SUNY ESF
Applying to an ESF Exchange Program

At SUNY ESF you'll engage with dedicated professors actively shaping and preserving the environment. Their impactful research, sought after worldwide by governments and corporations, adds an exciting dimension to your studies. ESF is consistently ranked highly for its outstanding academics, unwavering commitment to sustainability, global impact, and affordability.

Contact Information

Munich University of Applied Sciences: Klaus Doelle
All other inquiries contact the Office of International Education: OIE@esf.edu

Eligibility Requirements

Undergraduate student enrolled at an institution that has an exchange agreement with SUNY ESF
Meet the language proficiency requirement
Have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.00 on a 4.00 scale
Submit application by deadline

Application Deadlines

Study in the Fall Semester: June 1
Study in the Spring Semester: October 1

Here is a link to ESF Academic Calendar. Orientation for international students will occur one week prior to the start of classes.

Application Checklist

A complete application includes all of the following:

Completed General Application Form
Study Statement
Academic Reference #1
Academic Reference #2
Official Foreign Language Proficiency Test Scores
Official Transcript(s) from all colleges / universities attended
Passport copy

Application Process

Complete ESF Exchange Program Application online
Please submit your reference’s email address on your application and a form will be sent them to complete the reference on your behalf.
Gather all required support documentation.
- Submit an official English language proficiency score report (e.g., TOEFL)
- Submit an official academic transcript (in English) from all colleges attended.
- Submit a copy of your passport picture/biographical information page.
Submit completed application with all supporting documents in one packet to the ESF OIE via email (attach pdfs) or standard mail.

After Applying

Once completed, the Faculty Coordinator of the Exchange will review your application and notify you of any decisions. Upon acceptance, you will then be required to submit proof of funding for the duration of your program. Exchange students are not required to pay tuition or fees to ESF - proof of funding only needs to show funding for the other expenses. The Office of International Education will require this information to issue an I-20.

Full-Time Enrollment Status

In order to maintain valid F-1 (non-degree) student status, international students are required to pursue a full course of study during all required academic semesters (Fall and Spring) unless approved under a specific exception, in advance, by OIE. Enrollment records are reviewed each semester and the SEVIS record of students enrolled in fewer than a full-time course load (12 credits or more) or authorized equivalent are terminated.

Completion of ESF Exchange Program

Students in F-1 status will have 60 days to depart the U.S. upon completion of their exchange program starting from the program end date indicated on their I-20. During this grace period, students are not eligible for employment or to travel outside the US and re-enter unless they obtain a new visa status that would permit re-entry (e.g., H-1B temporary work visa; B tourist visa).

Transfer Policy

Exchange programs are intended to facilitate the international exchange of students, as such, program credits cannot be applied to an ESF degree; they are only eligible for transfer to the home institution.
If an exchange student decides to transfer to ESF at the same degree-level, s/he will be required to retroactively pay the tuition differential for credits obtained under the exchange.

SUNY ESF Applying to an ESF Exchange Program