Highlighted Exchanges
Maryland has over 70 exchange partner universities all over the globe. These partnerships allow UMD students to study like a local by directly enrolling at the partner university. Exchanges are one of the most affordable study abroad options and will allow you to take advantage of excellent academic programs around the globe while paying the equivalent of your Maryland tuition. Most partners also offer an affordable program during the summer term in which students can directly enroll.
Our highlighted exchange programs have been identified based on available space on the program, potential academic fit, and more. Learn more about these programs below:
Korea University, South Korea
Korea University (KU) is located in Seoul, South Korea and is one of the nation’s oldest, largest, and highest-ranked universities. It hosts over 36,000 students from Korea and across the globe, with a wide selection of coursework available across 19 colleges. As an exchange student, you can study at one of the largest university libraries in all of Korea, founded in 1905. You’ll have access to all that Seoul has to offer with KU’s main campus just 10 minutes from downtown.
A Good Fit: This program is well suited for students interested in Korean language, education, health, psychology, economics, and more.
Leiden University, the Netherlands
Leiden University is an ideal location for students interested in international law and international justice. With campuses in both Leiden and the Hague, Leiden is a global university and a melting pot for different cultures, languages, and beliefs.
The University is one of Europe’s leading international research-intensive universities and prides itself on a strong international orientation - students will find that their courses approach academic topics with an international perspective. It is particularly well known for programs in international studies, governance and global affairs, political and social sciences, international law, and non-Western languages.
A Good Fit: This program is well suited for students interested in government and politics, public policy, criminal justice, psychology, and life sciences.
Singapore Management University, Singapore
Study in one of the most dynamic, international cities in the world at a premier university in Asia. Singapore Management University (SMU) is internationally recognized for its world-class research and distinguished teaching, especially its highly interactive, collaborative, and project-based approach to learning. Established in 2000, SMU seeks to produce leading-edge research with global impact and broad-based, creative and entrepreneurial leaders.
A Good Fit: SMU is a leader in Business Management, followed closely by Information Systems and Computing. Other areas of concentration include Social Sciences, Economics, and Law.
Tecnológico de Monterrey, Mexico
The Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey (ITESM), also called Tec de Monterrey, was founded 1943 by a group of successful Mexican entrepreneurs. You can study at one of five campuses in Mexico, including Monterrey, Ciudad de México, Guadalajara, Querétaro, and Santa Fe. The Monterrey Campus in particular has received both national and international recognition for providing 67 years of academic excellence to its students.
A Good Fit: This program is well suited for students interested in government and politics, international relations, economics, architecture, humanities, and more.
University College Dublin, Ireland
University College Dublin, or UCD, is Ireland's largest university and is ranked among the top 1% of universities worldwide with its research intensive initiatives. With 7 Colleges, 38 Schools and 22,000 students, the campus provides a lot of academic opportunities for exchange students.
As a student, get involved in one of over 100 active student societies in areas such as jazz, comedy, law, and more. Take advantage of UCD’s excellent facilities on campus including well-resourced libraries, state-of-the art labs and computer facilities, a student health center, and counseling services.
A Good Fit: This program is well suited for students interested in agricultural and food sciences, kinesiology and sports sciences, environmental science, and more.
University of Bristol, United Kingdom
Study abroad at a top 10 UK university in the center of one of England’s most exciting and creative cities!
Unique options for exchange students include Bristol-inspired study themes for your time abroad, from "Global Citizen: The British Experience" to "Social Justice and Activism". The University of Bristol's excellent academic program and quintessentially British cultural environment make this exchange a very fulfilling study abroad experience.
A Good Fit: This program is well suited for students interested in studying at a top-ranked university in the UK, in subjects such as biological sciences, history, classic, government and politics, economics, neuroscience, and more.
University of Melbourne, Australia
Established in 1853, the University of Melbourne is a public-spirited institution that makes distinctive contributions to society in research, learning and teaching, and engagement. It’s consistently ranked among the leading universities in the world with its globally aligned, internationally-recognized curriculum. As a University of Melbourne student, you can get involved in the many campus activities on offer, enjoy amazing new experiences, and make lifelong friends along the way.
Notable options for UMD students include the Student Athletes exchange track and Australian & Indigenous Studies subject area.
A Good Fit: This program is well suited for students interested in athletics, behavioral sciences, biological sciences, environmental sciences, business and economics, and indigenous studies.
University of Zurich, Switzerland
Launch your global future where innovation meets European excellence! The University of Zurich (UZH) is Switzerland’s largest university and a global powerhouse in economics and finance, AI, and international law and governance. Home to 12 Nobel Prize winners—including Albert Einstein—UZH offers world-class education in a top-tier financial capital.
Take classes in the same city as industry giants like Google and UBS and enjoy an extraordinary quality of life in a city that blends urban safety with the breathtaking Swiss Alps. With a vast selection of English-taught modules and a community representing 120 countries, UZH is the ultimate destination for students looking to trade the traditional campus for a prestigious, research-driven urban experience.
A Good Fit: This program is well suited for students interested in economics and finance, computer and information science, international law and human rights, biological and life sciences, and political science and international relations.