- How do I apply to FIU as an international exchange student?
The International Student Exchange (ISE) program at FIU is only open to students at our partner institutions. See if your school is on the list of FIU partner institutions.
If your school is on the list, you should contact the Office of International Relations, Mobility, or Education Abroad at your home university for application information. If you are not sure how to contact them, please e-mail our office at edabroad@fiu.edu and we will provide contact information.
- What if my school is not on the list of partner institutions?
If your school is not on the list, then you are not eligible to participate in FIU’s ISE program at this time. Sorry! Visit International Admissions for information about applying as an international student to earn your degree at FIU.
- When is my application due?
Applications to study at FIU for the Fall semester or the academic year (Fall/Spring) are due by March 15.
Applications to study at FIU for the Spring semester are due by September 1.
- I applied! Now what?
Our exchange committee will review your application and send official acceptance notices to you and your home university. Our office will communicate with you via e-mail if we have questions or require additional documents, so be sure to check your e-mail regularly!
For students coming to FIU for the Fall semester or the academic year (Fall/Spring), acceptance notices usually go out via e-mail in May and acceptance packets (containing the J-1 visa documents) are mailed in June.
For students coming to FIU for the Spring semester, acceptance notices usually go out via e-mail in October and acceptance packets are mailed in November.
It is important that you follow all instructions from the Office of Education Abroad carefully throughout the whole process!
- Do I have to pay tuition at FIU?
International Exchange Students receive a tuition waiver at FIU and pay tuition and fees at their home universities.
- Are there any fees I have to pay at FIU?
International Exchange Students pay for their own housing accommodations (pricing varies), health insurance (approximately $800 per semester), a student ID card ($10) and a small tax fee ($11-13 per semester).
- What courses can I take at FIU?
Most undergraduate courses are available to International Exchange Students. You can view the course catalog. The course catalog will give you an idea of possible classes you could take, but please note that not every class is offered every semester! You need to wait until the class schedule is posted for the semester you intend to study at FIU to see exactly which courses will be available.
As part of the application process, you need to get approval from your academic advisor at your home university for the courses you wish to take at FIU.
- Do I need to register myself for classes?
No, the Office of Education Abroad (OEA) at FIU will register you for classes according to the list of courses approved by your academic advisor at your home university.
- When should I choose my classes?
Fall course registration forms (with your academic advisor’s approval) are due on May 1st. Spring course registration forms (with your academic advisor’s approval) are due on November 1st.
FIU’s class schedules for Fall are usually published in early April and class schedules for Spring are usually published in early October. Make an appointment to meet with your advisor around that time to get course approval.
- How do I get credit at my home university for the classes I take at FIU?
We will send one official FIU transcript to your home university (for free!). Your home university will use the transcript to award credit accordingly. You can order additional copies of your official transcript at any time for a fee.
- Where do I live during the International Exchange Program?
Currently, international exchange students live in FIU’s residence halls at MMC, per the stipulations of our exchange agreements. This allows you to get to class easily, engage in campus life, and relax knowing your safety is protected by campus security.
Miami is a large, metropolitan city with very limited public transportation, and FIU is not located in downtown Miami or on the beach. Transportation to/from these areas takes considerable time and money. Living on campus provides an added convenience.
- I already have health insurance. Do I have to purchase the health insurance policy required by FIU?
Yes, per university policy, all international exchange students must purchase the health insurance policy required by FIU. This policy meets all U.S. visa requirements for medical and emergency coverage for exchange students.
- Is there an orientation for ISE students?
Yes! We will conduct a mandatory, in-person orientation for all exchange students every semester. You will receive more information upon acceptance to the ISE program.
- Who will help me at FIU?
The Office of Education Abroad (OEA) is your first point of contact for assistance. You can come to us with questions about housing, course registration, visa requirements, cultural adjustment, payments, and more. If we cannot answer your questions, we’ll connect you with someone who can.
Panthers Around the World (PAW) Representatives are FIU students who volunteer with the OEA. As an ISE student, you can join our buddy program to be paired with a PAW Rep who will be a friend and guide for you at FIU!