If you are an exchange student who attends one of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) partner universities around the world, this is where you will begin your application!
If you are not sure if your university has an active exchange agreement, please verify the existence of such a partnership on the list of partner universities.
UWM’s Exchange Program is a great way to spend one semester or one year in an exciting location in the United States.
The real result of UWM’s relationships with many of the best universities around the world is evident in our exchange student population. As is the case with all international experiences, the key to a successful exchange will be for you to reach out and connect with your new environment. We’re here to help you with that transition and look forward to seeing you on campus!
The following dates are recommended UWM application deadlines for exchange students. Meeting these deadlines is important in order to ensure that exchange students have sufficient time to process immigration paperwork, obtain housing, and register for courses.
March 1 Nomination Deadline – March 15 Application Deadline: Fall Semester for one semester (August-December) or for an academic year (August-May)
October 1 Nomination Deadline – October 15 Application Deadline: Spring Semester (January-May)
*If your home university needs more time to nominate students, please contact Sue Conway at conways@uwm.edu. Deadlines may be flexible.
Application Process
Step 1: You must first be nominated by your home university. This is typically done by email. Once your home institution has nominated you for an exchange, you may apply to UWM’s exchange program.
Step 2: Please follow the directions that you received in your exchange nomination email.
Once you have completed the application process and UWM has issued your DS-2019 immigration document you will be sent a package containing a welcome letter with your student identification number, your DS-2019 immigration document, date for arrival and mandatory orientation, and other university information. You will then need to apply for a J-1 Exchange Student visa.
To fulfill the requirements of your J-1 Student Visa and UWM’s exchange program, there are several guidelines you must follow.
Full-Time Status
As an international exchange student, it is expected that you maintain full-time student status.
Most classes are worth three credits (sometimes called units on the website).
Full-time status for undergraduate students is 12-18 credits each semester.
Full-time status for graduate students is 8-12 credits each semester
Health Insurance
You are required to purchase the health insurance policy that UWM has coordinated for all international students. The insurance plan is negotiated each year and the coverage dates and costs change each term. Students will pay for a semester or year depending on how long they will be studying at UWM. Charges are automatically applied to student’s PAWS account at the beginning of each term.
UWM does not require any vaccinations. For a list of recommended vaccinations, please check your housing contract book. You should also plan to bring a copy of your medical records with to the U.S. in case of emergency.
J-1 Exchange students are eligible for part-time on-campus employment (20 hours per week maximum) but are not eligible to work off-campus. If interested in on-campus employment, please contact your advisor for more information on the employment process once you arrive on campus. You are not eligible to accept employment until you have received work authorization from UWM’s International Student and Scholar Services office and obtained a Social Security card. If you would like to do an internship please contact an exchange coordinator.
International Travel
In most cases, travel outside of the United States is possible during your exchange. Please log into your ISSS Connect portal and request a travel signature at least two weeks prior to your travel dates. If you don’t have a signature on your DS-2019, you will be able to leave the United States but not return.
Change of Address
If you move during your stay in the United States you must update your new address in PAWS no later than 10 days after moving.
Internship
If you are interested in doing an internship before you return home, make sure you contact Jessica Gonzalez as soon as possible. You MUST have permission for the internship before you start it, and there are specific conditions you must meet to maintain your visa status. Jessica will be happy to go over the details of the special work permission with an information session or individual appointment.
Following Your Exchange Program
You have 30 days to leave the United States after the date on your DS-2019. Once that date has passed, you will not be eligible to enter the United States again as a J-1 student.
Frequently Asked Questions
I can’t access my PAWS account. What should I do?
If you are encountering problems accessing the PAWS system due to an error related to your language settings, please complete the following steps on your computer:
In your internet browser, click on Tools.
Under Tools, click on Internet Options.
Under Internet Options, click on the Languages button.
Click Add and then add English (United States) [en-us].
Click on English and then use the Move Up button to move it to the top of the list.
Click Ok.
Click Apply.
Close your internet browser and then open it up again.
Make sure you’ve completed your Credit Agreement on your PAWS account. If you haven’t, please read and electronically sign the credit agreement.
If you are getting an error message stating you do not meet the prerequisite course requirements, please email Sue Conway. Make sure you include your full name, the course number, title and section information, and your campus ID number in the email if possible.
If you are having any other problems with your enrollment, please email Sue Conway.
What are mandatory/segregated fees?
All students who take classes on campus are required to pay these fees. The fees support a variety of campus activities, and provide you access to services like the fitness center, the health center, public transportation and a variety of other services. For more information on what these fees are and what they cover, navigate to the Mandatory/Segregated Fees section on the Tuition & Fees web page.
What are additional tuition fees?
Some departments on campus charge additional tuition for their courses. You are not responsible for additional tuition unless it is for course materials.
Can I take online classes?
Online courses are NOT covered with your exchange agreement. You are required to pay all online tuition fees. In addition, you must take full-time courses (12 credits for undergraduate students, 8 credits for graduate students and 6 credits for graduate students who have a Teaching Assistantship) in addition to your online course. If the course is partially online and partially in person, this will count as an in-person course but you will have to pay the online course fees.
I am not a native English Speaker. What classes are recommended for me?
EAP 120 – Grammar and Editing in English for Multilingual Students EAP 145 – Practice in Academic Listening and Speaking EAP 420 – Advanced Reading, Writing and Grammar Tune-up for Internationals EAP 435 – Advanced Listening, Speaking and Notetaking Skills for Internationals
We recommend you take EAP 120 and EAP 145 during your first semester at UWM if you scored below:
4.5 on TOEFL IBT after 1/21/26
79 on TOEFL IBT before 1/21/26
6.5 on IELTS
120 on Duolingo
How much will my time in the U.S. cost?
As part of your application, you had to show proof of funding totaling $16,000 for an academic year, and $8,000 for a semester of study. Your actual expenses, particularly if you want to live in a single room without a roommate will likely be much higher. Please refer to the Expected Costs tab on your Exchange Student Application for more details.
How much does University Housing cost?
Rates vary based on your room type, and which options you choose. Some rooms also require that you purchase a meal plan. Please visit the University Housing Rates web page for more details.
How do I make a payment on PAWS?
There are many options for making a payment on PAWS. Please visit Billing & Payments for detailed information. If you still have questions or issues, please email finances@uwm.edu.
Where can my family stay when they visit me?
UWM offers Guest Housing. There are also a variety of hotels in the Milwaukee area. While there are no hotels in the immediate vicinity of campus, there are many in the downtown area, which is only a few miles from UWM. When searching for hotels, please select near UWM or Milwaukee East Side if you have a choice of location.
