Ohio University - Office of Education Abroad - Incoming Graduate Exchange Students

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Incoming graduate exchange students

Applying to Ohio University
Once you are accepted through your institution, you will need to apply to Ohio University with the application available at the Office of Graduate Studies. As an exchange student, you are not required to pay the application fee. Be sure to indicate on the application that you are an exchange student and which exchange you part of. See this image for an example.

Note: When applying for graduate study at Ohio University you should choose the 'Non-Degree Application' from the website. Additionally, all exchange students are considered residents of Ohio.

Courses
The Graduate Catalog has information on available courses. Each course is listed by department with descriptions and prerequisites, or previous courses you must have taken to enroll in the course. To plan your classes, visit the Schedule of Classes which lists the time and days each class is offered. Please be sure to look for classes on the Athens campus. Graduate exchange students must enroll in at least 12 graduate credit hours (graduate courses are listed with a 500, 600, 700, or 800 course number).

Exchange students are not able to register for courses prior to arrival. You will be assigned an academic advisor upon arrival to help with registration and academic course concerns, and you will register for courses during the orientation period at Ohio University.

English proficiency
All non-native speakers of English must request TOEFL or IELTS scores to be sent to Ohio University with your application. The academic department accepting you will decide the necessary exams scores and if you need to take the test again when you arrive at Ohio University. The exam costs $50, and you must enroll in any English language courses found necessary by the results of this examination. The cost of English language courses may not be covered by exchange agreements, and if you are required to take additional English courses you may be responsible for the cost of these courses. More information is available from the Office of Graduate Studies.

Note: Students from the University of Southern Denmark are not required to submit TOEFL scores.

Health insurance
Ohio University requires all international students to carry health insurance purchased through Ohio University. Ohio University's insurance coverage will begin with the first day of classes. For more information,visit Student health insurance and scroll to 'International students'.

Note: This requirement does NOT apply to students from Denmark who provide proof of coverage when they arrive in Athens.

Cost
Graduate exchange students will not be required to pay instructional fees, but will be required to pay general fees, health insurance, and living expenses. Visit international student expenses for more information.

Your Ohio University bill
Each student who attends Ohio University will have a financial account with the Office of the Bursar.This student account will reflect fee charges not covered by the exchange agreement, room and board charges, student health insurance fee, English Proficiency Exam and orientation fees, printing and copying fees, special course fees, and health center fees. Visit the Bursar's Office eAccount page for further information about your student account.

You will be charged for your health insurance, TOEFL and Orientation fee once you are registered for classes. If you are living on-campus, you will also need to pay for your room and board once you are registered. We suggest that you arrange to have access to the necessary amount when you arrive. More information on paying your Ohio University bill is available here.

Many exchange students find it is easiest to pay bills and handle money in the US by opening a bank account in Athens and having the money transferred from your home bank, particularly if you will be in Athens more than one quarter. Opening a bank account in the US is also helpful if you are living off-campus, because you will pay monthly rent and utility bills by a check from a US bank. You can learn more about opening an account in Athens during International Student Orientation.

Arriving on campus
In your acceptance packet, you receive an arrival form to schedule your airport pick-up and temporary housing for the first few days you're in Athens. This includes the type of housing available (usually double dorm rooms) and the cost per night. Please fill this form out as completely as possible and return it to the OEA no less than one month before you arrive in Athens. Once the OEA has received your form, we will reserve the housing for you.

International Student and Faculty Services offers a shuttle service to incoming international students. The shuttle service offers transportation from Port Columbus International Airport to Athens, Ohio, and typically runs every day during the week prior to the beginning of each quarter and is at the airport from 10pm - 12pm. For specific dates of the shuttle and making reservations please contact you exchange program coordinator at Ohio University.

Credit transfer
To transfer the credits you earn at OU back to your university, you must visit the OEA and sign a transcript release. If we do not have your signature on file, we cannot send your transcript.

For your transcript to be issued, you must also have paid any remaining balances on your student account. This includes any copying charges or other fees. You can clear your account at the Cashier's Window in Chubb Hall. If you have a remaining balance after you have left Athens, you can pay it online by credit card for a small fee. You can learn more about methods of paying your OU bill here.

Office of Education Abroad
185 Lindley Hall
Athens, OH 45701
Tel: 740-593-4583
Fax: 740-593-9758
E-mail: education.abroad@ohio.edu
Walk-in advising hours - 1-4 PM Monday-Friday - no appointment necessary!