Your home university must nominate you either for an exchange program with IU’s College of Arts and Sciences, based on an exchange agreement, or for a non-degree visiting student program. Consult your home institution for application deadlines and any additional eligibility requirements. Once the College has accepted the nominations, we will invite you to apply to Indiana University for admission. Deadlines to apply to IU are March 15 for Fall semester or academic year study and September 15 for Spring semester study.
Application procedure
- Step 1: Before applying
Talk to the international office at your home university about its requirements for taking part in an exchange or visiting student program, including its deadlines for applying.
- Step 2: Apply to your home university
Apply to your home university for the program. Your home university will then nominate you to IU’s College of Arts and Sciences and provide us with your contact information.
- Step 3: Receive your invitation
Subject to the College accepting your home university's nomination, you will be invited to apply for admission to IU as an exchange student or visiting student before the application deadlines.
- Step 4: Complete your online application
Complete your online application with the Indiana University Office of International Services.
Students may only apply to an exchange program or visiting student program if they are officially nominated by their home university and accepted by the College.
Students applying for the exchange program must supply the following documentation, which can be uploaded during the online application process.
- Academic transcript and current course enrollment (including translation if not in English).
- English language test results (such as TOEFL or IELTS) if applicable.
- Copy of your passport.
- Step 5: Wait for confirmation of admission by Indiana University
This will usually take several weeks after you submit your application. Please be sure to monitor your email, as we may have follow-up questions about your application or require additional information. Once you are admitted, you will receive an IU identification number and paperwork that will allow you to complete the remaining steps. The College will be in touch with you to facilitate this process.
- Step 6: Apply for a J-1 Visa at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate
Your admissions packet will include instructions and forms from Indiana University that you will use to apply for your visa.
- Step 7: Apply for housing
After you have been accepted to IU, you will be given information on how to apply for housing through Residential Programs and Services.
- Step 8: Consult with an academic advisor in the College
The College has a designated academic advisor for international programs who will assist you with course registration before your arrival. Be sure to consult with faculty and staff at your home university as well, so that you know how classes at IU might transfer back to your degree program.
- Step 9: Obtain proper health insurance
You will need to obtain proper health insurance for your time in the United States.
- Step 10: Tuition + Fees
You will pay tuition and fees to your home university as usual for the semester(s) you are in Indiana. You will also incur fees, such as room and board, at Indiana University, that you will pay after your arrival in Bloomington.
- Step 11: Arrange your flights to the United States
The closest airport to Bloomington is Indianapolis International Airport (IND). You should wait to purchase tickets until after you have received your visa and you have received the date you are expected to arrive at IU for orientation.
- Step 12: Pack and get ready to have a great time at IU!
We have all the seasons! No matter which semester you plan to be in Bloomington, you will need clothes for both hot (85 ℉/ 30 ℃) and cold (20 ℉/ -7 ℃) weather, as well as for a wide range of activities.