How to Apply

1. Choose your Destination

The first step is choosing where you want to go.

To find out more:

• View a list of Swinburne's partner institutions
• Search for a partner institution by discipline or country

Taking part in the exchange program is a great way to internationalise your studies at Swinburne. The major benefit of taking your studies overseas at an exchange partner is that you do not have to pay tuition fees to the host institution. Instead, you pay your fees as usual to Swinburne.

If you do not want to study at one of our partners, you are responsible for making all your own arrangements, including credit transfer and will be required to pay overseas student fees.

You are welcome to use the Swinburne Abroad reference libraries at the Hawthorn, Prahran, and Lilydale campuses for your research.

I only speak English - does this mean I can only go to an English speaking country?

• Find the answer in our FAQ section

2. Choose your Subjects

As part of your Exchange program you are expected to do quite a lot of research into your host institution.

All our partner institutions have websites, and almost all have information online about the subjects offered. Swinburne Abroad has a reference library containing partner handbooks and other information that may be useful if you are considering Exchange. You can also speak to your faculty about how to match subjects, or even speak to a return exchange student to get helpful hints.

Swinburne Abroad are also here to help you at this stage, just make sure you have done some research into your chosen institution first.

How do I know what a full-time study load is at my host institution?

• Find the answer in our FAQ section

3. Complete your Application

• 

  Outgoing Exchange Application Form

Along with your completed application form, you also need to submit the following supporting documents.

• Proposed Study Plan Form
• Two Academic Reference Forms
• Personal Statement
• Resume
• Copy of your current passport
• Original copy of your official results certificate

4. Obtain Course Approval

Once you've got subject information about classes, you need to make an appointment to see your unit convenor or program coordinator.

You need to take details of the subjects you have selected for approval, and once approval has been granted you need to meet with your School/Divisional Administrator for further approval.

• 

  Study Plan Instructions

  This form is applicable to all Swinburne students

• 

  Proposed Study Plan Application

  This form is applicable to all Swinburne students, except those studying Design.

• 

  Proposed Study Plan Application - Design

  This form is applicable to Swinburne students who are studying Design.

5. Organise Academic References

Any Swinburne academic can complete the Academic Reference Form as long as they have taught you within your current Swinburne program.

You need to make sure the academic is willing to provide an academic reference and give them plenty of time to complete the form.

Explain your academic reasons for applying for Exchange so they are aware of your plans.

• 

  Academic Reference Form

6. Write Your Personal Statement

It is up to you what you include in your personal statement but we recommend you include your motivation for applying for Exchange, your reasons for choosing your host institution/country and what you expect to achieve while on Exchange.

All personal statements are carefully considered so it's important that you take time to put together a well thought out statement that reflects you and your goals.

7. Submit Your Application

Application to be submitted to Swinburne Abroad

Mail: Swinburne Abroad, PO Box 218, Hawthorn, VIC, 3122
In person: Swinburne Abroad office at your campus

If your application form is incomplete or missing any supporting documents, your application will be held pending. Please ensure you provide all necessary information on the application form and attach all required supporting documents.

Interviews are required in certain cases. Please contact Swinburne Abroad to find out whether you will need to be interviewed as part of the application process.

Application Deadlines

NOTE: The early deadline applies for Japan, UK, USA, Canada and some other competitive destinations. Contact Swinburne Abroad for further information.

Interview

Upon receipt of your application, Swinburne Abroad reviews your application and contacts you to arrange your interview time if you do not meet the criteria.

8. Receiving a Swinburne Offer Letter

Once Swinburne Abroad completes assessment of your exchange application, an official offer letter will be sent to you via email. You will also receive the following documents with your offer letter:

• International Study Program Agreement Form
• International Exchange Program Acceptance Form
• Consent & Release Form
• Host Institution Application Form (if applicable)

If Swinburne Abroad does not approve your application, we will contact you to explain the reasons behind the decision. You may be invited to apply again for the following semester.

9. Accepting your Offer

To accept your offer, you need to read the information included in your official offer letter. You then need to sign the forms, complete the host institution’s application form/s and return them to Swinburne Abroad by the due date stated in your offer letter.

10. Host Institution Applications

Swinburne Abroad nominates you to your host institution upon receipt of your signed International Study Program Agreement Form, International Exchange Program Acceptance Form, Consent & Release Form and host institution application documents.

It can take up to two to three months to receive your official acceptance notification from your host institution. Once you receive official acceptance letter, it is your responsibility to return any documentation directly to your host institution.