How to Apply - Partner Summer School

Study abroad for 2 to 6 weeks in the summer at one of YorkU’s global partner institutions! These programs run between May and August and offer a unique chance to explore a new city or country, experience a different culture, and earn credits toward your degree. Designed with hands-on learning in mind, summer programs combine academics with immersive experiences- whether you're learning a new language, trying local cuisine, or navigating life in a new environment, the world truly becomes your classroom!

The European Summer Program in Lille, France was truly a wonderful experience! From the very first day of the program during the orientation session, I had the opportunity to connect with other international students from around the world... If you are thinking of whether or not to study abroad I would say…ABSOLUTELY DO IT!!! I experienced a new level of independence and growth being alone in a foreign country and learned how to overcome challenges quickly. I made life-long memories and met so many amazing people from around the world that became lasting friendships.

— Naomi Buju, Summer Abroad to Université Catholique de Lille, France (2025)
Going to South Korea for summer school was one of the greatest opportunities I've ever had the chance of taking on! From the moment I arrived, everything felt so different; the people around me were speaking their native language, the food establishments sold meals I had never even heard of before, and the sun was hotter than I had ever felt... If you get the opportunity to study in a different country, take it! Doing school in a whole new environment is eye-opening and exciting, and you get to learn about new topics from a local/cultural perspective. It will be the highlight of your year, and an experience you'll get to talk about forever.

— Emily Debrah, Summer Abroad to Hanyang University, South Korea (2025)
I would definitely recommend this program to anyone who’s interested in doing a study exchange! Though I’m an international student, going to Korea for exchange, felt eye-opening to me. I remember vividly that when I first arrived Seoul, it felt exactly the same when I first arrived Canada. Everything felt so new and so strange, there’s this indescribable fear in a new environment. All you can do is to really putting yourself out there, say hi to the person sitting next to you or even asking that stranger whenever you need help. Just don’t be afraid of anything that has not happened yet!

— Eunice Neo, Summer Abroad to Yonsei University, South Korea (2025)

Step 1

Review the program, general eligibility criteria, and partner university requirements and application deadlines on our website. Attend an information session to learn more about the program.

Step 2

Consult your academic advisor and submit your  application form for the program you're interested in ahead of the deadline.

Step 3

After you've been accepted, pay your tuition fee and submit an application to the host university before their deadline.

Step 4

Attend a mandatory pre-departure session to learn about credit transfer and next steps.

Step 5

Submit your Course Assessment Form/Letter of Permission, check the consulate’s official website for visa application requirements and timelines, apply for your Visa/Study Permit, and complete all Safety Abroad requirements before departure.

Step 6

After your partner summer school program, complete the Return Student Report and credit transfer processes.

Minimum 5.0 GPA
- Some institutions may require a higher GPA
Completed at least 18 credits at YorkU at the time of submission of Letter of Permission/Course Assessment Form
Students must be at least 18 years of age at the time of application.
Registered as a full-time student
Have not already reached the transfer credit limit (60 credits) for the academic program at York University.
Students in their final year of study cannot participate in the partner summer school program, as credit transfer could take at least 3 months after your study abroad experience. Therefore, students going abroad in their final year/semester of study will not be able to complete the credit transfer process in time for spring convocation (June) or fall convocation (October).

Please consult your academic advisor before deciding to apply for the program, as each degree program may have different requirements and course limitations for participating in a study abroad program. Students should go through the degree credit checklist with their academic advisor.  Students must complete the Departmental Verification Form (link will be uploaded soon).

You've submitted your application - now what?! Once you have submitted your application, the global learning team will review - see selection criteria below. You can expect the review process to take 4 business weeks after the application deadline. If there are any questions or concerns about your application, our team will be in touch through email. 

Selection is based on:

Academic Performance (i.e. GPA)
Letter of Intent
Budget preparations
Suitability of the partner institution’s program/course for your degree requirements
GPA requirements at the partner institution - some partners may require a higher GPA than YorkU's 5.0
Spaces available at the partner institution

You will be notified if you have been nominated for a summer program by York University. If nominated, you will be sent a notification via email and will have to accept your nomination online.

Post Nomination Steps

All students nominated for Partner Summer School programs are required to submit an application to the partner institution. Once your eligibility is confirmed and you are officially nominated, you will receive a partner checklist with further instructions. Please note that application deadlines vary by institution, so be sure to consult the partner's website for specific details. Be mindful of their deadlines and get started on the host application early as there are often many steps to complete. Note that final admission is granted by the host institution.

Please do not make any payments to the partner institution or book travel arrangements until you receive an official nomination from York International.

Now that you've accepted your nomination to the partner institution, you will need to determine the courses that you will take abroad. Your home academic department determines which courses abroad are equivalent to those at YorkU. This process is completed through the course assessment form or letter of permission (forms will be provided once you are nominated for partner summer school program).

York University will guide you through the process once you have been nominated for the program. In general, students take one or two courses during the partner summer school program, which roughly equals 2 – 6 credits at York, which usually would count towards your free electives.

Students on partner summer school program pay tuition fees either to York University or to the host institution. The global learning team will inform you which program allows you to pay tuition fee to York and which allows you to pay to the host institution. Students must adhere to the fee payment deadlines according to the YorkU academic calendar if you are paying tuition fee to York, despite being abroad.

The host institution will guide you on their housing options, pricing, and deadlines, and will provide the acceptance letter required for visas and study permits. It is your responsibility to contact the appropriate consulate or embassy to ensure that you have the proper documents and apply in time prior to your departure.

Students are strongly encouraged to begin their Visa/Study Permit application as soon as possible after receiving the Final Acceptance Letter from the host university. Visa and immigration processing times may vary, and students are responsible for allowing sufficient time to complete the application process before their partner summer school program begins.

Students MUST research the visa or study permit requirements independently through the official website of the relevant Consulate, embassy, or immigration authority and ensure that you understand all required documents, procedures, and timelines.

Students MUST be responsible for your Visa/Study Permit application. York International will NOT be able to answer any questions about foreign country's Visa/Study Permit application for partner summer school programs or help to monitor student’s Visa/Study Permit application.

Be sure to review the expiry date of your passport and renew ahead of applying for any study visas or permits. It is good practice to ensure your passport expiry date is 6 months beyond when you plan to return home from your Partner summer school program.

Stay connected with the Global Learning Team – we are here to support you!
If you have any concerns about safety and risks while abroad, please contact safetyaborad@yorku.ca.
Keep in contact with the International Office at the host institution.
Reach out to your department at York if there are any changes to your courses. You should contact your academic department with new course syllabus/outlines and course assessment form/letter of permission for review. After you update your course assessment form/letter of permission, you should upload it online. For more details, please refer to the Partner Checklist that we sent you after you are accepted into the program.
Reflect on your learning. If you have any photos or stories you want to share, you can prepare to share them by completing the return student report after your partner summer school program ends.

Complete the Return Student Report

Make sure you pay all fees abroad at host institution

Contact your host institution for your transcript. The transcript should be sent to goglobal@yorku.ca.