Outbound Mobility
Can I go on Exchange?
To be eligible for our outbound mobility programs, Okanagan College students must:
- be enrolled in an Okanagan College credentialed program as a full-time student (9 credits) in good academic standing; AND
- be a current student at Okanagan College before and during the exchange program; AND
- successfully submit their online application by the deadline; AND
- have a passport or will be able to get one 4 months before departure for the host country
Please note If you have accessibility needs, we suggest that you communicate your needs to the Disability Access Service before applying for an exchange program. This will provide us with an opportunity to assess which programs may be a good fit for you and explore avenues to ensure that your particular needs are met.
For Business Administration students, you must have:
- completed one year of full-time study at Okanagan College
- a minimum GPA of at least B (72%)
- a letter of recommendation from a faculty advisor or department chair
For Bachelor of Business Administration students, you must have:
- completed a minimum of 60 credits
- third year standing in the program at Okanagan College
- completed two years of full-time study (minimum 80% course load) at Okanagan College
- a minimum GPA of at least B (72%)
- a letter of recommendation from a faculty advisor or department chair
For all students in the Academic program at Okanagan College, you must have:
- completed one year of full-time study at Okanagan College
- a minimum GPA of at least 60%
- room for elective courses within your program
Which Exchange Option is Right for me?
Short-term Exchange
If your program doesn’t leave room for electives or you prefer a shorter international experience, a short-term cultural exchange could be a perfect fit!
What to expect:
- Duration: 2 to 4 weeks
- Typically offered during summer or reading break
- Focused on intercultural learning, hands-on activities, and local excursions
- No transfer credit required
- Great for students in structured programs (like Health, Trades, or Science) with limited course flexibility
You’ll return with global experience, new friendships, and enhanced communication and cultural skills. All without disrupting your academic schedule.
Semester Exchange
If you're ready for a deeper international experience and want to study abroad for a full term, a semester exchange may be right for you.
What to expect:
- Duration: 1 or 2 semesters
- Enroll in courses at one of OC’s partner institutions worldwide
- Earn transfer credit or excess credit toward your ºÚÁÏÌìÌÃprogram
- Experience academic life, culture, and independence in a new country
Important to know:
- You must have elective room in your program to participate
- Meet with an Education Advisor to complete your Course Planning Sheet or Personal Degree Planner
- You’ll need to get your Learning Agreement approved by both ºÚÁÏÌìÌÃand your host school before registration
This is an excellent opportunity to grow both academically and personally, while earning credits that count toward your ºÚÁÏÌìÌÃcredential.
Where can I go?
Curious about where you can go on exchange?
We partner with institutions around the world, offering unique academic and cultural experiences. Whether you're looking for a short-term cultural program or a full semester abroad, there's something for everyone!
Take your time exploring what each partner school offers, and imagine yourself studying in a new country while earning credits toward your Okanagan College program.
To see which opportunities are available to you including destinations, program options, and eligibility details, click the button below.
Planning Your Exchange: Key Factors
Tuition: Payable to Okanagan College for any courses receiving transfer credit.
If you choose to receive credits as excess credit (non-transferable), you must pay for a minimum of 9 credits.
Partner Institution Fees: Some partner universities may charge students an administrative fee, such as mandatory student association fees charged to all students.
Additional: Living expenses, housing (some host institutions may cover the housing costs with a scholarship), local transportation, meals, textbooks, medical insurance, and personal spending.
Internal Resources
Okanagan College students who have been accepted into an international activity, study tour, or exchange program and are seeking financial assistance for the cost of their airline travel can apply for an Airline Travel Grant.
Students enrolled in a credentialed study exchange program who successfully applied for and received the Airline Travel Grant may also be eligible for the Extended Mobility Grant.
External Resources
Each partner school offers various scholarships for Okanagan College students. Please visit the partner school’s website for more details on eligibility and how to apply.
The Government of Canada also offers various scholarships for Canadian students.
BC Scholarship Society offers Oneworld International Scholarship and Premier's International Scholarship.
Visa and immigration rules vary by country and depend on your nationality.
For short-term exchanges, a study permit may not be required, but it's important to check.
It’s your responsibility to find out what you need and how to apply.
We recommend visiting the official government website of your host country for accurate and up-to-date information.
Each partner institution offers different courses to exchange students. It's important to carefully review each school’s course offerings to find the best fit for your academic goals.
To learn more:
- Visit the partner school's website
- Or contact us at mobility@okanagan.bc.ca
Before making any decisions, please speak with an Education Advisor to ensure you have space in your program by reviewing your Course Planning Sheet or Personal Degree Planner.
This will help you:
- Identify which courses you still need to complete
- Understand how an exchange term can fit into your program
- Ensure you have a space for transfer credits (typically elective space)
- Plan your course selection more effectively
This step is essential to ensure your exchange experience supports your academic progress and graduation timeline.
Planning where you’ll live during your exchange is just as important as choosing your destination! Each partner institution offers different housing options for incoming students, so it's important to explore what’s available early.
- On-Campus Housing:
Many partner schools offer residence or dormitory options specifically for exchange students. These are often convenient, furnished, and located close to campus. - Off-Campus Housing:
Some institutions may offer support for students looking to rent shared apartments, homestays, or private accommodations nearby.
How to Apply:
- After you are officially nominated and accepted by your host institution, you’ll receive housing information as part of your acceptance or welcome package.
- Be sure to follow the host school's housing application deadlines; they often fill up quickly!
- Some schools require separate applications for housing, even after your exchange nomination is confirmed.
How can I apply?
Please submit your application by the deadline. Only successful applicants will receive an email with further instructions. Instructions are sent one month after the application deadline.
Application Deadlines
- Summer short-term - TBA
- Fall semester exchange - February 28th
- Winter semester exchange - June 30th
On the application form, you will need to upload the following documents:
- Unofficial transcript
- Statement of interest
- Letter of reference
- Course planning sheet or Personal degree planner
More Questions?
Whether you're just starting to explore your options or getting ready to apply, we're here to support you every step of the way!
You can reach out to us at mobility@okanagan.bc.ca if you have questions about:
- Eligibility requirements for exchange
- How to apply and important deadlines
- Choosing the right destination and program for your goals
- Learning Agreements and course approvals
- Tuition, travel grants, and budgeting for your time abroad
- Visa, housing, and travel preparation
We’re happy to guide you through the exchange process and help make your international experience a success!