National Student Exchange

What is National Student Exchange?

The National Student Exchange (NSE) is a program for undergraduate exchange within the United States as well as to several Canadian universities. Since 1968, more than 90,000 students have exchanged to member universities. The University of North Texas joined NSE in 1996, making it possible for you to participate in this exciting program.

Through NSE, you may study for up to two semesters at another member institution while remaining enrolled at UNT. Exchanging students may choose from more than 190 colleges and universities. There are member campuses in 48 states, Guam, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and Canada, ranging from small colleges to large universities and from rural to urban settings. With so many options available, you should be able to find a campus with the right combination of courses, facilities and environment to meet your personal and academic needs and interests.

Why would you want to take part in an exchange?

The reasons for deciding to go on exchange are as varied as the students themselves. Through NSE, you can travel and live in another part of the nation, take courses or pursue minors not available at the home campus or assess an out-of-state university as a possible site for graduate study. Whatever the reason for exchange, you can find academic, career and life-enhancing opportunities through NSE.

Eligibility requirements

To be eligible for an exchange, you must be an undergraduate with a cumulative minimum GPA of at least 2.5 and have completed at least one regular full-time semester at UNT before applying for an exchange. A second full-time semester must be completed successfully before the beginning of the exchange. Only long, regular semesters meet this requirement. You must also be in good financial and personal standing at UNT.

How the NSE program works

If you wish to apply for exchange, you should visit the NSE office to pick up a NSE Directory (available in mid-October for the next academic year) and learn more about the program. Additional information is available at www.nse.org. The application process includes completion of the application form, payment of a nonrefundable application fee and two letters of reference. The deadline for completing this process falls in late February with placements being made in early March. Placements are arranged at the annual NSE meeting and are confirmed by signing a Placement Acceptance Form. Once placements are finalized, you will begin receiving information from the NSE coordinator at your host campus to which you will be exchanging.

Students exchanging through NSE do not have to apply for admission to the host university and do not have to pay out-of-state tuition. In fact, two payment plans are available, allowing you to continue to pay at your home university or to pay the residential rate at your host campus. Certain fees and all housing costs are always paid to the host institution. You may take your financial aid and scholarships with you on exchange, unless the rules governing a particular scholarship specify otherwise. The NSE Directory explains each plan and provides information on the costs at participating institutions. Additional information is available at www.nse.org.

During the exchange, you will remain enrolled at your home campus, with the advantages of continuous enrollment. You will also be able to make progress toward your degree while on exchange because of the NSE advising agreement that you prepare in consultation with your advisor before exchange. The advising agreement lists courses to be taken while on exchange and how each course will count toward the UNT degree plan. While you prepare to go on exchange and actually participate in the exchange, the NSE offices at UNT and at the host campus will provide assistance and coordination. UNT's National Student Exchange office is in the Chilton Hall, Room 211.