Student Exchanges

The University empowers students to learn in locations all over the world while also inviting international students to campus in Hamilton via several semester-long exchange programs.

  • Full Academic Year 2026-27: August 27, 2026 to May 7, 2027
  • Fall Semester: August 27, 2026 to December 18, 2026
  • Winter Break: December 19, 2026 to January 17, 2027
  • Spring Semester: January 18, 2027 to May 7, 2027

Depending on availability, applicants may be asked to participate in an informal interview with a Colgate faculty member to assess their interests in participating in the exchange program.

Colgate Fall Scenic

Colgate at a Glance

Colgate University is a highly selective residential liberal arts university. With small classes, a strong emphasis on faculty-student interaction, and a residential community valuing all forms of intellectual rigor, we help students become thoughtful, critical thinkers and perceptive leaders. Colgate University offers 54 majors in the humanities, natural sciences, social sciences and interdisciplinary programs, Colgate fosters diversity of thought and action.

Approximately 2,900 undergraduate students enroll in the university each year. The campus, considered one of the most beautiful in the United States, is located in the idyllic, small central New York town of Hamilton, one hour from the city of Syracuse, New York, and four hours from New York City. Hamilton was recently named one of America’s most friendly towns.

Colgate at a Glance

Courses

Preference for admission into Colgate University will be given to students enrolling in courses in the departments of Biology, Chemistry, Economics, Environmental Studies, Geography, Geology and Physics/ Astronomy. A normal course load at Colgate is four courses. At Colgate, exchange students must enroll in at least one course in the arts or the humanities, consistent with a liberal arts education.

Housing and meals

Exchange students may live in college apartments, college houses, or townhouses. These options include both traditional-style housing options and interest housing. Exchange students at Colgate will be billed for their housing by Colgate. One semester of on-campus housing at Colgate typically costs $5,000. Exchange students may be required to purchase a meal plan while at Colgate (depending on the residence hall in which they will reside). Meal plan costs for the 2026-27 academic year range from $5,004 to $1,215 per semester. During extended an academic recess (i.e.: holidays, winter and spring break periods, etc.), housing and meal expenses shall be borne by each individual exchange student.

Student life

Exchange students at Colgate will have full access to campus activities and facilities. We have state-of-the-athletics facilities and sporting events. There is a plethora of resources on campus to help you remain active. From racquetball and squash courts, to the Glendening Boathouse on Lake Moraine, you have no shortage of opportunities. Colgate also offers literally hundreds of opportunities to get involved in clubs and organizations on campus. Exchange students will also be part of a larger international student community at Colgate.

Costs

In addition to housing costs, students will be responsible for payment of their own round‐trip international travel, textbooks (the median cost per course in Fall 2024 was $197), visa expenses (DS-2019 and mailing fees are approximately $300), and all other personal costs at Colgate. Health insurance (approximately $1805 for 2026-27) and a student activity fee (approximately $230/term 2026-27 academic year) are mandatory fees and will be added to your Colgate University student bill. 

Required Application Materials for Yonsei University

Undergraduate students from Yonsei University shall forward the following information to the International Office at Yonsei University by October 10:

  • the application form for the exchange program;
  • a copy of the candidate’s academic record at the home institution (i.e., transcript);
  • an essay written by the candidate explaining why he/she has applied to the exchange program and his/her educational objectives;
  • a recommendation from the exchange program director and the candidate's academic advisor or previous professor;
  • For Yonsei University students, their TOEFL iBT Home Edition score or equivalent
  • a copy of the candidate’s passport.
Required Application Materials for the University of Wollongong

Undergraduate students from the University of Wollongong shall forward the following information to the Office of Global Student Mobility at the University of Wollongong:

  • the application form for the exchange program;
  • a copy of the candidate’s academic record at the home institution (i.e., transcript);
  • an essay written by the candidate explaining why he/she has applied to the exchange program and his/her educational objectives;
  • a recommendation from the exchange program director and the candidate's academic advisor or previous professor;
  • a copy of the candidate’s passport.
Required Application Materials for Soka University

Undergraduate students from Soka University shall forward the following information to the International Office at Soka University (note that this exchange program will begin during the 2024-25 academic year):

  • the application form for the exchange program;
  • a copy of the candidate’s academic record at the home institution (i.e., transcript);
  • an essay written by the candidate explaining why he/she has applied to the exchange program and his/her educational objectives;
  • a recommendation from the exchange program director and the candidate's academic advisor or previous professor;
  • For Soka University students, their TOEFL iBT Home Edition score or equivalent
  • a copy of the candidate’s passport.