Choose your own uni

Study for a semester or year at an international university of your own choosing

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Choose your own uni

This page is for current UC students. If you are an international student wanting to study at UC, please visit our International student exchange and study abroad page.

Where can I go?

If you can't do a student exchange at one of our partner universities, you can study for a semester or year at another international university of your own choosing.

When you've decided where to go, you’ll plan your study program with your chosen university and apply directly to them. You'll also pay your tuition fees to your host university.

At UC, we'll support you by giving you credit towards your degree (with prior approval) and by covering you with our travel insurance.

The world is your oyster

Where you choose to go for your overseas study adventure is up to you. Our only requirement is that you choose a university in a host country that has a Smartraveller risk rating of Level 2 or below ('Exercise normal safety precautions' or 'Exercise a high degree of caution').

Am I eligible?

Choosing your own international university to study at is an option if you:

  • are enrolled at UC
  • have successfully completed 24 credit points of undergraduate study with a GPA of 4.5 or above
  • have at least one semester to complete on your return
  • can demonstrate the skills to manage a new and challenging academic and social environment.

You may still be eligible if you’ve failed a unit, as long as you can show that the failure was the result of extenuating circumstances.

Before you apply check that your chosen university offers subjects related to your degree during the semester you intend to spend overseas.

Funding your trip

Opting to study at an international university of your choice (one that’s not a UC student exchange program partner) means you’ll pay tuition fees directly to that institution.
 
As well as money for your international tuition, you’ll also need to cover your travel and living costs, including flights, accommodation, food, insurance and social activities.

Don't worry, you may be eligible for a scholarship, grant or loan to help you meet these expenses.

Free travel insurance

You'll also receive travel insurance coverage under the university's corporate travel insurance policy and have access to International SOS 24/7 assistance while overseas.

Discover how to fund your trip
Learn more about International SOS

In addition to receiving academic approval from UC and being accepting by your chosen provider or international university, you must also receive travel approval from Global Learning.

All students at UC who want to travel overseas must receive approval for travel and attend mandatory pre-departure sessions.

  • Semester 1: 31 October each year
  • Winter: 28 February each year
  • Semester 2: 30 April each year
  • Summer: 31 August each year

For example: If you intend to study overseas in Semester 1 2024 on an independent study program or study abroad program, you must submit your request to Global Learning by 31 October 2023. If you have any questions about the deadlines, please contact global.learning@canberra.edu.au.

Steps to studying abroad

The prospect of studying overseas at a university of your choice is hugely exciting, but the various and sometimes complex steps in the application and selection process can take a while to complete.

Don’t worry, Global Learning is here to help you navigate the logistics. Any questions? We’re here to answer them!

1. Confirm you meet the eligibility criteria listed above.

2. Ensure you understand all associated travel costs and funding options available to you.

3. Contact your faculty (MyUC link) for an updated course map or study plan for your degree.

4. Search overseas universities and decide where you’d like to study.

5. Visit Global Learning for information on how to contact your chosen university and help in preparing your Course Credit Transfer Agreement (CCTA) request (PDF).

6. Formally advise UC of your plans to study at an overseas university of your choice.

7. Seek credit approval from your course convenor (MyUC link) and email your CCTA and confirmation of registration for your chosen independent short program provider to Global Learning.

8. After you’ve let us know about your plans, you can apply for your course directly with the international university of your choosing. While you’re applying, make sure you note the university’s terms, conditions and policy on fee refunds, in case you need to cancel at any point.

9. Once you receive your official acceptance documents from your host university, send them to Global Learning so we have copies on file.

10. Apply for funding help if you're eligible.

11. Attend mandatory UC briefings and departure meetings run by Global Learning.

12. Arrange your travel, visas and accommodation.

View our full pre-departure checklist
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Contact Global Learning

We're your one-stop-shop for studying overseas. Email, call or chat with us in person at Student Central.

global.learning@canberra.edu.au
(02) 6201 5385

Student Central hours:
Tuesdays: 11am – 12pm
Wednesdays: 10am-11am
Thursdays: 1pm – 2pm

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