You can search for and enroll in classes using the internet-based registration system, known as “SPIRE”. Anyone can browse course offerings by semester without a UMass NetID by visiting SPIRE and clicking “Search Classes/Catalog” under the heading Catalogs & Schedules.
When searching for courses, use the following fields:
- Term (Match your term from the previous year. For example, if you’re on exchange for fall semester, choose the fall term from the previous year.)
- Course Subject
- Unmark “Show Open Classes Only”
- Session: University
You can enroll in classes offered by any open department if they satisfy the entry requirements for those courses. However, it is crucial to carefully verify that the minimum requirements and prerequisites for each course are fulfilled before proceeding with enrollment.
A "prerequisite" is a course that you must have taken prior to enrolling in a specific course or program. Many upper-level courses have prerequisites that are essential for you to successfully complete such advanced coursework, so pay attention to the "Restrictions & Notes" section provided for each course.
You may be asked to send IPO staff syllabi of previous coursework to determine eligibility for specific courses.
Course Enrollment
Upon acceptance to the UMass Amherst International Exchange Student Program, you are assigned a course enrollment appointment and can self-enroll in classes through the SPIRE system once your appointment begins. However, additional approval and assistance are required for courses that have prerequisites or restriction notes. In this case, you can send your enrollment requests to your IPO advisor to assess course eligibility and help facilitate enrollment.
Financial Information
Once you have been nominated for the UMass Amherst International Exchange Student Program, you will receive detailed financial information about your exchange agreement with UMass Amherst, including the exact amount of funds needed to live comfortably in Amherst. You must provide proof of these funds for the DS-2019 request to secure a student visa
To better understand the expenses while studying abroad, visit the Exchange Expense Estimate Dashboard.
In addition to the expenses mentioned on the budget sheet, students also need to cover visa-related fees, such as the I-901 SEVIS Fee and the nonimmigrant visa application processing fee.
More information about visa requirements can be found under Visas and Immigration tab.
The J-1 visa category is part of the BridgeUSA Exchange Visitor Program with the Department of State. Each exchange student (and their J-2 dependents) under UMass sponsorship is issued a DS-2019 to obtain a J visa stamp at a U.S. consulate or embassy.
Requesting a DS-2019
Upon acceptance to the UMass Amherst International Exchange Student Program, you will be provided with a link to the online DS-2019 Request Form. Once your form is accepted, an electronic DS-2019 and official acceptance letter will be issued to you by email.
You will need the following documents in PDF format to complete the request:
- Passport scan
- Scans of previous visa documents (if applicable)
- Proof of English Language Proficiency
- Financial documentation such as an official bank statement detailing the bank name, account holder name, date and available balance.
- Financial sponsor form
- Required if you are using another person’s financial statements as your financial documentation.
Additional Resources
Undergraduate Students
UMass Amherst guarantees housing for undergraduate exchange students in accordance with instructions from Residential Life.
Residence Halls
UMass Amherst on-campus housing is spread across six residential areas. Each area is made up of several residence halls (often referred to as “dorms”). Click on the links below to explore the residential areas open to international exchange students.
Central - North Apartments - Northeast - Orchard Hill - Southwest - Sylvan
Most students live with another UMass student in double rooms, but certain residence halls offer the option to live alone in a single room subject to availability and at a higher cost. All residence halls include high-speed Internet and fee-based laundry machines. For ideas and suggestions about what items to bring with you from home, visit the Residential Life website.
Break Housing
The campus closes during break periods, and “break housing” halls are the only residential spaces that remain open during Thanksgiving, Winter and Spring Breaks. There is an additional cost to live in these halls.
Living & Learning and Defined Residential Communities
For undergraduate students interested in special housing options, such as living and learning communities, break housing, and single-sex housing, please visit the Special Housing options website.
Eating on Campus
Students living on campus are required to have a meal plan and are automatically enrolled in the Unlimited 250 Plan (with the exception of students living in apartment-style student housing, which are self-catered). The Unlimited 250 Plan allows students unlimited access to all four campus dining commons. Students can make changes to their meal plan in SPIRE at any point before the end of the Add/Drop period.
For information about the various residential meal plans, visit the UMass Meal Plan website. Students can update or add to their meal plan by following these instructions in SPIRE.
Graduate Students
UMass Amherst offers graduate student housing at the Fieldstone housing complex. However, most graduate students choose to live off-campus.
The Off-Campus Student Center maintains a searchable rental database where students can find housing in apartment communities and neighborhoods in Amherst and towns nearby.
In addition, students can search the list of local apartment complexes, current rental rates, and other housing resources here.
For information about the various residential and non-residential meal plans, visit the UMass Meal Plan website. Students can update or add to their meal plan by following these instructions in SPIRE.