Exchange Partner Institutions

UMAP Consortium 

About: University Mobility in Asia and the Pacific (UMAP) is a consortium of Higher Education Institutions and partners, collaborating to increase opportunities for study abroad across the Asia Pacific region. UMAP promotes student exchanges among more than 220 active colleges and universities in 24 countries/territories in Asia and the Pacific Rim; striving to facilitate greater understanding of member countries’ cultures, economies, and societies through collaborative partnerships and increased exchange activities. 

Length: 1 or 2 semesters

Semesters: Variable

Member Countries include: 

• Australia
• Bangladesh
• Brunei
• Cambodia
• Chile
• China
• Colombia
• India
• Indonesia
• Japan
• Kazakhstan
• Korea
• Kyrgyz Republic
• Laos
• Macao
• Malaysia
• Mexico
• Mongolia
• Philippines
• Taiwan
• Thailand
• USA
• Vietnam

Learn more about partner institutions and the programs available by visiting the full Member Directory

Application Timeline: Procedures for UMAP differ slightly to other VIU Exchange partners. Please review the specific steps for a UMAP application here.

UMAP Funding: UMAP-Canada scholarships of $10,200 - $14,700 are available to Canadian citizen students of Canadian UMAP member institutions to study at UMAP member institutions in other countries.  Application is by invitation only.  Students must apply and be accepted to a UMAP physical exchange program. 

To be eligible for scholarship consideration, all program applications must be made through USCO platform.  Eligible students will be contacted by the UMAP International Secretariat with scholarship application details. 

Please click here for more information.

China

Zhejiang Ocean University

City: Zhoushan

About: An Oceanic institution of higher learning with important influence on both home and abroad marine life. They have won 1st, 2nd and 3rd prize of National Science and Technology Progress and National Science Congress.

Location: Located in the urban area of Zhoushan Archipelago New Area which is the first state-level new area featuring marine economy. This is China's largest archipelago, having 1339 islands and many being inhabited. The city itself has a population of one million and is located 135 sea-miles south of Shanghai City.

Program:  Chinese language and culture courses

Length: 1 or 2 semesters

Semesters: September through to June

Learn more about Zhejiang Ocean University

Additional Information:

• Possible opportunity for free lodging in exchange for joining the English club on a weekly basis and providing teaching assistant support in the English language department.
• Exchange students are subject to a health exam fee of approximately 400RMB (~$70-80 CAD).
• Zhejiang Ocean University Presentation

Japan

J.F. Oberlin University

City: Machida

About: Highly integrative programs to ensure incoming international students are immersed with Japanese culture. An opportunity to learn and experience Japan in a supportive environment. Many opportunities provided to get more involved with clubs on campus and meet local students.

Location: The main campus is located in Machida, a suburb of Tokyo. Approximately 50km from the city center of Tokyo, which is only a train trip away. Also within travel distance by train is various mountains and beaches. Machida is a youthful area with an economy geared towards university students.

Program: The Reconnaissance Japan Program offers Japanese language and other academic courses (offered in English)

Length: 1 or 2 semesters (Fall semester goes until the end of January)

Semesters: August - January, March - August

For more information about J.F Oberlin University, explore Reconnaissance Japan Program or the online brochure.

Rikkyo University

City: Ikebukuro and Niiza, Tokyo Metropolitan Area

About: Founded 1874, Rikkyo University (also known as St. Paul’s University) is known as one of the most prestigious private universities in Japan, according to the Toyo Keizai Research Center and has been ranked 14th amongst Japanese universities (7th of private universities) in the 2019 World University Rankings compiled by Times Higher Education (THE), a specialist higher education magazine in the U.K. Rikkyo University is known for its affluent academic resources and student support. The student population is small compared to other major private universities, and there is an active interaction among faculty, staff, and students. Rikkyo values personal care and support.

Location: Tokyo’s Ikebukuro area is most commonly associated with anime and manga culture—two quintessential factors of the “Cool Japan” brand—but the area is also home to many traditional Japanese culture highlights such as shrines, temples, and rakugo (comedic storytelling) venues.

Program:  In principle, all undergraduate colleges except the Law School are open to Exchange students.

Ikebukuro Campus: Arts, Economics, Sociology, Law and Politics, Science, Business, Intercultural Communication

Niiza Campus: Psychology, Community and Human Services, Tourism, Sport and Wellness

Length: 1 or 2 semesters

Semesters: Spring (April - July); Fall (September - February)

Additional Information: For more information about Rikkyo University, explore the online brochure for Exchange students. 

Korea

Chung Ang University

City: Seoul

About: A leading national institute for higher education for nearly 100 years for high quality college education and research activities. Acclaimed as the hub for “Korean Cultural Wave” through its arts programs.

Location: Seoul is the 10th largest city in the world and the center for political, economic and cultural activities in Korea. The city is built around the Han River and is surrounded by mountains.

Programs:

• Humanities
• Social Sciences
• Education
• Natural Sciences
• Engineering
• Business and Economics
• Medicine
• Nursing
• Arts

Courses offerings can change up to classes starting, so this exchange is best for students looking for a great place to study, but who are flexible in what they take.

Learn more about  Chung Ang University available courses

Length: 1 or 2 semesters 

Semesters: March–June, September–December

For more information about Chung Ang University, explore Incoming Exchange Student and their Inbound Exchange Fact Sheet. 

Australia

University of Canberra

City: Canberra 
(Bruce Campus)

About: The University of Canberra has been ranked in the world’s top 100 young universities by Times Higher Education (THE) Young University Rankings.

Location: Located in the capital city of Australia, Canberra is ranked the most livable city in the world. Only a 3 hour bus to Sydney, 2.5 hour bus to the Coast or Mountains for snowboarding or skiing in the winter. The University is where city meets park, surrounded by natural landscape and wildlife. There are even resident kangaroos living on the campus grounds.

Programs:

• Art and Design
• Business, Government and Law
• Education, Science, Technology and Math
• Health

For further course (unit) information, explore the Course and Unit Information

Length: 1 semester 

Semesters: February–June, July–November

For more information about The University of Canberra, explore Incoming Exchange Students, Partner Fact Sheet and Partner Study Abroad Guide.

Victoria University

City: Melbourne

Not Accepting Applications for Fall 2023

About: The University of Victoria has been recognized in the top 4% of Universities by QS World University Rankings.

Location:  Located in the South-Eastern part of Australia with a population of 4.3 million, Melbourne is ranked one of the world’s most livable cities and second-most student friendly city.  The cosmopolitan city is characterized as the cultural and sporting capital of Australia.

Programs:

• Arts
• Business
• Education
• Engineering and Science
• Health and Biomedicine
• Law and Justice
• Sport and Exercise Science

For further course (unit) information, explore the Course and Unit Information

Length: 1 or 2 semesters

Semesters: February-June, July-November

For more information about Victoria University, explore Incoming Exchange Students and Partner Fact Sheet.

Belgium

Thomas More University of Applied Sciences (partnership pending)

City: Various 

About: Thomas More is the largest university of applied sciences in Flanders, in the province of Antwerp. Thomas More offers exchange programs in English, for students from partner universities. Discover 40 English-taught programs across 7 campuses! Check out this amazing video for more information.

Location: Antwerp Province is the northernmost province both of the Flemish Region, also called Flanders, and of Belgium.  It is the country's most populous province! Belgium is known for it's chocolatiers, medieval towns, Renaissance architecture and as headquarters of the European Union and NATO. 

Program: Open VIU students seeking an Exchange semester in the Fall of their third year:

• Interior Design will be prioritized.

Length: 1 or 2 semesters 

Semesters: September-December, February-June

For more information, explore their Study in Belgium Fact Sheet.

England

University of Birmingham

City: Birmingham

About: The University of Birmingham is a Top 100 Global institution,  Top 15 in the UK,  comprehensive institution part of the Russell Group. Many of our programmes for UG include a compulsory year of study abroad on exchange, so my team and I manage a range of 300+ global exchange partners including 50 US partners and 20+ in Canada, meaning that every year we receive over 700 incoming exchange students. 

Location: Birmingham, second largest city of the United Kingdom and a metropolitan borough in the West Midlands metropolitan county. It lies near the geographic centre of England, at the crossing points of the national railway and motorway systems.

Program: 

• College of Social Science boasts a Triple Crown Business School, a School of Government including International Development and Politics and International Relations
• College of Arts and Law also offers a strong portfolio, including a top Law School offering LLM and LLB programmes open to incoming exchanges students: Undergraduate study - University of Birmingham
• One of the best dedicated Liberal Arts and Natural Sciences School, which facilitate multi-disciplinary education
• EPS (Engineering and Physical Sciences)
• LES (Life and Environmental Sciences)

Length: 1 or 2 semesters 

Semesters: Late-September-December, January-June

Why choose Birmingham:

• Traditional Red Brick British University with strong academic ranking, Top 100 Global institution (QS) Top 15 in the UK
• Magnificent Campus Location and facilities
• Guaranteed accommodation on campus for incoming exchange students
• Lower cost of living than London yet 110 minutes by direct train – UoB also has its own train station linking the university to Birmingham International Airport in 35 minutes

For more information about the University of Hertfordshire, explore Studying Abroad at UoB and the  Partner Fact Sheet.

University of Hertfordshire

City: Hatfield

About: The University of Hertfordshire is ranked in the Top 150 under 50 in the world by Times Higher Education. The University has also received recognition for being in the top 20% of the world’s most international universities.

Location: Located in the town of Hatfield, only twenty minutes away by train to London. Surrounded by English countryside, The University of Hertfordshire is one of the safest campuses in the East of England.

Program: 

• Humanities
• Engineering and Technology
• Business
• Creative Arts
• Life and Medical Sciences
• Health and Social Work
• Computer Science
• Law
• Physics, Astronomy & Mathematics
• Education

Learn more about University of Hertfordshire Course Information

Length: 1 or 2 semesters 

Semesters: Late-September-January, February-June

For more information about the University of Hertfordshire, explore Incoming Exchange Students

Learn more about Brexit

Further information can be found on the Partner Fact Sheet

France

Burgundy School of Business

City: Dijon

About: The University prides itself by offering an international experience, with a community that is 30% international students and 35% of faculty are international professors. Courses are offered in English but attending this University offers the chance to improve your French language skills. BSB prides itself with small class sizes, theory put into practice, follow-up with your progress and international student support to provide an enjoyable academic experience.

Location: Dijon is one of the most preserved historic centers with beautiful architecture and a rich cultural heritage. Located in the heart of Europe, only two hours by train to Paris. Surrounded by Burgundy vineyards and famous for gastronomy and wine, Dijon is one of the most desirable cities in France for quality of life.

Program: Business*

*Introduction year is open to students without prior business knowledge

Learn more about Burgundy School of Business Course Information

Length: 1 or 2 semesters 

Semesters: September-December, January - May

For more information about the Burgundy School of Business, explore Incoming Exchange Students and Partner Fact Sheet

Germany

CBS International Business School

City: Cologne or Mainz

About: A campus community that is made up of students and professors from around the world creating a diverse cultural experience. The University focuses on providing experience and developing skills to help in a career in the future.

Location:  Students may study in one of two campuses in Mainz or Cologne. 

Cologne: The lively metropolis of Cologne has more than 2000 years’ history and a population of more than one million, and lies in the heart of Europe: The Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg are literally just around the corner. Amsterdam, Brussels and Paris can be reached quickly by train at the weekend.

Mainz: Mainz is home to several universities and enjoys great popularity as a vibrant student city. More than 40,000 students live in Mainz, centrally located in the Rhine-Main area, and equally appreciate the range of the urban environment and tranquility of the Rhine-Hessian surroundings. 

Programs:

• International Business
• Intercultural Management
• International Tourism Management
• Digital Media Management
• Business Psychology
• General Management

Learn more about CBS International Business School Course Information

Length: 1 or 2 semesters

Semesters: August - December, January - May

For more information about the Cologne Business School, explore Incoming Exchange Students, Cologne Campus Partner Fact Sheet and Mainz Campus Partner Fact Sheet.

Frankfurt School of Finance and Management

City: Frankfurt

About: Home to one of Germany’s largest Finance faculties. All courses offered have three aspects to them; high standards, diversity and practice orientation to help prepare for a career in the future. Language initiatives are taken to help incoming students learn German.

Location: Frankfurt is Germany’s most international city, with the largest financial center in Europe and transportation center. Being centrally located in Germany, with ample transportation options, Frankfurt allows for easy access to travel. With one of the lowest average population ages in Germany, Frankfurt is a student’s city.

Programs:

• Finance
• Management
• Economics
• Legal Studies & Ethics
• Accounting

Length:  1 or 2 semesters 

Semesters: September - January, March - June

For more information about the Frankfurt School of Finance and Management, explore Incoming Exchange Students and Partner Fact Sheet

Ireland

University College Cork

City: Cork

Not Accepting Applications for Fall 2023

About: Founded in 1845, University College Cork currently has a student population of approximately 21,000 students.

Location: Cork is located in south-west Ireland in the province of Munster.

Programs:

• Arts and Humanities
• Social Sciences
• Business
• Health & Human Services
• Mathematics
• Sciences

Learn more about University College Cork course information

Length: 1 or 2 semesters

Semesters: September to December, January to May

Learn more about the University College Cork and Partner Fact Sheet

Please note: Visiting/Exchange students are not permitted to work in Ireland while studying due to the immigration policy currently in place.

Netherlands

Hogeschool Utrecht

City: Utrecht

About: Offers a variety of opportunities to enrich student’s experiences such as social, cultural and sporting activities. Courses are available in English along with small class sizes and an emphasis on practical learning experiences.

Location: Utrecht is located in the heart of the Netherlands. With a small medieval city center, to a city that is transforming and growing, the Dutch canals weave throughout the city. A real student city, with students from all around the world studying in one place making it a very vibrant place to live.

Programs: 

• Business

Length:  1 or 2 semesters 

Semesters: February - June, September - January, Summer Semester* June - August

For more information about Hogeschool Utrecht, explore Incoming Exchange Students and Partner Fact Sheet

*Want to study during the summer? Consider courses offered at Hogeschool Utrecht Summer School (cost of tuition will be deducted off the program fee since these can be taken as part of an exchange program)

Breda University of Applied Sciences

City: Breda

About: Founded in 1966 as an institution for management in tourism and leisure, and to date is the largest and leading institution in this field. Offering courses in English for the hundreds incoming exchange students that study there each year.

Location: Breda is located in the south of the Netherlands, a short distance from Amsterdam and Brussels. It is a historical city but also a youthful city with many cultural and social activities for students.

Programs:

• Hotel and Facility Management
• Tourism and Leisure

Learn more about Breda University of Applied Sciences Course Information

Length: 1 or 2 semesters

Semesters: August - December, February - July

For more information about BUAS, explore Incoming Exchange Students and Partner Fact Sheet

North2North - Norway, Sweden, Iceland and more

UArctic North2North

Sweden, Norway, Iceland

About: By participating on exchange to the North there are opportunities to make a meaningful impact to human capacity in Northern regions. Participating on exchange in the North aims to provide you with competencies and experience that can benefit your professional and/or academic plans. Choose a partner institution from one of ten countries in the program. Most VIU students select from institutions in Sweden, Norway or Iceland.

Learn more about partner institutions and the programs available.

Length: 1 or 2 semesters

Semesters: Aug - Dec/Jan and Jan/Feb - June

Additional Information: Some destinations on this list do not have a local (Vancouver) consulate and travel to the nearest Canadian consulate to obtain a visa/residence permit may be required. Travel expenses to acquire a visa are the responsibility of the student.

The north2north Northern Canada program will provide some grants of up to $6000 to students who are studying at a north2north member institution in Canada outside of Canada's northern region. Students who are studying subjects relevant to Arctic, Indigenous or Northern Circumpolar Programs will be prioritized. 

Learn more about the UArctic North2North Program

Norway

Nord University

City: Bodø

About: A University that emphasizes connecting in the community with businesses, professionals and leaders in various industries, to further the education of its students. With locations in Central and Northern Norway, and advanced teaching and research facilities, Nord University provides many opportunities for its diverse student population.

Location: Bodø is located on a peninsula in Northern Norway, just above the Polar Circle. In the winter, you can view the northern lights from the pier or from the mountain just outside the city center. The backdrop to the city is vast skies and mountain ranges, which provide opportunities for skiing in the winter and hiking in the summer.

Programs:

• Sociology
• Aquatic Biosciences
• Practical Knowledge
• Business Administration
• Health and Nursing
• Education and Teacher Education
• International and Culture Studies

 For further course information, explore the Nord University Course Information

Length: 1 or 2 semesters

Semesters: February- June, August- December

For more information about Nord University, explore Incoming Exchange Students and Nord University Fact Sheet

Norwegian School of Sport Science

City: Oslo

We are excited to announce the Norwegian School of Sport Science as a new exchange partner university! 

Read VIU's media release about VIU Students to Benefit From Norwegian Collaboration in Outdoor Studies

About: The Norwegian School of Sport Sciences (NIH) is a specialized university. NIH holds a national responsibility to provide higher education and scientific research in its corresponding fields.

Location: Sognsvann, Oslo

Program: 

• Outdoor Studies
• Sport Management and Coaching
• Sport Biology and Health
• Sport & Sustainability
• Sport Marketing
• Performance Management

Learn more about Norwegian School of Sport Science Course Information

Length: 1 or 2 semesters

Semesters: August-December, January-June

For more information, explore Incoming Exchange Students and  Partner Fact Sheet

University of South Eastern Norway

City: Bo

We are excited to announce the University of South Eastern Norway as a new exchange partner university!

Read VIU's media release about VIU Students to Benefit From Norwegian Collaboration in Outdoor Studies

About: The University of South-Eastern Norway (USN) is Norway’s fourth largest university. We offer professional - and business - focused educational programmes, research and knowledge dissemination to high international standards for approximately 18,000 students.

Location: Bo

Program: 

• Arts & Music
• Business, Management and Information Systems
• Health & Social Work
• Language, Culture, & History
• Law & Social Science
• Engineering & Maritime Sciences
• Natural Science, Nature, and the Environment
• Sports & Outdoor Life
• Summer School (International Marketing/Management)

Learn more about University of South Eastern Norway Course Information

Length: 1 or 2 semesters 

Semesters: August–December, January–June

For more information, explore Incoming Exchange Students and Partner Fact Sheet.

Scotland

PARTNERSHIP ON HOLD: University of Highlands and Islands

City: Inverness and 12 other campuses around Scotland

Partnership on Hold for 2023

About: With campuses across the Highlands and Islands of Scotland, UHI offers you a natural, supportive environment for studying at undergraduate level and achieving your ambitions.

Location: Study in a country of outstanding natural beauty, friendly communities, and cities buzzing with social life and activities!

Programs:

• Adventure Education and Recreation
• Business
• Fisheries and Aquaculture
• Forestry
• Performing Arts
• Social Sciences
• Tourism
• and so much more!

Learn more about University of Highlands and Islands Course Information

Length: 1 or 2 semesters

Semesters: January/February - April, August/September - December

Learn more about University of Highlands and Islands

Learn more about Brexit

Spain

Universidad de Huelva

City: Huelva

About: A University that offers experiential learning in academics, social, cultural and sporting activities. Courses are available in English with additional opportunities to take Spanish classes in order to learn the language.

Location: Huelva is located in the South-West part of Spain, with Portugal located to the West. Only a short distance away is 120km of beach coastline.

Programs:

• Education
• Social Work
• Humanities
• Law
• Business
• Experimental Sciences
• Nursing
• Engineering

Length: 1 semester

Semesters: February-May, September-January

For more information about Universidad de Huelva, explore Incoming Exchange Students and Partner Fact Sheet

Barbados

University of the West Indies

City: Barbados (Cave Hill Campus)

About: The university promises to deliver “The Best Student Experience,” a learning experience that engages the best and the brightest, challenging them to meet higher standards in the classroom and beyond. Encourages all aspects of development; intellectual, physical, social and cultural. 

Location: Located on the Caribbean Island of Barbados, where there is an opportunity to experience the beaches, underground caves and colourful flora. A highlight of living on the island is the friendliness of the locals and learning their culture.

Programs:

• Humanities and Education
• Law
• Medical Sciences
• Science and Technology
• Social Sciences

For further course information, explore University of the West Indies Course Information

Length: 1 or 2 semesters

Semesters: September - December, January - April

For more information about University of the West Indies, explore Incoming Exchange Students and  Partner Fact Sheet.

UMAP Consortium

About: University Mobility in Asia and the Pacific (UMAP) is a consortium of Higher Education Institutions and partners, collaborating to increase opportunities for study abroad across the Asia Pacific region. UMAP promotes student exchanges among more than 220 active colleges and universities in 24 countries/territories in Asia and the Pacific Rim; striving to facilitate greater understanding of member countries’ cultures, economies, and societies through collaborative partnerships and increased exchange activities. 

Latin American Locations:

• Chile
• Colombia
• Mexico

Learn more about partner institutions and the programs available by visiting the full Member Directory

UMAP Funding: UMAP-Canada scholarships are available to Canadian citizen students of Canadian UMAP member institutions to study at UMAP member institutions in other countries.  Application is by invitation only.  Students must apply and be accepted to a UMAP physical or virtual exchange program. 

To be eligible for scholarship consideration, all program applications must be made through USCO platform.  Eligible students will be contacted by the UMAP International Secretariat with scholarship application details. 

Please click here for more information.