Outbound Student Exchange

The MOVE-UP Outbound Student Exchange Program offers qualified UP undergraduate students the chance to study at a partner university abroad for one semester or one year while remaining enrolled in UP.

Tuition fee at the host university is waived; UP outbound students will only need to shoulder the visa fee, roundtrip airfare, insurance, living allowance, and accommodation fees.

Eligibility

Enrolled in UP at the time of application;

  • Must be Sophomore/Junior standing in the next academic year;
  • Seniors may apply provided that they have remaining of:
    • at least 24 units (exclusive of current semester) for mobility in the First (Fall) Semester
    • at least 36 units (exclusive of current semester) for mobility in the Second (Spring) Semester
  • Cumulative GWA of 2.20 and above; 
  • Not a previous exchange student; and
  • Must show strong motivation and interest to experience higher education and cultural diversity.

Application Requirements

  • Application Form (in PDF Format)
  • 1-page Curriculum Vitae
  • Current Form 5
  • True Copy of Grades
  • Certification of General Weighted Average
  • Certification of Remaining Units
  • One (1) Recommendation Letter from previous professor/instructor addressed to:
    • MOVE-UP Outbound Student Exchange Selection Committee, Office of International Linkages, 3F South Wing, Quezon Hall, UP Campus, Diliman, Quezon City
  • Approved Outbound Study Plan (1 per university) 
  • 500 word essay

Pick a societal issue and discuss how a student coming from an international exchange program can address/influence/effect changes to the chosen societal issue.

Application Procedure

  1. Review all documents in the master folder (use your UP mail).
    Note: The list of available host universities will be released each semester
  2. Secure and consolidate all necessary attachments from the appropriate offices, sources.
  3. Accomplish the following documents: application form, parent’s consent and waiver, study plan, and data privacy certificate. Secure the appropriate signatures from your college adviser, college chair/director, college dean, etc.
  4. Applicants shall route the endorsement of their applications with the required document attachments at the CU (constituent university) level. Students may opt to do the following:
    • Submit a hard copy of all the documents (signed and approved) directly to the UP OIL CU; or
    • Submit the hard copies to their college who will sign and request for the Chancellor’s signature via DRS (document routing system) then endorse it to UP OIL CU via DRS.
    • This is to account that there are some colleges who don’t often use DRS and to give options for all CUs and for the applicant students. This is also to the UP OIL CU discretion in line with their campus or department policy.
  5. Once approved and endorsed by the UP OIL CU, they will route the application to UP System OIL.
  6. UP System OIL will receive and process the application.
  7. Application results will be sent to the applicants via email.
  8. Application results will be sent to the successful applicants via email. 
  9. OIL will guide the successful applicants in their applications to their respective host universities.

Application Deadlines

  • Mobility in the First (Fall) Semester: January 15*
  • Mobility in the Second (Spring) Semester: September 15*

*deadlines are subject to change

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  1. AM I GUARANTEED TO GO ABROAD IF MY APPLICATION TO THE MOVE-UP OUTBOUND STUDENT EXCHANGE PROGRAM IS SUCCESSFUL?

No, success in the MOVE-UP Outbound Student Exchange Program means you will be nominated by UP OIL to the host university. This does not guarantee an automatic slot as there is still the application process which the student needs to fulfill for admissions and review of the host university.

  1. IF I GET NOMINATED FOR MOVE-UP STUDENT EXCHANGE, AM I AUTOMATICALLY A MOVE-UP FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE GRANTEE?

No, you have to submit a separate application for MOVE-UP Financial Assistance. 

  1. THE LIST OF COURSES ARE NOT UPDATED IN THE UNIVERSITY WEBSITE. CAN I STILL USE IT AS A BASIS FOR THE STUDY PLAN?

Yes, you may use the most recent course list of the university. Refer to your college or adviser if those units can be credited and place it in your study plan.

  1. WHAT IF I DO NOT PLAN TO CREDIT COURSES OR THERE IS NO EQUIVALENT?

You are still required to fill out the study plan. If you cannot find an equivalent course to credit, whether it is in your UP degree or in the host university, place N/A in the appropriate column. You may find the course list in the list of universities located in the master folder OR in the host university website. 

  1. CAN I TAKE UNITS THAT WON’T/CANNOT BE CREDITED TO MY UP CURRICULUM?

This depends on your home unit. Kindly confirm with your college and department if you are allowed to cross-enroll with units that will not be credited.

  1. CAN AN APPLICANT SEND THEIR SUBMISSION VIA EMAIL? 

No, applications sent via email will not be accepted. All applications must be endorsed and submitted by the applicants’ OIL-CU representative or office through DRS.

  1. I SUBMITTED MY APPLICATION TO MY UP CU OIL/OVCAA COORDINATOR. DOES THIS GUARANTEE MY APPLICATION IS ACCEPTED?

No, your application still needs to reach our office after endorsement by your OIL CU, Office of the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs (OVCAA) and/or Office of the Chancellor (OC) via DRS. It is recommended to submit your application to your UP CU OIL 2-3 weeks before the mentioned deadline to allow time for your submission to be fully endorsed.

  1. WHAT IS THE MINIMUM NUMBER OF UNITS I NEED TO TAKE?

The required number of units to be considered a “full load” may vary depending on the host university. We recommend that you check the host university’s policy on the minimum number of units required for exchange students.

If you are applying for MOVE-UP Financial Assistance, you must enroll in a full academic load as defined by the host university in order to remain eligible for the grant.

  1. CAN I APPEAL MY POSSIBLE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE ENTITLEMENTS?

It is advised that aspiring applicants secure a SLAS bracket that appropriately reflects their status with the OSDS.

Applicants are free to append their application packets with an appeal letter addressed to the MOVE-UP Committee with proof of financial hardship. Please note that submission of appeal does not guarantee its approval.