University of Washington (UW)

Founded in 1861, the University of Washington in Seattle is one of the oldest state-funded universities in US. The University campus is situated between Lake Washington and Lake Union in a residential area of the city. With more than 48,000 students, UW is one of the world’s preeminent public universities. UW was No. 14 in the world on the 2018 Academic Ranking of World Universities. 

Available exchanges

UW hosts the University-wide exchange.

Restricted subject areas

Art/Design and Professional/fee-based programs -these courses are unavailable for all incoming exchange students. 

Business and STEM courses (especially Computer Science and Engineering) have some limitations. Degree-seeking students and departmental exchange students are given priority. 

University-wide students may not be able to get into restricted courses. Students enrolled in a UW degree program will often be given priority over other students, including exchange students. 

Additionally, some departments may have their own departmental exchanges and therefore cannot accommodate students from university-wide partners since priority is given to their own exchange students.* 

The below subject areas are extremely competitive and cannot apply for this exchange partner:

Architecture, Business*, Economics, Communications, Design, Economics, Engineering, Law*, Societies & Justice, Math, Psychology. 

Your responsibilities

  • The information provided here serves as a guide.
  • It is your responsibility to research whether the partner provides appropriate courses for your degree programme.
  • Even if there are no restrictions on your degree subject, this does not mean that there are appropriate courses for you.

For information on course availability please see the UW Course Catalogue. 

Before you can register for UW courses, you must submit proof of immunizations. Review the  information on the Hall Health website and follow the directions to submit the required documents. į 

**Please be aware, there may not be an up-to-date course catalogue available at this exchange destination. Please use the information available to get an idea about what you can study while on exchange**   


Guaranteed accommodation?

Yes 

University accommodation  

On-campus housing is available for students who indicate they are interested in on-campus housing in their UW exchange application, and who apply by the housing priority deadline.  

Private accommodation 

There are also many off-campus options should students choose to live off-campus - check the housing link above. 

Homestay: 

This is a short-term option where host families support incoming students during the transition period to UW and Seattle and serve as an initial introduction to American culture. This program is primarily for students who have never studied or lived in the US, but any student wishing to participate is welcome. 


Immigration/Visa requirements  

In order to get a visa, you will need to prove you can access the average cost of living at UW. This is calculated based on how much average costs for accommodation, meals, health insurance etc. will cost. This includes proving access to funds through personal funds, or family or sponsorship funds. The amount to show is around $25,000 in total. This can be across multiple sources. You will need to provide sponsorship letters from personal funds/family members/sponsor funds/Sponsor organisations etc. 

Please bear this in mind. If you cannot prove this, you will not be able to get a visa and therefore not be able to go on exchange.  

How much it will cost to go on exchange to the UW?  

Estimated costs for the academic year į 

Rent, utilities, and food: $16,000 į 

Textbooks and supplies: $900 į 

Personal expenses: $2,500 į 

Transportation: $492 į 

Health insurance: $1,300-$1,800 į 

Course fees (if applicable): although tuition fees are waived, some courses may have additional fees for instructional/laboratory costs. į 

Flights: Varies į 

Visa: Varies, usually several hundred dollars į 

Health insurance  

Federal and state laws require that international students maintain adequate  while attending the UW. All international students in J-1 status are required to purchase the UW health insurance plan.  As a result you must agree to purchase this insurance before you will be allowed to register for courses. 


The UW is on a quarter system, with four 10-week sessions throughout the year: 

  • Autumn: September – December 
  • Winter: January – March 
  • Spring: March – June 

During summer, most students are on vacation and exchange students come to UW during either Autumn, Winter or Spring for 1-3 quarters. 

  


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– DRS is dedicated to ensuring access and inclusion for all students 

: Free, short-term counseling is available to UW students.  

: The Mental Health unit can provide more long-term counseling for a fee. 

– The Center for International Relations & Cultural Leadership Exchange provides support and engagement for international students  

– FIUTS is a non-profit organization focused on promoting international understanding and community  

– UW Rec provides access to intramural sports, fitness classes and workshops  

– The SAO helps students find or create student organizations  

– The office that helps students make the most of their Husky Experience  

– A program to connect incoming exchange students with current UW Students. You should receive more information about this program before you arrival at UW. 


UW has provided the following documents for prospective exchange students.


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