Student Exchange

You remain enrolled at UNSW in a full-time load, and, at the end of your exchange, you bring a full-time credit load back to your UNSW degree.  Exchange is also eligible for recognition on your AHEGS. 

Studying abroad on exchange may seem daunting at first, but just ask any of the students who have already returned! It's definitely worth it. To ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible, it's best to plan a year in advance as the application process takes roughly nine months from when you start until you leave for your exchange.  Make sure to take at least 4-6 weeks beforehand to research what’s out there. Figure out what it is you want out of this experience and all the opportunities available to you.

Planning ahead is key to making sure that you have enough funds while you are away on exchange! Calculate a budget for yourself according to the cost of living of your destination, and make sure that you have at least AUD$3,500 available each month for your exchange program. Do your research and plan well ahead of time so that you can make the most of your exchange experience!

Many scholarships and traineeships will continue while you are on exchange.  You should contact your sponsoring body about any conditions that may affect your application.

Tuition fees

In most cases you don't have to worry about paying for tuition fees to the host university. Instead, you will continue to pay tuition fees to UNSW for the entire exchange period. However, there may be additional fees depending on the destination of your exchange program.

In-person exchange is always a full-time workload, regardless of whether you're enrolled full-time or part-time at UNSW. For each term you are on exchange, you will be enrolled at UNSW. This determines how much tuition you are charged.

General requirements for all students

• You should have at least a credit average to apply, though some universities require higher grades. Students with less than a credit average should consult our Exchange Advisors.
• Before your exchange begins, you need at least 18 units of credit remaining in your degree.
• Your exchange must be to a UNSW partner institution.
• Where language proficiency is required, you need to have studied that language at university level for at least 2 years. You may also be eligible if you've studied the language significantly outside of university or at high school level. Some universities require you to do a language proficiency test.

Undergraduate students

• You are eligible to apply once you have completed at least 18 units of credit of your current degree at UNSW.

Honours students

• You may be eligible to apply for exchange in your honours year and you should speak to your faculty about how exchange will impact your program. Students wishing to undertake research overseas should discuss their options with their faculty.

Postgraduate coursework students

• You are eligible to apply if your degree is at least 72 units of credit in duration and you should apply in your first term at UNSW.

Postgraduate research students

• While you can't apply for student exchange, you can apply for other learning abroad opportunities.

Sponsored students

• Sponsored international students should discuss their Exchange Program with their Sponsor and ensure they are eligible to apply. 

April

• Application deadline for exchange in Term 1 of the following year.
• UNSW Scholarship applications for travel and exchange close.

September

• Application deadline for exchange in Term 3 of the following year.

When can I apply?

• If you are an undergraduate student, you can apply after completing at least 18 units of credit. This is generally from Term 3 of your first year.
• If you are an Honours student, you may be able to go on exchange in the 1st term of your Honours year. Speak to your faculty about your exchange will impact your program.
• If you are a postgraduate coursework student studying full-time in a degree of at least 72 units of credit, you need to apply in your first Term.  If you are taking 96 units of credit, you can apply in the following round.  Please consult with the Exchange Office.

Ready to apply?

1: Get started with your exchange application by completing the Student Exchange Tutorial and accessing the application form.

2: Plan which courses you want to take during your exchange and make sure that they fit your degree plan so you can still graduate on time.

3: Attend an Information Session to learn more.

4: Sign up for a digital drop-in session so you can chat with an Exchange Advisor and ask them any questions you have. Visit the Student Exchange Tutorial for further details.

5: Make sure to apply before the application deadline.

Virtual exchange is like in-person exchange without the travel or need to leave home.  It's cost-effective and you get to study remotely and connect with students within a partner university. It gives you flexibility as you can take one or two courses alongside your UNSW courses. 

You are still enrolled at UNSW according to the number of courses you study, and the credit earned is applied to your UNSW degree. You can look up the partner’s academic calendar and compare it to UNSW term dates.

You continue to pay UNSW tuition fees for each virtual exchange course, and you will be enrolled in a relevant UNSW exchange code. This determines how much tuition you are charged.

General requirements for all students

• You should have at least a credit average to be considered, though some universities require higher grades. Students with less than a credit average should consult our Exchange Advisors.
• Before your exchange begins, you need to have sufficient units of credit in your degree to transfer back your virtual exchange courses.
• Your exchange must be to a participating UNSW partner institution.
• Where language proficiency is required, you need to demonstrate you have sufficient language skills.  Some universities require you to do a language proficiency test.

Undergraduate students

• Are eligible to apply.

Honours students

• May be eligible to apply and you should speak to your faculty about how virtual exchange may impact your program. Students wishing to undertake research should discuss their options with their faculty.

Postgraduate coursework students

• Are eligible to apply and should speak to their faculty about how it may impact on your program

Postgraduate research students

• While you can't apply for virtual exchange, you can apply for other global education opportunities.

Sponsored students

• Sponsored international students should discuss their virtual exchange with their Sponsor and ensure they are eligible to apply. 

Key dates

Check out our Learning Abroad News for new opportunities as they become available. To be eligible, you must apply by the deadline and be nominated for a virtual exchange place by the UNSW Learning Abroad Office.  

Application deadlines

Virtual exchange deadlines are dependent on the partner university meaning there is a shorter lead time to in-person exchange. Applications are assessed according to the partner deadline.​

You can start your research by subscribing to the Learning Abroad News.  Think about your goals and what you hope to get out of your virtual exchange. There are lots of opportunities available!

When can I apply?

• If you are an undergraduate student, you can apply after completing at least 18 units of credit at UNSW.

• If you are an Honours student, you may be able to take an online course(s) in the 1st term of your Honours year. Speak to your faculty about how it will impact your program.

• If you are a postgraduate coursework student, you generally need to apply in your first term.  Please consult with the Exchange Office.

You should talk to your Faculty Office about getting courses approved before you apply, and you need Faculty approval to receive credit for any virtual exchange courses. Please refer to our Student Exchange Moodle tutorial for further information.

Ready to apply?

1: Get started by completing Virtual Exchange section of the Student Exchange Tutorial.

2: Plan which courses you want to take virtually and make sure they fit your degree plan so you can still graduate on time.

3: To find a program, check out our Learning Abroad News for opportunities.  Application information and deadlines are listed here. 

4: Make sure to apply by the application deadline.