Excelia
Swinburne has a student exchange arrangement with Excelia in France. Learn more about the short-term courses available during the winter break, dates, credit equivalency and how to apply.
Key information
Partner Institution: Excelia (La Rochelle Academy)
Location: Multiple locations including La Rochelle, France; Paris, France; and Florence, Italy
Dates: Dates vary depending on the course you select:
- CSR & Event Management: 19 June to 17 July 2026
- Fashion, Design & Luxury Industry: 14 June to 04 July 2026
- French Culture & Gastronomy: 21 June to 04 July 2026 (2 weeks); or 21 June to 19 July 2026 (4 weeks)
Costs: Accommodation, transportation + airfares (more information can be found below)
Funding:
- Swinburne Abroad Travel Grants (TBC)
- A$8,442 OS-HELP Loans available for eligible students (as at 2026)
Application deadline: 06 March 2026
Overview
Immerse yourself into the culture of France (and a bit of Italy) in only 2 - 4 weeks, where you'll be studying as an exchange student at our partner university, Excelia, main location in La Rochelle, France. It'll be a unique opportunity for you to fill your winter break with memories of delicious French food, historical architecture and the peaceful coastal atmosphere of La Rochelle, all whilst gaining academic credit.
All courses are taught in English (except for French Culture & Gastronomy) by teachers who are experts in their fields and include cultural excursions and company visits while you work towards gaining credit for your Swinburne degree. These programs attract students from diverse backgrounds, creating a multicultural learning environment. This global exposure will allow you to broaden your perspectives, share ideas, and collaborate with peers from various cultures and countries!
Courses offered
Please refer to Excelia's 2026 summer brochure for details on the courses, itinerary and accommodation options.
Students may choose from one of the following courses:
CSR & Event Management (La Rochelle, France)
Courses are taught entirely in English by faculty members who are experts in their respective fields. You will have the opportunity to learn how to implement the various CSR components on a practical level, through innovative case studies related to sustainable development. You will therefore acquire the key competencies to be able to develop a sustainable and ethical project in a specific business sector.
Fashion, Design & Luxury Industry Management (France/Italy)
This summer course provides an in-depth overview of the fashion, design and luxury industry sectors in France and Italy, and the diverse management policies and practices associated to each of them. Through in-class work and visits to brands and local entities, students will discover a very practical business perspective with a full immersion in both countries.
This course brings students to discover this fascinating industry in 3 cities: La Rochelle & Paris in France, and Florence, Italy.
Note: this program starts during the last week of our exam/final assessment period.
French Language Culture & Gastronomy (La Rochelle, France)
La Rochelle has maintained its architectural heritage, making it one of the most picturesque and historically rich cities on the Atlantic coast. It is renowned for its delicious fish and seafood cuisine, and you will discover a wealth of dishes made with sea salt from the Ile de Ré, local mussels, world-famous Cognac, and Pineau des Charentes!
Sightseeing trips will be organised to enable you to experience the extensive history and culture: a tour of La Rochelle city and its Towers, the food market with its local products, 1 entry ticket for the annual Francofolies French music festival, oenology & wine tasting workshops, cooking classes, visit to a salt producer, visit to a Cognac and Pineau des Charentes producer, etc.
Note: students studying this course will be expected to have knowledge in French. A2/B1 to C2 level (CEFRL) is expected. However, students may be able to complete this course with beginner knowledge of French. You have the choice between 2 weeks or 4 weeks of classes.
Eligibility criteria
To apply for this program, students must:
- be enrolled into an Undergraduate degree
- meet the overseas exchange program eligibility requirements
- meet any pre-requisites listed by the host institution and for the courses you choose
- have studied at least 1 year in your degree
Academic credit
You are able to take this program as credit for one or two of your elective units. Alternatively, you may be able to use one core unit for this program, subject to approval from your Course Director.
- CSR & Event Management: 12 ECTS earned
- Fashion, Design & Luxury Industry: 9 ECTS earned
- French Culture & Gastronomy/Sports: 6 ECTS earned (2 weeks); or 12 ECTS earned (4 weeks)
Credit equivalence
6 - 9 ECTS = 12.5 CP (1 unit) at Swinburne
12 ECTS = 25 CP (1 unit) at Swinburne
Costs
Program cost varies depending on the course you choose
The program cost will vary depending on your chosen course/program. It mainly includes payment for your accommodation, and possibly some activities, and transportation for the activities, for the duration of the program. However, you may have the choice of obtaining your own accommodation or choosing accommodation offered by Excelia (recommended).
Corporate Social Responsibility & Event Management: 800€ - 1900€ (approx. A$1,370- A$3,300)
Fashion, Design & Luxury Industry: 1200€ - 1950€ (approx. A$2,050- A$3,300)
French Language Culture & Gastronomy: 550€ for 2 weeks (approx. A$950) or 950€ - 1850€ for 4 weeks (approx. A$1,600- A$3,200)
Please refer to Excelia's 2026 summer brochure for a breakdown of the costs and accommodation per program.
Note: Tuition fees to the host university are waived for students completing a short-term exchange program at one of our partner universities. You will continue to pay your regular tuition fees to Swinburne while you are on the program. There may be other program costs incurred outside of tuition fees, including living expenses, airfares, and visas (if applicable).
Program costs are accurate as of the latest website update and may be subject to change.
More information about Excelia
Visit Excelia's website for more information on their short-term Summer program and the courses offered.
Read Excelia's brochure for in-depth information about their courses and program itineraries.
Funding
Funding your overseas journey may be easier than you think
Swinburne Abroad Travel Grants
This program may have Swinburne Abroad Travel Grants available (to be confirmed).
This grant can help offset travel and living expenses for your overseas internship and are available to both Domestic and International UG or PG students. Students can apply for a grant as part of the application process.
OS-HELP Loan
Eligible Australian students can also apply for an Australian Government OS-HELP Loan of up to A$10,130 as at 2026 (depending on your program destination) to help cover costs associated with your overseas program.
For more information on overseas program funding and eligibility, see Fee Help and Scholarships.
Application
Students must first apply to Swinburne Abroad following the short-term exchange application process. Applications will be assessed on a rolling basis.
Final application deadline: 06 March 2026
Has this program sparked your interest?
If you'd like to learn more, register your interest to attend an upcoming information session.
Alternatively, you can contact us at exchange@swinburne.edu.au or +61 3 9214 5926.