Don’t be afraid to extend yourself by studying in a non-English-speaking country. Most of our partner universities offer classes taught in English where you will meet lots of people from across the globe who also don’t speak the local language. If you’re keen to learn a new language, some universities also offer introductory language lessons.

Eligibility

To be eligible for an overseas exchange program, you must meet the following criteria:

  • 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
  • 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

The application deadlines for all countries are:
 

31 July 2024

For a semester exchange in Semester 1 2025

31 January 2024

For a semester exchange in Semester 2 2024

February - March 2024

For short-term exchange during Winter term 2024

Note: Application deadlines for Short-term Exchange will differ based on each program. 

Information session

We recommend all students attend or watch a recording of our information session. To attend, please 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.

Where can I go?

Swinburne offers both semester-length and short-term exchange programs. Explore the following options to find the program that best suits you.

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

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

A select number of short-term exchange programs are available over the summer and winter breaks. Have a look below to see what programs are currently running.

  • CCTV headquarters in Beijing China

    Beijing Institute of Technology

    Delve into the realms of science and engineering at one of China's top-ranking institutions, Beijing Institute of Technology, as you study there for 3 weeks. Seize this opportunity to broaden your horizons, expand your knowledge, and immerse yourself into incredible Chinese cuisine, culture and architecture!

  • Image of a bridge over a river in Paris, France.

    ESSCA School of Management

    Explore France or Budapest, Hungary for 3-4 weeks and earn academic credit when you apply for short-term exchange to our partner university, ESSCA School of Management. 

  • Towers and old port of La Rochelle, France

    Excelia

    Grab a taste of France over 2-4 short weeks as you study and earn academic credit during your Winter break.

  • Cityscape of the Victoria Harbour region of Hong Kong during a magical sunset

    Hong Kong Baptist University

    Embark on this short-term exchange to Hong Kong Baptist University, renowned for their academic excellence and vibrant campus community. You'll immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of Hong Kong for 4 weeks, exploring all that Hong Kong has to offer!

  • Image of Gardens by the bay in Singapore

    Nanyang Technological University

    Discover the beauty and heat of Singapore and earn academic credit when you apply for short-term exchange to our partner university, Nanyang Technological University.

  • School of Management Fribourg

    Discover our four-week short-term exchange program at the School of Management Fribourg in Switzerland. Explore breath-taking scenery as you take your first steps in becoming an innovative and successful business leader.

  • Skyline of Seoul, South Korea

    Sungkyunkwan University

    Unlock a world of possibilities this winter and study at Sungkyunkwan University for 4 weeks. You'll immerse yourself in the incredible culture, food and shopping of Seoul as you attend classes and forge lifelong connections with fellow students from around the globe.

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.

Apply now