
Overseas study tours
At Swinburne, we offer exciting short-term overseas study tours that are led by experienced Swinburne faculty staff members. Our tours offer you the chance to travel to new countries, experience different cultures and learn outside of the classroom.
Swinburne Abroad program update
All in-person overseas programs have been cancelled until November 2021 (Winter and Semester 2) due to COVID-19.
Although the current climate has disrupted our normal program offerings in 2020 and 2021, Swinburne Abroad is excited to be able to offer a bespoke range of virtual overseas programs.
We plan to resume in-person overseas study programs from December 2021, pending restrictions around international travel. Our programs are being updated over the coming months, so keep checking back for the exciting opportunities that will be available.
The health and safety of our students is always our first priority and we will closely monitor the situation over the coming months to ensure that programs can run safely before proceeding.
We look forward to offering you exciting new virtual and in-person overseas programs later this year.
Our study tour programs run for two to four weeks, over the summer and winter semester breaks, and give you the opportunity to learn about industries in other countries and make a difference to the communities you visit.
Benefits of an overseas study tour
Faculty-led, overseas study tours offer incredible learning experiences that combine the adventure of travel as well as the opportunity to gain 12.5 credit points (one full unit) of academic credit.
Other benefits also include:
- You’ll get the chance to travel with a group of like-minded Swinburne students and make new friends along the way.
- Study tours are led by an experienced Swinburne academic staff member.
- Through our partners, you’ll gain unique access to companies, industry and communities around the globe.
- You’re given the chance to continue your academic progress towards your degree and see the world in the process.

Group trekking through the mountains and enjoying the sunshine
How do overseas study tours work?
Swinburne Abroad and faculty academics work together to design our range of study tours.
When you register your interest or apply for a study tour, you’ll be invited to attend an information session to give you full details about what’s involved in that particular program. You’ll be guided through the application process by our team and kept up to date from the moment you apply until your tour departs.
Pre-departure sessions packed with helpful information about your tour will be organised and you’ll get plenty of opportunities to meet the other students in your study group before you depart.
You’ll be led by your Swinburne academic for the full tour and get the unique experience of visiting companies, industry and the local communities of the cities you are in. The study tour will also give you the opportunity to gain 12.5 credit points (one full unit) of academic credit through assessment pieces and reflections from your experience — which means you’ll be progressing towards your degree whilst seeing the world at the same time!
Sound like an incredible opportunity? It is! Check out our upcoming winter and summer study tours.
Winter 2021 study tours
Our Winter 2021 in-person study tours have been cancelled due to COVID-19. Below you can see the programs we planned to run, to give you an idea of what we may run again in the future when international travel is possible. If you are interested in completing a program over the Winter break 2021, we are offering a range of virtual overseas internship programs. See more information on these programs here.
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Manufacturing and Sustainability study tour in Germany
Get direct access to leading companies in the manufacturing industry as well as explore cultural sites in Germany on this study tour.
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Law, Governance and Culture study tour in Indonesia
Immerse yourself in the legal culture of Indonesia on this tour to Jakarta and Yogyakarta, which will also introduce you to Asian legal systems generally.
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Indonesian Cultural Study Tour
Embark on an immersive cultural study tour to Indonesia with a focus on economic development, ethical tourism and environmental sustainability.
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Business for Social Impact study tour in Malaysia
Experience the inner workings of a social enterprise within Malaysia on this two-week study tour, and apply your gained knowledge to real world challenges.
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Industry Consulting Project study tour in Vietnam
Work and consult on a project for an industry client while also immersing yourself in the local culture of Vietnam for two weeks.
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Business Innovation in Asia Pacific study tour
Visit prominent institutions across Singapore and South Korea to learn about business models and processes in foreign environments, and network with students from Swinburne sister universities.
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Design study tour of Seoul, Korea
A world leader in design and innovation, take part in this postgraduate study tour of South Korea's capital, Seoul, and witness its design culture firsthand.
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Engineering in Complex Environments Study Tour in Timor Leste
Take your Engineering degree to the next level and explore the distinctive landscape of Timor Leste as part of a community-based field project full of hands-on experience.
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Swinburne Sustainability Project study tour in Vietnam
Work collaboratively with Vietnamese students to provide insights into environment and sustainability issues, while also exploring the diversity of cultures across Vietnam.
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Pollinate Fellowship Program study tour in India
Use your passion for leadership and improving lives to work on real-world engineering projects with Pollinate Energy's team in India.
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Global Design Futures Research Project, South Korea
Gain credit towards your degree plus hands-on skills in design and research, as you immerse yourself in one of the most vibrant design cultures of the world.
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Business Immersion Project, Sri Lanka
Take on a real-life industry-based project and return home with new skills, as well as experience exploring one of the most beautiful countries in Asia.
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International Media Industries, Vietnam
Experience the rapid growth and evolution of media industries and media cultures first-hand through the lens of Vietnam, where innovation is occurring at rapid speed and scale.
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Indigenous study tour in Australia: Supporting Economic Development
The Supporting Economic Development Indigenous study tour is a 14-day experience working with Aboriginal people in the Kimberley (Western Australia).
Summer 2021/2022 study tours
Want to plan ahead? Explore the programs below to see where in the world you could go over the summer semester break - programs depart between November 2021 to February 2022. Expressions of interest are now open, check out the programs below to see where in the world you could go.
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Berlin International Film Festival study tour
Join us as we travel to Germany for the world-renowned Berlin International Film Festival and get access to all film screenings. Register your interest, today.
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Business innovation in Europe study tour
Join us on a two-week study tour to Europe as we learn about the key business issues, practices and typical workplace culture found in European organisations.
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Design Centred Vietnam study tour
Discover the architectural and design changes taking place in Vietnam and visit renowned heritage sites in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh on this study tour.
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Tokyo and Kyoto games and animation study tour
Join us we visit games and animations studios in Tokyo and Kyoto that are sure to inspire budding animators and games developers. Register your interest today.
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Tomorrow’s Global Challenge – Sustainable Mumbai study tour
Explore the culture and history of Mumbai, India as well as participate in creating a sustainable future by joining this study tour.
Ready for an overseas study tour?
Find out more about how to apply for a study tour. Already know which overseas study tour you would like to attend? Register your interest below and our team can send you more details about the program you are interested in.
Funding opportunities
Planning your finances is an important part of any overseas study program. There are a number of scholarships and funding opportunities to help you as a Swinburne student participate in overseas programs. Explore the full range of fee help options and scholarships. Two of the most common options include:
Some study tour programs have Australian government mobility grant funding available. These are listed on the study tour program pages and on our Fee Help and Scholarships page.
OS-HELP is available for credit-bearing international experiences, including exchange, study tours and overseas internships.
The OS-HELP Loan is an Australian Government scheme for Australian students that provides funding for international study experiences. This loan is added to your HECS debt, which you don’t have to repay until your income reaches the minimum repayment threshold.
The maximum loan amounts in 2020 are:
- A$8,295 for destinations in the Asian region
- A$6,913 for destinations in any other region
Interested in studying abroad?
Our friendly and well-travelled Swinburne Abroad team can help answer any questions about our overseas study programs.