Overseas exchange
Experience an opportunity like no other when you study an overseas exchange program at a partner university. Explore a new culture, live like a local and make new friends — all while continuing your academic progress towards your degree back home.
Enrich your studies with an exchange
Step out of your comfort zone and embrace the opportunity to study overseas at one of Swinburne's esteemed partner universities around the globe.
Studying on exchange offers an unparalleled opportunity for personal and academic growth. It's not just about attending classes in a new environment; it's about immersing yourself in a different culture, embracing new perspectives, and challenging yourself in ways you never imagined.
Whether you're dreaming of studying in the heart of Europe, the bustling streets of Asia, the picturesque landscapes of North America, or unique destinations off the beaten path, we've got you covered!
Eligibility
To be eligible for an overseas exchange program, you must meet the following criteria at the time of application:
- be enrolled in an undergraduate or postgraduate course at Swinburne
- have completed 50 credit points in your current program at the time you submit the application for exchange (not including any exemptions or RPL). If you want to study at Swinburne Sarawak, you may submit your application before completing 50 credit points but must complete 50 credit points before commencing your exchange.
- have achieved a minimum academic average of 60%. Please contact a Swinburne Abroad adviser if you fall below this.
Note: International students studying at Swinburne are eligible for the exchange program but you may need to comply with additional conditions of the host university.
Application deadlines
31 July 2025
For a semester exchange in Semester 1 2026
31 January 2025
For a semester exchange in Semester 2 2025
September - October 2024
For short-term exchange during Summer term 2024/25
Information session
It is compulsory to attend or watch a recording of an information session to begin your exchange application. You'll learn more about the exchange program including how to apply, deadlines, eligibility, available funding and more. To attend, register your interest here, where you can find details about upcoming information sessions.
Funding
Want to know how you can afford it? There are a number of scholarships, grants and funding available to help with the costs of an Overseas Exchange. See our Fee Help and Scholarships page for more information.
Semester exchange program at a partner university
Partner universities are foreign institutions with which Swinburne has a student exchange agreement with.
Students can choose to study for one or two semesters at one of our partner universities around the world.
Browse our partner universities by using our webpage or the interactive map, listed by region, to gather information about semester dates, credit equivalence, resources and courses available for exchange students.
Note: No extra tuition fees are applied when you study overseas on exchange at a partner university, you will just be required to pay your normal Swinburne tuiton fees for the semester/s.
Our partner universities may have additional requirements that you will need to meet, including a higher minimum academic average. We recommend that you check the website of your preferred host university to check their admissions requirements.
Upon acceptance to the exchange program, you will need to pay a non-refundable Student Exchange Program fee of $100 or $50 depending on your program.
Semester exchange destinations
There are many countries you can choose from for a semester exchange program. Swinburne has partner universities in all corners of the world, so whether you want to explore the cobblestone streets of Europe, experience U.S. college campus life or jump deep into the tastes and sounds of Asia, you’ll find a partner university to suit you.
Study abroad program at a non-partner university
Swinburne Abroad is not currently offering independent study abroad programs at universities that do not have a student exchange agreement with Swinburne.
Want to study at Swinburne's own Sarawak campus?
Swinburne has a campus in Sarawak, Malaysia, where students can enjoy an inter-campus experience or attend winter term in Borneo.
Swinburne student, Sam, on exchange at Luleå University, Sweden
Frequently asked questions
There are two main types of exchange programs: semester-long exchanges and short-term exchanges (during winter or summer breaks).
As an exchange student overseas, you will:
- study overseas at one of our partner universities around the world for 1-2 semesters or 2-6 weeks
- take approved units from your Swinburne degree abroad and receive academic credit
- remain enrolled at Swinburne during your exchange program and continue to pay regular tuition fees
- immerse yourself into the local culture, meet new friends and network
- expand your knowledge in specific subjects or fields of study
Note: Exchange students do not pay tuition fees to their host university.
Studying abroad is a unique opportunity you may not get again after graduation.
Participating in an exchange program offers students an experience that extends far beyond the confines of a traditional classroom, offering various benefits:
- Firsthand experience of a different culture, where you'll develop cultural sensitivity and global awareness
- Grow your independence and learn how to live in a new country
- Take advantage of this opportunity and explore new regions- travel to nearby countries during breaks
- Improve language skills through immersion or language classes
- Grow your studies through different academic perspectives and teaching methods
- Learn new and interesting fields that you can't study here at Swinburne
- Establish connections with students, faculty, and professionals from diverse backgrounds.
- Highlight skills gained from navigating a new academic and social environment
During an exchange program, the range of subjects and courses available for study is vast and depends on the host institution's offerings.
Academic credit
The units you study at your host university will be credited back towards your Swinburne degree based on your approved exchange study plan.
You can choose to utilise your core units or unmatched elective units and study these at a partner university instead. You can explore disciplines that align with your current studies or utilise your unmatched elective units to broaden your horisons by delving into new or interesting fields.
Study area
Our partner institutions provide a range of courses. Some courses may be open to students from any study area. However, some partner's may have limited offerings for exchange students or be limited to specific disciplines or schools.
Be sure to explore the opportunities available to you as a Swinburne exchange student by visiting our list of partner universities.
Some partner institutions also offer language courses or unique classes specific to the local culture or region; for example, Japanese Social Culture, Bordeaux Wines and Food Tourism, Painting and Sculpture or Introduction to Culinary Arts classes - which is incredible!
Language of instruction
Many of our partner universities offer a variety of courses in taught in English.
However, with some universities, English-taught classes may be limited and courses might be taught entirely in the local language. It is essential that you check for any any language requirements when researching your partner university and, if necessary, take language courses or proficiency tests to meet the academic requirements.
GPA or study requirements
The partner may have their own eligibility requirements for exchange students, which may include GPA requirements, proficient knowledge in your studies, a portfolio, and more. Please ensure you read through the partner's page on our website carefully, as well as visit their website for incoming exchange students.
Research
Decide which program and partner university will suit your studies and goals. Some partner universities may accept students from any study area, while others may only be available to specific study areas or schools.
Complete your exchange study plan
Look into the units you want to study at your first partner university preference. Using your study plan document, match them to your units at Swinburne to receive academic credit.
Submit your online application
Upload your study plan document and submit your final online application before the deadline.
More information on the application steps can be found on our apply page.
Wait for your application to be assessed
Applications for the Semester Exchange program will be assessed after the deadline. Short-term exchange applications will be assessed on a rolling basis.
Receive an offer
Ensure you keep an eye on your inbox for an email from us!
If successful, you will receive an offer into the Swinburne Abroad Overseas Exchange program.
Accept your offer
After you receive an offer, you'll need to accept it. You must ensure you accept your offer by following the steps outlined in the offer within a week or two.
Delays in accepting your offer may result in your application not moving forward. Accepting promptly shows your commitment and helps things move smoothly to the next steps.
Receive your partner allocation
After acceptance, Swinburne Abroad will work on allocating students to their host university. This is a complicated process and could take weeks.
We will always try to place you at your first preference, but there are various factors as to why we may not be able to, including limited places, study area or language restrictions, GPA, etc. Therefore, you need to ensure you put careful consideration into choosing your second and third preference as back-up options.
We get it, studying abroad can be quite expensive.
Fortunately, funding your overseas journey may be easier than you think! As a Swinburne student, there are several scholarships and funding opportunities available to help you participate in an Exchange program.
Swinburne Abroad Travel Grant
There are a range of grants offered by Swinburne Abroad to students undertaking an overseas experience. This grant offers funding that ranges from A$1,000 - $5,000 for exchange students.
New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant
The New Colombo Plan (NCP) Mobility Program provides funding for Australian undergraduate students to participate in semester-based or short-term overseas program across the Indo-Pacific region. These grants typically range from A$5,000 - $7,000.
Cheung Kong Travel Grant
The Destination Australia Cheung Kong Exchange Program offer scholarship opportunities for outbound Australian students and inbound students from select Asian countries. These grants typically range from A$5,000 - $8,000.
OS-HELP Loan
Eligible Australian students can also apply for an Australian Government OS-HELP Loan of up to A$9,504 (depending on your program location) to help cover costs associated with your overseas program.
Find more information on Swinburne Abroad and Government funding and eligibility by visiting fee help and scholarships.
Partner university scholarships
Some partner universities may also offer their own scholarships for incoming exchange students. Check out their websites for information on any funding or scholarships you may be able to apply for.
Other Swinburne central scholarships
It's possible to receive more than one grant or scholarship at a time. There may be other scholarships offered by Swinburne that you could be eligible for. Check out other Swinburne scholarships.
Short-term exchange destinations
Our short-term exchange programs offer you the opportunity to immerse yourself in a foreign culture for a brief yet intensive period, typically ranging from 2-6 weeks. You'll complete one or more short courses at one of our partner universities located around the world in Europe, Asia, or the Americas.
A select number of short-term exchange programs are available over the Summer (December - February) and Winter (June - July) breaks. Have a look below to see what programs are currently running.
-
Tecnologico de Monterrey
Speed 4 weeks living in Mexico., and earn academic credit while you do it! In this program, you’ll learn Spanish language and and enrich your experience by choosing to explore Mexican culture in depth or learn about doing business in Mexico.
Frequently asked questions
There are two main types of exchange programs: semester-long exchanges and short-term exchanges (during winter or summer breaks).
As an exchange student overseas, you will:
- study overseas at one of our partner universities around the world for 1-2 semesters or 2-6 weeks
- take approved units from your Swinburne degree abroad and receive academic credit
- remain enrolled at Swinburne during your exchange program and continue to pay regular tuition fees
- immerse yourself into the local culture, meet new friends and network
- expand your knowledge in specific subjects or fields of study
Note: Exchange students do not pay tuition fees to their host university.
Studying abroad is a unique opportunity you may not get again after graduation.
Participating in an exchange program offers students an experience that extends far beyond the confines of a traditional classroom, offering various benefits:
- Firsthand experience of a different culture, where you'll develop cultural sensitivity and global awareness
- Grow your independence and learn how to live in a new country
- Take advantage of this opportunity and explore new regions- travel to nearby countries during breaks
- Improve language skills through immersion or language classes
- Grow your studies through different academic perspectives and teaching methods
- Learn new and interesting fields that you can't study here at Swinburne
- Establish connections with students, faculty, and professionals from diverse backgrounds.
- Highlight skills gained from navigating a new academic and social environment
During an exchange program, the range of subjects and courses available for study is vast and depends on the host institution's offerings.
Academic credit
The units you study at your host university will be credited back towards your Swinburne degree based on your approved exchange study plan.
You can choose to utilise your core units or unmatched elective units and study these at a partner university instead. You can explore disciplines that align with your current studies or utilise your unmatched elective units to broaden your horisons by delving into new or interesting fields.
Study area
Our partner institutions provide a range of courses. Some courses may be open to students from any study area. However, some partner's may have limited offerings for exchange students or be limited to specific disciplines or schools.
Be sure to explore the opportunities available to you as a Swinburne exchange student by visiting our list of partner universities.
Some partner institutions also offer language courses or unique classes specific to the local culture or region; for example, Japanese Social Culture, Bordeaux Wines and Food Tourism, Painting and Sculpture or Introduction to Culinary Arts classes - which is incredible!
Language of instruction
Many of our partner universities offer a variety of courses in taught in English.
However, with some universities, English-taught classes may be limited and courses might be taught entirely in the local language. It is essential that you check for any any language requirements when researching your partner university and, if necessary, take language courses or proficiency tests to meet the academic requirements.
GPA or study requirements
The partner may have their own eligibility requirements for exchange students, which may include GPA requirements, proficient knowledge in your studies, a portfolio, and more. Please ensure you read through the partner's page on our website carefully, as well as visit their website for incoming exchange students.
Research
Decide which program and partner university will suit your studies and goals. Some partner universities may accept students from any study area, while others may only be available to specific study areas or schools.
Complete your exchange study plan
Look into the units you want to study at your first partner university preference. Using your study plan document, match them to your units at Swinburne to receive academic credit.
Submit your online application
Upload your study plan document and submit your final online application before the deadline.
More information on the application steps can be found on our apply page.
Wait for your application to be assessed
Applications for the Semester Exchange program will be assessed after the deadline. Short-term exchange applications will be assessed on a rolling basis.
Receive an offer
Ensure you keep an eye on your inbox for an email from us!
If successful, you will receive an offer into the Swinburne Abroad Overseas Exchange program.
Accept your offer
After you receive an offer, you'll need to accept it. You must ensure you accept your offer by following the steps outlined in the offer within a week or two.
Delays in accepting your offer may result in your application not moving forward. Accepting promptly shows your commitment and helps things move smoothly to the next steps.
Receive your partner allocation
After acceptance, Swinburne Abroad will work on allocating students to their host university. This is a complicated process and could take weeks.
We will always try to place you at your first preference, but there are various factors as to why we may not be able to, including limited places, study area or language restrictions, GPA, etc. Therefore, you need to ensure you put careful consideration into choosing your second and third preference as back-up options.
We get it, studying abroad can be quite expensive.
Fortunately, funding your overseas journey may be easier than you think! As a Swinburne student, there are several scholarships and funding opportunities available to help you participate in an Exchange program.
Swinburne Abroad Travel Grant
There are a range of grants offered by Swinburne Abroad to students undertaking an overseas experience. This grant offers funding that ranges from A$1,000 - 7,000 for exchange students.
New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant
The New Colombo Plan (NCP) Mobility Program provides funding for Australian undergraduate students to participate in semester-based or short-term overseas program across the Indo-Pacific region. These grants typically range from A$5,000 - 7,000.
Cheung Kong Travel Grant
The Destination Australia Cheung Kong Exchange Program offer scholarship opportunities for outbound Australian students and inbound students from select Asian countries.
OS-HELP Loan
Eligible Australian students can also apply for an Australian Government OS-HELP Loan of up to A$8,817 (depending on your program location) to help cover costs associated with your overseas program.
Find more information on Swinburne Abroad and Government funding and eligibility by visiting fee help and scholarships.
Partner university scholarships
Some partner universities may also offer their own scholarships for incoming exchange students. Check out their websites for information on any funding or scholarships you may be able to apply for.
Other Swinburne central scholarships
It's possible to receive more than one grant or scholarship at a time. There may be other scholarships offered by Swinburne that you could be eligible for. Check out other Swinburne scholarships.
Ready to study overseas on exchange?
Broaden your horizons, immerse yourself in a foreign culture and take the opportunity to gain unique experience, all while continuing your academic progress.