Sep28
Please Note
This page is a resource for all USD specific requirements and procedures for J-1 undergraduate exchange students that have been nominated by a USD Partner Institution.
Important Dates and Deadlines for Exchange Students
Application Deadlines
Fall 2026 Semester
Health Insurance Policy Submission Deadline
| Term | Deadline |
|---|---|
| J-1 Students Starting Spring Semester | December 1st annually |
| J-1 Students Starting Fall Semester | June 1st annually |
Exchange Student Application Information
As a nominated student, it is your responsibility to provide all of the following required application information to USD. The USD exchange program application will be used to prepare your USD student record and evaluate your eligibility for a J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa. You will be provided a temporary ID so that you can upload this information through the USD international student portal known as iTorero.
- Passport
- Student Information
- Learning Agreement (Academic Info)
- Home Institution Information
- English Proficiency
- Bank Statement (Certification of Finances)
- Affidavit
- Health Insurance Intent Form
- International Student and Scholar Agreement
Upload a scanned image of your passport. Fill out requested passport information.
Please upload a valid passport that does not expire within 6 months of the end date of your academic program. For example, if your program starts in August and ends in December, your passport must expire no earlier than June of the following year.
If you are a citizen of two countries, please upload the passport that you plan to use to apply for your J-1 exchange student visa. If you are a U.S. citizen or green card holder and you don't require a J-1 visa, please upload your U.S. passport OR home country passport plus green card.
Fill out requested biographical information.
Under "Dates of Intended Stay in the U.S.," even if you plan to arrive to the U.S. earlier or stay in the U.S. past the end of the academic program, in this section of the application please simply enter the orientation date communicated via email and the last day of finals. The last day of finals can be found here on the Academic Calendar.
Please submit:
- Your completed Learning Agreement, approved by your home university.
- An English version of your academic transcript from your home university
- A list of courses that you are currently taking this semester if they do not appear on your academic transcript (you may attach this to the back of your academic transcript)
- Your Acknowledgement of Impacted Disciplines Form (if applicable)
You will receive detailed instructions from the USD Exchange Program Coordinator regarding these documents.
Complete all fields, including information about your home institution and program of study.
Students must be proficient in English and submit confirmation through an official TOEFL score report, IELTS score report and/or a letter from their home university academic advisor stating that the student is prepared to take courses in English.
USD's minimum required scores are as follows:
- TOEFL iBT minimum score for undergraduate exchange students:
- Internet-Based: 4.5(previous scale 80)
- Computer-Based: 4.5 (previous scale 80)
- IELTS minimum score for undergraduate exchange students: 6.5
- Duolingo minimum score for undergraduate exchange students: 120
- LanguageCert Academic score for undergraduate exchange students: 70
You will use this form to demonstrate sufficient funds to support your stay in the United States per State Department regulations for J-1 visa applicants.
Upload financial documents (click to see examples):
An affidavit of support is required if you plan to receive financial support from a family member, and documentation of any other funding sources that you plan to use to finance your participation in the program. Samples of financial documents can also be viewed in iTorero.
On this form, you will indicate your intent to either enroll in the USD Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) or present proof of comparable insurance that meets all the U.S. State Department requirements and USD standards:
- Effective throughout the semester/academic year
- Maximum dollar coverage of at least $100,000 per illness or injury (not the same as $100,000 maximum benefit)
- Include outpatient care (doctor visits, outpatient surgery, etc.)
- Include hospitalization
- Repatriation for at least $25,000
- Medical evacuation for at least $50,000
- Cost of deductible, if any, does not exceed $500 per accident or illness
- Underwritten by an insurance corporation having an A.M. Best rating of "A-" or above, an Insurance Solvency International, Ltd. (ISI) rating of "A-I" or above, a Standard and Poor's Claims Paying Ability rating of "A-" or above, or a Weiss Research, Inc. rating of B+ or above. Alternatively, the sponsor may ascertain that the participant's policy is backed by the full faith and credit of the government of the exchange visitor's home country.
It is very common for submitted health insurance companies to be rejected as a result of failure to meet the J-1 standards bulleted above. In order to avoid rejection, it is HIGHLY recommended that you ask your insurance company to provide a form like this Confirmation of J-1 Health Insurance Coverage Template.
There are also outside alternatives provided on this helpful International Insurance Alternatives document.
For more health insurance information please visit the International Health Insurance Page.
Please read and submit the International Student Agreement.
Select "J-1 Exchange/Degree-Seeking Student" from the dropdown menu (even if you have U.S. citizenship/permanent residency and therefore don't require a J-1 visa.)
Need help keeping track of everything? Check out this printable J-1 Undergraduate Checklist and Timeline Printable Guide!
Fees
The University of San Diego has an established set of fees that all students are required to pay. Students will be given access to an online account where all fees will be posted and where all payments can be made. Payments must be made by the first week of classes each semester.
Students who study at USD as part of our established exchange program will pay tuition to their home university and will pay all other fees directly to the University of San Diego. To view a list of all fees, please see the "Fees" section of the Torero Hub website.
In addition to the fees listed on the Torero Hub website, international students should also be aware of the following additional fees:
| Item | Expense |
|---|---|
| SEVIS fee for student visa |
Approximately $220.00 USD *please see the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement website for updated costs |
| Health Insurance |
Refer to the USD Student Health Insurance Requirement page for current cost. *may be waived with proper documentation of coverage |
- Exchange students are not required to live on campus or purchase a meal plan. Living costs off-campus will vary depending on student’s preferences.
- Upon arrival at USD, students will be expected to purchase their own textbooks. A bookstore is located on campus. Textbooks may be sold at the end of the semester at the USD bookstore but students should not expect to be reimbursed the same amount as originally paid.
- Exchange students will be enrolled in USD’s health insurance plan unless they waive this coverage by demonstrating enrollment in a comparable health insurance plan that meets the US Department of State requirements for J-1 student visa holders as well as USD requirements.
All international students must demonstrate they have sufficient funds available for academic and living expenses equal to a minimum of $15,000.00 per semester.
All documents must be original scanned copies, in English and current (cannot be more than 3 months old) at the time of application to be considered valid.
Descriptions of necessary supporting documents for different types of funding are listed below. Most exchange students are financed through Personal and/or Family/Third-Party Sponsor.
| Funds Source | Required supporting document(s) |
|---|---|
| Personal Funds | Original bank statement |
| Family / Third-Party Sponsor | Original bank statement AND Original affidavit of support (including duration of financial support, amount allowed to use, and relationship of the sponsor to you), stating you are allowed to use the funds for study in the Unites States. |
| Home Government Funding | Original scholarship letter from sponsoring organization outlining dates, amount, and terms of sponsorship |
| U.S. Government Funding | Original scholarship letter from sponsoring organization outlining dates, amount, and terms of sponsorship |
| All other organizations' funding | Original scholarship letter from sponsoring organization outlining dates, amount, and terms of sponsorship |
Pre-Arrival Guide
Please visit the Office of International Students and Scholars website for general information about preparing for your arrival to USD. In addition, the Student Life page offers practical information and resources about living in San Diego. Topics include finding a place to live in San Diego, purchasing or renting a car, opening a bank account, etc.
All exchange and free mover students must have a J-1 Student Visa in order to attend classes at USD. A Form DS-2019, issued by USD's Responsible Officer (RO) will be sent to the student after acceptance. Students will need this document to complete their J-1 visa application and appointment with the US Embassy or Consulate.
For more information about the J-1 student visa, please see the Office of International Students and Scholars Information for J-1 Students page.
Exchange and free mover students should work closely with their academic advisor at their home university to determine which USD courses fit best with their academic plan.
The USD Exchange Program Coordinator will enroll students in academic classes on a space-available basis based on the "Learning Agreement" completed by the student and approved by the student's home university advisor.
Students must arrange their own housing. Assistance will be provided with on-campus housing. Students who choose to live off-campus will be responsible for making all arrangements independently.
On-Campus Accommodations
Applying to live in on-campus housing is recommended. We have found that students who live on campus have had a much easier transition to life in San Diego. When comparing the cost of on-campus housing students should consider the amenities, which make on-campus living a very economical and practical choice. Students who live on campus will have the advantage of a furnished apartment/dorm room, wireless Internet upon arrival, and on-site laundry facilities.
Residence halls are just a short walk to classes, campus dining facilities, the library, gym and the Student Life Pavilion. Students who live on campus will not necessarily need to rent a car to efficiently get around on a daily basis. USD also operates a Tram Service; an on-campus service that shuttles students to various stops around campus.
Students will be given access to the online housing application once they are officially accepted by USD. On-campus housing is limited and NOT guaranteed, even with an early application, thus students who wish to live on campus are encouraged to complete the housing application as soon as they are given access.
Off-Campus Accommodations
Information about renting off-campus accommodations (including information about neighborhoods in San Diego, what to look for in a rental, etc.) can be found on our Student Life page. Please also find this terrific resource for international student housing created by an alumnus HUGS.
USD has a variety of dining facilities on campus that all students are welcome to use, regardless of whether they decide to purchase a meal plan. Visit the USD Dining Services web site to see all dining options.
MEAL PLANS ARE OPTIONAL. Students can use cash and credit cards at all dining facilities, or electronically add money to their USD student ID cards ("campus cash", see below). Student who plan to eat on campus often may choose from number of meal plans to best suit their needs.
Students are encouraged to wait until they arrive at USD to decide whether or not to purchase a meal plan. They will have time to purchase a plan or make changes to their meal plans during the first week of classes.
All J-1 exchange students and visiting scholars must demonstrate health insurance coverage for their time at USD. Health insurance policy documentation must be submitted to the Exchange Student Coordinator by June 1st for students starting in the Fall and December 1st for students starting in the Spring. Please refer to the Health Insurance section of our website for more details about this requirement.
Airport pick-up is not provided by USD. We recommend students take a taxi, Uber or Lyft to campus or their off-campus residence when they first arrive. The drive from the San Diego International Airport (SAN) to the USD campus is approximately 20 minutes.
To learn about transportation options during your time in San Diego, please refer to our Student Life page.
Public Transportation
San Diego Metropolitan Transit System
sdmts.com
Public transportation in San Diego is not very extensive. It is possible to get around the city using public transportation, but it is not always the most convenient option.
Car Rental
We do not recommend students purchase a car if only staying in San Diego for one semester. However, students may want to rent a car. The car rental company listed below is recommended by the USD International Center based on past experience.
Dirt Cheap Car Rental
4420 Pacific Highway, San Diego
Phone: (619) 234-9300
dirtcheapcarrental.com
Parking Permit
Students who wish to park a car on campus must purchase a parking permit. Please visit the USD Parking Services web site for information.
Ride-Sharing
Many students take advantage of ride-sharing or car-sharing services like Lyft, Uber, and car2go to travel throughout San Diego.
MySanDiego is an online portal designed for students to access information such as the USD email account, class schedules, event calendars, student account billing, and other student resources. All exchange students will be given instructions about how to open a MySanDiego account and USD email account after they have been officially accepted to the Exchange Program at USD.
The International Buddy Program originated in the International Center as a student mentor program designed to help international students who are attending the University of San Diego ease into student life. This program is committed to pairing international students with a committed, domestic USD student who can help them adjust to living in a new city and connect them with local students. The goal of the International Buddy Program is to enrich the international student's experience abroad and to create a truly global community.
Experience USD
To help international students take advantage of all that USD and San Diego have to offer, the International Center sponsors social and cultural programs and activities throughout the academic year. In addition, USD's International Student Organization plans events for the internationally-minded community at USD including a weekly "Coffee Hour" social in USD's International Student Lounge.
Examples of past programs and events include a Scavenger Hunt in Old Town, our annual International Expo and Cultural Fashion Show, a hiking trip at the Torrey Pines Natural Reserve, Halloween pumpkin carving, periodic ISO international dinners, an annual dinner and dance, and an international film screening. Below are photos from some of these exciting activities.