Exchange destinations in North America

By selecting a degree programme you are able to see the general content as well as the possible degree programme-specific content. You do not have to select a degree programme to see the Open University's instructions.

You can apply for a student exchange in Canada and the United States through various exchange programmes. The University of Helsinki provides University bilateral exchange opportunities to students of all faculties, and unit bilateral exchange opportunities to students of specific disciplines at partner universities in Canada and the United States. You can also apply for an exchange period through the North2North programme, if you are interested in the Arctic region.

See the partner universities by country and programme in the instructions below. Also note any limitations to the courses available as well as other criteria for each country and university.

If you cannot find a suitable destination in the options below, see the opportunities offered by North2North or make independent exchange arrangements.

What can you study during your exchange? Our bilateral exchange agreements allow you to study, for example, your major subject or to complete optional studies for your degree. Certain fields are not available to exchange students. See details under each university.

Information on exchange costs and language tests: we have listed estimated costs we are aware of for the exchange destinations below. Tuition at the host university is free for exchange students. However, if you participate in e.g. field or laboratory courses, these may include fees that you must pay yourself, as they are not directly tuition fees. This list is not exhaustive and the information we receive from exchange universities is often based on estimates from previous years, so we reserve the right to make changes. Please check the exchange university websites for the latest information.

For language tests, see if the exchange university requires a fee-paying language test according to the latest information we have. You do not have to take the test for the UH exchange application, but only if you are selected for an exchange. This list is not exhaustive and the information we receive from exchange universities is often based on data from previous years, so we reserve the right to make changes. In 2020, the TOEFL test cost $260 and the IELTS test cost €250. According to the latest information (2023), the IELTS test could be retaken free of charge if you don't get the required score the first time, while the TOEFL retake costs money. However, please check the current situation when it becomes relevant for you. If the exchange university allows the Duolingo test, it is more affordable and convenient.

The application period is usually in October. Read more about the Application process for exchange studies. Please note that the application period for destinations outside Europe can be up to 1½ years before the start of the exchange, so be sure to prepare early!

This is a link back to Exchange destinations around the world.

Canada
USA

Canada

You can apply for an exchange to the following universities:

  • Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN)
  • Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario
  • Université de Montréal
  • Université d’Ottawa / University of Ottawa
  • University of British Columbia
  • University of Calgary
  • University of Saskatchewan
  • University of Toronto, Toronto
  • University of Waterloo, Ontario
  • York University, Toronto

More information about the exchange destinations in Canada.

 

USA

You can apply for an exchange to the following universities:

  • American University, Washington D.C.
  • George Mason University, Virginia
  • SUNY New Paltz (State University of New York at New Paltz)
  • University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
  • University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
  • Hofstra University, Maurice A. Deane School of Law
  • Emory University, Candler School of Theology

More information about the exchange destinations in USA.