The Ivy Plus Exchange Scholar Program facilitates an exchange of study and research for doctoral students enrolled in participating institutions, including: University of California at Berkeley, Brown University, University of Chicago, Columbia University, Cornell University, Dartmouth College, Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology University of Pennsylvania, Princeton University, Stanford University, and Yale University.
Doctoral students who have completed one full academic year in residence, may take courses and/or conduct research at a reciprocal school for a limited time, to access educational opportunities not available at their home institution.
Ivy Plus Scholars may register for up to two classes per term and/or one thesis research subject. Registration is for a minimum of one semester at a time, and a maximum of two regular semesters and one summer. The exchange status begins at the start of a fall, spring, or summer term. It is not possible to begin exchange status part-way through a semester.
For the Exchange Scholar coming to MIT
The student must first contact the MIT faculty member, researcher, or instructor with whom they wish to conduct research or take a class to ensure that the proposed plan is feasible. Include written confirmation of their approval with your application; email is acceptable.
Applications must be submitted through the IvyPlus administrative office at the home institution. Administrative contacts are listed on page 7 of the application. Please ensure the information is complete, including funding sources.
Applications are due two months prior to the registration date at the host institution. For MIT the fall deadline is June 30, for the Spring it is November 30.
Upon arriving at MIT, Exchange Scholars must register for class and/or research credit.
The department’s representative, typically the graduate (academic) administrator, will provide logistical support. The Office of Graduate Education is also a resource.
Exchange Scholars at MIT are required to have health insurance. Existing insurance will be assessed to determine waiver eligibility only when the student arrives and registers on campus. Students are encouraged to check with their own carriers to see if their insurance meets Massachusetts requirements. For insurance related questions, please contact the MIT Student Insurance Office.
Please note: international students on a visa must contact the visa office at your home institution, as well as MIT’s International Students Office, prior to your arrival at MIT.
For the MIT student applying to the Exchange Scholar program
Complete Sections A and B of the application. International students must contact the International Students Office for authorization (failure to do so will delay your application).
Submit applications to the Office of Graduate Education where they will be reviewed and forwarded to the host institution for completion. The deadline for submission is two months prior to the registration date at the host institution. MIT students participating in the Exchange Scholar program must meet the insurance requirements at their host institution.
Terms and conditions are on the last page of the application form.
Please note, students in non-resident status are not eligible to participate in this program.
The academic experience, including taking courses or conducting research, will be registered on the academic record maintained by the student’s home institution. Please contact the host institution to determine if transcripts must be requested, as practices differ among institutions.
