Kirsty Marks "The highlight of my time at UniSA was the international exchange program. It allowed me to spend 12 months studying in Scotland, experiencing new cultures, meeting new people and travelling exciting parts of the world." |
Researching your exchange
When planning your exchange it is important that you consider the following questions:
- Which country and why?
- Which host institution and why?
- Do you meet the exchange selection criteria?
- Are the courses that you wish to take overseas offered in the study period in question?
- Do you have the pre-requisites to take those subjects?
- Is your overseas program equivalent to a full-time load at UniSA?
- Does your planned program enable you to satisfy the requirements of your degree within the normal time-period?
You will need to research the host institution and study program that suits your needs. The following information will assist you with your research.
- General information
- Selecting a destination
- Selection criteria
- Discussion with Academic Advisor/Program Manager
- Information for international students
General information
Students undertaking an international full study period exchange will continue to pay their UniSA HECS tuition fees and pay no tuition fees at the host university.
Undergraduate students
Undergraduate students wishing to apply for a full study period of exchange must attend one of our partner universities and if accepted will be enrolled in a minimum of 13.5 units and a maximum of 18 units in the UniSA exchange program.
Postgraduate students
Postgraduate students undertaking their program by coursework, wishing to apply for a full study period of exchange must attend one of our partner universities and if accepted will be enrolled in a minimum of 13.5 units and a maximum of 18 units in the UniSA exchange program.
Selecting a destination
The University of South Australia has exchange agreements with around 90 institutions worldwide. Select a country in which you would like to study and then think about the advantages and disadvantages of locations within that country. You should evaluate your language skills. Depending on your destination, you may find a lack of language skills is not an issue. Many of UniSA's exchange partners offer classes taught in English. Most importantly, to ensure that you get academic credit for your exchange studies you must make sure that the host institution you select offers an appropriate program of study.
Students considering a USA exchange partner should note that proof of approximately US$6,000 - $8000 is required at time of application to the host university. USA bound students and those travelling to Canada via the USA will be required to attend a US visa interview in Melbourne at a time designated by the US consulate.
Previously, any student wishing to exchange to France also needed to submit their visa application in person to the office of the Consulate-General of France in Sydney. This process has changed as from 1 September 2009 but can be unclear on the Embassy website. Please follow this link to apply for a student visa to France.
To find out more about the institutions listed click on the name of the institution and you will be taken directly to their website. Please do not contact the host institutions direct, if you require information that is not listed on their website ask UniSA International staff for help. You should also look up the returned student reports written by past exchange students for practical tips and suggestions. After you have narrowed your options to two or three institutions it is then time to discuss your plans with UniSA International staff and your Program Director.
UniSA's exchange partner institutions
After carefully examining the websites of UniSA's exchange partners, if you are still having trouble finding the answers to these questions you should contact UniSA International staff.
Selection criteria
UniSA International will review a student's exchange application, including their academic record, personal statement and academic reference, to assess whether or not they meet the following student exchange selection criteria:
Undergraduate students
- Grade Point Average (GPA) of 4.0 or above
- No more than 9 failed units in the program in which you are currently enrolled
- At point of application, you must have completed and passed at least 36 units of your current program. Alternatively, the 36 units can be made up from 18 units in your current program and 18 units from a previous UniSA program (credit transfer)
- Demonstrated empathy and understanding of cultural differences
- Good health or a manageable condition
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Awareness of and ability to represent UniSA as an exchange student
Postgraduate students
- Grade Point Average (GPA) of 4.0 or above
- No more than 9 failed units in the program in which you are currently enrolled
- At point of application, you must have completed at least 9 units in the program in which you are currently enrolled or alternatively completion of your undergraduate program at UniSA
- Demonstrated empathy and understanding of cultural differences
- Good health or a manageable condition
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Awareness of and ability to represent UniSA as an exchange student
Discussion with Academic Advisor/Program Director
Before you apply for the exchange program it is recommended you discuss your decision with a relevant academic staff member. You must research your options prior to meeting the staff member and bring relevant documentation with you. Ultimately your Program Director needs to approve your course selection.
Information for international students
International students studying for a University of South Australia degree can apply to go on exchange and for the student exchange travel grant. International students are not permitted to attend a host institution in their home country. The selection criteria applies to international students. Please note, international students may be required to take a TOEFL / IELTS test at their own expense to apply to some partner universities and in particular, for those in the USA.
Australian Government requirements
The Australian Government Department of Immigration and Citizenship requires the University of South Australia to provide a letter to international students undertaking an international student exchange program in another country. This letter confirms basic details about your exchange.
You must provide UniSA International with the dates of your departure from Australia and return to Australia to be included in the letter. You must then present this letter in person to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship at least 28 days before departure together with your passport.
This process will assist you in the immigration clearance process when you depart and return to Australia.
It is a requirement of the Department of Immigration and Citizenship that while on exchange you must:
- maintain full-time study
- comply with visa condition 8202 which relates to attendance and satisfactory academic performance
- comply with condition 8517 (if applicable) which requires you to maintain adequate arrangements for the education of school-aged dependants - those who are allowed to be left behind in Australia when you are outside Australia for 6 months or less