UWS Students studying internationally
Study Overseas with UWS!
UWS provides students studying at the University the opportunity to study overseas while enrolled in a UWS degree with the UWS International Exchange Program.
Deadline for full session /full academic year exchanges
26 July 2013 - For overseas exchange commencing in Autumn session (March semester) 2014.
10 December 2013 - For overseas exchange commencing in Spring session (July semester) 2014.
Please note: International Exchange applications received after the above dates will be considered, however priority for exchange placement and allocation of scholarship funding will be considered after all other applicants.
UWS International Exchange Program
Follow these simple steps to find out more and apply! You can also listen to the UWS Student Exchange podcast for specific information.
Step 1
Register for a UWS Exchange Program Information Session during Spring Session 2013
Step 2
Attend an information session
Step 3
Conduct further independent research about exchange destination possibilities
Step 4
Register to attend an Adviser Consultation Session (strongly encouraged) to fine tune your destination preferences. Please note students must admit an Exchange Information session first before attending an Adviser Consultation Session.
Step 5
Submit exchange application by deadline
Step 7
Notification of outcome of Exchange application
Step 1
Register for a UWS International Exchange Program information session during Autumn session 2013.
Register for an Exchange Program Information Session online.
Be sure to also check your eligibility below.
Eligibility for Exchange
For the UWS Study Abroad and Exchange Office the following eligibility criteria apply at the time of assessment:
Please note the conditions below apply to all students.
Please refer to further specific information below regarding Undergraduate, Postgraduate and UWS College Students.
- You must have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or above over your whole academic record to date.
- International students are encouraged to apply but must choose an exchange destination other than their Home Country.
- Students studying part-time are encouraged to apply, however you must be on track to be completing a minimum of 40 credits overall at the time of application.
- Whilst on exchange you must be enrolled in at least 30 UWS credit points for one semester of exchange.
- Students can undertake an exchange during their final session of study at UWS, however approval must first be checked with your Academic Course Adviser or Director of Academic Program.
- Students enrolled in an undergraduate degree can undertake up to 1 year (80 credit points) on exchange during their UWS degree. This can be taken consecutively or undertaken in different sessions.
- Session based exchanges are not currently possible if you study Nursing or Medicine. Please note Medical Science is possible. Please contact your Course Adviser for other study abroad opportunities.
Undergraduate students
- The earliest session in which you can apply is in your first session of study at UWS. You must be on track to be completing a minimum of 40 credits in that session. Please note students who have transferred from another university are welcome to apply for exchange during their first session at UWS.
Postgraduate students
- Students enrolled in a 1 year degree only must apply during their first session/quarter of study at UWS (as UWS may be able to accommodate you on exchange during your second session of your degree). Students taking units on a quarter based system through the School of Business are encouraged to apply during their first/second quarter (as UWS may be able to accommodate you on exchange during your third and fourth quarter of your degree).
- Students enrolled in a 1.5 year degree or more are also strongly encouraged to apply during their first session of study at UWS. Students taking units on a quarter system through the School of Business are encouraged to apply during their first/second quarter (as UWS may be able to accommodate you on exchange during your third and fourth quarter or at a later point in time of your degree)
UWSCollege Students
- The earliest session in which you can apply is in your first session of study at University of Western Sydney (i.e. once you have completed your full academic first year at the College). You must be on track to be completing a minimum of 40 credits in the session in which you apply at the University of Western Sydney.
Short Courses
- students interested in short courses (usually held during UWS Summer break or Winter break) are encouraged to check closely the relevant application deadline and express their interest at the Exchange Information Session as often the deadlines are outside the normal UWS advertised exchange deadline.
Step 2
Attend an Information session during Autumn session 2013. Check the Exchange Information Session schedule (PDF, 232.13 KB) for session details.
The exchange information session topics will include
- Eligibility
- Exchange Destinations - Regions and Partner Universities
- Basics of applying
- Scholarships and OS-Help Australian government loan
- Receive an application Kit
- Academic Approval information
- Accommodation
Once you have attended an Exchange Information Session, you should undertake further research into available programs in order to refine your preferred destinations. A best practice approach of how to do this will be provided at the exchange information session.
Exchange Application Kit
At the Exchange Information Session you will receive an exchange application kit and receive instructions about how to complete the below forms.
The Exchange Application Kit comprises the following:
- Main International Exchange Application Form
- Academic Study Plans (3 - one per preferenced destination)
- Academic Referee's Report (1 only)
The International Exchange Program Main Application form covers the basics of your application - personal details, exchange destination preferences, enrolment details etc. You are expected to identify and rank in order of preference, three exchange institutions.
You can complete the Main International Exchange Application Form and the Academic Study Plans in your own time, although you may find it extremely advantageous to discuss your academic study plans with your Course Adviser or Director of Academic Program, particularly if you need to meet Key Program/Core requirements for your major or are progressing towards Honours. The Academic Referee Report, however, will need to be completed in consultation with a current UWS lecturer or tutor. As this can take some time to organise, you should not leave this to the last minute.
Step 3
Conduct further independent research about exchange destination possibilities.
Step 4
Register for and attend an Adviser Consultation session (optional) if further advice is required from an Exchange Adviser.
Review the Adviser Consultation Session Schedule [PDF, 63.52 KB] (opens in a new window) and register for an Adviser Consultation session online. Please note, you need to attend an exchange information session prior to this.
Step 5
Submit Exchange application by deadline
Exchange application deadlines
You must plan early for an exchange as you need to apply one year in advance for Undergraduate exchanges. Postgraduate applicants are strongly encouraged to apply during their first session/quarter of study.
Application forms are only available at the Exchange Information Sessions.
Deadline for Short Courses Application
Short Courses - Please note students interested in short courses (usually held during UWS Summer break or Winter break) are encouraged to express their interest at the Exchange Information session as often the deadlines are outside the normal UWS advertised exchange deadline.
Step 6
The Selection Process
Assessment by University of Western Sydney
There are two stages of assessment – first, by the University of Western Sydney and the second by the host university. The University of Western Sydney assessment takes place approximately 8-12 weeks from submission. Your application will be assessed by an Exchange Adviser against the main eligibility criteria as listed in the application and against criteria specified by your preferred host university. Your first preference destination will then be assessed in comparison with other applicants, based on academic results and personal suitability. Your Academic reference will also be considered. If your first preference is not successful you will be assessed for your alternative preferences.
If your application is successful you will receive an official nomination letter to a host university from the UWS Study Abroad and Exchange office via your UWS email account in August. You will then be required to complete several more documents to finalise your nomination. This includes an Academic Approval Form for a Nominated Exchange Applicant, which is essential for confirming that you will receive credit for overseas courses at the end of your exchange.
If unsuccessful, you will be notified in writing (via email) and invited to apply for the International Exchange Program again in a later session, if appropriate.
Assessment by the host university
After nomination to a host university, you will also have to complete the overseas application procedures. This will be done in consultation with the Exchange Adviser who will inform you when the paperwork or online application becomes available and when this application is due for submission.
Preparing the application can be a lengthy process, depending on the detail required by the host university. Once your application is completed, your Exchange Adviser will forward it to the host university on your behalf.
Host universities have the final authority to accept or reject exchange applicants. Assessment time frames vary and it can take anywhere from one month to three months, once the application has been forwarded, before a response is received from the host university. You will be notified immediately of any outcome, and you are encouraged to be patient and not contact the host university during this period.
Please note that if one of your preferences was at a multi-campus university (California State University or University of North Carolina University), your final campus placement will be determined by the host university, considering your preferred campus preferences, where possible.
In rare cases, please remember that even if you are nominated by the University of Western Sydney you may be rejected by the host university. In these instances, your Exchange Adviser will help you find an alternate host university, depending on vacancies and overseas deadlines. In rare cases, it may be possible that your exchange cannot proceed despite investigating other options.
Step 7
Notification of outcome of Exchange application
Successful applicants are normally sent a letter of acceptance along with an acceptance kit which may include information about courses, accommodation, visa and immigration requirements and health insurance. Accepted students must read this material carefully and complete any documentation, as requested. In particular, you should promptly respond to course selection matters to ensure you are able to gain entrance to your approved courses. In the USA and Canada, courses often have enrolment quotas and can fill up several months prior to the start of each semester.
Closer to your departure, you will be invited to attend a compulsory Pre-departure session which will provide you with the last-minute information you will need to have a successful exchange experience. Sessions are normally held in June/July for those going overseas during Spring session and November/December for those going overseas in Autumn session the following year.
