Study abroad and student exchange
Each year, thousands of international students choose to study in Australia because of the excellent reputation of its education system and courses, and for the great lifestyle and travel opportunities.
Study abroad or student exchange?
Study abroad or student exchange?
Whether an international student takes part in a study abroad or exchange program depends on whether or not the student’s home university has a formal exchange agreement with the Australian institution.
In a study abroad program:
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The home university, school or college does not have a formal exchange agreement with the Australian institution.
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The student must typically take leave from their home university/school.
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Fees are usually paid upfront to the Australian institution.
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The student must work out with advisers at their home institution if they can receive credit for their study abroad subjects.
In a student exchange program:
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The home university or school has a formal exchange agreement with the Australian institution.
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The student remains enrolled at their home institution during their time in Australia.
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The student continues to pay their normal fees to their home institution (the cost to the Australian institution is part of the exchange agreement between the two institutions).
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The student must be approved and nominated for the exchange program by their home institution’s exchange coordinator.
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Credit for study in Australia typically counts towards the student’s home course as part of the exchange agreement though it is important to always check to make sure this is the case.
Courses and qualifications
Study abroad and student exchange programs normally involve completing one or two semesters of study overseas. Some or all of your results from this study are credited towards your course back home. The amount of credit transferred for studies completed in Australia varies depending on the academic system at your home university or school.
Students are usually allowed to enrol in any subjects offered by their Australian institution. Entry to some subjects, however, may be dependent on the student having fulfilled certain prerequisite subject requirements so it is important to check with academic advisers at both your home and Australian institution.
Before you commit to a study abroad or student exchange program, you should consider the following questions:
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Does my home institution give credit for subjects taken overseas?
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Am I able to count subjects taken overseas as part of my study abroad towards my major?
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Will subjects taken overseas show on my home transcript with or without a letter grade or a grade point average?
You are strongly advised to speak with your home university’s academic advisor and/or exchange coordinator for answers to any questions you may have.
Tuition costs
Students taking part in a student exchange program pay their normal fees to their home institution. Those taking part in a study abroad program will need to pay fees, usually upfront, to their Australian school or university. Fees vary depending on the course and institution. It is therefore important to discuss fees with an academic advisor at your home institution and your prospective Australian institution.
Entry requirements
You can generally apply for study abroad programs in Australia either through your home institution or directly with the Australian institution. Students taking part in an exchange program will need to first apply for approval with their home institution before applying.
To be eligible for study abroad and student exchange programs students generally need to:
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have completed a minimum of two semesters of full-time study at their home institution
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satisfy minimum academic requirements set by the Australian institution
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have satisfied any necessary subject prerequisites
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satisfy English language requirements if from a non-English speaking country.
Students may be required to fulfil a number of other application requirements such as providing academic and character references, a financial statement, and a copy of their academic results. Admission requirements differ between Australian institutions so it is important to check specific details with individual institutions before applying.
To obtain a student visa, study abroad and exchange students must be enrolled full-time at their Australian institution. The minimum commitment, one semester of study, is generally 12 to 14 weeks.