Applying for an overseas exchange

Picking a destination for a semester exchange (one or two semesters)

Step 1: Research

From our list of partner universities, research where you’d like to study and choose a suitable selection that meets your interests and study area.

Ask yourself these things:

• Which universities are located in your preferred country?
• Does the location teach courses in English?
• When are the university's semester/program dates? Are you applying for the correct period?
• Does the location have courses in your discipline? Are there limitations on which courses you can study as an exchange student?
• Do you meet GPA, language or study restrictions set by the partner university?
  
• What is the partner's exchange colour category?
   

NOTE: As part of your application, you will be asked to select your first, second and third preference universities. You need to ensure that you research the offerings at your second and third preference universities to ensure they are viable back-up options for your application.

Picking a destination for a short-term exchange (2-6 weeks)

During our Winter (June - July) and Summer (November - February) breaks, a number of short-term courses will be offered by a selection of our partner universities.

Options will be limited compared to our Semester Exchange program and a list of offerings for each intake will be confirmed in the months before the break begins. Check out our website for an updated list of programs on offer and find information regarding eligibility, available courses, dates, deadlines, and more.

Semester exchange

Different countries and universities can have very different credit systems. The credit transfer table has been designed as a guide to assist prospective overseas exchange students when completing a proposed study plan.

The main aim of this table is to ensure students are studying the equivalent of a Swinburne full-time credit load (50 or 37.5 credit points) when studying a semester at one of our partner universities by converting the academic credit systems. It should be used as a guide only. 

Short-term exchange 

The credit equivalence for Short-term Exchange programs during Winter or Summer differ from the credit transfer table for Semester Exchange.

Students will study the equivalent of 12.5 or 25 credit points when studying a Short-term Exchange program. This is considered a full-time load during the Winter and Summer term.

Each program will have the credit equivalence and the units required confirmed on their individual pages on our website.

Now that you have your proposed exchange study plan drafted, you may submit your online application before the application deadline. You will be asked to upload your exchange study plan document.

The application period for the semester exchange program will open 4 weeks prior to the deadline.

Applications for short-term exchange programs are assessed on a rolling basis, and are open until the deadline of each program. 

If your application is successful, you will receive your offer into the Swinburne Abroad overseas exchange program.

After acceptance, Swinburne Abroad will work on allocating students to their host university. This is a complicated process that may take weeks.

Note that whilst we will always try to place you at your first preference, 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.

After you accept your partner allocation, Swinburne Abroad will help guide you through the process of getting your academic study plan approved. This is to ensure your time overseas will give you the academic credit needed towards your Swinburne degree.

Swinburne Abroad will nominate you to the host institution and you will receive instructions on how to complete the host institution application.

Once your application has been submitted, the host institution will notify you on the outcome of your application, which could take weeks or months. In the odd instance that your application is rejected, we will try to place you at another university.

Your pre-departure requirements will be outlined to you by the Swinburne Abroad team before you leave for your exchange. You will be required to provide information and complete forms relating to risk management, flights, enrolment and more.

You will also need to attend a mandatory pre-departure session before you depart — this will cover lots of important information regarding your exchange program. It is also a great opportunity to meet other students who might be heading to the same country as you, or even the same university!

Note: There will be additional pre-departure requirements as part of Swinburne's risk management protocols. Students will be required to submit additional forms, work through a planning and risk assessment guide, and adhere to any and all risk management protocols. Details will be provided as you progress through your application.

After these steps are complete, Swinburne Abroad will amend your Swinburne enrolment prior to departure.

The adventure is about to begin! Pack your bags and get ready for an experience of a lifetime.

Bon voyage!

Swinburne students on a Short-term Exchange at School of Management Fribourg in Switzerland.