Applying for an overseas exchange

Attend or watch a recording of our exchange information session. Please register your interest and the Swinburne Abroad team will send you details for the latest session.

Read the course planner for your course to make sure you are familiar with your course and the units you need to complete. Course planners contain information about:

• the core units and other units that make up your course
• the number of units you need to complete your course
• the recommended study sequence to meet course requirements.

Enter your course title and select your course start year to download your course planner.

Picking a destination for a Semester Exchange (one or two semesters)

From our list of partner universities, research where you’d like to go and choose a suitable subject selection.

Ask yourself these three things:

• Which universities are located in your preferred country?
• Does the location teach courses in English?
• Does the location have courses in your discipline?
• Is there limitations on what courses you can study based on the exchange agreement?

Note: You will be asked to select second and third preference universities as part of your application. Whilst we will try to get you a place at your first preference university, sometimes this isn’t possible for a number of reasons. You will need to make sure that you research the offerings at your second and third preference universities to make sure they also suit your course. 

Picking a destination for a Short-term Exchange (2-6 weeks)

During our Winter (June - July) and Summer (November - February) breaks, a number of short-term courses will be offered by a few of our partner universities.

Options will be limited compared to our Semester Exchange program and a list of offerings for each intake will be confirmed in the months before the break begins. Ensure you check out our website for an updated list of programs on offer.

Different countries and universities can have very different credit systems. The credit transfer table has been designed as a guide to assist prospective overseas exchange students when completing a proposed study plan.

The main aim of this table is to ensure students are studying the equivalent of a Swinburne full-time credit load (50 or 37.5 credit points) when studying a semester at one of our partner universities by converting the academic credit systems. It should be used as a guide only. 

For Short-term Exchange 

The credit equivalence for Short-term Exchange programs during Winter or Summer differ from the credit transfer table for Semester Exchange.

Students will study the equivalent of 12.5 or 25 credit points when studying a Short-term Exchange program. This is considered a full-time load during the Winter and Summer term.

Each program will have the credit equivalence and the units required confirmed on our website.

As part of your application, you are required to put together a proposed Exchange Study Plan for your first host university preference. This document is a crucial part of your application as it is used to outline the units you wish to study on Exchange and receive academic credit for.

Download and complete a proposed study plan for the exchange program you are applying for. You will be able to match and use core units or a combination of core units and electives. If you wish to receive academic credit for any core units, ensure you download and use the unit descriptions template as you complete your proposed study plan. 

Note: This document should demonstrate that you have conducted research into your first preference partner university and attempted to match your classes with consideration of your degree planner. You need to ensure that your chosen partner offers the study area/classes you need. 

Once completed, upload your exchange study plan to the online application portal in the next step.

If your application was successful, Swinburne Abroad will help guide you through the process of getting your academic study plan approved. This is to ensure your time overseas will give you the academic credit needed towards your Swinburne degree.

Swinburne Abroad will nominate you to the host institution and send you instructions on how to complete the host institution application. The host institution will notify you on the outcome. In the odd instance that your application is rejected, we will try to place you at your second or third preference.  

Your pre-departure requirements will be outlined to you by the Swinburne Abroad team before you leave for your exchange. You will be required to provide information and complete forms relating to risk management, flights, enrolment and more.

You will also need to attend a pre-departure session — this will cover lots of important information and is also a great opportunity to meet other students who might be heading to the same country as you, or even the same university!

Note: There will be additional pre-departure requirements as we return to travel with COVID-19. Students will be required to submit additional forms, work through a planning and risk assessment guide, and adhere to any and all risk management protocols. Details will be provided as you progress through your application.

After these steps are complete, Swinburne Abroad will amend your Swinburne enrolment prior to departure.

The adventure is about to begin! Pack your bags and get ready for an experience of a lifetime.

Bon voyage!

Tiger, Semester Exchange to Concordia University in Canada.