Study overseas
Immerse yourself in a different environment and grow your cultural awareness through a study abroad or exchange program. You could even receive credit towards your degree.
You’re curious. Keen to travel, explore the world – perhaps learn a new language. But you don’t want to take time off uni. The solution? Study overseas. If you’re interested in an extended stay, complete a semester (or two) at one of our international partner institutions. If a short trip is more your style, join a study tour during your summer or winter break.
Study options
The world is your (study) oyster. Where do you see yourself?
How to apply
1. Make sure you’re eligible
You must:
- have completed at least one year of full-time study at Federation
- have a GPA of 4.0 or above
- have at least one unit left to complete when you return
- enrol in full-time study while overseas.
2. Choose your destination
Look at the list of exchange partners and explore your study options. Make sure what you choose aligns with your course structure (using your electives is easiest). We recommend going on exchange in second year.
3. Research student visas
Find out what the application process is, including fees, required documents, vaccinations and deadlines.
4. Estimate the cost
Expenses will include visa fees, flights, travel and medical insurance, accommodation and living expenses.
5. Speak to your course coordinator
Discuss your exchange idea and get advice if needed.
6. Collect info about your chosen course
Review the exchange university’s website or contact the Study Abroad team if you can’t find what you need.
7. Download the exchange application form
Save the Application for Overseas Exchange Program as a PDF or print a hard copy.
8. Prepare your supporting documents
You’ll need:
- a 300 to 500–word statement explaining why you want to participate in the exchange program, your university choice, what you hope to achieve, challenges you may face, and how your exchange experience will impact your academic, personal and career goals
- two academic references from lecturers or teachers (referees can write directly onto your form or provide a separate reference letter on Federation letterhead)
- a copy of your passport
- an official transcript.
9. Complete your application
Fill out the rest of the application form.
10. Get the approval of your course coordinator
Send the application form to your course coordinator to sign.
11. Submit your application
Email your form to studyabroad@federation.edu.au
Deadlines
Applications are currently closed for 2025.
1. Choose your destination
Do some research and find an appropriate study option.
2. Research student visas
Find out what the application process is, including fees, required documents, vaccinations and deadlines.
3. Estimate the cost
Expenses will include tuition fees, visa fees, flights, travel and medical insurance, accommodation and living expenses.
4. Speak to your course coordinator
Find out whether study abroad will fit into your course structure.
5. Contact the Study Abroad team
Email studyabroad@federation.edu.au to discuss your plan and get help with the application process.
1. Choose your destination
Read about our short-term program options and discuss your preference with your course coordinator.
2. Submit your application
Follow the application process outlined in the brochure for that study tour or overseas placement.
Funding your overseas study
A Government OS-HELP loan allows you to defer your overseas study expenses, including flights, accommodation and program fees. The amount is added to your HECS-HELP debt. Find a list of eligibility criteria and the maximum amount you can borrow for a six-month study period on the Study Assist website.
To apply for an OS-HELP loan, complete the OS-HELP loan application form.
Note: OS-HELP funding is limited, so not all applicants will receive a loan.
If you receive Centrelink payments, you may be able to continue receiving support while studying abroad as part of your full-time Federation course.
The New Colombo Plan (NCP) Scholarship Program is an Australian Government initiative that supports Australian undergraduate students to live, study, complete internships and undertake language training across the Indo-Pacific region for up to 19 months.
Recipients can receive up to $107,000 in funding to support their overseas experience. For more information, including how to apply, visit the NCP Scholarship Program webpage.
Frequently asked questions
Living expenses will vary depending on where you go. As for tuition costs – exchange students just pay (or defer) their fees to Federation as usual, but study abroad students pay fees directly to their host university. Remember to factor in flights, visas and insurance as well.
Think about your lifestyle preferences, budget and how long you can spend away from home. Research host universities and consider the stability, culture and climate of your destination country.
We recommend doing semester-long overseas study during the second year of your undergraduate degree. Fitting an exchange into the course structure of your final year can be challenging. Short-term study options can be undertaken any time.
Yes. International students may study in a third country, but eligibility depends on Department of Home Affairs regulations. Postgrad options are limited; contact the Study Abroad team for information.
No. Most of our partner institutions teach in English.
Most partner universities have on-campus student housing available.
Some countries (like USA) require proof of funds for student visa applications. Check if your destination has similar requirements.
Yes. You must have travel and medical insurance. Federation provides free travel insurance that covers the overseas program (up to 180 days).
A student visa is usually required if you’re going to be studying overseas for longer than three months. Visa regulations for shorter trips vary – check what applies to your destination country. You may also have to register as a temporary resident when visiting some countries.
You’ll be responsible for arranging your own travel and visas, but if you’re doing a short-term study program, the tour leader might help with arrangements.
Wait until your host university has confirmed your place. Most countries only accept visa applications after you receive an official acceptance letter.
Don’t book your flights until you have formal acceptance from your host university.
No. You can adjust your units, but it’s your responsibility to get any changes approved by both Federation and the host institution.
If you’re doing an exchange or study abroad program, you must enrol in a full-time load. The number of subjects will depend on what your host institution considers full time.
Yes. You can apply to extend your stay for another semester (up to one academic year in total) if Federation and the host university both approve.
Yes. Email studyabroad@federation.edu.au with your name, student number, host university and reasons for withdrawal.
If you’re doing an exchange, your host university will send a transcript to Federation and you’ll receive Transfer Credits (TC) or an Ungraded Fail (UN) for each unit. These don’t affect your GPA. Faculty-led study tours will be graded using the Federation scale.
Yes. The study abroad program allows you to study at non-partner universities.