Undergraduate Admission

Visiting Student Program

Each year, Brown welcomes visiting students from partner institutions both in the United States and abroad. In addition, a limited number of students enrolled as full-time degree candidates at other colleges may apply to spend one or two semesters at Brown to pursue areas of study not otherwise available to them.

Visiting Student Program

Each year, Brown welcomes visiting students from partner institutions both in the United States and abroad. In addition, a limited number of students enrolled as full-time degree candidates at other colleges may apply to spend one or two semesters at Brown to pursue areas of study not otherwise available to them.

Visiting Undergraduate Student Program

Each year, Brown welcomes visiting students from partner institutions both in the United States and abroad. In addition, a limited number of students enrolled as full-time degree candidates at other colleges may apply to spend one or two semesters at Brown to pursue areas of study not otherwise available to them.  

The Visiting Undergraduate Student Program welcomes applicants who wish to enroll in undergraduate-level academic work during the fall or spring semesters. Most Visiting Undergraduate Students hold full-time status during their time on Brown’s campus. 

This program is not intended for high school graduates who wish to spend a gap year or gap semester at Brown, nor is it intended for students who have already earned a bachelor’s degree. 

Who May Apply:

  • Current undergraduate students enrolled in a full-time degree-granting program may apply for full-time or part-time study.
  • International students must apply for full-time study, in accordance with United States immigration laws.
  • Students from Exchange Partner Institutions should consult with their program administrator prior to completing the application.

Exchange Partners for 2023-2024:

  • Chinese University of Hong Kong
  • Doshisha University, Japan
  • Ecole Polytechnique (This program will begin in the fall of 2023) 
  • Humboldt Universität, Germany
  • Keio University, Japan
  • Stockholm School of Economics, Sweden
  • Tougaloo College, Mississippi, US

Current undergraduate students meeting the criteria above are eligible for fall or spring enrollment. Students who do not meet the criteria outlined above may be eligible to enroll as special students (please see below), or as visitors through the University’s Guest Student Program, which also has a visiting student program intended for secondary school students and for college graduates. 

Please note that students applying to transfer to Brown may not apply simultaneously to both the transfer program and the visiting undergraduate student program.  

In selecting visiting students, we are particularly interested in your motivation for seeking visiting student status. You should demonstrate a strong record in all college work to date and must be able to present a specific academic reason for studying at Brown. You should be familiar with the offerings of the University and must indicate on your application the specific courses of study in which you would like to enroll.

Your decision to apply to Brown as a visiting student should be made only after you have thoroughly examined your academic and personal needs and Brown’s ability to meet them.

Please note that enrollment as a Visiting Undergraduate Student is approved on a semester-by-semester basis. Admission may be extended for a maximum of two semesters. This program is not intended for students who are planning to apply to transfer to Brown as degree candidates.  

Students must be enrolled as full time undergraduate students.

Students may apply to only one program in any given application cycle.  For example, students may not simultaneously apply as visiting students and transfer students.

Semester I - September enrollment:

  • Application Deadline: May 1
  • Notification: As soon as possible after June 1

Semester II - January enrollment:

  • Application Deadline: November 15
  • Notification:  As soon as possible after December 1

Students who are admitted to the Visiting Undergraduate Student Program may not defer their admission, but are welcome to re-apply in the semester preceding the preferred date of entry.

There is no financial assistance available from the University for visiting students, except for those in Exchange Partner programs with special financial arrangements.

Visiting students will have access to all Brown University facilities, including libraries, athletic facilities, and special lectures.

Please consult the Bursar’s website for information on tuition and required fees.

Full-time visiting students are expected to live in on-campus housing.  
Part-time visiting students will be charged tuition by the course. Housing is not guaranteed.

Please note that enrollment in some courses may require the permission of the instructor.

Step 1

Complete the online application. This will include biographical information, academic records, letters of recommendation, and an essay. Note that the fall application closes at 11:59 p.m. ET on May 1 and the spring application on November 15.  The application for the spring term will open in September, and for fall in late January.

Please ask representatives from your institution to submit the following material via email to documents@brown.edu:

  • Official transcripts for all secondary school work, as well as for all completed college courses and all courses currently in progress.
  • Score reports for any College Board tests you have taken. International applicants are also required to submit TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo test results. These may be submitted by your institution or by the testing agency.

Step 2

Request that a letter from an academic dean at your college be sent to the Office of College Admission stating the institution’s approval of your intentions as an applicant for visiting student status. This letter should also specify any special course selection necessary to meet the requirements of your college. The Dean's letter or any official documents should be sent directly by a school official by email attachment to documents@brown.edu.

Step 3

Request letters of recommendation from two of your current or former college instructors. Recommendations should be written on the instructor’s or the college’s letterhead and submitted through the link located in the application portal. If you have declared a concentration (major), one of these letters should be from your faculty adviser.

For help with technical difficulties, answers to other questions, or for more information, please contact your exchange program administrator or the Brown Admission Office at admission@brown.edu. 

SPECIAL STUDENTS

If you have graduated from secondary school and have not yet graduated from college/university, but are not currently enrolled in college, you may be eligible to apply as a special student.  Please contact the Office of College Admission to discuss your eligibility to enroll as a special student before completing the Visiting Undergraduate Student Program application.