General Information
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Exchange for UTAS Students
1. Who gets to go?
You need to be accepted by UTAS and the host institution and this process can take up to 4 months. Acceptance by UTAS is based on academic merit and whether you will be seen as a good ‘ambassador’ of UTAS. Acceptance by the host institution is not guaranteed and will depend on places available, subjects and the quality of your application and documents. While you are on exchange you must abide by the rules of your visa, the host country and of the host institution so if you end up enjoying the good life and not attending classes you can be barred from classes and sent home!
International students are eligible to apply, however they cannot go home on exchange and need to check their visas and may have extra requirements in obtaining a visa to the host country.
At the time of applying you need to provide a full academic transcript for at least one year so the earliest time to go on exchange is 2nd semester of your second year program.
2. When to go and for how long?
This depends on your course and the flexibility of the course structure so speak to your Course Coordinator first. It is up to your School to approve an exchange in your final year or an Honours year as there may be special requirements and there can be no guarantee that subjects chosen at the host institution will be available for you.
The maximum time for exchange is one year. You can go for one semester and then extend if you wish but you must get approval from both UTAS and the host institution.
Remember that the northern hemisphere works on a different timetable for an academic year. First semester can begin in September and go to December and second semester can start in January or February and finish in May or June. There are variations on this in each country e.g. 3 terms rather 2 semesters, and you should carefully check this. Generally the northern hemisphere summer break runs from June to the end of August.
Postgraduate students can also go on exchange but the options may be more limited with approval from the host institution. 
3. What are the costs?
Fees - When you go on exchange to a partner institution you pay no tuition fees to the partner institution but continue to pay HECS or your full fee if you are an international student. You must remain enrolled at UTAS and also be enrolled fulltime while you are on exchange.
Some institutions will also require separate payments for the equivalent of a Student Association or other fees. These are usually fairly modest fees.
Living expenses - a rule of thumb for a 6-month/one semester exchange to cover airfares, accommodation and meals, travel, insurance, textbooks and personal expenses will be around $10,000. For some countries this is way too much and for others probably about right. Plan ahead because you want to enjoy this experience and not have to eat bread and vitamin pills for months!
Some partner institutions have made generous offers of their own scholarships to UTAS students including free accommodation or stipends. These can change from year to year.
Youth Allowance - if you are receiving Youth Allowance in Australia you will be able to receive it while overseas as well. Speak to your local Centrelink to see what the requirements are. The Study Abroad & Exchange Coordinator can provide a formal letter to Centrelink. 
4. Is there financial assistance available?
Generally a scholarship will be income tax exempt.
5. Where to go on exchange? What to study?
You can only apply for a formal exchange to an institution that has a formal agreement with Partner Institutions. If you choose to go to an institution not on this list you will need to organise your visit independently. You need to spend some time doing research yourself and speak to your Course Coordinator in your School and the Faculty Officer about requirements to keep in mind.
When deciding where to go keep in mind the following points:
- Language – many European institutions have courses in English and/or language courses you can take prior to or during semester
- Culture
- Location and Climate - don’t be scared of cold winters; snow means lots of great winter activities
- Living costs and exchange rates
- Subjects that match what you want/need to do
- Travel opportunities
Use the resources available to help in your research:
- Academic staff in your faculty
- Web pages
- Past and present exchange students
6. What about accommodation, meals and part-time work while on exchange?
Accommodation needs to be organised by you but the host institution will provide information on this when you have been accepted into the exchange program. Most institutions will have a variety of choices that include all meals supplied to self-catering. In some countries homestay is an option, for example Japan.
As a student, in most countries, you will be eligible to work part time but it may be restricted. It is wise not to go on exchange needing to work in order to live properly. This could spoil your whole international experience. Plan your finances carefully and keep an eye on exchange rates.
7. Visas, travel, health insurance
VISAS – this can take a long time so do your homework early and check with the relevant Embassy or Consulate about all the requirements. Do not apply for your visa until you have the formal letter or form from your host institution.
Students going to the USA have special requirements to get a visa which includes a compulsory trip to Melbourne for a pre-visa interview. Information on the process for the USA is available from International Services.
Generally your visa for your exchange period will cover your dates of study plus a month before and a month after but this depends on the specific country.
Travel - you are required to make your own arrangements for travel so start checking out deals and plan ahead. We advise not to purchase tickets until you have had formal approval from the host institution as you could risk loss of money or, alternatively purchase tickets that have a lot of flexibility.
Health/travel insurance - do not risk anything with the cost of health services in some countries. You may not need it all but one small illness could cost you dearly - think of a broken ankle while skiing!! Also think of travel insurance and loss of laptop or money or other items you really need while away.
Embassies in Australia
Information and application for visas can be found on each site under Consular Affairs’ or Activities or visa permits or applying for a visa.
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