International Exchange Program

Application Process

1. The student must be nominated by their home institution or program provider.
2. The Center for Global Engagement (CGE) will send a UNG application link to the student.
3. Students must submit the following supplemental documents with your application:
   1. Electronic/unofficial transcript(s) of all undergraduate work
   2. Scanned copy of passport photo page
   3. Proof of English proficiency by meeting one of the following requirements:
      • TOEFL score of 550 (paper-based) or 213 (computer-based testing) or 79 (internet-based testing)
      • IELTS score of 6.5
      • SAT critical reading score of 480, or redesigned SAT reading score of 26, or ACT English score of 20
      • EIKEN score of Pre-1
      • MELAB (Michigan English Language Assessment Battery) score of 77
      • Cambridge English Scale Score – which can be demonstrated in Cambridge English: First (FCE), Advanced (CAE) or Proficiency (CPE) score of 176 (CPE = 180)
      • Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) IGCSE and “O” Level “English” exams score of “D” or better
      • UK GCSE “English” exam score of “C” or better
      • UK GCE A-Level “English” exam score of “C” or better
      • EdExcel International A-Levels and IGCSE English exams score of “D” or better
      • Pearson (PTE) Academic score of 58
      • Completion of an approved USG campus-based ESL program of study
      • A waiver of the English proficiency requirement can be applied to students who have successfully completed academic instruction in English. Successful completion can be demonstrated by one of the following methods: 1) Proof of degree at the secondary or collegiate level either outside or inside the U.S. where English is the official language of the academic institution. 2) Proof of completion of the equivalent of English 1101 and /or 1102 with a grade of C or better in one or both courses, at an accredited U.S. institution.
      • If one's English Proficiency score is below the minimum required for admissions to the Bachelor's degree pathway, enroll in an ESL program in UNG's Center for Language Education (CLE) to improve one's English proficiency. No English Proficiency test will be required for undergraduate admission to UNG after successful completion of the Advanced Class in the CLE.
   4. Proof of funding (does not apply to ISEP students or those participating in a full exchange).
      • Submit a bank statement and the financial affidavit (PDF) that shows the required funding amounts. Documentation of scholarships and fellowships may be in the form of an official award letter from the school or sponsoring agency; documentation of personal or family funds should be on bank letterhead stationery. The CGE uses XE for all currency conversions.
4. Students should send initial course request list to international student advisor. Course offerings for a specific semester for the Dahlonega Campus can be found online.
5. Once the student is accepted to UNG, a certificate of eligibility (DS-2019) will be created so that the student will be able to apply for a J-1 visa.
6. The international student advisor will send the acceptance letter along with pre-arrival information to the student.
7. Students should schedule a visa appointment.
8. Students should book flights and make hotel arrangements if necessary. Students should not book flights until UNG acceptance letter and pre-arrival information is received.

Your international student advisor cannot guarantee placement in desired courses or enroll students in courses prior to acceptance by the UNG Admissions Office. 

Pre-Arrival Information

• Applying for J-1 visa
• Transportation and arrival at UNG
• Estimated cost: Costs vary based on your program. Please check with your program provider or institution to confirm the tuition and fees you will be expected to pay.
• Health insurance
• Housing: Exchange students are typically housed in the North Georgia Suites.
• Meal plans: Exchange students are required to purchase a meal plan.
• Course Registration: Please review the courses being offered and work with your international student advisor to begin the enrollment process prior to orientation.

Orientation

Mandatory orientation for all international students will take place each semester.