An exchange student is a student studying or conducting research at York University as part of a formal exchange agreement with another university or post-secondary institution. An exchange student is enrolled at another university or institution located outside Canada.

Students are selected according to exchange program criteria. While at the University, they will either enroll in courses, conduct research under the supervision of a member of the Faculty of Graduate Studies at York, or both. The student may earn credits toward their home institution credentials during the exchange program. Exchange durations are on a limited term, typically one or two terms.

The use of this term is reserved for exchange students incoming to York University. Exchange students pay their fees to their home institution, not to York University.

Unlike students in joint degree program, an exchange student does not obtain a credential from York University.