Playbook
How to apply for exchange and summer programs
Exchange semesters, summer schools and summer camps offer a short period of study at another institution, at home or abroad. Many run through your home university; others accept direct applications.
How these are won
- Check whether you must apply through your university's international office; many exchanges need a nomination.
- Confirm credit transfer with your department before you go.
- Look for funding attached to the program; some summer schools waive fees for selected participants.
Materials checklist
- Application form answersOnward Scout drafts it from your sourced profile; you approve every line.
- TranscriptOnly you can supply it: upload it once and it is attached wherever it is asked for.
A preparation timeline
Counted back from the deadline. Each program guide puts real dates on it.
- 42 days before the deadlineAsk referees and order documentsAsk your referees, and order transcripts or score reports; these depend on other people's timelines.
- 28 days before the deadlineDraft the statementDraft the statement around one clear plan, with evidence from your record.
- 10 days before the deadlineReview and remindReview against the selection criteria; gently remind referees of the date.
- 2 days before the deadlineSubmit and keep the confirmationSubmit early and check that every reference shows as received.
Questions you will meet, answered honestly
Why do you want to take part?
Name the courses or experience you can't get at home and how they fit your studies.
How will you fund your stay?
List real sources. If you are applying for the program's own funding, say so.
How Onward Scout helps
Onward Scout maps the official form field by field, fills it from your sourced profile and drafts the written answers; you review and tap to submit. If the form stops at a CAPTCHA, a login or a payment, you get a handoff with every field ready to paste.
Open now
- Apply by 1 December 2026A*STAR Research Attachment Programme (ARAP)A*STAR Graduate Academy (Singapore)Lets PhD students at overseas partner universities spend 1-2 years doing joint research at A*STAR institutes in Singapore, with stipend, housing and travel support.monthly stipend · monthly housing allowanceSingapore, Singapore · open to applicants worldwideDetails and how to apply
- See cycleMitacs Globalink Research InternshipMitacs12-week summer research internship at Canadian universities for top undergraduates from partner countries, with travel, stipend and professional development covered.12-week supervised research project in Canada · airfare and accommodation supportCanada · open to applicants worldwideAnnual; the call for Summer 2027 has closed.Details and how to apply
Let Onward Scout prepare your exchange and summer programs applications
Drop in the résumé, deck or portfolio you already have. Onward Scout builds a sourced profile, finds opportunities you can win and prepares each application for you to approve with a tap.
Nothing is submitted without your tap. Logins, CAPTCHAs, payments and interviews stay with you.