Students must demonstrate a certain level of proficiency in English. This is usually done by taking the TOEFL iBT test, IELTS, or the Duolingo English Test. Depending on the exchange university, the score achieved must be within a specified range.

Required score per test:

• Bachelor's students:
  • TOEFL 61 - 83; at least 15 - 18 points in “Reading & Writing”
  • IELTS: 6.0 - 6.5
  • DET: 105 - 110
• Master's students:
  • TOEFL 80 - 88; at least 18 points in “Reading & Writing”
  • IELTS: 6.5 - 7.0
  • DET: 110 - 130; DET not accepted for UO at Master's level

To apply to Oregon Exchange, you must submit your available transcripts, grades, and degrees, if relevant.
Average grade requirements:

• Bachelor's students:
  • GPA (US system): 2.25 - 2.50
  • Grade average (German system): approx. 2,8 - 2,5
• Master's students:
  • GPA (US system): 2.50 - 3.00
  • Grade average (German system): approx. 2,5 - 2,0 

Unlike in Germany, the academic year in Oregon is often divided into three terms: Fall, Winter, and Spring Terms. Students can apply to study in Oregon for one, two, or three terms.

• Fall Term: End of September to mid-December
• Winter Term: January to March
• Spring Term: April to mid-July

Exceptions here are Willamette University and the Portland Northwest College of Art, which have a semester system. There students can apply for one or two semesters in Oregon. 

• Fall Semester: appx. August to December
• Spring Semester: appx. January to May

Tuition fees at universities in Oregon – and thus the most cost-intensive part of the exchange – are covered by the exchange program. Tuition fees or the Semestergebühren at the home university in Germany must still be paid. Otherwise, fees are charged by the partner university, for example for the use of campus buildings, and of course there are costs for insurance and flights, as well as general living expenses (clothing, travel, food).

In Oregon, university courses are usually listed in a “Schedule of Classes” or a “Course Catalog.” Students must take a combination of courses totaling 12 academic credits for undergraduates and 9 for graduates each semester they are in Oregon in order to be considered full-time students, with approximately 3-4 credits per course.

A few months before departure, the Oregon Study Center offers an orientation seminar where any questions about the exchange program can be answered and students can prepare for their stay abroad. Orientation seminars are also offered at the respective universities in Oregon.