International Centre

Where and when can I study?


Further Information

Other useful reseach tools

  • Information on each university is available on open access from the Student Exchange Resource Library at the International Centre. These items may be loaned out, depending on availability.

 

  • Talking to students who have already "been there, done that". The International Centre has a list of email addresses of:
    • returned UWA exchange students, and
    • UWA exchange students who are currently studying abroad.

 

  • Study the Student Evaluation sheets completed by students who have returned from overseas. They are available at the Student Exchange Resource Library.
Prague travel book on a table

Where can I study?

Search the Student Exchange Agreements database  to see which universities offer exchange programs with UWA in your field of study.

When can I go on exchange?

For most undergraduate students, the earliest opportunity is the second semester of the second year.  Students from some faculties may also be able to study in the later years of their degrees.  Four-year degree courses and combined degrees may offer more flexibiltiy.

For postgraduate students, it depends on the length of course and the type of degree.  Special approvals are required for research and PhD students.  For more information, contact the Study Abroad office.

Postgraduates

Postgraduate students are normally required to have completed at least one full academic year at UWA at the time of application.

Undergraduate

Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

  • Students are eligible to apply for exchange to be undertaken in their second academic year onwards. The best time is during the second semester of the second academic year or the first semester of the third academic year.
  • Final year Bachelor students will normally be able to apply for one semester only.
  • Fourth year Honours students are not normally eligible to study abroad.

Business School

Students from second year onwards, including final year, are eligible to apply.


Law

  • Students from second year onwards are eligible to apply. The best time is during the second last year of their degree.
  • Do not to plan an exchange in the year you are taking Commercial Practice and Procedure as these are full year units that must be studied in the same year.

Sciences

Students are eligible to apply from the end of their first year onwards. The best time is during the second semester of second year.


Engineering, Computing and Mathematics

  • Students are eligible to go on exchange after completing their first academic year, but are not encouraged to do so in the final year. However, faculty regulations do permit some overseas study in the final year.
  • Students may study overseas for one or two semesters, however BCM and BCompSc students may find it difficult to organise a semester's study abroad, depending on their majors, but in many cases it is not impossible.

How long can I study for?

The academic year for most overseas universities is very different to the academic year at UWA.

In the northern hemisphere, where you'll find the majority of partner universities, the academic year starts in mid- or late-August with the first semester (fall) ending in December. Second semester (winter or spring) usually begins in early January and finishes in May. UWA students can begin studies at the host institution in any semester.

You can study for one or two semesters but the University encourages students to spend a complete academic year (two semesters). Most students who have been for one semester find that they are just starting to settle and then they must prepare to leave.

However, it is entirely up to you. Students who have spent only a semester overseas still highly recommend the experience. It is an important consideration, but you must keep in mind course and/or financial restrictions when planning your exchange.