Exchange Students Frequently Asked Questions

Fall semester – All documents must be submitted by March 4

Spring semester – All documents must be submitted by October 16

Please note, if you are applying to be a year-long exchange student, follow the deadline for the semester that you intend to begin your program at Loyola (for example, if your intended first semester will begin in the Fall, you will follow the deadline for Fall Semester applicants)

Loyola University Maryland only accepts exchange students from our exchange partner institutions. If you are a student at one of those universities, please contact your International Office to find out if you are eligible to apply for exchange with Loyola.  Once you have been accepted to the exchange through your institution, then you can begin the application process with Loyola. The exchange coordinator at your university will work with you to complete this process.

International exchange applicants should refer to the OISS Exchange Student page for specific information on what documentation is needed.

In order to study at Loyola as an Exchange student, you will need to apply for an F-1 Student Visa. Once you have been accepted into the exchange program, Loyola will issue a Form I-20 so that you can apply for an F-1 student visa.

The Form I-20, also known as a “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status”, is an important document that provides supporting information on a student’s F-1 status. All F-1 students, who study in the United States, need a Form I-20.

If you are a non-immigrant wishing to study in the United States at Loyola University Maryland full time, you must apply for an F-1 student Visa.

In order for OISS to issue a Form I-20, you must submit the following documents:

• Affidavit of Financial Support
• Supporting Financial Documentation
• A copy of the biographical page in your passport
• If you will be coming to Loyola from another US institution, you must also submit a Transfer Form (Please contact OISS for more information).

Once you have been offered admission and have submitted all required international student documentation you can expect your Form I-20 in 3-5 weeks. Someone from the Office of International Student Services will contact you regarding your Form I-20.

According to the U.S. Department of State’s website, you will need to complete the online Visa Application (Form DS-160) and schedule an appointment at the United States Embassy or Consulate in the country where you reside for a visa interview. You will need to pay a non-refundable application fee. For more information please visit the travel.state.gov website.

Requirements can vary depending on the United States embassy or consulate.  It is best to review the required documentation for your visa appointment directly from their website: travel.state.gov.

In order to remain in status, exchange students must be enrolled full-time in at least 15 credit hours each semester.

International students studying at Loyola on an F-1 student Visa are only permitted to work at Loyola University Maryland. Please contact OISS for further assistance and information.

Students at our partner institutions who are interested in the exchange program at Loyola University Maryland must first be nominated by their home institution's international office. Eligible applicants will need to sign into our office's exchange student application portal and submit the required documents by the deadline. Eligible students in sophomore (second year) standing will need to submit an application, original financial documents, TOEFL iBT or IELTS exam scores as proof of English proficiency, passport copy, and requested courses coinciding with the appropriate semester, along with additional forms and documents, which are explained in the portal. Students applying to the exchange program with Loyola will be considered if they have a current GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Orientation is mandatory for all students.

Important topics discussed at New International Student Orientation are:

• Immigration and Student Visa Information
• Tools for Academic Success in the U.S.
• Loyola’s Computer and Network Systems
• Transportation around Loyola and Baltimore City
• Evergreen Campus tours
• Student Activities
• Fitness and Aquatic Center (FAC)
• Building a Community of Consent and Residence Life & Housing Policies and Expectations
• On-Campus Resources (Counseling Center, Women's Center, and additional resources)
• Student Administrative Services
• Public Safety on Campus and in the Community
• Student Health Services

Health Insurance is required for all students attending Loyola University Maryland.  Students are required to enroll in the Loyola-sponsored health insurance. More information about the health insurance plan will become available during the application process.