Where can I go on exchange?

Well, basically anywhere! There isn't a continent you can't go (well okay, except Antarctica), and there are long-term, short-term and complete exchange experiences available.

We have the following options for you when you want to go on exchange:

One or two sessions at a partner university

UTS has exchange partner agreements (opens an external site) with more than 240 universities in over 40 countries. You can often study one, or two sessions at the partner university, depending on the partner uni and what your course allows you to do. Explore our partner database to find out more about the universities available.

Short-term overseas partner programs

Would you like to study overseas, but is a session away too long or expensive? Many of UTS’s partner universities offer ‘for credit’ short-term academic study programs during their summer or winter periods. These programs offer great opportunities for UTS students who may find it difficult to spend an entire session of their course overseas, or who may just want to explore an interesting elective option. Check out the Global Short Programs website for more info.

Selecting units at a partner university

In case you've decided that you want to study one of two sessions at one of our partner universities, you'll need to select the subjects/units that you want to study there. To make going on exchange as convenient as possible, we advise you to use the elective part of your course for your exchange experience. That way you’ll have (far) more flexibility when it comes down to choosing the units you like at a partner university.

If you’re looking at doing core units while on exchange, you’ll need to find a direct equivalent of the subject you would else do at UTS. This can be a time-consuming process, but it’s not impossible! You need to make sure you’ve done lots of research on what’s on offer in the session you will be at the host university on exchange, and you’ll need to be reasonably sure that your UTS faculty will sign off on the overseas units as being equivalent to your UTS units.

As a guide, try to find units that offer around an 80% match to the content and learning outcomes of your UTS unit. All direct equivalents must be approved by your UTS faculty in order to be credited back to your UTS degree.

Check out the following websites to find what subjects are available at our partner universities:

While looking for more information about the subjects on offer at our partner unis, it is crucial that you also check the following:

  1. Language of instruction (is the subject taught in English?)
  2. Session/semester the subject is running (remember Northern Hemisphere seasons and academic calendars are opposite to UTS!)
  3. Does the subject have prerequisites?
  4. Is the subject available for exchange students?

If you get stuck, the Global Exchange team can point you in the right direction.

Things to consider before deciding where to go

Before you decide where you want to go on exchange, there are some things you need to consider, as they can influence your decision-making.

The kind of experience

What kind of experience you are interested in? Are you drawn to a particular language or culture? Or, do you have specific academic or travel requirements?  Previous exchange students feedback is a great source of inspiration that might help you decide on your preferred destination. To find out insider information about the student experience at specific partner universities, attend the Think Global Fair to chat with UTS students who've been there, done that. You can also check out the Think Global blog (opens an external site) for student stories or the UTS Think Global Instagram (@utsthinkglobal).

Entry requirements at partner university

Different partner universities can have different requirements. Check whether you meet the partner university's entry requirements by checking the 'restrictions' section of the partner university profile. Here you can see if they have a minimum GPA, or require completion of a certain number of credit points.

The subjects on offer

Which partner university teaches the subjects that you want and need? This will be a decisive factor in choosing your partner university if you have particular thoughts about what subjects you would like to do during your exchange. See above for more information about selecting subjects at partner universities.

Duration of the exchange

There is a one session-limit for exchange to a small number of Exchange partners. Check the 'Restrictions' section on the partner profile to check whether this applies to the university you are interested in.

Language in the classroom

You have the option to study in both English-speaking and non-English speaking countries. The majority of UTS partner universities teach in English (as well as in the native language), and many run free or inexpensive intensive language programs prior to commencing your study.

If you are studying subjects in another language than English, you are advised to attain UTS Level 8 language proficiency in that language before departure. You will also need to meet your host university’s language requirements. A specific language test or certificate (eg. DAAD for Germany) may be required. You will also need to organise and pay for any translations required by the UTS Student Centre to assess the subjects for credit toward your UTS degree.

Scholarships and financial assistance

UTS and the Australian Government offer scholarships and grants to help cover some of the costs associated with overseas study. They can be country or university-specific, so consider them when selecting your preferred partner universities. You also may be eligible to for a loan or Centrelink payments. 

Costs

Some countries and locations are more expensive than others. Detailed information about costs at each location is available in the feedback reports from previous students in CareerHub. The Global Exchange team runs an Exchange Finances Seminar each session to provide students with detailed information about costs, budget options, scholarships, and loans.

 

Made up your mind on where you want to go, and what subjects you would like to do there? Then it's time to apply!

Acknowledgement of Country

UTS acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, the Boorooberongal people of the Dharug Nation, the Bidiagal people and the Gamaygal people, upon whose ancestral lands our university stands. We would also like to pay respect to the Elders both past and present, acknowledging them as the traditional custodians of knowledge for these lands.