Exchange agreements by the University of Texas at Austin and foreign universities are governed by a combination Texas State law, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Rules, and University of Texas at Austin policies. The format of the exchange agreement has been prescribed by the UT System Board of Regents.

Texas Education Code

In brief, the Texas Education Code § 54.060. Resident of Bordering State or Nation or Participant in Student Exchange Program: Tuition, states "(c) The coordinating board by rule shall establish a program with the United Mexican States and with Canada for the exchange of students and shall establish programs with other nations for the exchange of students to the extent practicable……"

Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Rules

After that legislation was passed, THECB rules were written to govern the exchange of students. The following is an edited version of those rules (full set of rules ):

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Rules: Chapter 21, Subchapter AA

RECIPROCAL EDUCATIONAL EXCHANGE PROGRAM Sections 21.901-11

Purpose: The purpose of the reciprocal educational exchange program is to enable Texas students of participating institutions to afford to participate in exchange programs with foreign institutions in order to help them better understand the culture, language, needs, and expectations of other nations of the world and the State of Texas.

Definitions: (4) Full-time Enrollment or Study -- For undergraduates, the equivalent of at least 12 semester credit hours per semester or as defined by the institution. For graduates, the equivalent of at least 9 semester credit hours per semester or as defined by the institution.

Eligible Institutions: An institution eligible to participate in the exchange program must:

(1) be a public or private degree-granting institution of higher education located in a nation other than the United States whose programs have recognition of official validity; or (2) be a public institution of higher education in Texas; and 3) designate a program officer who will be responsible for all transactions relating to the exchange program.

Eligible Participants: A person is eligible to participate in the exchange program if he/she: (1) has been enrolled for one or more semesters at the originating institution; (2) is a citizen or permanent resident of a participating nation or an individual enrolled in a public institution of higher education in Texas; (3) is nominated by his/her originating institution; (4) meets the admissions requirements and any restrictive enrollment criteria of the receiving institution; and (5) enrolls or studies on a full-time basis at the receiving institution. (6) has not participated in the exchange program for more than 12 months.

Tuition Rate to be Paid: UT reciprocal agreements state that the outgoing student pays the relevant tuition at his or her own institution. In coming students do not have to pay tuition, but may need to pay nominal fees; plus they are required to carry approved health insurance.

Reciprocity: The number of units of instruction exchanged would ideally be equal in any given year. If balance is not attained in any one year and more students from other nations are participating in the program than are students from Texas, parity is to be established within a five year period.

Formula Funding: When a Reciprocal Educational Exchange Program exchange takes place, the Texas institution may request formula funding for the hours taken by foreign students attending classes in Texas. They may not request formula funding for their students who go abroad under this reciprocal exchange program.

THE PROVISIONS OF THIS CHAPTER 21, SUBCHAPTER AA, SECTION 21.906, AMENDED TO BE EFFECTIVE NOVEMBER 23, 2000 (25 TexReg 11387)

University of Texas at Austin policies and procedures

All incoming reciprocal exchange students apply directly to the Graduate and International Admissions Center like other international students. They must pay the application fee, other nominal fees that may be required, and have adequate health insurance. The maximum length of their stay as an enrolled student is 12 months, although typically, two terms is the longest, while many students enroll for only one term.

Exchange students: A student who is admitted to the University through a reciprocal exchange program is classified as a non-degree student. An exchange student may not register for more than two long-session semesters and one summer session.

Outgoing reciprocal exchange students pay their UT tuition and fees for 12 credit hours. This remains at UT for the incoming exchange student. The outgoing student also must register with UT as a reciprocal exchange student and pay a fee. This keeps them enrolled at UT during their study abroad, and allows them to access their normal financial aid package. Courses taken on reciprocal exchange programs count as in-residence credit and grades will be figured into the UT GPA.

Reciprocal exchange students from abroad who complete their time at UT may want to apply for regular UT degree program status. There are strict limitations on the amount of credit an international student is allowed to transfer to a UT degree program, if admitted. Check with the Graduate and International Admissions Center to verify the rules governing such an application.