Semester exchange | UniSC | University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia

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Semester exchange

Travel overseas for a semester or two at a partner institution. It's an amazing way to see the world, experience a new culture, learn, and gain confidence. You'll remain enrolled as a UniSC student, and pay tuition at UniSC. While overseas you study courses that may be credited towards your UniSC degree and those offered in English.

Eligibility

You can apply for a student exchange if you:

  • are 18 years of age before the commencement of your travel, 
  • are enrolled in a UniSC undergraduate degree that allows you to study overseas.
    Note: you can check your eligibility under program requirements under the entry requirements tab on your program page,
  • have successfully completed eight courses at UniSC before you commence your travel, 
  • have a minimum GPA of 4.5 (or minimum GPA requirement of 5.0 for Japanese In-country language studies), and 
  • return to UniSC with at least one course remaining to complete your degree.
People smiling in front of Nagoya Castle

 

Partner institutions

Choose your study destination. UniSC has reciprocal exchange arrangements with more than 70 partner institutions throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia.

Austria

Approximate semester dates: March–June, October–January
Language of instruction: English, German
Full-time study load: 26-30 ECTS per semester
Currency: Euro
Embassy: Austrian Embassy in Australia

Czech Republic

Approximate semester dates: February–May, September–December
Language of instruction: English, Czech
Full-time study load: minimum of 20 ECTS per semester
Currency: Czech Koruna
Embassy: Embassy of the Czech Republic in Australia

France

Approximate semester dates: January–May, September–January
Language of instruction: English, French
Full-time study load: 30 ECTS per semester
Currency: Euro
Embassy: Embassy of France in Australia

Germany
Germany

Approximate semester dates: February–May, August–December (varies greatly, visit institution website for exact dates)
Language of instruction: English, German
Full-time study load: 26-30 ECTS per semester
Currency: Euro
Embassy: German Embassy in Australia
Partner institutions:

Hessen Exchange Program

Under the Hessen-Queensland Program, Queensland students are offered the opportunity to study at one of several universities in Hessen. The Hessen Universities are a unique opportunity to learn interactively with a group of local and international students. Students gain experience in studying and living in Germany, whilst earning credit towards their degree.

Main areas of study: Arts, Business, Architecture, Design, Computer Science

Eligible universities within the Hessen Program

More information

Italy

Approximate semester dates: March-June, October-January
Language of instruction: English, Italian
Full-time study load: 30 Credit per semester
Currency: Euro
Embassy: Embassy of Italy in Australia

Japan
Japan

Approximate semester dates: April–July, August–December (varies greatly, visit institution website for exact dates)
Language of instruction: Japanese
Full-time study load: 16 Credits
Currency: Japanese Yen
Embassy: Japanese Embassy in Australia


In-Country Language Programs

Students taking part in an In-Country Language program will be enrolled into the relevant In-Country Language course at UniSC (eg. JPN300, JPN301) and must comply with the requirements of the course outline. Any questions regarding the course should be directed to the relevant course coordinator as written on the course outline.

Netherlands

Approximate semester dates: January–June, August–December
Language of instruction: English, Dutch
Full-time study load: 30 ECTS per semester
Currency: Euro
Embassy: Embassy of Netherlands in Australia

Norway

Approximate semester dates: January–June, August–December
Language of instruction: English, Norwegian
Full-time study load: 30 ECTS per semester
Currency: Norwegian krone
Embassy: Embassy of Norway in Australia

Spain

Approximate semester dates: January–May, October–December
Language of instruction: English, Spanish
Full-time study load: 30 ECTS per semester
Currency: Euro
Embassy: Embassy of Spain in Australia

Sweden

Approximate semester dates: January–June, September–January
Language of instruction: English, Swedish
Full-time study load: 30 ECTS per semester
Currency: Swedish Kronor
Embassy: Embassy of Sweden in Australia

Switzerland

Approximate semester dates: February–May, September–January
Language of instruction: English, German
Full-time study load: 24-30 ECTS per semester
Currency: Swiss franc
Embassy: Embassy of Switzerland in Australia

 

Funding and scholarships

When you study on exchange you pay fees as per UniSC's program fees but there's funding support available. Explore these opportunities and discuss them when you meet with your consultant.

Ernst Mach Grant for studying at an Austrian University

Are you interested in studying at University of Applied Sciences Vienna in semester 2, 2025 or semester 1, 2026? Students who are may apply for the Ernst Mach Grant, awarded by the Austrian Agency for Education an Internationalisation. The monthly grant amount is worth €1,300 and will be awarded for a period of four to ten months - depending on your length of study. For the official grant information, please see here.

Government loans - OS-HELP

OS-HELP is a Commonwealth Government loan program that provides financial assistance to eligible students wishing to undertake part of their Commonwealth Supported program overseas. Learn more about OS-HELP.

Destination Australia Cheung Kong Exchange Program

Funded by the Department of Education and Training and Cheung Kong Group, this scholarship offers a single payment between $2000 to $8000 to support Australian and international undergraduate students to participate in educational exchange between undergraduate students in Australia and Asia.

Note: To be eligible, applicants must meet the funding body’s eligibility requirements. Scholarship availability is subject to change at any time.

New Colombo Plan Scholarships

The New Colombo Plan (NCP) is more than a student exchange. This signature initiative of the Australian Government includes a prestigious scholarship for Australian undergraduate students to travel in the Indo-Pacific region, including study at a host university, internship experiences, opportunities to learn the local language and network with leaders in government, business and civil society. Participants join an active alumni with opportunities extending long after travel.

How to apply

Taking the first step is easy. Just let us know you are interested. We'll be in touch to set up a consultation where we will step you through the process, and give you all the information you need to get set to study overseas.

Expression of interest

Personal Information Collection Notice: The University of the Sunshine Coast is committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal information in a responsible and secure manner in accordance with our legal obligations under Queensland’s Information Privacy Act 2009 and other relevant laws. The university is collecting your personal information on this form to communicate with you about your enquiry. More information on the university’s privacy practices is available on our website (www.usc.edu.au/privacy). By completing this form, you are consenting to this use and disclosure.

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