Study Overseas while at Uni

• Why Consider Studying Abroad?
• How Exchange Programs Work
• Costs
• Dean of Science Undergraduate Exchange Scholarship
• Eligibility
• Submitting an Application
• A Student's Experience

Why Consider Studying Abroad?

Participating in the Study Abroad and Student Exchange programs is an exciting and challenging way of broadening your horizons in a new environment. You can:

• globalise your educational experience
• enhance academic opportunities that may otherwise be limited or unavailable
• establish professional and career opportunities through networking
• improve language skills and cultural understanding
• experience personal growth by developing self confidence and social skills

How Exchange Programs Work

The University of Sydney signs agreements with selected overseas universities to exchange a specific number of students each year. Over the term of the exchange agreement, the numbers of students exchanged must be equal. As an exchange student you remain enrolled full-time at the University of Sydney while you are on exchange. Therefore, you pay HECS on your enrolment and the compulsory student subscription fees. At your exchange university, a local student there also enrols full-time and pays any relevant tuition and student fees that apply at their University. This equal exchange of enrolled students who have already paid for their home university’s fees, allows the waiver of tuition fees.

Costs

While you are not required to pay tuition fees or other student administration or service fees, you will be responsible for most other costs while you are on exchange. We estimate that you will require at least AUD$10,000 for one semester to cover your living expenses and cost of air tickets, travel and health insurance, etc. Prices will vary depending on the exchange rate and cost of living in each country. More information about the cost of going on exchange.

The Dean of Science Undergraduate Exchange Scholarship

Thinking of going on exchange but worried about the cost? Not a problem. Apply for an exchange scholarship to take a load off your travel expenses! The Faculty of Science Dean's Undergraduate Exchange Scholarships are offered to undergraduate students enrolled in a Faculty of Science award course and intending to study overseas through the University of Sydney Exchange program. The Scholarships will be offered for students who are planning to go on Exchange in the July Semester 2009.
More information and application forms.

Eligibility

All students should check with the Faculty of Science to ensure there are no restrictions on their program of study before applying for the exchange. If there are none, the following eligibility criteria normally apply for the University-wide student exchange programs:

• Undergraduate students must have completed 48 credit points at the University of Sydney at the time of application (you can apply in the second semester of first year to depart in the second semester of second year). Students who have transferred from another University and received credit for previous study must have completed at least one semester of full-time (24cp) study at the University of Sydney before they can apply for the exchange program.
• You must have at least achieved a credit average (65% or higher) over your academic record at the University of Sydney and should have passed all subjects. A failure may be overlooked if you can demonstrate extenuating circumstances.
• You must be enrolled as full-time students at the University of Sydney while away on exchange taking classes that will count as credit towards your normal Sydney enrolment i.e. you cannot study classes overseas for recreation or personal interest.

You must have sufficient funding for the exchange period.

Submitting an Application

The application deadlines are 31 May for programs commencing in the first half of 2009 and 31 October for programs commencing in the second half of 2009. Please note that the application process is quite complex and you should plan to commence the process 4 to 6 weeks before the deadline.

Laura Thomas - Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Laws

Exchange to Lund University, Sweden

“The chance to go on exchange was a brilliant experience for me. The resources at Lund are amazing. I met so many new people, and I got to discover Europe! What’s not to love?

Because I am doing a combined, five year degree at Sydney I had a bit more time in which to undertake my exchange. I studied Biochemistry and Evolutionary Genetics subjects at Lund and I got to work with Masters and PhD students there which was excellent.

My one piece of advice to students thinking about an Exchange or Study Abroad Program is: Don’t freak out too much if every single detail isn’t sorted out before you leave - the staff at either end are there to help you and it’s all part of the adventure!”