Each semester the LLM Programs welcome a small number of exchange students from several partner institutions around the world. Semester exchange students are eligible to take classes at the law school with other LLM and JD students. The credits will be able to transfer back to the home institution. This program is only open to students from schools with existing signed partnership agreements with American University Washington College of Law. Students must meet the minimum criteria for admission as explained in the partnership agreement and must be a current student in good standing. The Semester Exchange Program will only accept applications from students who are nominated by the home institution's study abroad office. Please contact your study abroad office directly for details and instructions on applying to the Semester Exchange Program.
How to Apply
Please apply through our online application portal. In addition to the application form, you will need to upload the following required application materials:
Visa Information
The last two pages of the Semester Exchange application contain the Certificate of Finances for International Students (CFIS) form. This form and financial documents are mandatory so the law school can request a DS-2019 for the J-1 exchange student visa. If a student will not require a visa, this form is not necessary. NOTE: the law school cannot request the DS-2019 until the student has been admitted by the faculty review committee.
Program Costs
All students are required to demonstrate financial ability to pay for at least one semester of tuition, fees, and living expenses before American University can issue an immigration document. The International Student & Scholar Scholar Services (ISSS) office creates a cost guide each March for the upcoming academic year. Please use the current Semester Exchange Cost Guide for planning purposes. The cost of tuition generally increases between 3-6% each year.
Applying to the LL.M. Program
Semester Exchange students may be eligible to transfer up to 12 credits from the Semester Exchange program to the full LLM degree at American University Washington College of Law. Please contact the Office of Graduate Admissions with questions about this option as specific visa regulations and bar exam limitations may apply.
