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Exchange Student Admission

Saint Louis University partners with a variety of universities around the world to provide a unique opportunity for international students to study on our campuses.

Applicants interested in studying at Saint Louis University must be nominated by their home institution and must be studying in a university with which we have an active exchange partnership. 

Active Exchange Partnerships

Athlone Institute of Technology
Aarhus School of Business
City University of Hong Kong
Fu Jen Catholic University
Goethe University
GSO in Nuremberg
Jönköping International Business School (JIBS)
KDI in Seoul
Korea University Business School
Linneaus University
Pázmány Péter Catholic University
Sogang University
Sookmyung Women’s University
St. Xavier’s College
Universidad Autonoma de Madrid
Université Saint-Louis Bruxelles
University of Antwerp
University of Groningen
University of International Business and Economics
University of Stuttgart

Undergraduate Application Process 

Step One: Receive Approval from Your Adviser

Exchange students must be approved for short-term study at Saint Louis University by their home institution before applying. Ask your advisor to send an email approving your participation in the exchange program to The Office of Admission at international@slu.edu. The email should include your name, the name of your university and the semester you plan to attend SLU.

Step Two: Complete an Online Application

If you’d like to start at SLU in the fall, you will need to have your application and all of the required documents submitted by June 1.

Start an Application 

Step Three: Send Your Original Transcripts

Your transcripts must be sealed in the original envelope provided by your college or university and must be accompanied by translations in English. Transcripts must be mailed to the address below and will not be accepted if submitted by email or fax.

Saint Louis University Office of Admission
DuBourg Hall, Room 119
One North Grand Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63103

Photocopies that have been certified (stamped) by your college or university are acceptable, but if you submit a certified copy, you must present the originals when you arrive on campus.

Step Four: Submit Proof of Your English Language Proficiency

All international applicants are required to demonstrate their English proficiency. You can do this through one of the following options:

  • Submit proof of a score of 550 on the paper-based TOEFL (PBT), 80 on the internet-based TOEFL (IBT), 6.5 on the IELTS or 54 on the PTE.
  • Provide signed documentation from your current academic institution verifying your English proficiency.
  • Contact an international admission counselor to schedule a documented interview conducted by a SLU representative via teleconferencing.

Once you have been admitted to Saint Louis University, you will receive an electronic admission packet that contains instructions on next steps and other useful information.

Graduate Application Process 

Detailed information regarding the admission process for graduate students may be found on the graduate admission webpage.

Please note that exchange students are not eligible to take coursework in all graduate  programs at Saint Louis University. Completed applications are reviewed by the appropriate academic department, which will determine your final admission status. 

Preparing to Study at SLU

Below you'll find information that will help you prepare for your time at Saint Louis University.

Visa and Immigration Information

International exchange students must have a visa to study at SLU's St. Louis, Missouri campus. Exchange students who do not have a United States passport typically apply for a J-1 Visitor Visa. After you are admitted to Saint Louis University, confirm your enrollment, and provide proof of financial support, Saint Louis University will send you a DS-2019 form.

Students are encouraged to review the necessary visa requirements and schedule an appointment at the U.S. embassy or consulate as soon as possible. As soon as you have scheduled an appointment, please inform the appropriate international admission counselor or email your visa status to international@slu.edu.

Additional information regarding the Exchange Visitor Visa may be found on through the U.S. Department of State – Bureau of Consular Affairs and/or the Saint Louis University Office of International Services.

Housing and Accommodations

Saint Louis University offers a variety of on-campus housing accommodations. Campus housing provides you with a unique opportunity to study and socialize with a wide variety of students. You will meet new people, learn about different cultures and interact with the student community. 

SLU's Housing and Residence Life webpage will provide you with a broad overview of all the different on-campus housing accommodations, including traditional residence halls and on-campus apartments. First- and second-year students typically live in traditional residence halls that include a meal plan to eat in the on-campus dining halls. Third- and fourth-year students typically live in on-campus apartments that include a kitchen to prepare meals. 

Please note that certain residence halls are scheduled to be open during breaks, such as Thanksgiving Break, Winter Break and Spring Break; others will close and be inaccessible during break times. Please keep this in mind as you complete your housing contract, and carefully check what dates your campus housing is open.

Academic Calendar

You may review the current Saint Louis University academic calendar through the Office of the Registrar webpage

Exchange Student Arrival: SLU's Office of International Services hosts a comprehensive orientation for all incoming international students, including exchange students, a few days before the official start date of classes. Please review your admission material for detailed information regarding international student orientation or visit the International Services webpage for upcoming dates.

Exchange Student Departure: You will be expected to participate in the final exams for all of your courses. You may not have access to your exam schedule until you receive the syllabi for the courses in which you are enrolled during the first week of class. 

Course Listings and Course Registration

Saint Louis University offers highly ranked academic programs that are challenging and relevant in today’s changing world. You will have a wide variety of interesting courses to choose from during your semester or academic year at SLU.

Search Available Courses

As an incoming exchange student, you will be assigned an academic advisor within your area of study. Your academic advisor will serve as a resource for you to assure you have the support and resources you need to achieve academic success during your time at Saint Louis University. Your academic advisor will also assist as you select courses for your semester abroad and complete your course registration. 

Academic Advising Contacts (Undergraduate)

Arrival and Orientation 

The Office of International Services' "Arriving in St. Louis" webpage provides detailed information regarding the SLU airport pickup service, what to expect as you navigate the United State Port of Entry, and international student orientation.

Saint Louis University offers a comprehensive international student orientation for all new international students, including exchange students. During orientation, students:

  • Learn about important regulations and requirements for maintaining your visa.
  • Explore campus and learn about available campus resources.
  • Connect with other students and the SLU community.
  • Take a city tour to learn more about St. Louis and the surrounding areas.
  • Go shopping to help get settled in your new living space.
  • Sign up for cell phone service and local bank accounts (if needed).
  • Meet with your academic advisor and register for classes.
  • Find support for your transition to life in a new country.

The international orientation includes a complimentary airport pick-up service. You will need to schedule your airport transportation by emailing internationalservices@slu.edu

View additional information regarding international student orientation and the airport pick-up service.

International Student Handbook 

We hope that you are excited to spend a semester or academic year as a Saint Louis University Billiken. As you prepare for your study abroad experience in the United States, we encourage you to reference our International Student Handbook to help you become familiar with the resources that are available to you as an international exchange student at SLU.