The International Student Exchange Program (ISEP) is a network of over 300 member institutions in 50 countries cooperating to provide access to international exchange programs and overseas study for their students. UTS has joined ISEP as a member to facilitate a wider range of opportunities for students. For full details and a list of the exciting ISEP exchange member universities and their programs, visit the ISEP website (opens an external site).
ISEP Exchange operates on a consortium basis where any student from a member institution may apply for exchange at any other participating member institution. ISEP Exchange involves a pre-paid package of accommodation and meals (19 meals per week). As with any exchange, you receive a tuition fee waiver at the host institution.
Funding your ISEP exchange
If you are interested in ISEP Exchange, we strongly suggest that you carefully budget and plan. Remember you need to make the payment for the accommodation and meals package before you leave UTS. Options to help you fund your exchange with ISEP include:
- OS-HELP – many students apply for an OS-HELP loan to fund their exchange. See the OS-HELP page for the most up-to-date information regarding loan amounts and eligibility.
How to apply for ISEP Exchange
- Register for the Global Exchange Program on CareerHub
- Read the full program details on the ISEP website (opens an external site). Ensure you have a broad understanding of the ISEP program before applying.*
- Make an appointment to discuss your interest in applying for ISEP with one of our exchange program staff to make sure you understand the requirements, and how you intend to budget for the trip. During this meeting you will also discuss the ISEP Application Form, which you must submit together with your Global Exchange Application Form.**
- Complete and lodge the Global Exchange Application Form and the ISEP Application Form together by the due date.
*ISEP is best suited to students with elective subject options.
**Note: ISEP must be listed as the first preference on your Global Exchange Application.
Details and conditions about nomination to the ISEP Exchange Program
ISEP and the host university determine acceptances through their internal selection processes. UTS cannot guarantee your place at any particular ISEP member university. However, both UTS and ISEP will assist you with your application to help you find a suitable placement to meet your study needs and preferences.
If you are nominated to go on exchange with ISEP, UTS will ask you to complete the ‘UTS-ISEP Program Financial Commitment and Declaration Form’. At this point, you will also be asked to demonstrate evidence of your detailed financial plan and resources to fund the ISEP exchange.
ISEP charges applicants a non-refundable administration fee for application processing. When you return your UTS Exchange Acceptance Form you will be required to pay a $1000 deposit to confirm your commitment to your ISEP place.
When you receive your Participant Placement Acceptance form (PPAF) from ISEP, granting you a place at one of their universities, you will be required to pay the remaining balance to UTS. If you do not pay this at this stage, your ISEP exchange will be terminated. UTS will not provide you the ISEP offer and visa documentation needed for your exchange until you have paid the balance in full.
If you wish to cancel, you must give UTS at least two months’ notice from the date of the payment of the deposit, otherwise your $1000 deposit may be forfeited. This must be done before paying the balance for the program. The refund of the deposit only applies before the ISEP Program Fee (balance) has been paid.
For more information please contact the Exchange team.