During your study at UNSW, why not take advantage of the some of the Learning Abroad Short Program opportunities on offer?
Did you know UNSW students may be able to spend time overseas as part of or related to their university studies, with or without academic credit, in formal or informal educational environments through a variety of our learning abroad opportunities?
As a UNSW student there are many program available through UNSW schools and faculties, or through our overseas partner institutions, networks and providers.
What opportunities are available?
Short study opportunities are promoted regularly on our Learning Abroad Notices. We recommend you Subscribe for updates via email or RSS.
What can I do?
Short programs include the following types of experiences:
Short Courses |
Specialised courses at partner institutions during in their summer and winter school programs. Courses are usually equivalent to 6 -12 units of credit, for 4-6 weeks and are fee based. In some instances, a reduction may be negotiated with our partner institutions. Credit is gained through cross-institutional credit (exchange or direct). |
Faculty led study tours |
UNSW Faculties offer a variety of opportunities for students including international study tours, practicum, studios, moots and field studies. Whilst overseas students remain enrolled in UNSW courses. Courses are usually equivalent to 6 -12 units of credit, for 4-6 weeks. |
Conferences & competitions |
Conferences may be for purposes of attendance or presenting a research paper or undertaking an international competition. These programs are not for credit with a duration of 1-2 weeks. |
Internships, Placements, Work Integrated Learning |
Students gain professional skills and workplace experience overseas while they enrol in UNSW WIL courses or undertake it as part of their industrial training requirements. The experience may be paid, unpaid or fee based (third-party providers). The duration can be from as little as 2 weeks up to 6 months. For more information see: Internships, volunteering and more learning abroad | UNSW Current Students |
Research |
UNSW students can undertake part of their honours, masters or postgraduate research abroad while still enrolled at UNSW. The duration can be up to 12 months. For more information see: UNSW Research Overseas | UNSW Current Students |
Volunteer |
Students volunteer overseas to gain an international dimension to their skills. Maybe for NGO and/or fee based if through a third-party provider. These experiences will generally be not for credit with a duration of 2 weeks – 6 months. For more information see: Internships, volunteering and more learning abroad | UNSW Current Students |
Where can I find a Short Program?
The following are just some of the locations you may be able to find more short program opportunities
Learning Abroad Notices: Short study opportunities, from our exchange partners, networks and providers are promoted regularly on our Learning Abroad Notices. We recommend that you Subscribe for updates via email or RSS.
UNSW Course Handbook: You could also consult the UNSW Handbook or your faculty website for International study tours on offer.
Third-Party Providers: UNSW has selected preferred some Third-Party Providers to assist with the delivery of learning abroad opportunities.
Costs and financial assistance
Short Programs vary greatly however as a general indication, most will require tuition fees for the courses taken plus any associated travel costs.
- Short courses and Internship fees are generally around $2,000 - $3,000 for 4-6 weeks. Some short course partner programs can offer discounts on the tuition fees, or the tuition may be waived if an exchange place is available.
- Travel expenses are usually around an additional $2,000 - $3000 depending on location and duration of the experience.
- Virtual Learning Abroad programs offer a low-cost option as there are only the program fees but no associated travel expenses.
- Financial Assistance: Scholarships, OS Help loans and travel grants may be available to support for some programs. Further information can be found on our Financial Assistance page.
For a list of available scholarships, search the UNSW Scholarships.
How to apply
The application process varies from program to program however the four stages of short programs include:
Stage 1
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Stage 2
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Stage 3
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Stage 4
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Transfer of credit
Some learning abroad short programs may be able to be counted towards your UNSW degree through credit transfer.
If you would like to receive credit, you will need to receive approval from your Program Authority.
Approval is not guaranteed and remains at the discretion of the faculty.
For more information see Receiving academic credit for your overseas short program.
Contact us
Student Testimonials

Aimee
On my last day I was sad to leave. I wish I had chosen the University of Lausanne for my actual exchange abroad!" French Summer Language course, Switzerland.

Max
The highlights of summer Uni at the University of Navarra: meeting fantastic people and being taught in small classes by interesting and prominent professors in their field.

Damian
The U21 Undergraduate Research Conference was one of the most inspiring things I have attended. Everyone was extremely passionate about their field of study. It's incredible.