Overview
The University of Virginia is a Killam Fellowship University Partner. Students interested in studying abroad on exchange in Canada should strongly consider applying to this program. The
Killam Fellowship Program offers a cash award of $10,000 US ($5,000 US per semester), along with an allowance to offset the cost of health insurance in the currency of the host country.
Location
Students apply to study abroad on exchange at one of the Killam Fellowship Universities Partners in Canada.
Current Canadian partners include: Acadia University (Nova Scotia), Brock University (Ontario), Carleton University (Ontario), Dalhousie University (Nova Scotia), McGill University (Quebec), McMaster University (Ontario), Memorial University (Newfoundland and Labrador), Mount Allison University (New Brunswick), Queen's University (Ontario), Saint Mary's University (Nova Scotia), Université de Montréal* (Quebec), Université Laval (Quebec), University of Alberta (Alberta), University of Calgary (Alberta), University of Ottawa (Ontario), University of Prince Edward Island (Prince Edward Island), University of Toronto (Ontario), University of Victoria (British Columbia), Western University (Ontario), and York University (Ontario).
*While UVA has an exchange agreement with University of Montreal, applying through the Killam Fellowship provides the opportunity for Fellowship funding and the associated program for Fellowship recipients. Students who miss the Fellowship application deadline or students who are not eligible for the Killam Fellowship can still apply to study abroad on exchange at University of Montreal through the UVA exchange application.
Academics
The exchange university partners all have different areas of study. Explore potential exchange partners before apply.
Students are not guaranteed placement in their first choice university partner if accepted to the program so should research several university partners to ensure that potential programs are a good academic fit.
Students are required to maintain full-time student status as defined by both UVA and by their host university. Keep this in mind while putting together class schedules and obtaining transfer credit approval.
Eligibility
In addition to meeting UVA's eligibility requirements for participating in education abroad, you must also meet the
eligibility requirements for the Killam Fellowship. Students who do not meet the Killam Fellowship's eligibility requirements may still be able to study abroad in Canada on one of the UVA exchange programs.
Language requirements: Some host institutions may require proficiency in French. If you plan to list one of these universities, ensure you meet the French language requirements before you apply. You can find language requirements on the host university website.
Application Process
- Students interested in this program will complete two applications:
- The UVA Education Abroad application for the program available on this page
- The Killam Fellowship application available on the Fulbright Canada website. Note: Complete the application for the Direct Exchange Program only. If you are interested in the Open Competition program, you will need to complete a different UVA Education Abroad application (in addition to the Killam Fellowship application). If interested in this option, contact Education Abroad Advisor and Program Manager Emily Graber (eg9cx@virginia.edu) at least one month before the Open Competition program application deadline.
- Both applications open in the early Fall and are due mid-January for the full upcoming academic year. There is only one application cycle each year which means students interested in applying for a Spring semester program must plan ahead and apply a year in advance.
- Both applications will be reviewed. If your UVA Education Abroad application is accepted, your Killam Fellowship application will move forward for review by the Fellowship committee.
- If awarded the Fellowship, you will be placed at one of the exchange partner universities. You will be notified of your award and placement by the Killam Fellowship.
- You will then complete the post-acceptance requirements in your UVA Education Abroad application, apply to your host institution, and complete any additional requirements for the Killam Fellowship.
- Note: When possible, ensure that you obtain Transfer Credit Approval by completing the Transfer Credit Approval Form BEFORE you accept the Fellowship. This will help ensure that your host institution is a good academic fit.
- You will work with your host institution to secure housing, enroll in classes, obtain necessary immigration documents (i.e. visa), etc.
Costs and Finances
There are a variety of associated costs and expenses when studying abroad. The information provided below is a guide to help you plan and budget. If accepted to the program, you will be placed at one of the Killam Fellowships Direct Exchange partner institutions. Additional resources will be available on your host university’s website.
Tuition and Fees: You will pay your regular tuition rate and fees to UVA for the term you are on an exchange program. Tuition and fees will be billed to your SIS account and can be paid as normal.
Housing and Meals: You are responsible to pay for housing and any required or preferred meal plan. You will pay the host institution or make your own arrangements for accommodations. Check the host institution web site for accommodation and meal plan choices, cost, and application procedures.
Travel and Travel Documents: You are responsible for booking and paying for your own international airfare, as well as researching and obtaining any required visa(s) or residency permits. You should also budget for in-country transportation costs.
- Airline Ticket prices will vary based on where you are traveling from and to.
- Local Transportation costs will vary based on your housing and personal choices.
- Luggage may be an additional cost if you need to purchase it for your travel
- Passport/Visa/Immigration costs should also be factored into your expected expenses. Students can find information about passport costs on the State Department’s Passport Fees page. See your host university's website for information about immigration requirements for your program.
Insurance: UVA students are required to purchase CISI emergency medical and accident insurance. Students may also be required to purchase Canadian insurance.
Additional Expenses: You should be prepared to purchase required books and supplies. Also budget for additional personal expenses, including laundry, phone costs, personal travel, meals out, etc. The cost for Books and Supplies and Personal Expenses will vary based on the classes you take and personal spending choices.
Financial Aid
You can find detailed information regarding financial aid and study abroad on the following websites:
Scholarships
In addition to the Killam Fellowship funding, you may also apply for education abroad scholarships. Find information about scholarships on the
Scholarships page of the Education Abroad website. Scholarship application deadlines may be before the program application deadline, so plan ahead.
