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Applying to be an Exchange Student
This information is for students who plan to come to Texas Tech University on an exchange program established through a formal agreement between Texas Tech and partner universities around the world. The terms of each agreement are unique, but they allow students at both institutions to study abroad while paying tuition at their home institutions. A list of active reciprocal exchange programs is available here.
Exchange students may attend Texas Tech for a semester or academic year. Incoming exchange students are selected and nominated by their home universities. All
students coming to Texas Tech through an exchange
agreement apply online DIRECTLY to the Texas Tech Study Abroad Office. Your International Office Exchange Coordinator can inform you about the application procedures at your university.
Once the application is received, the Study Abroad office requests departmental approval based on course availability. Upon receiving departmental approval, the Study Abroad Office issues the paperwork necessary to obtain a J-1 student visa from the U.S. Department of State. The visa documents will be sent directly to the student's home school coordinator. Students will also receive information on housing and insurance requirements and will be registered in their classes before arrival.
Students
are expected to arrive one week before the start of classes for
mandatory orientation. Orientation includes presentations about
immigration status, safety on campus, and cultural adjustment. There is
time for students to meet with departmental advisors and faculty to finalize class selection and registration.
Students who will be employed on campus are eligible to get a U.S. Social Security Card. Off-campus employment is not permitted.
Students will be paired with an Exchange Student Mentor who will help them adjust to U.S. culture and facilitate access to shopping and leisure activities. Activities for exchange students and their mentors are planned throughout the semester.
The original application forms can be obtained from the International Exchange Coordinator at your home university. The complete application can be sent by your coordinator by email to monica.hopkins@ttu.edu for faster processing while your original documents are sent via post.
Application Deadlines:
1 October to begin studies in January (Spring semester)
1 April to begin studies in August (Fall semester or Academic Year)
Required Application Documents:
1. Official Transcript from your home university.
The Grade Point Average (GPA) needed to attend Texas Tech is 2.5 on a scale of 4.0 for undergraduates, 2.75 for undergraduate Business students, and 3.0 for graduate students.
2. TOEFL Scores
Because of U.S. Government visa regulations, Texas Tech requires all applicants from an institution whose language of instruction is not English to demonstrate adequate English language skills. These skills may be demonstrated by a minimum TOEFL score of 79 Internet based examination, 213 computer based examination, or 550 paper examination.
3. Proof of Financial Support
Evidence of financial support, $5000 for one semester or $11,000 for the academic year, must be provided. This should be an original document, for example an original bank statement received in the post, or a letter signed by an official of a financial institution stating the availability of funds at these levels. You will need to provide an original of these financial documents for your visit to the U.S. Embassy or Consular Office.
4. Photo of Yourself
Either a passport size photo or similar; this can be sent electronically.
5. Copy of your Passport Information Page
A clear color copy of the information page of your passport.
6. Statement of Purpose
Please attach a statement of purpose to study at Texas Tech with an introduction about yourself.
Please send all documents to the following address:
or contact monica.hopkins@ttu.edu