Princeton Exchange
Princeton is a world-renowned research university in New Jersey, USA and a member of the Ivy League. It was established in 1746 and is the fourth oldest college in the United States. There are over 1,100 faculty members – of which several are recipients of a Nobel prize. The student body consists of approximately 5,000 undergraduate students and 2,500 graduate students.The ratio of students to teachers is 6 to 1, and even lecture courses average just 30 to 40 students.
Undergraduate students studying Biochemistry, Engineering Science, History and Physics & Philosophy can apply to study abroad at Princeton. The timings and lengths of the exchanges, as well as application deadlines, vary by department so please refer to your faculty/department websites for details.
Please see below for more information on:
Travel grants
A travel grant of £1,500 is available for Oxford students spending one semester at Princeton and £2,500 is available for those spending the full academic year at Princeton as part of the undergraduate exchange. This is to assist with the additional costs that will be incurred. Students chosen by their Departments to take part in this exchange will be contacted about the travel grant by the Study Abroad Administrator at the beginning of the summer preceding the exchange.
Tuition fees
As part of the exchange agreement, you will be required to continue to pay Oxford tuition fees at the normal rate whilst you are in Princeton, but you will not be liable to pay tuition fees at Princeton. This is because your tuition fees at Oxford will be used to cover the cost of the tuition fees for the incoming student, and vice versa.
If you are normally entitled to a tuition fee loan, or government and university maintenance support, you will still be entitled to this during your studies at Princeton.
Accommodation
All successful applicants for the Princeton exchange are offered accommodation either at one of the six residential colleges, or in University accommodation, which is also on campus. 98% of all undergraduates live on campus at Princeton. Like Oxford colleges, Princeton residential colleges provide pastoral care, as well as dining halls, common rooms, academic spaces and arts and entertainment resources, although precepts and lectures normally take place centrally.
You will be responsible for paying rent for your accommodation and all your meals while at Princeton. Room costs at Princeton are roughly comparable to most Oxford Colleges although you may find that living costs are higher due to the board rate that is charged.
Other costs
You must ensure that you have the appropriate visa before going on the exchange. This will cost around $200. Since obtaining a visa for a year of study in the USA has become substantially more time-consuming than it used to be, please be prepared to start the process immediately after your selection for participation in the program is announced and to be diligent in getting it on time. Information is available on the US Embassy in London website.
You must also undertake to be fully covered for medical emergencies. Princeton offers health insurance of their own (the Student Health Plan) for approximately $1850 for the full year.
Information for Princeton students
Information is provided for undergraduates and graduates coming to Oxford on the Princeton website.
Visa and immigration information is available on the Oxford website. You are responsible for applying for entry clearance. If you are coming to Oxford for less than 6 months, you can enter the UK through the Student Visitor route, though you should ensure that you are aware of the restrictions of this route. If you are coming to the UK for more than 6 months, you must apply for a Tier 4 (General) Student visa. Your Oxford College will prepare a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) number for you. Please contact us if you are unsure.