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Canada is a popular exchange destination known for its high-quality education, diverse cultural experiences, and stunning natural landscapes. Canadian universities are recognized globally for their academic excellence and research opportunities. As an exchange student, you'll have the chance to experience Canada's wide range of outdoor activities and explore vibrant cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal.
University of Helsinki offers the following exchange destinations in Canada:
- University-wide bilateral exchange agreement (students from all faculties; any restrictions are explained in the destination details below): Memorial University of Newfoundland, Queen's University at Kingston, Université de Montréal, Université d’Ottawa / University of Ottawa, University of British Columbia, University of Calgary, University of Saskatchewan, University of Toronto, University of Waterloo, York University.
- You can also apply for an exchange period through the North2North programme, if you are interested in the Arctic region.
Semesters: September - December and January - April. Please note that on this page, "spring semester" refers to University of Helsinki's spring semester. In Canada, that usually corresponds to what they call the "winter semester", January to April. If a Canadian university has a "spring semester" from May to August, you cannot apply for that.
Language proficiency: many universities require a TOEFL or IELTS test result, and if you need to take the test, it will cost you. However, in many cases native speakers of English or students studying in a completely English-taught degree programme are exempt from the test, so please check the exchange university's instructions.
You must pay accommodation and living expenses as well as travel, insurance and visa costs. You must also pay various administrative costs which when combined can amount to a large sum. Read the university-specific information below and the exchange universities' web sites for information on the various costs.
Exchange students to provinces other than Quebec must purchase insurance (usually UHIP, but e.g. at British Columbia iMED - check each university's requirement) at the price of ca. CA$ 300 per semester (changes are possible).
Finnish exchange students to Quebec do not need to purchase RAMQ insurance because Finland and Quebec have an agreement on medical care. If you are not a Finnish national, please check your situation.
This is a link back to Exchange destinations around the world.
You can find comprehensive instructions for going on exchange under the Study Abroad theme.