Direct Exchange Programs for JCU Degree-Seeking Students

What is Direct Exchange? JCU has direct exchange agreements with several universities worldwide. The program is open to all degree-seeking students who meet eligibility criteria to study abroad for a semester at any of our partner universities. JCU students pay JCU tuition inclusive of any financial aid awards. Students are responsible for the cost of housing, transportation, and living expenses while abroad. Students who reside on campus pay the cost of housing directly to the host university.

Students who are Federal Direct Loan recipients may be eligible to receive federal funding for a study abroad program. Please contact the Financial Aid Office at [email protected] for more information.

Application Deadlines

Fall 2025 applications: Application period is closed

Spring 2026 applications: Application period will be open from May 1st, 2025, to June 1st, 2025.

For additional information, or to schedule an appointment, please contact Coordinator of Direct Exchange Nadia Spagnoli at [email protected]

APPLY

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DIRECT EXCHANGE UNIVERSITY PARTNERS

Eligibility guidelines

In order to apply, students must meet the eligibility guidelines outlined below; students who do not meet the eligibility criteria will be considered on a case-by-case basis:

• Completion of English Composition III (EN110) with a grade of B or higher by the time you apply.
• Completion of 30 undergraduate credits or more by the time you participate in the program.
• Completion of 15 or more credits at JCU.
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00.
• If you will be going abroad during the first semester of your senior year at John Cabot University, please make an appointment with your advisor to fill out the Petition for Exemption from Academic Policy to waive the last 30-credit residency requirement. Please note that going on direct exchange during the first semester of your senior year may delay your graduation at JCU.

How to apply

Participation in the Direct Exchange Program involves two application phases: students who meet the requirements outlined above must first submit an internal application to the JCU Admissions Office to be approved to participate in the program. Once approved and nominated, students will be asked to apply for admissions to the partner university according to the instructions provided.

Step 1: Have a talk with your academic advisor to see how studying abroad will help you further your academic goals and to get approval to move forward with the application process.

Step 2: Complete and submit the Direct Exchange Program Application along with all required documents by the deadlines. Applications submitted after the deadlines will NOT be considered.

Step 3: The JCU Admissions Office will be in touch with you regarding a nomination decision. If you have been approved to move forward, you will need to apply directly with the partner university you have been nominated for according to the instructions provided by the JCU Admissions Office.

Step 4: Once you have been accepted into a university abroad, you will need to fill out a Course Away Form. The form must be approved by the Registrar’s Office before attending the partner university.

PLEASE NOTE:

• Students participating in the Direct Exchange program will need to register for JCU courses as normal for the semester they plan to study abroad as a precaution in case they are unable to go abroad due to an unforeseen event. Students will be asked to drop the classes prior to the start of the semester.
• Partner universities provide us with limited spots each semester. There is no guarantee that students will be selected to participate into the program nor be selected for their university preferences.

DISCLAIMER:

JCU is not responsible for any delay in graduation due to participation in the Direct Exchange program.

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