FAQs about the exchange program

General

Where can I go on exchange?

Monash has more than 120 exchange partner universities in 28 countries so there is plenty of choice.  You need to be flexible about where you go because not every university will suit you.  You need to find one which teaches the units you need for your Monash course in the semester you want to go there.  The best way to decide is to start with the country you are most interested in then use the links on the Monash Abroad website to figure out which of the Monash partners in that country offers the units you need.  You may have to look at many universities, and try some in other countries before you find what you need.

What can Monash Abroad do for me?

Monash Abroad coordinates the entire exchange process; including assisting you in making a decision on where to study, completing your application, liaising with the exchange partner university, and helping with visas, accommodation etc. Monash Abroad will guide you through the whole process.

Do many of the exchange partner universities teach in English?

Yes, almost all our exchange partners offer a range of subjects taught in English. Details can be found on the partner pages of the Monash Abroad website.

Will my Monash degree take longer if I go on exchange?

No, provided you complete and pass all units at your overseas university. All exchange students have course credit approved by their faculty before they leave Australia . Upon completion of a semester (or two) at an exchange partner, the host university will issue an official transcript. The grades you will have achieved will not be converted into Monash grades, but you will be given credit for the subjects you completed and passed.

How do I get credit for the units that I want to do overseas on exchange?

You must consult your faculty exchange adviser as part of the application process.  Your exchange advisor will arrange for your overseas units to be approved for credit towards your Monash degree and approve your study plan.  Full details of what you need to do can be found on the Monash Abroad exchange application form.

Do I have to enrol at Monash while I am overseas?

Yes, before going abroad you must make sure that you are enrolled at Monash in the appropriate exchange units. Your faculty exchange adviser will enrol you in special exchange units that will indicate that you are enrolled at an overseas university. Enrolment in these units will ensure that you receive the credit which your Faculty has approved.  You have to comply with the normal Monash University enrolment and census dates (not your overseas university dates) for your Monash enrolment as if you were in Australia . You must complete your enrolment before you leave Australia and your travel grant will not be paid until your enrolment has been completed.

What grades will I get for the units I do overseas on exchange?

Your overseas exchange partner university will give you an official transcript showing all the units you enrolled in and the grades you received.  Except for some departments in the School of Languages, Monash Faculties do not award grades for the special Monash exchange units you will be enrolled in while overseas and so they will appear on your Monash transcript with SFR (satisfied faculty requirements) or similar.  To demonstrate the grades you achieved for these units (eg for entry to honours) you will need to produce your overseas university transcript.

Can I go on exchange in my last semester at Monash?

This will be decided by your Faculty and you should consult your faculty course adviser before starting the Monash Abroad application process. It is usually easier to organise your exchange if you have only elective units left to complete as part of your degree.

For how long am I able to go on exchange?

You are able to go on Exchange for either one or two semesters. You can study in two different universities, countries or continents in each semester or even go in different years.

Can I extend my exchange?

It may be possible to extend provided you have not been on exchange for greater than two semesters and your host university, the Monash Abroad Office and your Faculty all give approval.

Can I study part-time while on exchange?

No. As per international protocols, a student visa will only be offered to full-time students. For Monash students a full-time load can be made up of between 18 to 24 credit points or between 3 and 4 subjects per semester.

 I am a Medicine, Nursing or Pharmacy student. Can I go on exchange?

At present students enrolled in Bachelor of Medicine, Nursing or Pharmacy courses cannot do exchanges, although they may be able to do intercampus exchanges to Malaysia or clinical placements overseas.

I recently failed a subject.  Can I still go on exchange?

Yes, provided your faculty agrees and you have a minimum credit average across your current Monash University degree, including any units you failed.

Application process

When can I apply to go on exchange?

You will need to have completed at least 48 credit points (8 units) of your Monash degree by the time you commence your exchange - more for Law and Engineering students. See the Entry Requirements  page for details. Unless you are a student in the Faculty of Business & Economics you can apply before you have completed all 8 units but you will not receive a confirmed offer, or be able to apply for a visa, until you have received the results for all 8 units.  Bus/Eco students cannot apply until after you have completed 48 credit points.  Double degree students should check eligibility criteria with Monash Abroad.

When should I begin the process?

You should commence thinking about going on intercampus exchange as early as possible in your course because you have to apply about 6 months ahead.  It takes most students at least 3 months to do the necessary research to work out which exchange partner university they want to go to, work out their study plan and get it approved by their faculty so leave plenty of time before the Monash Abroad application deadline.

Who has to fill out my academic references and what do they have to say?

The academic references are to be completed by a Monash University academic staff member who has taught or supervised you at one point in your degree program. You could approach a tutor, lecturer or senior lecturer.

The academic reference should be a brief statement commenting on the student's academic progress and personal manner and give consideration to how the student would cope studying and living in a changed study environment.

Finance

When will I receive my travel grant?

If you are eligible for a Monash University travel grant it will usually be paid into your Australian bank account  4-6 weeks before you commence your exchange.

Why do I have to supply a bank statement?

We need a copy of your bank statement so that we can pay your grant directly into your bank account. We are not interested in trying to ascertain how much money you may or may not have. We simply need a hardcopy of one of your statements so that processing mistakes are not made when paying out your grant.

Can I work part-time while I am abroad?

Your ability to work depends on the country you will study in. Some countries place no work restrictions on visiting students while others prohibit students from working or only limit work to on campus.

Do I need to show proof of financial solvency to go on exchange?

Many universities will ask you to show a proof of funds demonstrating that you have enough money to sustain yourself while on exchange. There are also many countries that will ask you to show a proof of funds when you apply for a student visa. For example, if you apply to go on exchange in the USA , the host university will ask you to produce a letter from your bank, which shows that you or your parents have at least $US7000 available for your expenses overseas.

Preparing for your trip

Will I need to get a special visa?

Yes, in most cases you will have to get a student visa for the country you will be studying in before you leave Australia . In some cases your host university may assist. You will need to apply to the relevant High Commission, Consulate or Embassy. Student visas are issued on the understanding that you maintain a full time enrolment.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance?

It is a condition of your participation in a Monash Abroad program that you be covered by adequate travel insurance and you will be required to provide Monash Abroad with a copy of your insurance certificate.  In some instances, your host university will require you to purchase their own health insurance which will provide limited cover but you are still required by Monash to purchase comprehensive travel insurance.

Do I need a health check before I go on exchange?

It is advised that you consult your general practitioner, or one of the university's health services, well before finalising any travel arrangements to check whether you need any vaccinations, or supplies of medications and to ensure that you have a healthy time abroad.

Does Monash Abroad organise my travel arrangements?

No, students are responsible for organising all of their individual travel requirements.

While you are overseas

Is housing available to exchange students?

On campus housing is available at most of our exchange destinations. Applications for housing are, however, reliant on the student meeting all of the application deadlines and protocols. Many of our exchange partners will also provide some assistance if you choose to live off-campus in private accommodation.

Children are not permitted in the on-campus accommodation at Monash Malaysia or Monash South Africa.  Students applying to go on exchange/study abroad to other universites and who plan on taking their family should check with the accommodation provider whether they can accommodate children.

Will there be some one to pick me up at the airport?

In most cases, the host institution will arrange for you to be collected from the airport and taken to your accommodation. This is particularly true of exchange programs in the USA . In Europe it is more common to be met at the central train station in the town or city that your exchange institution is located in or near. Airport reception services are usually provided free-of-charge.