Content area
Frequently Asked Questions
- When will I be eligible?
- When is the best time to study overseas?
- What study options are available?
- Can I work when I'm studying overseas?
- How much money will I need?
In many institutions, undergraduate and sometimes postgraduate students are able to apply to study overseas providing they meet particular eligibility criteria. Criteria may include:
- a sound academic record, sometimes including a minimum grade point average and/or restrictions on fail grades
- your ability to represent your institution and Australia while overseas
- assessment of your motivation, ability to take initiative, communications skills, social maturity and adaptability
- completion of at least one year of study towards your course
- approval from your course convenor.
Please contact your institution’s student exchange office for more information on your institution’s eligibility requirements.
When is the best time to study overseas?
Most institutions state that the best time to go overseas during an undergraduate course is in your second year. However, most students will be required to study on exchange in specific semesters depending on their degree and many degrees have specialised final year subjects which may have to be completed.
Please contact your institution’s student exchange office and/or your course
convenor for more information on the preferred study options for a particular
course of study.
What study options are available?
Australian universities have a range of opportunities on offer for students wishing to study overseas. You might decide to participate in one of the following options which may be available at your institution:
- semester / year long exchange programs
- short courses during the summer or winter holidays
- study tours
- placements or practical training
- language courses
- business or leadership programs
- internship or volunteering experiences
- research
In making this decision you will have to factor in your financial situation
and the requirements of your degree.
Your institution’s student exchange office can provide more information on
specific study options available to you.
What study options are available?
Australian universities have a range of opportunities on offer for students wishing to study overseas. You might decide to participate in one of the following options which may be available at your institution:
- semester / year long exchange programs
- short courses during the summer or winter holidays
- study tours
- placements or practical training
- language courses
- business or leadership programs
- internship or volunteering experiences
- research
In making this decision you will have to factor in your financial situation
and the requirements of your degree.
Your institution’s student exchange office can provide more information on
the specific study options available to you.
Can I work when I'm studying overseas?
If you intend working whilst overseas you must check the guidelines of the country you intend to visit and obtain the correct visa. In some countries, international students can not work at all.
If you are only going on exchange for one semester or less it is often recommended that you concentrate on keeping up your grades as well as enjoying the social aspects of university life. Living overseas is an adjustment, so focus your energies on making the most of your time overseas.
As a general rule of thumb you will need approximately A$1,500 to A$2,000 per month for a semester or year long exchange, although it may be more in high cost countries.
You should prepare a budget appropriate to the country that you plan to study in. You should also keep an eye on the exchange rate, as costs will vary depending on the strength of the Australian dollar. There are many websites providing easy to use currency conversions.
Major expenses will include:
- Airfare (round-trip)
- Accommodation and living expenses
- Food
- Local transportation
- Health/travel insurance
- Entertainment costs