You’re on the way to McGill! Make sure that you are prepared to takeoff on your exchange by completing the following key actions to ensure a successful, rewarding, and safe experience!
Check out your faculty's incoming exchange website!
Students requiring academic accommodations
McGill has a dedicated office for Student Accessibility & Achievement. Students are encouraged to contact the office after being admitted to see if the appropriate services are available to them during their exchange.
Find further information about other Student Services.
Housing
On-campus housing: while priority is given to first-year McGill-degree students, some places may be available for exchange students. Find information on housing for exchange students.
Fall session or full-year: Indicate “Yes” under “Residence Accommodation” section in the online application.
Winter session: student must verify available space by emailing housing.residences [at] mcgill.ca
Off-campus housing: Visit the Off-campus housing website.
Expenses
Students attending McGill under a formal exchange agreement are exempt from regular student tuition and fee charges, however, students will be required to pay certain fees during their exchange.
Charges you may incur are:
- International Health Insurance (see below)
- Course pack fees (charged upon registration in a specific course)
- Student Housing charges
- Meal plan fees
- Interest charges for late payments
Information on McGill’s e-billing process and how to pay your student account is available on the Student Accounts website.
Planning your expenses: a tool to help you calculate your costs
International Health Insurance (compulsory)
Find out about the International Health Insurance plan on the International Students Services website.
Students are charged for the health insurance once they register for courses, however they are charged for the full year amount. In order to adjust the fee to the actual duration of the exchange, students must confirm their coverage in Minerva, starting August 1st (Fall start) or December 1st (Winter start).
Students who meet certain criteria may be eligible for an exemption. The list of exemption categories can be found under Eligibility for Exemption on the site indicated above. Please note that, students covered by private health insurance are not exempt from the McGill plan.
Immigration Requirements
- Year-long (2 terms): you must obtain a Certificate of Acceptance from Immigration Quebec and a Study permit from Citizenship and Immigration Canada
- One term only: you must have a valid passport. Students from certain countries must obtain a Temporary resident visa
Consult the International Student Services website for complete details.
All exchange students are required to submit their immigration documents to McGill. Information on what and how to submit is found on our Legal Documents website.
Orientation Events
Orientation for new students is to help prepare for McGill’s academic and social life and provide information about the University and its services, living in Montreal, registration and program orientation.
- Fall term or year-long: the last week of August.
- Winter term only: first week of January
Different orientation sessions offered by McGill:
- Pre-arrival orientation webinars offered by International Student Services
- Orientation for new international students offered by International Student Services
- Welcome Week & Orientation offered by Campus Life and Engagement
Additional resources for your exchange
Information about living in Montreal: language, transportation, weather, banking, phone plans, culture, and more!
