The eligibility criteria differ from program to program. When students are informed about a particular opportunity, the eligibility criteria is clearly outlined in the announcement.

Yes, you may do so, as long as the program you are applying to aligns with your specific degree program. The IBA International Office would aid you in providing you documentation that you need such as your English Proficiency letter; however, the International Office would not be responsible for processes of the exchange program itself and you would have to complete all procedures on your own, before and after the exchange.

Various opportunities come throughout the year. For programs in Spring, the applications usually open during September to November and for Fall, they are open between March and May. However, as and when declared, the details of the opportunity are floated through the following platforms:

1. An email from IRC office
2. IRC's Facebook page
3. OSA's Facebook page and Instagram account
4. IRC website

Students who would like to participate in any international opportunities are recommended to attend the 'Information Sessions' which are conducted by IBA IRC and should carefully review the program information of the opportunities that come before submitting their applications. The IRC is always there to assist the students in the application process.

There are opportunities available for both undergraduates and graduates. IBA alumni are also sent some opportunities which they are eligible for.

The selection process is as follows:

• An application form is sent from IBA's International Office to your IBA email address [official announcement].
• Your eligibility is checked at IBA's end.
• If you are eligible for the program, then you are called for a panel interview at IBA.
• Once selected, your nomination would be sent to the host university.
• If the host university confirms your selection, they get back to IBA's International Office.
• You are informed of your selection and need to carry out the formalities which are required to confirm your participation in the exchange program.

IBA's International Office provides you with an English Proficiency Letter, which usually waives off requirements of English Language tests such as TOEFL or IELTS. However, in some cases, you might have to appear for these tests.

The English proficiency letter issued by IRC department isn't generic and IRC require specific details like university applied for, city & country of the university. If you have the required details, then please apply through SFS and IRC team will issue the letters within two working days.

Every host university has their own CGPA requirements. However, it is best if you try to maintain a fairly good CGPA so that you have greater chances of selection, as selections are done on a merit basis.

Once you have been officially selected for the semester exchange program, you can proceed to arrange for accommodation. You must make your own visa and travel arrangements (depending on the program, IRC or the program organizers/sponsors might help you in this process). Obtain suitable travel/health insurance, if required and complete all your documents before applying for a visa. International Resource Center will be there for you throughout the process if you require any assistance.

Once you have received your acceptance letters and have made up your mind to go, you need to apply for your visa immediately. You need to check the required document list from the website of the appropriate consulate/embassy and get your documents in order. It is highly recommended to apply for the visa as soon as possible! (Depending on the country, the visa process takes from 1 to 4 months).

These exchange opportunities are limited and only a few lucky students get selected for each program. Backing off at a later stage means that the selected student wastes the opportunity that could have been availed by another deserving student. Hence, one should only apply to exchange programs if they are sure of the fact that they would be availing the opportunity, if selected.

Yes, there is a possibility of getting some of your courses transferred from your studies abroad after you return. Please remember that the courses should be relevant to the program you are studying at IBA.

Students going for the Exchange Programs should send in their course outlines for the courses they are aiming to study at the host university, along with the IBA equivalent course details with the nominated focal person from each School.

An email with following details must be sent to IRC Team:
1. Course name
2. Equivalent course at IBA
3. Course outline
4. Transcript
5. Chairperson

The compiled list of courses along with the details will be forwarded to the relevant focal person of each school and then students will be informed to follow up with the focal person from each school. The focal person from each school would get the approval of the credit transfers from the Chairperson of the relevant courses/department.

In many cases, Pre-approvals are possible – however, many partner universities change their courses once the students reach there. Therefore, they should be asked to send in the course outlines within 2 weeks of them reaching there to streamline the process. 

The respective Focal Person from each school will follow up with the student for transferring the credit hours on the transcript and responsible for ensuring that students apply on the SFS to get credits transferred on their transcript. Once it is done, the focal person will update the status of approved courses along with checking the grades criteria and the transcript from the host university on SFS and also follow up with the Examinations Department for transferring the credit hours. Students need to constantly keep in touch with the focal person to get the credit hours transferred.

Not necessarily. If you are able to complete your courses and the required credit hours, then you may graduate in time.

As an exchange student, you are bound to return to your home university upon the completion of the exchange semester. A complete degree transfer is not allowed.

It depends on program to program. Funding details are also specified within the description of each program that is emailed to the students. Some opportunities may be fully-funded, some partially-funded and others self-funded.

Yes. Funding from IBA depends on merit-cum-need based criteria.

It varies from program to program. Usually, a student on hundred percent aid from IBA do not have to pay tuition expenses but they must pay for their own airfare, accommodation and living expenses abroad.

Moreover, Students availing the IBA financial aid and National Talent Hunt Program (NTHP) scholarship or any other scholarship must get the availability of their finances checked from their donors to avoid any problems regarding the finances.

Note: If all credits hours studied at the other university are not transferred into the final transcript of the IBA Karachi due to the academic policies, then it may take some more time to complete the degree and it may increase the duration of your studies at the IBA Karachi. This must be communicated with the donors of the scholarship and/or NTHP team before applying into the program.

A Financial Assistance Form, which can be accessed through the SFS Portal, needs to be completed. An acceptance letter or screenshot of the acceptance email is required in order to verify participation in the program. The case is discussed with the committee and the student is informed accordingly.

If you still cannot find the answer to your question, please visit IRC office housed in the Office of Student Affairs, Room number 2, Fauji Foundation Building, IBA Karachi from Monday to Friday between 11:00 am to 4:00 pm or write to us at internationaloffice@iba.edu.pk.