If you are going on exchange or undertaking an international experience component of your studies, there is important information you need to know about accessing institutional and government financial aid programs.
If you are planning on applying for OSAP to help with tuition, and other expenses while you are on exchange, it is imperative that you start the process of applying early. Use the checklist below as your guide for ensuring your OSAP is in order before your departure.
When filling out your application, remember to put Carleton University as the post-secondary school you plan to attend. Do not put your exchange institution.
A letter confirming your study period start and end dates. This can be obtained from your exchange institution or from Carleton’s International Student Services Office.
All required signatures must be present, and original, on the Declaration and Signature pages. This includes the signatures of your parents or spouse if required.
If you have previous OSAP loans find out how to keep them interest-free while you are on exchange!
Students who are on an official exchange pay regular Carleton fees and tuition. Therefore, scholarships are applied to fees in two instalments as they would be for any other Carleton student. There are, however, additional considerations for renewing a scholarship and for the awarding of in-course scholarships following a year on exchange.
Have renewed their scholarship going into the exchange year.
Complete the year successfully and are full-time while on exchange.
Will be given a minimum of four (4.0) credits towards the Carleton degree upon completing their exchange.
If a student plans on taking courses that will not be credited towards the Carleton degree, a deferral for one year should be requested from the Awards Office.
Students who are on an exchange year at a university that has an academic year that is not the same as Carleton University MUST consult with the Director of Awards for the criteria required to renew a renewable scholarship for the year following the exchange year.
Note: All marks for courses taken at Carleton University will be considered.
Bursaries valued at $500 – $2,500 are awarded annually to undergraduate students completing part of their academic program abroad. Eligible students will have demonstrated financial need and will be applying for government student financial assistance (e.g. OSAP).
Complete and submit the CU Exchange Bursary application through the Undergraduate Application Forms system on Carleton Central, between March 1 and June 30.
Students who have not applied by the application deadline may still be considered for a bursary by completing the bursary application for current students, available on Carleton Central from early September to Oct. 31.
Bachelor of Global and International Studies (BGInSs) students undertaking their mandatory International Experience Requirement (IER) can apply for a bursary by completing and uploading the BGiNS IER Bursary application form to the Carleton Central Travel Registry.
For more information, visit our IER Bursary page.
The Alfred and Isabel Bader Undergraduate Student Travel Award is awarded to undergraduate students in good academic standing who have demonstrated an interest in travelling away from Carleton University to present papers and posters, to participate in an exchange, or to pursue other research travel pertinent to their studies.
To apply, complete and submit the Alfred and Isabel Bader Student Travel Awards application form.
Carleton’s International Student Services Office has compiled a list of potential sources of funding for students going on exchange.