UBC holds mobility agreements for graduate student exchange with over 150 universities and research institutes around the world. Many research abroad programs emerge from current or emerging research collaborations between UBC faculty and international colleagues.

To determine the existence or status of a mobility agreement with a particular institution,  please visit the Go Global website or contact the VPRI International Office.

If you are a graduate student aand would like to conduct research abroad, you must arrange the details of the research abroad program directly with the faculty or institute with whom you would like to do a placement, and in consultation with your UBC research supervisor.

The VPRI Office does not assist in placing students, although we may be able to assist in recommending research institutes abroad.

UBC's hub for study, work and international service learning programs is the Go Global program, which provides financial awards for exchange students; develops and manages student mobility agrements with partner institutions; supports outbound exchange students on study, research or co-op placements; provides safety briefings; and faciltiates international service learning initiatives.

Exchanges are reciprocal, meaning that over the term of an exchange agreement, universities will send the same number of students it receives. Exchange students from UBC pay tuition to UBC and are only required to pay minimal fees at the host institution. In contrast, visiting graduate students are required to register as students at the host institution and generally incur tuition and other fees.

Costs and Planning

Exchange students are responsible for all costs related to research abroad programs (e.g. tuition, passport and visa fees, travel, room & board, books, health insurance, personal expenses, etc.). For a sample budget over one academic term, visit Go Global, although students on short-term research programs (e.g. less than 4 months) will generally incur less costs.

Students generally participate in research abroad programs for 1-3 months, although longer stays also occur. Research abroad placements for graduate students are generally quite flexible and are often based on the needs of specific research programs. Consult your host institution abroad regarding the timing of academic terms and preferred travel periods (including weather considerations). If you require student housing, stays that are planned over full academic terms or during summer months are generally recommended.

Students or faculty travelling abroad may need to consult the appropriate consulate for information on obtaining a visa to allow you to participate in a research abroad program in that country. If you are going as an exchange student, please contact your Go Global Advisor or review our Diplomatic Contacts page for a local consulate. Ensure your passport is valid for 6 months after the date of return from your research abroad program.

Students must demonstrate language proficiency in the destination research environment. Requirements for formal (or informal) testing are based on the policies of the host institution.

Many universities require transcripts even for short-term research abroad programs. If you are going as an exchange student, check with your Go Global Advisor. Otherwise you should check with your host institution regarding admission requirements.

Emergency Response Registration

All UBC students who are going on a research abroad placement must register with the emergency response registration. Once registered, you can use the 24-hour campus security emergency number (604-822-2222) should you have a real emergency outside of regular work hours at Go Global. You should identify yourself as a 'Go Global' student when you call.

Health & Dental Insurance

Students participating in a research abroad program or research internship can benefit from travel health coverage for the duration of their trip. In order to be eligible, students must remain members of their student society, pay fees to the University, and keep their provincial health-care coverage.The AMS/GSS Health & Dental Plan includes travel health coverage for the first 120 days of their trip and for 120 days after the end of their exchange or internship. Students must notify www.studentcare.net/works before leaving on an research abroad program. Visit www.ihaveaplan.ca to download Travel Insurance details and coverage card which contains emergency numbers and your travel policy number.