How to apply for student exchange

Spending a semester or two of your degree overseas on exchange is a big decision. The more research that you do, the clearer your decision and the stronger your application will become.

Exchange Application deadlines

There are two application deadlines each year:

For exchange in Session 1 the deadline is end of May of the previous year.
For exchange in Session 2 the deadline is mid October of the previous year.

Late applications incur a $100 late fee and may not be accepted

Advice on international opportunities

Global Education & Student Exchange
Level 2 of East Wing, Red Centre,
Phone: +61 2 9385 7276
Fax: +61 2 9385 5927
Email: intex@unsw.edu.au

Start planning early. It takes nine months from lodging your exchange application to enrolling at the host university, so be sure to allow sufficient time. Expect to spend about 6 weeks prior to the application deadline researching your exchange options.

We recommend that you start researching eight to twelve universities, and narrow them down to six preferences as you continue your research. You need to be prepared to go on exchange to any one of these six universities.

Our primary means of communicating with you is via your UNSW email account. Please activate it now.

The exchange program is competitive and it is important to be flexible with your preferences. Your options may be limited unless you have a credit average.

The application process

We recommend you follow the steps below to ensure your exchange application is complete:

1. Download and read the Global Education and Student Exchange Guide

2. Register to:

Attend an Information session (optional)
Access the Student Exchange online tutorial (compulsory)

3. Complete the online tutorial and download your application pack. Check the exchange deadlines.

4. Your exchange application logon details are emailed to you after you complete the tutorial. Logon and start your online exchange application.

5. Select and research your exchange partner universities. You need 6 university preferences. It is important all 6 preferences have sufficient courses on offer.

6. Book an appointment with an Exchange Adviser to discuss your exchange. There may be courses restrictions or partner university requirements.

7. Prepare your course approval forms. Talk to your faculty and seek course approval for your first preference university. If you are nominated to another preference you will be asked to repeat this process for your nominated university.

8. Pay the application fee at the Cashier’s Office

9. Complete and submit your online application. Print a copy and sign the declaration section and prepare your supporting documents.

10. Make a copy of your completed application for your records.

11. Lodge your exchange application with supporting documents at the Global Education Office by the deadline.

Selection and Nomination

1. After the application deadline, the Student Exchange Committee assesses all applications.

2. The Global Education Office contacts partner universities about how many students they can take on exchange. While we aim to nominate you to your top preferences, sometimes there are more students than places available and you may be nominated to one of your lower preferences.

3. Selection for exchange is primarily based on academic merit; however response statements, extra-curricular activities and proposed courses are also taken into consideration. Many universities limit the type of courses students can take and this can impact on where we can nominate students.

4. You will be informed about your nomination for exchange approximately 8 weeks after the application deadline. If there are any problems an adviser will contact you to discuss your options.

5. Application details for the partner university are emailed to you after nomination. COFA, FBE and Music students may need to provide a portfolio when applying to the partner university. As many universities use this portfolio to determine eligibility for their studio based courses it is important to submit a strong portfolio. Check the partner university website for portfolio requirements if this applies to you.

6. The final decision on whether you are accepted lies with the partner university. You need to meet the admission standards of the partner university even if you have been nominated by the Global Education Office.

7. It takes several months before you receive notification from the partner that you have been accepted. You should not plan to travel prior to receiving your acceptance pack.