as what work may be authorized by their study permit. Students who don’t meet the conditions that apply to their status are at risk of losing their status and being asked to leave Canada.

Note: You may be required to provide Biometrics (fingerprints and photos) with your application. Please refer to the instruction guide in your application package, and/or visit this website for more details.

Students who require a visa should submit a copy of their Letter of Acceptance with their visa application to the nearest Canadian Embassy, Consulate or High Commission.

Orientation

An orientation session is offered in August/September for students attending in the Fall term and in December/January for students attending in the Winter term.

The session provides information and resources to help students transition successfully to student life at Nipissing.

All exchange students are required to participate in the session preceding the start of their exchange term.

Students are provided with the session details in advance.

• Welcome to Canada: What you should know

Click here to read some of our exchange student stories

To be eligible for participation in our exchange/study abroad program, students must meet the following criteria:

• Be a Nipissing University student
• Have successfully completed a minimum of 30 credits at Nipissing University
• Be in good standing with the university, both academically and financially
• Maintain a minimum overall GPA of 70% and remain in good standing prior to departure

It is advisable to begin preparing for your study abroad experience during your first year at Nipissing University. Early preparation will facilitate a smoother process, allowing you to effectively organize your courses and financial arrangements for your journey.

Prior to submitting an application, it is essential to meet with an academic advisor to develop a comprehensive academic plan. Appointments can be scheduled by emailing advising@nipissingu.ca.

As a requirement for participating in the exchange program, students must have completed a minimum of 30 credits at Nipissing University. Consequently, students cannot embark on an exchange until their 2nd, 3rd, or 4th year.

We recommend that students aim to study abroad during their 3rd year; however, some may opt for their 2nd or 4th year, which could necessitate adjustments to their academic plan. Those considering an exchange in their 4th year will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. It is crucial to discuss your intentions with your Academic Advisor.

For inquiries regarding program selection, please contact us at internationaladvising@nipissingu.ca.

We invite to read past testimonials from NU students who have enjoyed an outgoing exchange program.

You can attend one of the Education Abroad Information Sessions (you will be notified via your NU email) or come into our office for more information. We are located Room F205.

Cost is dependent on where you choose to study. Certain countries have higher cost of living, while others can be fairly low. After browsing through some of the available options, you should research on the different locations that interest you.

While students participating in the Exchange Program pay their standard full-time tuition to Nipissing University, there are many other expenses that should be considered and budgeted for when preparing for exchange.

Expenses you will want to consider when preparing your budget include:

• Additional fees required by your host institution (e.g. health insurance; residence fees; etc.)
• Passport/visa application fees
• Cost of travel (e.g. return airfare)
• Insurance (e.g. travel and health insurance)
• Cost of living (e.g. rent, groceries, cell phone, etc.)
• Tourist and social activities

Application Deadline

Fall : March 1st to April 10th

Winter : August 10th to September 15th

Click here to apply »

Please identify and rank up to three (3) preferred institutions on your application, along with the term(s) you wish to apply for (Fall, Winter, or Full Year). Be sure to note the approximate semester start and end dates for each of your chosen institutions.

We strongly encourage you to consider all three options carefully. While the International department will make every reasonable effort to place accepted students at their preferred partner institutions, we cannot guarantee placement due to the competitive nature of the Exchange Program. By identifying three preferred partners, you assist the Exchange Team in finding a placement that aligns well with your interests and goals.

Exchange Partner Institutions and Programs »

As part of the online application in MyInternational Database, you will need to identify and provide the contact information for one (1) academic reference and for one (1) personal reference:

• Academic Reference
  • To be completed by a Nipissing University Faculty member who has previously or is currently instructing you.
• Personal Reference
  • To be completed by a doctor, coach, academic, employer, etc...but may not be completed by a family member.

Please be advised that supporting documents may be required at the application processing time such as motivation letter, passport copy, etc.

Congratulations on your upcoming exchange! Participating in an exchange program is a valuable opportunity that often leads to transformative experiences, where learning extends beyond the classroom.

To prepare for your upcoming journey, please review the checklist available in MyInternational Database, where you submitted your application. This checklist will provide you with a comprehensive list of tasks that must be completed or acknowledged prior to departure.

Please note that it is essential to track and meet all responsibilities and deadlines outlined in the MyInternational portal.

Failure to fulfill pre-departure requirements may result in the loss of your opportunity to participate in the Exchange Program. Additionally, your host institution will provide you with important information regarding your upcoming exchange, including pre-arrival instructions.

If your plans change and you decide not to study abroad, it is imperative that you notify Nipissing International of your withdrawal as soon as possible by contacting us internationalmobility@nipissingu.ca.

Please ensure you regularly check your Nipissing email address as you prepare for your exchange. This will help you stay informed of any communications from your Host Institution or the Nipissing International Team.

Important dates will be communicated to selected students by March.

All students approved for an exchange must attend a mandatory Pre-Departure Orientation Session. Failure to participate in this session may result in disqualification from the exchange program.

Liability Waiver

All outgoing exchange students are required to review and sign the Liability Waiver. This waiver must be witnessed by a Nipissing staff member. These forms will be distributed, signed, and witnessed at the mandatory Pre-Departure Orientation Session.

Proof of Insurance

All outgoing exchange students are required to order their Insurance with Guard.me.

The policy must be uploaded as part of your checklist on MyNipissing Database portal no later than August 31 for fall term exchanges and full-year exchanges or November 30 for winter term exchanges.

Read about the Consular Affairs Canada  Travel Advisories, which are updated regularly.

Certificate of Arrival at the Host Institution

All outgoing exchange students must have the Certificate of Arrival completed and signed by the exchange coordinator at their host institution within 2 weeks of their arrival. The completed form must be sent to internationalmobility@nipissingu.ca.

Certificate of Departure from the Host Institution

All outgoing exchange students must have the Certificate of Departure completed and signed by the exchange coordinator at their host institution prior to their departure at the end of their study term.

• Scotiabank International Exchange Award Scholarship
• Jack and Mary Ann Jones International Exchange Awards
• International scholarship opportunities for Canadians
• International scholarship opportunities for non-Canadians
• Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP)

Obtain your Passport and Apply for Student Visa

Make sure your current passport is valid (or apply for a passport well in advance of your anticipated departure date if you do not have one already). The expiry date on your passport must be at least 6 months beyond your expected date of return. Canadian passport applications are handled by Service Canada.

In some cases, a student visa is required to study in the country of your host institution. After you receive a copy of your Letter of Acceptance from your host institution, you can apply for a student visa from the Embassy or High Commission of your country of destination.  Contact the appropriate Embassy or High Commission to find out what documentation is required in order to apply for your student visa.

Tuition Fees

Make arrangements to pay your Nipissing University tuition and other fees for your term(s) abroad.  You are required to pay full-time tuition to Nipissing University while you are on an exchange (and must take the equivalent of a full-time course load at the host institution).

Finances

Visit the Finance office for information on your government student loan, Nipissing renewable scholarship, and/or Nipissing bursaries for your exchange.

We also recommend that you arrange for someone (e.g. Power of Attorney, if required) to take care of your finances while you are abroad. Contact the Finance Office for more details on this process.

Provincial Health Insurance

Notify OHIP (or your provincial health insurance program) if you are out of province for more than 212 days (or approx. 6 months). If your provincial health insurance program requires a letter of support to maintain your coverage while you are abroad, please email internationalmobility@nipissingu.ca.

It is important for Nipissing students participating in international programs, such as exchange, to regularly check their NU email to stay connected with the Nipissing campus. We also recommend that you make photocopies of all important documents and leave the copies with a trusted individual at home. Additionally, please ensure that you have adequate travel insurance, including health insurance, trip cancellation insurance, and property insurance.

Useful Resources

• Travel warnings and country travel reports, including health and safety information from the Government of Canada
• Country facts and cultural information on the countries of the world from Global Affairs Canada
• Health Canada travel health information and advisories
• Global Affairs Canada’s Registration of Canadians Abroad (ROCA)
• Canadian Offices Abroad (including embassies, high commissions and consulates)
• CBC
• British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) World Service news and shortwave radio listings

We will communicate exclusively through your NU email account; therefore, please ensure that you continue to monitor it while you are abroad. You may also consider forwarding your NU email to a frequently used email account to ensure you do not miss any important or urgent information.

The exchange coordinator at your host institution will serve as your primary point of contact for any questions during your exchange. You are welcome to reach out to us at any time at internationalmobility@nipissingu.ca with your questions or concerns, or to share updates.

• Register as a Canadian Abroad: An additional resource we recommend is to register with the Government of Canada as a Canadian Abroad. By doing so, this will allow the government to notify you directly of any changes in the coronavirus situation in China (or other emergencies). For more information on the Registration of Canadians Abroad program, and to register please visit the ROCA website.
• Contact the local Canadian Embassy/Consulate* (*Canadian citizens). If the emergency occurs out of office hours and you need consular assistance you should contact the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada 24-Hour Emergency Duty Officer at +1 (613) 996-8885. Collect calls will be accepted.
• Speak to the contact person at your host institution.
• Contact Nipissing’s Campus Safety Office to receive assistance and report the incident. Collect calls will be accepted. (If you are unable to make a collect call from your current location dial the Canada Direct access number for your location to be connected with a Canadian operator.)

Remember, in the case of an emergency situation such as an earthquake etc. try and contact your family members at home as soon as possible and let them know that you are safe. We also ask that you contact your International Mobility Coordinator to confirm your safety.

Near the end of your exchange period, please arrange for an official transcript or certificate of departure to be sent by your host institution to the International Academic Adviser at Nipissing University via email at internationaladvising@nipissingu.ca. If you receive the transcript, kindly ensure that you submit a copy to the International Mobility Coordinator at internationalmobility@nipissing.ca.

**We recommend requesting an additional copy for your own records. If you plan to apply to graduate school or pursue other future opportunities, it is advisable to obtain an extra copy from your host institution at this time, as acquiring copies later may prove challenging.

A Pre-Entry Session is organized for all returning exchange students to provide an opportunity to share their exchange experiences and focus on re-integration.

The session will include presentations from:

• Career Services: Guidance on how to leverage your international experience
• Counselling Services: Discussion on reverse culture shock
• ISMP: 1-2 activities to share testimonials and insights

We encourage all returning students to participate in this valuable session.

The International Student Mentorship Program (ISMP) is designed to assist new international students in forming friendships and adapting to their new learning and living environment. Our mentors are Nipissing University students who volunteer their time to provide support. Some mentors may have studied abroad, while others may be interested in pursuing opportunities overseas in the future; however, all share a passion for meeting new people and learning about diverse cultures.

Mentors are responsible for organizing trips, social events, and activities for international students during their time at Nipissing. We strongly recommend and encourage all new international students to participate in the ISMP.

Members of the ISMP team are also available throughout the academic year to address any questions you may have regarding your courses, campus procedures, on-campus living, the North Bay community, and more.

You can enter Canada through Toronto’s Pearson International Airport or Jack Garland Airport in North Bay. Toronto’s Pearson International Airport is the nearest international airport to the city of North Bay. You can contact Pearson International Airport at 1-866-603-4495. If you choose to enter through Pearson International Airport, you will need to seek travel to North Bay.

Upon entry into Canada, a Canada Customs Officer will question your purpose of entry and check your immigration documents. Respond to any questions you are asked both simply and truthfully. Service will be available in English and French. If you do not understand, ask if an interpreter is available in other languages.

Be sure to carry the following documents in your hand luggage, as you will require them at the Canadian Immigration post:

1. Passport
2. Study Permit (if required)
3. Proof of acceptance from Nipissing University
4. Proof of funds available for support (e.g. bank statement, traveler’s cheques)

Study permit: Prepare for arrival - Canada.ca

It is strongly advised that you carry photocopies of all your official documents in a place separate from the originals. Also, it is suggested to leave copies of your documents with family members at home and email some photocopies to yourself.

For more information about visitors entering Canada (rules and regulations), visit: www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca (see “non-Canadian” link)

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship in Canada

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) facilitates the arrival of immigrants, provides protection to refugees, and offers programming to help newcomers settle in Canada. It also:

• grants citizenship and
• issues travel documents (such as passports) to Canadians.

Learn more about Immigration and Citizenship in Canada ↗

Transportation to North Bay

You have three options for transportation from Pearson International Airport to North Bay.

Connecting Flight

If you book your flight to Toronto through Air Canada, it is possible to pre-book a non-refundable Air Canada connector flight from Toronto to North Bay (Jack Garland Airport). Pre-booked flights range from $100 – $150 CAD one-way. You can reach Jack Garland Airport at 1-705-474-3026 or yyb.ca.

Northern Airport Shuttle Service

northernairport.com

The Northern Airport Shuttle Service departs from the Pearson International Airport Ground Transportation Services desk twice a day (14:00h and 18:30h). The one-way fee for a single student from Pearson to North Bay (Country Style Donuts main drop-off) is $130 CAD. For an additional charge of $14, you can request to be dropped off at any location, including the Nipissing University campus. The Northern Airport Shuttle Service may take several stops to pick up other passengers and will also stop for a coffee and washroom break between Toronto and North Bay. Reservations must be made in advance and pre-paid using a VISA or MasterCard. To make a reservation, email reserve@northernairport.com.

Northern Ontario Bus Lines

Ontario Northland is the only bus line to travel from Toronto to North Bay. The coach bus travels several times during the day, and departs from the Metro Toronto Coach Terminal located at Bay and Dundas Street in downtown Toronto. With the use of your host institution’s student card or your ISIC card, the rate for a one-way trip from Toronto to North Bay is approximately $72.45 CAD.

For more details, please refer to their website or phone number: www.ontarionorthland.ca or 1-800-363-7512. If you are travelling from Pearson International Airport, there is a Go Bus shuttle from Terminal 1, lower level, to the Yorkdale Mall Ontario Northland bus stop. The rate for this shuttle is $6 CAD.

For more information including scheduling, please refer to their website or phone number: www.gotransit.com or 1-888-438-6646.

Residence

It is our hope that your stay in residence becomes one of the most rewarding experiences of your university journey. Our goal is to provide you with a safe, comfortable living and learning environment in which you may grow as an individual and develop long lasting relationships. Our team is committed to providing you with learning opportunities outside of the classroom that will offer you personal and academic growth, and help ease your transition to university.

Learn more about Residence ↗ Applying for Residence ↗ Residence FAQs ↗

Off-Campus Living

We've recently partnered with Places4Students Inc. to provide an online collection of numerous housing options. Places4Students provides students, schools and landlords with the highest quality, off-campus housing service. The website provides a large real-time database for student housing vacancies in our area, including photos and text, contact information and property features.

Learn more about Off-Campus Living ↗

Your orientation will consist of a first-step learning module, live opportunities to connect with current students and services, ask questions, giveaways and more!

Be sure to follow us on Instagram (@nuintlstudentLT) for more information, to keep you updated and engaged – and ready to start your journey as a Laker!

Register for Orientation ↗

What is Academic Advising?

The Academic Advising department primarily assists with academic questions for current undergraduate students.

Academic Advising FAQs ↗

Course Selection and Registration

For assistance with academic questions or course selections, please contact internationaladvising@nipisingu.ca.

Post-Baccalaureate Diploma/Certificate Students ↗Bachelor Degree Students ↗Exchange Students ↗

Support Resources for International Students

Academic Advising also offers support with obtaining your proof of enrolment letter, viewing your schedule, accessing courses and textbooks, and more!

Learn more about Academic Advising for International Students ↗