Cornell University is a private university located in Ithaca, New York (USA). It is one of America's prestigious Ivy League institutions, a partner of the State University of New York, and a statutory land-grant research university. Founded in 1865, Cornell has been described as the first truly American university because of its founders' revolutionarily egalitarian and practical vision of higher education, and is dedicated to its land-grant mission of outreach and public service. Cornell is a leader in public engagement with a focus on community-based initiatives; students have many ways and opportunities to get involved.
Consult Cornell on QS World Rankings to learn more about Cornell’s current world ranking and academic reputation in different subject areas. Exchange students who attend Cornell tend to be among the top of their class in their respective institutions.
Ithaca, NY, home to Cornell University and Ithaca College, is one of the best known and best loved “college towns” in the USA. Students make up a sizable portion of the population and even have a mini commercial district on the edge of campus. Located in the Finger Lakes region in the middle of the state of New York, Ithaca draws tourists to its waterfalls and gorges, its wineries, its restaurants, and hiking trails. A small city in a rural part of the state, Ithaca is known for its engaged citizens, cooperative ventures, and an emerging start-up sector. Put simply, students find plenty of ways to be active beyond the classroom and campus whether in the community or out in nature.
The level of competitiveness (Less competitive * / Competitive ** / Very competitive ***) refers to one's chances of being allocated an exchange space at this partner. This is an approximation determined by the number of applications received for this destination during the last academic year versus the total number of exchange spaces available to Queen Mary students.
Exchange students accepted at Cornell will be admitted into a major in the college or unit participating in the exchange. It is expected that students applying to the exchange program will be interested in taking the majority of their classes in this college or unit. Enrollment in classes in other colleges at Cornell is possible but cannot be guaranteed. Only students in business degree programs can apply to the Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management or the Nolan School of Hotel Administration as their Home College.
Graduate degree programs and professional colleges and schools (Law, Veterinary Medicine, SC Johnson College of Business, Cornell Tech, Weill Cornell Medical School) are not included in undergraduate exchange agreements.
Exchange students will be permitted to enroll in any course for which they are qualified, subject to meeting admission requirements, prerequisites, and timetable and capacity constraints at Cornell. However, there are specific academic restrictions to bear in mind:
Course catalogue: Course descriptions can be accessed through the Courses of Study. If viewing before the upcoming year’s Courses of Study is published, use the most current version of the Courses of Study. Normally the course descriptions will indicate if they are to run in the following year. Actual course availability and class times are NOT listed in the Courses of Study. This information is listed in the Class Roster. Note: the class roster for the appropriate semester may not be available at the time the student completes their application.
Cornell Library: Cornell University has a world-class research library with extensive print and digital resources in support of teaching, learning, and research along with popular study areas for individuals and groups.
Learning Strategies Center: The LSC provides academic support, including supplemental instruction for specific courses and peer tutoring.
Students need to take 14-16 credits per semester (most courses are 3-4 credits), and if staying for a full academic year, a total of 30 credits across both semesters.
Find out more about credit transfer and grade conversions.
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Housing is limited and not guaranteed for exchange students.
Important: Upon nomination to Cornell, students are encouraged to begin researching housing immediately. However, students should not commit to housing (financially or otherwise) until they have received admission notification from Cornell and have secured a visa appointment.
Cornell University offers many dining plan options for students who want to have a full or partial meal plan. Restaurants and groceries are available in the Collegetown neighborhood next to campus and by bus.
Please consult the estimated minimum and maximum cost of living figures for this destination country available in our “Estimated Costs of Living” document available on our Finance page.
As for Cornell specifically, exchange students do not pay Cornell tuition, but are responsible for charges that will be billed through the Cornell Bursar system.
For a breakdown of expenses, visit Cost to Attend (and subtract tuition as this is not applicable to exchange students). This includes an estimate of additional costs payable by the student, including housing, meals, books and personal expenses. Spending varies greatly according to personal habits and choices.
Cornell Health provides a wide range of health care services (see page for international students and new students). The Mental Health website contains information on mental health programming, services, systems, and strategies, and invites engagement from all members of the Cornell community.
Cornell Health is also the home to the Student Disability Services Office (SDS). In order for students to get the most out of their exchange at Cornell, it is best for students to inform their home university’s exchange officials and relevant Cornell colleagues early regarding any academic or physical accommodations that may be needed.
Cornell University has 24/7 Emergency Response with multiple units able to respond to different emergency situations, most notably the Cornell Police (+1 607-255-1111). Cornell has special resources for Sexual Harassment and Assault – Response and Education (SHARE).
Cornell organises new student orientation programmes that all incoming students are expected to attend. More information on general Cornell orientation for undergraduates can be found here.
Exchange students are eligible to participate in a wide range of general campus activities. The Office of Global Learning offers supplemental programming throughout the year including informal coffee talks, visits to natural areas, and holiday meals.
Cornell offers many ways to get involved through student groups, club sports, community service, and more. Cornell is famous for its student clubs. With 1,000 student clubs across the university, there is something for everyone.
Cornell’s emphasis on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is a focus of the Dean of Student’s Office and multiple resource centers including the Asian & Asian American Resource Center, the LGBT Resource Center, the Multicultural Student Leadership Empowerment, the Women’s Resource Center, and the Office of Spirituality and Meaning Making. Many affinity groups and clubs exist.
Recreational Services encompasses the Cornell Fitness Centers, Helen Newman Bowling Center, and Intramural Sports. Visit Hours & Facilities page for more information. Cornell Outdoor Education is the largest collegiate outdoor ed program in the country. From the Lindseth Climbing Center, to outdoor physical education classes, a team-building and leadership center, and courses in Wilderness First Aid, COE offers a perfect complement to one’s studies in Ithaca.