Expenses
Reciprocal exchange students register at their home universities and do not pay tuition, required fees, or individual course fees to the University of Texas. At UT, all exchange students are charged an International Student Services fee, currently $51.50, each semester they register and a one time ID card fee, currently $10.00. The cost of UT student medical insurance (approximately $500 per semester) will be included on the student's fee bill after registration if you haven't provided a medical waiver.
Living expenses vary according to personal lifestyle and choice of housing. We require that students have available, in US dollars, a minimum of $4,700 for one semester programs; $9,400 for academic year (two semester) programs; and $12,500 for one-year programs (beginning in spring semester through fall semester) to meet basic expenses which include meals, housing, books, supplies, and incidentals.
A helpful way to estimate your expenses is to begin with the cost of housing you select. The amount students spend on textbooks and supplies varies according to field of study, but can range between $200-$600 per semester. If you plan to travel between semesters or on holidays, allow extra for that expense.
Exchange students are allowed to work part-time in on-campus jobs. However, students should not count on employment in computing their financial support. Campus jobs are difficult to find and low-paying. Students cannot apply for a job in advance of arrival.
Tips
You should make sure to bring enough money (cash or traveller checks) with you to be able to pay the fee bill, deposits (apartment complex, coop/dorm, energy company), housewares, etc. as long as your money from your home country hasn't been transferred. Expecially in the first couple of days you have to pay for a lot of things. A credit card with a limit might not be enough.
Regarding payments at UT, please not that UT doesn't accept VISA cards.