How to Apply
The TU International Student Exchange Program is only open to students currently enrolled at one of our exchange partner institutions. Contact your home institution's international office to find out if you are eligible to participate. Once your home institution has approved your eligibility for the program you can begin the application process.
- Complete the International Student Exchange Application Form
- Submit the following items to the Study Abroad or Exchange Coordinator at your home
institution who will email them to our office at isso@towson.edu:
- Official Academic Record/Transcript of your courses from your home institution. Please include a scan of both sides of your transcript so we can view the credit evaluation details, often on the back or the final page.
- Proof of English language proficiency if English is not your native language (TOEFL or IELTS Documentation). Kansai Gaidai students are exempt from this requirement. See below for details.
- Financial documentation proving you have sufficient funds to support yourself while studying in the United States. This usually comes in the form of a bank statement or bank letter. Click here for the required amounts.
- Additionally, if the financial sponsor is someone other than yourself, you must submit a Financial Support Guarantee (PDF).
- Photocopy of the biographical information page of your passport.
Application deadlines
Spring/Calendar Year: OCTOBER 1 (apply by September 15 for university housing)
Fall/Academic Year: MAY 1 (apply by April 15 for university housing)
English Language Proficiency
Kansai Gaidai University students are exempt from this requirement.
The English language proficiency requirement can be satisfied through TOEFL or IELTS. A TOEFL score of 70 for Internet-based (IBT) is required for all non-native English speakers. Applicants who have completed the IELTS must score at least a 6 (minimum 5.5 band scores). Students seeking to prove English Proficiency using an alternate exam should have their home institution's international office request approval on their behalf. Students may also be required to take a placement exam upon arrival and may be asked to enroll in an ESOL class based on the result of the exam.
Students from partner institutions who do not meet the minimum language requirements to study at Towson on exchange may take courses at our English Language Center (ELC) prior to their semester or full year in regular university classes. This is called the ELC + International Exchange program. Note: Costs related to the semester at the ELC are not covered by the international exchange student agreement - separate fees apply.
Admissions
Once we have reviewed your complete application you will receive an admission email. Your acceptance packet will be sent to your home institution shortly after.
Housing
University housing is the most convenient option for visiting exchange students. International exchange students who select university housing will be assigned to the Global Village located in the Residence Tower unless otherwise notified. Students may be placed in alternate university housing based on space availability.
After admission to the exhange program, you will be sent a link to the Student Housing Gateway to apply for University housing. University housing is guaranteed for exchange students provided their exchange application and supporting materials are received by the International Student and Scholar Office by September 15 for the spring semester/calendar year and by April 15 for the fall semester/academic year. Students must also complete the online housing application by the Housing and Residence Life deadlines.