Verify your eligibility
The undergraduate exchange program at Northwestern is open to students who have completed at least one year of university study, are nominated by one of our partner universities, and have proficiency in English.
Getting Started
This page provides essential information to help you prepare for your exchange student experience at Northwestern. From eligibility requirements to housing options, we’ve outlined the key details you need to plan your academic and personal life while studying here. Read through each section to understand the steps you need to take and the resources available to you as you begin your journey.
Identify Your Academic Goals
Before applying, identify your academic goals. Exchange students typically take four courses per term. As long as prerequisites are met and courses are open, you have full access to undergraduate courses in the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences and the McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science. For more details, visit the course planning page.
Check Northwestern’s Academic Calendar
Northwestern operates on a quarter system with three 10-week terms—fall, winter, and spring—plus a summer term. Exchange students can study for one, two, or three quarters during the fall, winter, and/or spring quarters. Be sure to check Northwestern’s academic calendar for term dates. Students must arrive before the start of their term to participate in orientation activities.
Understand your Program Costs
As an exchange student, you do not pay tuition to Northwestern. However, you will be billed for on-campus room and board (if you live on campus) and mandatory NU-SHIP health insurance. You will also need to budget for textbooks, visa fees, and personal expenses. For details on costs, billing, and payments, visit the exchange student Money Matters section.
Research housing options
Northwestern guarantees on-campus housing only for students studying for the full academic year (fall, winter, and spring quarters). For students studying one or two quarters, housing is not guaranteed, but we will try to accommodate based on availability. Consult the Residential Services site for on-campus housing options. Students can also live off-campus in Evanston or Chicago. Consult off-campus life resources for more information.
Learn from other exchange students
Get insights from past exchange students by reading their stories. Learn from their experiences, challenges, and tips to make the most of your time at Northwestern.