Deadlines 

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There are two deadlines for submission of USF Incoming Exchange Application Materials.

• For students beginning classes in the Fall Semester, completed applications must be  submitted by April 1st.
• For students beginning classes in the Spring Semester, completed applications by September 15th.

 USF Inbound Exchange Coordinator will:

• Receive and review nominated student applications.
• Review course requests with academic departments, as needed.
• Send an acceptance notification or request further details from applicant.
• Work with students to complete the housing, Meal Plan, Insurance, and Immunization process.
• Work with Student to confirm course schedule.
• Process DS2019 Visa Form with the USF International Services Office.
• Continue to assist the student with pre-arrival requirements.  

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Course Selection

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Exchange students on a J-1 visa are required to take a full time course load at USF. Undergraduate full time course load is 12 credit hours and graduate full time course load is 9 credit hours.

Course Search: 

Select "Tampa" as your campus, and the intended semester of study to review course options. 

It is the Student's responsibility to seek approval from their home university to ensure that credit can later be accepted toward your degree. 
A copy of your most recent transcript of grades must also be submitted with your course request list. Undergraduate students cannot take graduate level coursework. 

Fall class options become available in early March.
Spring class options become available in early November.

Levels 1000-1999 are considered first-year courses
Levels 2000-2999 are considered second-year courses
Levels 3000-3999 are considered third-year courses
Levels 4000-4999 are considered fourth-year courses and typically are the most demanding courses. 
Levels 5000-7999 are graduate courses
 

Graduate Exchange Students 
Education Abroad must first confirm that the department/college that can accommodate a graduate exchange student based on space and academic history. Graduate students must have a separate motivation statement, a CV in English, and an undergraduate transcript as requested by the department. 

Restricted Courses: Nursing, Pharmacy, Honors College, Real Estate, Licensure Coursework, and Accounting

Departmental review required: Chemistry, Finance, Economics, Engineering, Music, Education, and all Graduate Coursework

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Health Insurance

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USF requires MANDATORY health coverage for Exchange students studying at USF. Students must purchase the USF insurance policy that is guaranteed to fulfill requirements set forth by the State of Florida/USF for immigration purposes. You can find information on the health insurance at http://www.shs.usf.edu/insurance/insurance-forms.aspx.

The only exception to this rule is for those students who are enrolled in an insurance policy that has been reviewed and pre-approved to meet all requirements of the State of Florida prior to arrival at USF. The non-USF Insurance Policy providers will be required to sign the USF Health Insurance Compliance Form which details the requirements for insurance. Inability to prove full insurance coverage by the second week of classes will result in a change of visa status and possible termination of the exchange in accordance with U.S. Department of State Regulations (CFR 22 Sec. 62.14 Insurance). USF Rule 6C4-6.0162

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Housing & Meal Plan

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The USF Inbound Exchange Coordinator works Residence life to facilitate on campus living for students who will be informed of housing options and application procedures after they have been admitted. On campus housing is not guaranteed and students are encouraged to apply early. 

 To learn more about opportunities to live on campus click here: Housing Options 

 To learn more about dining on campus and meal plan options click here: Dining Options

 

Immigration Information 

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Undergraduate estimated expenses per semester: Information provided in iStart 
Graduate Estimated expenses per semester: Information provided in iStart 

If you need a visa to come to the US, after you are admitted you will receive an automatic email through the istart system with instructions. You will need to log in to the istart system to upload your passport and financial documentation. Then, the Office of International Services at USF will create a DS2019 document for you. You will need the DS2019 to apply for a J-1 visa at a US embassy.
 
You will continue to use the istart system for your J student program at USF. Be sure to follow the instructions you see there to start uploading your immigration documents there in advance, as you prepare to travel to the US.
 
After you arrive in the US and finish uploading your entry documents in istart, you will have a Document Check meeting via Teams with the Office of International Services. In this meeting, your SEVIS record will be validated to make your J status active.
 

Contact

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If you or your students have any questions, please feel free to contact:

Lauren Strange 
Inbound Exchange Coordinator, Education Abroad
4202 E. Fowler Ave FAO 011 
University of South Florida
33620

P: 813-974-6148

E: lstrange@usf.edu
 

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