Incoming Exchange Students

Interested in Spending a Semester or Academic Year at Mercer University?

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Incoming Exchange Students

Welcome to Mercer!

Aerial view of Mercer University's campus. We are thrilled that you are interested in becoming a part of our campus community for the upcoming semester or academic year! Mercer University’s network of exchange partnerships spans across 17 diverse universities, welcoming students from all corners of the globe. As a highly acclaimed institution, Mercer offers an ideal setting for exchange programs.

Two exchange students posing on top of the Administration Building on Mercer's campus. Our exchange students can look forward to smaller class sizes, with an average of 24 students per class, ensuring a more personalized educational experience. Additionally, they will have the opportunity to participate in over 160 diverse student organizations. This immersive experience will encompass studying, living, dining, and socializing with new friends within the picturesque confines of an American college campus. 

The J-1 Exchange Visa Program category of College and University Students enables students to study at a Mercer University, a U.S. degree-granting post-secondary accredited academic institution, participating in a non-degree program.

Mercer University is proud to welcome and support the achievements of J-1 exchange students from our partner institutions:

Al Akhawayn University
Bamberg University
Hong Kong Baptist University
Jagiellonian University
Kansai Gaidai University
Kyungpook National University
Linnaeus University
Nottingham University
Seinan Gakuin University
Universidad de Belgrano
Universidad Francisco de Vitoria
Universidad San Francisco de Quito
University of Aizu
University of Chichester
University of Essex
University of Nottingham
University of Seoul
University of Strasbourg
University of Sussex
University of the West of Scotland
Yonsei University

When applying to Mercer University for an exchange program, students are required to submit a list of preferred courses they hope to take. Useful resources for selecting courses include Mercer’s Course Catalog, which provides detailed course descriptions, and the Real-Time Schedule of Classes, which indicates the courses actually being offered for a specific semester.

Our office will facilitate the registration of exchange students for classes based on the course preferences submitted with their application. We cannot guarantee spots in every desired course, but our office will work diligently in securing exchange students a spot in their preferred courses. Courses span the entire semester.

We advise exchange students to consult with their home university for guidance when selecting courses at Mercer University. For additional advice about courses at Mercer University, please contact Caroline Mason (mason_cm@mercer.edu).

Exchange students will be accommodated in Mercer University’s on-campus housing, primarily in Mercer Hall or the Garden Apartments. Each student will have their own room and will share common spaces with suitemates of the same gender, typically American students. Rooms are assigned based on availability, and rates differ across residence halls.

Alternatively, exchange students can opt for housing in one of the 4 Loft locations, all conveniently located a very short walk from campus. The Lofts are exclusively for Mercer University students and offer individual bedrooms and bathrooms. Each unit includes a shared living area and kitchen for 2-3 students. The rates vary for the different Loft locations. To view more information and photos of the Lofts, visit the following link and navigate to the bottom of the webpage.

With questions about housing, please contact Caroline Mason (mason_cm@mercer.edu).

At Mercer, all exchange students are automatically enrolled in a meal plan. The meal plan options and prices vary depending on the number of credits a student has from their home university. Students 21 years old and up are exempt from a meal plan but are welcome to have one if they choose.

On campus, students have a wide variety of dining options. There are 2 main cafeterias as well as a variety of restaurants.

With questions about dining at Mercer, please contact Caroline Mason (mason_cm@mercer.edu).

Exchange students at Mercer University can look forward to a vibrant campus life with ample opportunities beyond academics. With over 160 student organizations, there are numerous ways to engage and connect with peers. Mercer students are committed to community service, offering various avenues to contribute to the local community.

Mercer boasts a lively athletic scene, featuring Division I sports teams and free admission to games for all students. Exchange students often embrace the chance to participate in intramural sports, providing opportunities for friendly competition and trying new sports.

The U.S. Department of State mandates that J-1 Exchange Visitors in the United States demonstrate adequate English proficiency for daily functioning. Similarly, Mercer University requires English language competency to ensure academic success. If English is not your native language, official test scores must be provided to demonstrate proficiency for higher education.

English Language Proficiency Test Scores

Frequently Asked Questions!

Where is Mercer University located?

Mercer’s campus for undergraduate students is located in Macon, Georgia in the southeastern United States.

What international airport is closest to campus?

The Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the closest international airport to Mercer University. It is approximately 90 minutes north of Mercer’s Macon campus. New exchange students will be picked up from the airport by Mercer staff when they arrive to the US.

What is Mercer’s campus like?

Most students find that they can walk across campus in about 15 minutes, surrounded by a mix of historic buildings, modern facilities, and abundant green spaces. Check out this interactive campus map to explore campus!

What is the process to get a J-1 visa?

Once you have been accepted to the exchange program at Mercer, we will assist you with attaining a J-1 visa. Applying for a J-1 Visa

How do I get my DS-2019 from Mercer?

Once you are accepted to Mercer University for the exchange program, we will send you your DS-2019.

How do I make a payment to Mercer University?

Students are able to access their bill for the semester on their MyMercer portal. By the first day of class, students are required to have paid their bill in full OR signed up for a payment plan. A payment plan will allow students to make smaller monthly payments. To sign up for a payment plan, students must have a US bank account. To pay the bill in full, Mercer is able to accept payments from international bank accounts through Flywire.