Independent short courses

Choose a short program from the huge offerings of a range of international universities

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Independent short courses

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 or choose a short program from the huge offerings of a range of other international universities and providers that can also earn you credit during UC's winter and summer breaks.

The key is to choose well to avoid educational scams – so look out for and only choose an institution or provider:

  • with a good reputation
  • in a host country which has a Smartraveller risk rating of Level 2 or below
  • that provides academic transcripts upon completion of your studies.

Am I eligible?

Choosing to study an independent short course or study abroad through an overseas university or provider is an option if you:

  • are currently 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 to your chosen international university or provider, make sure to check that they offer subjects related to your degree during the study period that you intend to spend overseas.

Independent programs

Our independent program providers offer you a wide range of short-term programs through universities around the world, so there's bound to be one that's right for you.

CISaustralia

IndoGenius

Summer schools (May - August)

University of Liverpool

University of Liverpool

Stockholm University

Rennes School of Business

Summer schools in Europe

Jönköping University

Hong Kong Baptist University

Tec De Monterrey

University of North Carolina Wilmington

Maynooth University International Summer School

University of East Anglia Summer University

Chung-Ang International Summer Program

Singapore Management University Global Summer Programme

Zhejiang University Global Program

ICN Business School’s Summer Programme

ICN Business School’s Summer Programme

Winter schools (December - January)

Tec De Monterey Winter School

Funding your trip

Opting to study through a short program provider, third party provider or international university of your choice (one that’s not a UC student exchange program partner) means you’ll pay tuition or programs fees directly to that institution or provider.
 
As well as money for your international tuition or program fee, 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 Semester: 15 April each year
  • Semester 2: 31 April each year
  • Summer 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.

Next steps

The prospect of studying overseas through a provider or 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 so make sure that you do your research and apply early.

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. Research the independent short courses or study abroad programs and decide where you’d like to study.

4. Contact your faculty to discuss your individual study plan and receive confirmation that going on an independent short course or study abroad program is compatible with your course.

Faculty study plan/CCTA contacts:

Make sure you have the following information ready:

  • The study period that you would like study overseas
  • The independent short course or study abroad program that you would like to apply for, as well as the country/city that the program is in
  • Desired UC units in your study plan that you might want to study overseas

5. Email Global Learning to submit your expression of interest in a program. You will need to include details of the program that you want to apply to, as well as the country and cities that you intend in visiting while you are overseas. Travel is currently only being approved for countries with a Smartraveller risk rating of Level 2 or below

Deadlines for Independent Short Course or Study Abroad program approval:

  • Study planned for Semester 1: Approval deadline of 31 October the year before
  • Study planned for Winter: Approval deadline of 28 February the same year
  • Study planned for Semester 2: Approval deadline of 30 April the same year
  • Study planned for Summer: Approval deadline of 31 August the same year

6. Global Learning will assess your request and advise if you are approved, you will need to sign a Student International Travel Agreement. UC will continue monitoring the various risks associated with international travel and may withdraw approval for student international travel at any point prior to departure for an independent short course or study abroad program.

7. Seek credit approval from your designated Faculty Study Plan/CCTA contact. Prior to meeting with your faculty to discuss and finalise your CCTA (Word document), you will need to email them a copy of the relevant unit outlines or syllabus from the program/host university that you intend to study with.

8. Send your signed CCTA to Global Learning.

9. Apply for your independent short course or study abroad program directly with the provider/institution.

10. When you have received your official acceptance documents from your independent short course or study abroad program advise Global Learning.

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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