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As part of the HBA Program, HBA students may apply for the opportunity to spend a semester of their second year abroad (spring term).

Approximately 20-25% of students participate in an exchange program in their HBA2 year. Ivey students can learn about the International Exchange Program through information sessions during the school year and from students who are on exchange at Ivey.

Applications are submitted in HBA1 to determine students’ suitability for the program. Ivey students pay regular tuition fees through Western and are treated as if they have paid at the host exchange school.

Other, short-term courses provide international experience as well. For example, in the past, these have included a micro-financing project in Honduras; a business trip to Israel; and a service-learning opportunity in Africa.

A day in the life of an Exchange Student

2024-25 Outgoing Exchange Stats

24
different countries will host students in Winter semester.

43
per cent of applicants received their first choice; 56% of applicants receive their first or second choice.

153
total number of Ivey students going on exchange (72 male, 80 female, 1 non-binary, representing 16% of HBA2 students.

Eligibility Criteria

Students must maintain a minimum of 74% average in their HBA1 year to participate in the exchange program. These grades are reviewed in January (following the first semester at Ivey) and again in April (following the completion of HBA).

HBA2 students completing a dual degree program with one of our partnering faculties at Western University may participate in the HBA International Exchange Program and enroll in business-related courses, provided they are able to meet all graduation requirements prior to studying abroad for a semester. It is recommended that dual degree students considering this option meet with the Ivey HBA Academic Advisor as well as the Academic Advisor for the specific faculty department at Western University to review the viability of this option.

Application Process

During their HBA1 year, students will learn about the opportunity to study abroad during a Special Opportunities Session in the Fall.

In December-January, students will be required to complete an online application which includes selecting up to 5 potential business schools of interest from the list provided, short answer essay questions and uploading a current CV.

Students are required to pay a non-refundable fee at both the application ($75.00 CDN) and acceptance ($75.00 CDN) stages of the exchange offering. Nominations to exchange partner schools typically occur during the Summer and Fall months in advance of the Winter (Spring) semester.

Exchange FAQs

What can I do during my first year to prepare?
When can I apply for exchange?
What is the selection criteria for exchange?
When do Ivey students participate in exchange?
Where will I live while on exchange?
How much does an exchange cost?
Can I continue to receive OSAP while on exchange?
What is the process for applying for an exchange?
How many courses do I have to take on exchange?
If I am going on exchange, when will I graduate?
Are there any other study trip options?

Attend the special opportunities information session in November and contact returning students about their experiences. You can also research the universities and countries that you would like to visit.

Students can apply for exchange during HBA1 or for their final year of a combined degree.

Students must maintain a minimum 74% grade average in their HBA1 year to be eligible for the exchange program. In December-January, students will be required to complete an online application, which includes selecting up to 5 potential business schools of interest from the list provided, submitting short answer essay questions and uploading a current CV. When selecting candidates, we consider academic achievement, potential for global citizenship, and consider how the candidate will be an ambassador to Ivey and Canada.

You will go on exchange for the winter term of your graduating year.

Most of our exchange students live in on-campus residences at our partner universities. If the host institution does not own residences, their International Exchange Office helps incoming exchange students find off-campus housing.

The overall cost of an exchange will vary significantly depending on your spending habits and the country and city in which you study. The good news is that you will pay your regular tuition to Western and not international fees. Exchange participants are responsible for the cost of airfare, travel documents, applicable vaccinations, supplementary health insurance, accommodation, and other incidental expenses. Participants are required to arrange their own travel/immigration documents, plane tickets, health insurance, and vaccinations.

Yes, but you must prepare all documentation and apply before your departure. Learn more about OSAP for outgoing exchange students.

Students will apply during in December/January followed by a brief interview with our selection committee. We will confirm placements in February. For a further overview of the timeline, please refer to the document in Learn.

Students are required to pay a non-refundable fee at both the application ($75.00 CDN) and acceptance ($125.00 CDN) stages of the exchange offering.

Grades from your exchange will be recorded as "Pass/Fail" on your Western University transcript. Please keep in mind that students who later apply to graduate or professional programs will normally be required to provide a transcript from the host university, and their grades from exchange will be assessed at the discretion of the program that they are applying to.

All school fact sheets are listed on the HBA1 and HBA2 communities within the exchange handbook. View Partner Schools.

Yes, students have the options of participating in the following for 0.5 Ivey credits each:

  • Africa Service Learning
  • Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Economic Growth in Israel
  • Leadership under fire

Note: students may not take all of the above as some conflict with each other or exchange. Other questions? international@ivey.ca or 519-661-2111, Ext. 84266

What can I do during my first year to prepare?

Attend the special opportunities information session in November and contact returning students about their experiences. You can also research the universities and countries that you would like to visit.

When can I apply for exchange?

Students can apply for exchange during HBA1 or for their final year of a combined degree.

What is the selection criteria for exchange?

Students must maintain a minimum 74% grade average in their HBA1 year to be eligible for the exchange program. In December-January, students will be required to complete an online application, which includes selecting up to 5 potential business schools of interest from the list provided, submitting short answer essay questions and uploading a current CV. When selecting candidates, we consider academic achievement, potential for global citizenship, and consider how the candidate will be an ambassador to Ivey and Canada.

When do Ivey students participate in exchange?

You will go on exchange for the winter term of your graduating year.

Where will I live while on exchange?

Most of our exchange students live in on-campus residences at our partner universities. If the host institution does not own residences, their International Exchange Office helps incoming exchange students find off-campus housing.

How much does an exchange cost?

The overall cost of an exchange will vary significantly depending on your spending habits and the country and city in which you study. The good news is that you will pay your regular tuition to Western and not international fees. Exchange participants are responsible for the cost of airfare, travel documents, applicable vaccinations, supplementary health insurance, accommodation, and other incidental expenses. Participants are required to arrange their own travel/immigration documents, plane tickets, health insurance, and vaccinations.

Can I continue to receive OSAP while on exchange?

Yes, but you must prepare all documentation and apply before your departure. Learn more about OSAP for outgoing exchange students.

What is the process for applying for an exchange?

Students will apply during in December/January followed by a brief interview with our selection committee. We will confirm placements in February. For a further overview of the timeline, please refer to the document in Learn.

Students are required to pay a non-refundable fee at both the application ($75.00 CDN) and acceptance ($125.00 CDN) stages of the exchange offering.

How many courses do I have to take on exchange?

Grades from your exchange will be recorded as "Pass/Fail" on your Western University transcript. Please keep in mind that students who later apply to graduate or professional programs will normally be required to provide a transcript from the host university, and their grades from exchange will be assessed at the discretion of the program that they are applying to.

If I am going on exchange, when will I graduate?

All school fact sheets are listed on the HBA1 and HBA2 communities within the exchange handbook. View Partner Schools.

Are there any other study trip options?

Yes, students have the options of participating in the following for 0.5 Ivey credits each:

  • Africa Service Learning
  • Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Economic Growth in Israel
  • Leadership under fire

Note: students may not take all of the above as some conflict with each other or exchange. Other questions? international@ivey.ca or 519-661-2111, Ext. 84266

Ivey students can participate in the exchange program at one of our 40+ different partner schools in Europe, Asia and South America. 

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