Incoming Exchange Students

Confirm your Rider enrollment on your Be a Bronc applicant dashboard. No deposit required.

Please allow up to three business days for your enrollment to be processed. Once finalized, you may complete the remaining steps.

Your Rider Key is your username and password that grants access to myRider, the wireless network (nowires), Canvas, public computer labs and other electronic resources. Your myRider portal is a personalized hub for campus resources and services. 

To activate your Rider accounts:

• Visit myrider.rider.edu
• For first-time visitors: 
  • Click "Claim Your RIDER KEY" and enter your Bronc ID, last name, and date of birth. 
  • Set up your password and security questions.
  • Please allow up to five minutes after claiming the RIDER KEY before logging into myRider.
• To log-in: Enter your domain username (e.g., username@rider.edu) and Rider Key password.

Watch this video to learn how to claim your Rider Key and access the myRider portal.

* You can find your Bronc ID in email communication titled "Claim your Rider Key" and on your Be a Bronc applicant dashboard.

If you have any questions about claiming your Rider Key, please contact the Technology Help Desk at 609-219-3000. 

Tips for setting up your myRider portal:

• Use Google Chrome on a PC, Mac, or tablet (not recommended on a mobile phone).
• Do not use dashes, slashes, or spaces, when entering the birthday information.
• Need help? Visit: Rider Key Account Help.

All exchange students are required to live on campus. To secure on-campus housing at Rider University, you must first submit your non-refundable housing deposit in your myRider portal.

Your deposit will be processed within three business days, after which you can access the Housing Portal. There, you can complete your housing application, find or pair with roommates for standard housing, and select your meal plan.

Rider University provides students with Gmail accounts. Your Rider email password is the same as your Rider Key password.

• Go to gmail.rider.edu. 
• Log in using your Rider Key username and password. 
• Start checking your Rider email frequently! All future University communications will be sent to your Rider email. 

Learn more:

• Policy: Rider Email as Official Communication

In order to apply for a J-1 student visa, you must obtain a Form DS-2019. If you have not already done so, please submit the following materials in your Be-A-Bronc applicant dashboard. 

• Documentation showing readily available funding for your full exchange term (savings/checking account statement, loan letter, etc.) If you are studying for one semester, you must show USD 11,835. If you are studying for one full year, you must show USD 23,670. 
• International Student Supplement Form (available on application checklist)
• Copy of your passport

More information on the J-1 visa application process can be found below under "Applying for a student visa". 

Complete the Financial Agreement:

You will not be cleared to register for courses until the financial agreement is accepted.

1. Log into myRider and select the Student tab.
2. Under "Registration Tools", click on "Financial Agreement to Register".
3. Click “Financial Agreement". This link will bring up the page containing Rider’s Financial Agreement.
4. Review the Financial Agreement to Register form.
5. Review the agreement, then choose:
   1. “I agree to the terms & conditions” → Confirmation message appears, and you're all set.
   2. “I disagree” → You will be redirected and unable to enroll.

To register for classes, please reach out to Terri Marriott, the Credit Evaluation Coordinator for the Office of Admission, at marriott@rider.edu. She will meet with you to discuss your course options. 

All students are required to have an ID photo for your University ID card. You can submit your photo online. Please review the photo guidelines and step-by-step instructions.

Submit your required health forms on the Healthy Broncs portal. 

If you will be visiting campus and taking classes in-person, you must complete the student immunization requirements. Students in fully online programs are exempt. Students may be considered for medical or religious-based exemptions provided they submit their requests by the published deadline. For questions related to your health requirements, please contact the Student Health Center.

Deadlines:

• Fall start term: July 15
• Spring start term: January 15

Watch this video to learn how to upload your health documentation.

Rider University requires all students enrolled to provide immunization records prior to taking classes and/or moving on campus. Information regarding medical and religious exemptions can be found on the Student Health Center website. Exemptions must be submitted via the Healthy Broncs portal.

The Pre-Arrival Guide for incoming international students includes important information on information sessions, airport pickups, and new student orientation. You should also be monitoring your Rider email inbox closely for important communications on enrollment steps. 

Complete the online nonimmigrant visa application, Form DS-160 and print the application form confirmation page to bring to your interview. You will also need to supply a 2x2 photograph. See the required photo format explained in nonimmigrant photograph requirements.

Learn more about completing the DS-160.

As per recently expanded social media screening requirements for visa applications, applicants must list all of their social media websites in the Form DS-160 and adjust social media profile privacy settings to “public” (as of June 18, 2025). 

You should schedule a visa interview appointment at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country where you live. Please be sure to apply for your visa as soon as possible as appointment wait times may be lengthy, depending on the embassy or consulate. View a list of global visa wait times.

Pay the I-901 SEVIS fee online at FMJfee.com. at least 3 business days prior to your visa interview. The I-901 SEVIS fee payment does not have to be completed until you appear for the interview. However, you should allow at least three business days for the payment to be received and verified.

Prepare the following documents before your visa interview. 

• Passport valid for travel to the United States - Your passport must be valid for at least six months after your period of stay in the United States (unless allowed by country-specific agreements)
• Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page
• I-901 SEVIS payment confirmation receipt
• Application fee payment receipt, if you are required to pay before your interview.
• Photo – You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160
• Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status, Form DS-2019
   

Other recommended documents to bring are your financial documents, Rider acceptance letter, and any other documentation supporting your exchange program. 
 

During your interview, a consular officer will determine whether you are qualified to receive an exchange visitor visa. You must establish that you meet the requirements under U.S. law to receive a visa. 

After your visa interview, the consular officer may determine that your application requires further administrative processing. The consular officer will inform you if this is required.

Here are some helpful tips to remember when applying for your student visa. 

If your visa is denied, you are able to apply again. Here is further information on visa denials and information on reapplying.