Eligibility
MBA exchange students must be registered, matriculated MBA students at the Foster School of Business. Eligible applicants will have a 3.0 cumulative GPA at the time of application, maintain it through the time of departure, and be in good standing with the Foster School. A current list of exchange partners can be seen under the Exchange Partner Schools & Program Descriptions header below. Not sure which program you’re interested in? Schedule an advising appointment!
Exchange Application
The exchange application will ask for the following information:
- Personal Interest Essay: Please limit your answers to the following questions:
- Why do you want to participate on an exchange program?
- How does an exchange program fit into your educational/career goals?
- Why do you want to study at the school listed first on your application?
- Current Resume
- MBA Transcripts (unofficial acceptable)
- Recommendation Survey (instructions here)
Recording of MBA Exchange AY 2024/25 Info Session
PPT slides from MBA Exchange AY 2024/25 Info Session
Application Timeline
| Exchange Program Process | Time of Year |
|---|---|
| Research options and apply online | November – January |
| Exchange application deadline | January 31st |
| Exchange placements announced | February 15th |
| Application deadline for GBC Scholarships | Late April/early May |
| Exchange pre-departure orientation | May |
Exchange Partner Schools & Program Descriptions
The tables below outline facts about each program including: location, whether the program is offered in English in addition to the language of the country, timing of the partner schools’ terms, and additional information.
All nominations are managed by the Global Business Cetner. Do not reach out to a partner school without first contacting the MBA exchange program coordinator at [email protected].
Key: A=Autumn Quarter / W=Winter Quarter / Sp=Spring Quarter / Su=Summer Quarter
| Africa | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Country | Partner School | Language(s) of Instruction | Graduate Program* | Foster Compatible Terms** | More Info |
| South Africa | University of Cape Town | English | MBA | A, W (10-wk terms; terms do not always align) | Partner Fact Sheet |
| Asia | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Country | Partner School | Language(s) of Instruction | Graduate Program* | Foster Compatible Terms** | More Info |
| China | Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Hong Kong) | English | MBA | A, W (8-wk modules or 16-wk terms; terms do not always align) | Partner Fact Sheet |
| China | Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Antai College of Economics and Management (Shanghai) | English, Chinese | MBA | A (16-wk term) | Partner Fact Sheet |
| India | Indian Institute of Management (Bangalore) | English | MBA | Exchange currently unavailable | Exchange currently unavailable |
| Japan | International University of Japan (Niigata) | English | MBA & International Relations | A, W (10-wk terms) | Partner Fact Sheet |
| Japan | Keio Business School (Tokyo) | English | MBA | A, W (10-wk terms) | Partner Fact Sheet |
| Singapore | Nanyang Technological University (Singapore) | English | MBA | A (13-wk term, July-Oct) | Partner Fact Sheet |
| South Korea | KAIST College of Business (Seoul) | English | MBA | A (16-wk term) | Partner Fact Sheet |
| Europe | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Country | Partner School | Language(s) of Instruction | Graduate Program* | Foster Compatible Terms** | More Info |
| Denmark | Copenhagen Business School (Copenhagen) | English | Master of Science | A (16-wk term), Su (3- or 6-wk intensive) | Partner Fact Sheet |
| Finland | Aalto University (Helsinki) | English | Master of Science & Executive MBA | A (6-wk module or 12-wk term), W (6-wk module), Su (2-wk intensive) | Partner Fact Sheet |
| France | Ecole Supérieure de Commerce (main campus is Paris; depending on concentration, may study in Berlin, London, Madrid, Turin, or Warsaw) | English, French | Master in Management | A (12-wk term), Su (4-wk intensive) | Partner Fact Sheet |
| Netherlands | Rotterdam School of Management (Rotterdam) | English | Master of Science | A (8-wk module or 16-wk term), W (8-wk module) | Partner Fact Sheet |
| Spain | Instituto de Empresa (Madrid) | English, Spanish | MBA | A (12-wk term) A (12-wk term), *NEW* W (11-wk term) | Partner Fact Sheet |
| Switzerland | University of Zurich (Zurich) | English, German | Master of Science | A (14-wk term), Su (2-3 wk modules) | Partner Fact Sheet |
*MBA programs are less common in Europe. Most of our European partnerships are with Master of Science programs. Master of Science academic content is more theoretical than what you will experience in an MBA program. Master of Science programs also have a younger demographic; most students are 21-25 years old.
**Partner school terms shorter than 9 weeks during the Academic Year, and shorter than 4.5 weeks during Summer Quarter, typically do not qualify for federal Financial Aid. Talk to your financial aid advisor before committing to an exchange program.
Download the MBA Course Matrix for more information about our exchange partner’s programs and specializations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many MBA students can attend each program?
A: Generally, the Foster School of Business is allowed to send 2 MBA students to each host institution. This number
could be higher or lower based on past exchange student activity with a specific partner school.
Q: Can my spouse, significant other or children join me?
A: This can be an option. Some on‐campus housing is for single students only, so you would need to find alternative
housing options. Your host school will provide the necessary documents to obtain your student visa. Neither the host school nor UW will assist you in obtaining a visa for a spouse, significant other or children. This responsibility is given to the UW MBA exchange student.
Q: Do I have to fill out a separate application form for each MBA exchange school?
A: No, you’ll only need to fill out one UW exchange program application form.
Q: Can I list more than one exchange school on my application form?
A: Yes. You are encouraged to list multiple schools on your application form in the event there is more demand for a specific exchange program than the number of spots available. Every effort will be made to honor your first choice of an exchange program.
Q: Are MBA students with foreign language proficiency given preference for an exchange program?
A: Not necessarily. If there are multiple applicants for a program that offers MBA courses in English and a foreign language, preference may be given to students who can wish to courses in the designated foreign language in order to improve their business language skills.
Q: Is it possible to obtain an internship in conjunction with an exchange program?
A: Maybe. Past UW MBA exchange students have found internships either prior to their term of exchange or after their term of exchange. Some schools have formal internship programs that are open to exchange students. The host institution exchange program coordinator can assist in providing contact names and possible internship resources.
Q: Will I be asked to advertise the UW MBA program at my host institution?
A: Possibly. Many host institution hold information sessions for interested exchange students. You’ll be asked to talk about the UW MBA program and general life in the USA. These events are usually informal and don’t require advance preparation. The MBA website is the best resource for interested students to begin.
Q: May I go on exchange to a school that doesn’t have an exchange with the Foster School?
A: No, graduate students are no longer be able to participate in University-Wide exchanges at the University of Washington. MBAs can only go on exchange at the UW Foster partner universities listed above.
Q: Do exchange schools have financial aid or scholarships?
A: It is rare that schools have even limited funds available to incoming exchange students. A common requirement of student visas is proof that you have sufficient funds to support yourself for the duration of your stay. Don’t assume that there will be financial aid available to you from a host school.
Q: Why do I have to apply to my host school after being nominated by the Global Business Center?
A: Host schools require incoming exchange students to apply formally. This is a formality and serves as a way for the school to enter the student into their system. Only in extreme cases will students be rejected by the host school at this point in the process.
Each MBA Exchange Program will include the following fees in the program price which students are responsible for once they sign the payment contract: MBA Exchange Fee ($350) and UW Study Abroad Fee.
The MBA Exchange Fee is an Administrative Fee that funds all MBA exchange activities, including the organization and operations of the exchange program; the recruitment, selection, and support of program participants; and the offering of exchange advising. This is a non-refundable fee charged to students even if they withdraw from their exchange program.