FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
for UTS students going on exchange

Who Can Apply?
What Will I Study?
Where Can I Study?
Do I need to be able to speak another language?
How Do I Know if I am Successful?
Do I Have to Enrol at UTS?
What Will it Cost?
What About Travel Arrangements?
Do I Need Health Insurance?
Where Will I Live?
Who Can I Talk to for More Information?

 

Who Can Apply?

  • Undergraduate and postgraduate students are eligible to apply although some institutions only accept either undergraduate or postgraduate students.
  • Students should have completed at least two semesters of their course before they apply for exchange. However, you should start planning early.
  • International fee-paying students may also apply.

What Will I Study?

  • The subjects that you study while on exchange will depend on what is available at the overseas institution and what stage you are at in your course.
  • The Institute for International Studies has a library of some current university handbooks and course bulletins from overseas institutions. Course information is also available by checking the website of the relevant institution.
  • You should contact the relevant academic advisor in your Faculty to get advice and gain approval for your proposed program.

 

Where Can I Study?

 

Do I need to be able to speak another language?

  • Some partner universities require fluency in a language other than English. Check details of language requirements on the list of Partner Universities.
  • UTS is expanding its partnerships with universities so that more students can experience exchange. Some of these are in countries where English is not the first language but university level teaching in English is available. These countries include Austria, Denmark, Finland, Malaysia, the Netherlands and Sweden. Check details of this on the UTS partner universities and speak to a UTS International Exchange Officer.

 

How Do I Know if I am Successful?

 

Do I Have to Enrol at UTS?

  • Exchange students must enrol and pay relevant student fees at UTS before the exchange commences. If you are going to be overseas during the enrolment period you must ensure that someone enrols for you.

 

What Will it Cost?

  • All students participating in the Student Exchange program must pay for their accommodation, living expenses and travel expenses. Exchange students do not pay tuition fees to their host institution but do pay HECS on the basis of equivalent units taken overseas. If a UTS International student goes on exchange they pay their fees to UTS.
  • You need to have funds available (and documentary proof) for airfares and other transport costs, passport, visa and departure taxes. Other expenses will include accommodation, medical insurance, textbooks, clothing and entertainment.
  • We estimate that you would need an average of AUD$10,000 for a half year but of course costs will vary from country to country and from student to student.
  • Full-time exchange students may be eligible for Austudy/Youth Allowance whilst undertaking an approved program of study.
  • You may be eligible for a UTS Student Loan but you will need to contact Student Services before you leave Sydney.



What About Travel Arrangements?

  • Travel arrangements are your responsibility. Do not make any payment towards airfares until you have received notification from the other institution that your exchange has been accepted.
  • Students participating in the Student Exchange program must have a valid passport. You will also need a student visa for entry into certain countries.
  • To obtain a student visa from the Consulate or Embassy of a foreign country you will need to present a letter of acceptance from the host institution and a valid Australian (or other) passport.
  • International fee-paying students may face delays in the issuing of a visa if there is a third country involved.
  • Students must allow ample time to obtain any required visas.



Do I Need Health Insurance?

  • UTS provides all students who have been approved by the faculty/ies for overseas study with insurance which covers a range of benefits including travel, medical and related expenses. For further information about what is covered read the UTS Insurance Manual (Word document* 208K).
  • Students can purchase additional insurance from UTS at a very reasonable cost to cover personal travel associated with their period of study.

 

Where Will I Live?

  • Accommodation for Exchange students varies from institution to institution. There may be on campus accommodation in Residence Halls or Homestay or you may have to rent an apartment off campus. Each institution has some type of housing service that will send information so that your accommodation can be organised before you leave Australia. Check the partner university's website.

 

Who Can I Talk to for More Information?

*Information sourced from UTS Institute of International Studies website, www.iis.uts.edu.au