FAQs about overseas study opportunities at Monash

See also the more detailed FAQs about the main overseas study programs:

• FAQs about the exchange program
• FAQs about the intercampus exchange program

How can I study overseas?

Monash offers a great range of overseas study programs, including full semester exchanges at more than 120 universities around the world, intercampus exchanges at Monash campuses in Malaysia and South Africa and more than 50 short term programs.

Given the range of opportunities available, it is important to evaluate all the study options. You should consider your course requirements, financial situation and academic interests, and of course, do not forget about your personal tastes and travel preferences.

A Monash Abroad information session is an excellent way to begin the research process.  You can also get brochures and advice from the Monash Abroad office and there is lots of information to help you decide on the Monash Abroad website.

What can Monash Abroad do for me?

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

For the short term international programs the program coordinator in the faculty organising the program will help you with all the arrangements.  Monash Abroad will payyour travel grant and keep an eye on your safety while you are overseas.

For the fee-paying study abroad program to a non-partner university you will need to make all the arrangements yourself but Monash Abroad will pay your travel grant and assist you where we can.

Do I need to speak a foreign language?

No, but overseas study can be a great way to learn one.  Almost all our exchange partner universities either teach in English or offer a large number of subjects taught in English. The Monash campuses in Malaysia and South Africa both use English for all teaching and administration.  All the short term programs are taught in English (except for some in-country language programs).   That said, you will get a lot more out of living in a foreign country if you learn at least the basics of the language.

Can I do more than one Monash Abroad program?

Yes provided they can be fitted into your course and your faculty approves each one.  Your eligibility for each program will be assessed separately and according to the criteria applying to your program at the time you apply. You will receive a travel grant for each program, unless you are doing consecutive programs (eg a short term international study program followed immediately by an intercampus exchange) in which case you will receive one grant at the higher rate for your programs.

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

No, provided you complete and pass all units at your overseas university. All overseas study programs at Monash are designed to fit within the normal length of your course.All exchange students have course credit approved by their faculty before they leave Australia . Upon completion of a semester (or two) at an exchange institution, the host institution 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 units that I want to do overseas?

All overseas study must be approed before you leave so that you know what credit you will receive.  There are exchange advisers and international study coordinators in each faculty who will assess and approve your overseas study plan.  They will ensure that you are correctly enrolled while overseas to ensure you receive full credit.

Will my overseas marks appear on my Monash transcript?

If you go on exchange to a partner university you will receive an official transcript from your host university showing all the units you did and your marks.  Your Monash transcript will show only generic exchange units without marks.

If you do an intercampus exchange or a short term program, all the units and marks will appear on your Monash transcript in the usual way.

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

Yes, to ensure you receive credit for your overseas study.

I am an international student, can I study overseas?

Yes all the Monash overseas study programs are open to international students on the same basis as Australian students.  You will receive the same travel grants and continue to pay your normal fees to Monash. You will not generally be allowed to go your home country because that would not be an international experience. If you go on exchange or international exchange for a full semester you must enrol in the equivalent of 24 Monash credit points while overseas in order to complete your Monash course in the time specified in their Australian student visa.

I am an AusAid student, can I study overseas?

No, the AusAid scholarships are only provided to students whilst they study in Australia .

Can postgraduate students study overseas?

Postgraduate coursework students can participate in all Monash Abroad programs, including exchange, on the same conditions as undergraduate students. Postgraduate research students should seek assistance from the Monash Graduate Research School .

Can distance education students go on exchange or other Monash Abroad programs?

Yes, but you must satisfy the eligibility criteria for the relevant program. For the exchange and intercampus exchange programs you must study a full time load of on-campus units at the overseas university.