Exchange guide New York University
Courses, housing, visa, campus life and exchange basics for studying at New York University in New York, USA.
Snapshot
A prestigious private university in the heart of Manhattan. No traditional campus — the city IS your campus.
Why students shortlist it
One of the world's most internationally connected universities, with degree-granting campuses in New York, Abu Dhabi, and Shanghai, plus study-abroad sites in 12+ cities. New York City is the campus — dense, expensive, but unmatched.
Teaching languages: English (primary)
Before You Land
A few practical setup details students usually sort before arrival
Connectivity, insurance, and secure public WiFi are the boring things you only notice when you need them. Keep them on your checklist, but keep the guide itself front and centre.
Arrival Connectivity
Sort an eSIM before you land
Maps, ride apps, 2FA codes, and WhatsApp are usually the first things students need from the airport.
Coverage Check
Confirm your travel insurance
Even when the university gives guidance, students usually need to double-check what is covered before departure.
Public WiFi
Have a backup for shared networks
Campus halls, airports, and cafés are convenient, but many students prefer an extra privacy layer when they first arrive.
Exchange Basics
Requirements
Nominated students must have completed at least one year of university study, demonstrate good academic standing (GPA equivalent to 3.0/4.0), and provide English language proficiency test scores (TOEFL iBT 100, IELTS 7.5, or Duolingo 120/130 depending on the school) unless native speaker or exempt.
Nomination Process
Home university coordinators nominate students to the NYU Global Programs office. Nominated students then receive instructions to apply online and submit transcripts, English proof, and visa information.
Orientation Week
Recommended arrival: One week before classes start (late August for Fall, mid-January for Spring).
Mandatory orientation program organized by the Office of Global Services (OGS).
Events hub: https://www.nyu.edu/students/communities-and-groups/student-visa-holders.html
| Semester | Nomination | Application |
|---|---|---|
| March 15 | April 1 | |
| October 1 | October 15 |
Arrival Checklist
- Receive DS-2019/I-20 from NYU and obtain J-1 or F-1 visa from the US Embassy.
- Submit immunization forms (Meningitis, MMR) to Student Health Center.
- Check in with the Office of Global Services (OGS) to activate your immigration record.
- Pick up your NYU Card at the Student Link Center.
Academics
Course Registration
Course enrollment is completed online via Albert (NYU's student information system). Exchange students register during specific registration windows with course approvals from academic departments.
Credit System
US Semester Credit system. 1 credit equals 1 hour of class time per week. Standard courses are 3 or 4 credits. Full-time undergraduate workload is 12-18 credits per semester (typically 4 courses).
Grading System
Grading scale: A (4.0), A- (3.7), B+ (3.3), B (3.0), B- (2.7), C+ (2.3), C (2.0), C- (1.7), D+ (1.3), D (1.0), F (0.0). Grades are posted in Albert at the end of the term.
Exam Culture
Class attendance is typically mandatory and counts towards the final grade. Grading is continuous, including homework, midterms, quizzes, and a final exam period at the end of the semester.
Tuition & Fees
Annual Tuition
EUR 55,000
Waived for exchange students.
| Student Type | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| EXCHANGE | USD 0 tuition + ~USD 535 visa fees + USD 1,500–3,500 insurance/sem | Reciprocal exchange tuition fully waived. Mandatory fees: SEVIS I-901 fee USD 350 + J-1 or F-1 visa fee USD 185 = USD 535 total. Mandatory health insurance U… |
| Full degree – international | USD 60,000–62,000/year tuition | NYU 2025–26 tuition ~$61,470/year + mandatory fees ~$2,800 + NYC housing $15,000–20,000 = $80,000+/year total. Financial aid available but rarely covers full… |
USD 0 tuition + ~USD 535 visa fees + USD 1,500–3,500 insurance/sem
Reciprocal exchange tuition fully waived. Mandatory fees: SEVIS I-901 fee USD 350 + J-1 or F-1 visa fee USD 185 = USD 535 total. Mandatory health insurance U…
USD 60,000–62,000/year tuition
NYU 2025–26 tuition ~$61,470/year + mandatory fees ~$2,800 + NYC housing $15,000–20,000 = $80,000+/year total. Financial aid available but rarely covers full…
Fees change annually — verify current rates on the official exchange office page
Where to Stay
Insurance & Campus Support
Mandatory Insurance
Yes. Valid health coverage is required for the exchange period.
EHIC Accepted
No
Campus Clinic
Use university student health/wellbeing services first for local care routing, prevention, counselling, and referrals.
Mental Health
Most universities route students through student health, wellbeing, or counselling services. Ask early, not only during exam stress.
NYU Student Health Insurance (Comprehensive Plan)
Varies by status / nationality
Confirm exact plan eligibility with the host university International Office before arrival.
NYU Student Health Insurance (Basic Plan)
Varies by status / nationality
Confirm exact plan eligibility with the host university International Office before arrival.
Campus Services
Office of Global Services (OGS)
Visa and immigration advising, international student orientation, tax guidance, and cross-cultural workshops.
Student Health Center (SHC)
On-campus primary care, counseling, wellness workshops, immunization compliance, and psychiatric services.
NYU Bobst Library
Main research library with 12 floors of study spaces, computer labs, research assistance, and 24-hour study rooms.
Student Services (NYU)
NYU student services hub: health, wellness, career, housing, disability, athletics, and campus life resources across all NYU campuses and global sites.
Student Life
Student Clubs
- NYU International Student Club (ISC)
- NYU Student Government Association
- Stern Student Council
- Cultural and Artistic Student Organizations
Buddy Program
Office of Global Services Global Ambassadors
School-specific peer mentoring programs
Sports & Recreation
- Palladium Athletic Facility (gym, pool, courts)
- 404 Fitness Center
- NYU Club Sports and Intramural Leagues
Public Groups & Erasmus Communities
NYU Housing & Sublets
Facebook community for finding rooms, sublets, and roommates near NYU campuses.
NYU International Students Community
Facebook community and connection group for international students at NYU.
NYU Office of Global Services
Official Instagram feed for NYU international student services, events, and updates.
Your First 2 Weeks
- Get a MetroCard for the subway immediately.
- Explore Washington Square Park — the unofficial NYU campus.
- Join student clubs during the Activities Fair in the first week.
- Budget carefully — NYC is extremely expensive.
Key Dates
Fall intake nomination/application
February - April
Nominations are due mid-March, and applications must be finalized by April 1.
Spring intake nomination/application
September - October
Nominations are due October 1, and applications must be finalized by October 15.
Application window (Fall intake)
February – April
Nominate via home uni + host portal. Visa interview slots fill fast for US — book early.
Application window (Spring intake)
September – October
Same flow for January arrival. Some programmes do not accept mid-year exchanges.
Orientation & welcome week
Mid-August (Fall) or Early January (Spring)
Mandatory check-in; SEVIS registration (US) or study permit validation (Canada) on arrival.