Applying as an Exchange student

  1. Academics
  2. Education Abroad
  3. Inbound Exchange
Students in front of welcome sign

Bilateral Exchange  

Seattle University's Exchange Partner Institutions are bilateral and participants must be students of their respective universities in order to participate. Check our Partner Institution section below to confirm university eligibility. For those from other universities, you may still be able to study at Seattle University please apply directly through Admissions. 

It is part of our core Jesuit tradition to welcome international students to Seattle University. Our student community includes representatives from more than 75 nations, and our alumni live in nearly 100 different countries. 

In addition to a Jesuit education that will be recognized around the world for its academic excellence, we offer international students an opportunity to study in one of the world-class cities in the United States. You will receive a personal education among a community of dedicated students and faculty in an urban neighborhood. Wherever you are from, and wherever your life’s work takes you, we believe the connections you make at Seattle University will open up your world.

Learn in a city that captivates

Seattle is one of the world's great urban centers and much of what makes the city great is reflected in Seattle University. 

Everything Seattle has to offer is right at SU's doorstep. As a student here, you have an opportunity to learn through service and internships, to be mentored by area alumni in nearly every conceivable profession and to take in world-class cultural offerings and professional-level sporting events. Seattle is one of the most literate cities in the nation and widely known as a breeding ground for creative, forward-thinking innovators.

East and south of campus are some of the city's most culturally and ethnically diverse neighborhoods in the Northwest. The Central District, Little Ethiopia, Little Saigon and the International District are all within a stroll and offer a different world culture at nearly every corner. 

students participating in education abroad

Partner Institutions

Our current bilateral exchange partner universities include: Australian Catholic University (Brisbane, Melbourne, or Sydney, Australia), American College of Greece (Athens, Greece), Comillas Pontifical University (Madrid, Spain), Sogang University (Seoul, South Korea), Sophia University (Tokyo, Japan) 

How to apply

Seattle University has 5 partner institutions and receives exchange students based on the student exchange agreement. Participating exchange students pay tuition to their home institution for the period of their stay at Seattle University. Exchange students will be responsible for their own room and board as well as transportation to and from the host institution.

Partner institutions are asked to select students and provide application materials to students interested in studying at Seattle University. Partner institutions will nominate students through a nomination form by the following nomination deadlines:  

  • Fall Quarter Start (September - December) - March 1 
  • Winter Quarter Start (January - March) - September 1 
  • Spring Quarter Start (April-June) - November 1 

Students submit application materials through our Admission portal. Nominated students will be provided this link and a list of documents that are required for admission. 

Inbound exchange applicants will submit their application by the following deadlines: 

  • April 1st: Fall Quarter enrollment 
  • October 1st: Winter Quarter enrollment
  • December 1st: Spring Quarter enrollment 

J-1 Visa Information

International students are required to obtain a visa to study at Seattle University. Inbound Exchange students will apply for a J-1 Visa. 

After submitting the exchange application, students will be assigned a SEVIS ID number. This information will be included in the student’s Official Acceptance packet that will be sent to accepted students from our Responsible Office (RO) from the International Student Center. Students can then make an appointment with the US Embassy and pay the SEVIS fee. Students must present proof of SEVIS payment during their visa interview. 

Note: The waiting time for an interview appointment for applicants can vary, so students are strongly encouraged to schedule their interview appointment as soon as they receive their acceptance packet from Seattle University. 

Be sure to bring the following documents with you when entering the U.S.: 

  • Your Passport with J-1 Visa 
  • Your SEVIS Form DS-2019 
  • Evidence of financial support from the sponsor who is listed on your DS 2019
  • Evidence of your student status, such as your letter of acceptance or class schedule
  • Receipt of your $200 SEVIS fee paid
  • Contact information for the International Student Center: ISC's office number is +1-206-296-6260 
  • If the border officer asks for a name of a school official from Seattle University, you can give one of the following International Student Advisor's names: Dale Watanabe (Director & RO), Chloe Thomas, Sandra Bui, or Tashi Rabgey.
  • NEW STUDENTS: Remember NOT to open the sealed envelope given to you by the US Consular Officer.

Check in and report to the International Student Center (ISC) in Pigott  Pavilion, Room 160, upon your arrival so that we can report your enrollment to immigration in the SEVIS database. The ISC is open Monday-Friday from 8:30am-4:30pm. 

Traveling While at Seattle University

Check with the International Student Center for more information about traveling in the US while studying at Seattle University.

Term Dates

Seattle University operates on the Quarter-system, which allows exchange students to take a variety of courses over each 12-week period.

Fall Quarter 2023 

  • September 12: Move-in Day 
  • September 13: International Student Welcome Workshops 
  • September 20-24: Fall Welcome Week 
  • September 20: Classes Begin 
  • September 28: Mass of the Holy Spirit (Classes between 10am-1:30pm canceled) 
  • Late October: Advising Period: Winter Quarter 2022 
  • November 10: Veteran's Day: No Class 
  • November 22-25: Thanksgiving Break: No Class 
  • December 2: Last Class Day 
  • December 4-9: Final Exam Week 
  • December 9: Move Out Day* - For those leaving Seattle U at the end of Fall Quarter 
  • December 9 - Jan 2: Winter Break: No Classes

*Accommodation: Those who are continuing during Winter Quarter will have to arrange accommodations with Housing and Residential Life during Winter Break. 

Winter Quarter 2024 

  • January 1: Move-in Date 
  • January 3: Classes Begin 
  • January 6: International Student Welcome Workshop - only for exchange students starting in Winter Quarter. 
  • January 3-7: Welcome Week 
  • January 15: Martin Luther King Jr. Day: No Class 
  • Late January: Advising Period: Spring Quarter 2022 
  • February 19: President's Day: No Class 
  • March 11: Last Class Day 
  • March 12-16: Final Exam Week 
  • March 16: Move Out Day at Noon - For those leaving Seattle U at the end of Winter Quarter 
  • March 17-24: Spring Break: No Class  

Spring Quarter 2024 

  • March 25: Classes Begin 
  • March 29 -April 1: Easter Holiday: No Classes 
  • April 4: University Mission Day (Classes Before 1:30pm canceled) 
  • May 27: Memorial Day: No Classes 
  • June 3: Last Class Day 
  • June 4-8: Final Exam Week 
  • June 8 or 9: International Student Graduation Reception: Celebrating Exchange students 
  • June 9: Move Out Day at Noon - For those leaving Seattle U at the end of Spring Quarter 

Fall Quarter 2024 

  • September 14: Move-in Day 
  • September 16: International Student Welcome Workshops 
  • September 21-28: Fall Welcome 
  • September 25: Classes Begin 
  • October 3: Mass of the Holy Spirit (Classes between 10am-1:30pm canceled) 
  • Late October: Advising Period: Winter Quarter 2025 
  • November 11: Veteran’s Day: No Class 
  • November 28-December 1: Thanksgiving Break: No Class 
  • December 7: Last Class Day 
  • December 9-14: Final Exam Week 
  • December 14: Move Out Day* - For those leaving Seattle U at the end of Fall Quarter 
  • December 15 – Jan 4: Winter Break: No Classes 

*Accommodation: Those who are continuing during Winter Quarter will have to arrange accommodations with Housing and Residential Life for Winter Break. 

Winter Quarter 2025 

  • January 1: Move in Date 
  • January 3: Winter Orientation 
  • January 4: Classes Begin 
  • January 6: International Student Welcome Workshop - only for exchange students starting in Winter Quarter. 
  • January 6-10: Welcome Week 
  • January 20: Martin Luther King Jr. Day: No Class 
  • Early February: Advising Period: Spring Quarter 2025 
  • February 17: President's Day: No Class 
  • March 17: Last Class Day 
  • March 18-22: Final Exam Week 
  • March 23: Move Out Day at Noon - For those leaving Seattle U at the end of Winter Quarter 
  • March 23-30: Spring Break: No Class  

Spring Quarter 2025 

  • March 31: Classes Begin 
  • April 10: Racial Equity Summit (Classes Before 1:30pm canceled) 
  • April 18-21: Easter Holiday: No Classes 
  • May 26: Memorial Day: No Classes 
  • June 9: Last Class Day 
  • June 10-14: Final Exam Week 
  • June 14: International Student Graduation Reception: Celebrating Exchange students 
  • June 15: Move Out Day at Noon - For those leaving Seattle U at the end of Spring Quarter 

Academics - Credit Load

Seattle University is on the quarter system. The normal load for full-time undergraduate students is 15 quarter credits; Undergraduate International students are required to take 12 quarter credits to be considered full-time status. Only 1 online course per quarter is allowed for International students.

Please visit Academic Policies for more information. 

Credit System Quarter Credit Conversion  Average Load Conversion 
Semester Credits  1.5 Quarter = 1 Semester  15 Quarter Credits = 10 Semester Credits 
ECTS Credits  0.8 Quarter = 1 ECTS  15 Quarter Credits = 18 ECTS Credits 

At the end of the exchange term, students will have to request Seattle University transcripts to be sent to their home university. Transcripts are issued by the Registrar's Office and should be requested once grades are posted. Transcripts are available in Electronic and Printed via the Office of The Registrar's Transcript page. We recommend that students request several physical copies for their own record for future use. 

English proficiency is required. Most courses are offered in English, but the English Language Learning Center (ELLC) prepares non-native speakers of English for a productive academic career at Seattle University through the English Language Bridge program (ELLB). Non-native English speakers are required to submit proof of English proficiency through TOEFL scores and those who meet the minimum score, must participate in the ELCB courses. Students with TOEFL scores in the ELCB range will take a placement essay test upon arrival at Seattle University. Some students may have their ELCB requirement waived based upon the results of the placement essay test. 

Test Type Required to Participate in ELCB* Exempt from ELCB
TOEFL 68 - 85 iBT 86 iBT
IELTS minimum 6.0 6.5
ELS Not applicable Complete Level 112 with 3.0 GPA
PTE 48 - 62 63
Duolingo 105-115 120
SAT (2016+)   500 in Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
ACT Not applicable 20+ in both Reading and English

Students with TOEFL scores in the ELCB range will take a placement essay test upon arrival at Seattle University. Some students may have their ELCB requirement waived based upon the results of the placement essay test.

Course Listings

Most courses are taught in English. Students can select from a variety of courses in the 1000-4000 level range. Reciprocal Exchange students can take courses from across majors/disciplines. Contact your Seattle University Academic Advisor to inform them of your course preferences. Note: Courses from the School of Law, Graduate courses, and certain Undergraduate Programs (Diagnostic Ultrasound, Matteo Ricci Institute, Nursing, University Honors, and New and Continuing Studies) are not available.

The courses offered in the English Language and Culture Bridge program are highly advanced, with a specific focus on university-level reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. In addition, the course work concentrates on the American academic culture and the specific preparation for requirements at Seattle University. Courses are still open to international students who have met English Proficiency Requirements. 

ELCB Courses and Syllabi

  • ELCB 0870 - Academic Reading and Writing
  • ELCB 0880 - Communication Essentials for American College
  • ELCB 0910 - Advanced Communication for American College
  • ELCB 1010 - Writing from Sources
  • ELCB 1020 - Research Paper Writing
  • ELCB 5000 - Graduate School Success 
  • Undergraduate Courses and Syllabi   
  • Course Schedule by Major 
  • This includes tables indicating which term courses are offered and pre-requisite requirements. 
  • Undergraduate Courses Advising Tools
  • This includes “Two-Year Projected Course Offerings for...” documents for each major. These documents include tables indicating which term courses are offered and pre-requisite requirements. 

Course Schedule by Major

Housing & Fees Cost Estimates

Students’ tuition costs are covered under the Reciprocal Exchange Agreement between Seattle University and the home institution. Students are responsible for covering all other costs, including SU fees, food, housing, books and personal expenses. 

Living on-campus is an essential way to maximize the immersion experience for exchange students. Residence hall housing options include single, double, triple rooms, apartment style living, and intentional living communities. Prices vary greatly dependingon housing typeand amenities. Visit Housing and Residence Lifefor more details.

Room Furniture

All rooms in the traditional residence halls have one twin XL bed, wardrobe, desk and chair per student in the living space. There is also a sink and mirror in the room along with a microwave/mini-refrigerator combination. Each individual residence hall may have other amenities that are listed on the specific building page in the Residences section. Linens are not included.

All students living in residence halls are required to have a meal plan. Freshman and sophomores are required to have at least the Residential Meal Plan option if living on-campus. 

Food, housing, books, insurance, local transportation, etc. varies depending on housing type, meal plan, personal spending, etc.

Estimated cost per Quarter (2023-2024) in USD 

Housing & Food 

~$5,000 

Annual International Health Insurance 

(Estimated 22-23 rate listed - Payment for annual year only) For more information, please check with ISC 

$608 USD/Qtr  ($1,823 USD) 

Books and supplies 

$254 USD 

Personal 

$800 USD 

Transportation 

$600 USD 

Technology Fee 

$192 USD 

Wellness Fee 

$158 USD 

Orientation Fee 

$275 USD 

J-1 Visa Application Fee 

$220 USD 

Contact Us

Do you have questions about the Reciprocal Exchanges?

Jennifer Chan

Exchange Coordinator

jennifer chan headshot