General Information for Outgoing Exchange Program Students

The University of Adelaide has developed student exchange links with a number of overseas institutions in North and South America, Europe, Asia and the Pacific. These programs are suitable for students who wish to study overseas for one or two semesters and earn credit towards their University of Adelaide degree.

See this General Information Guide for information on eligibility.

Who can participate?

Before coming in to speak to someone about participating in an exchange, make sure you meet these minimum criteria:

• I have passed at least 24 units (one year, full time) of a degree at University of Adelaide
• I have at least a credit average overall (65%)
• I have been enrolled as a University of Adelaide student for the last two semesters (not cross-institutional)

If any of the above statements are incorrect, you will be unable to participate in an exchange through the University of Adelaide.

Students who are enrolled full-time in a University of Adelaide program at the time of the exchange are eligible to participate. They must have completed at least one year of a University of Adelaide degree. Most of our partner institutions will require two semesters' results (24 units), and some require results for four semesters (48 units). Students who are studying part-time are eligible to apply provided they have completed 24 units. This means that for most students an exchange would take place during their fourth and or fifth semester/s. 

The minimum academic requirement is an overall grade average of 65%.

The exchange programs are, unfortunately, not available to students from other institutions who are taking University of Adelaide courses as cross-institutional students. The programme is also unavailable to students who have not been enrolled at the University of Adelaide in the previous two semesters.

Some exchange programs are open to postgraduate and undergraduate students from all faculties, while others are limited to specific discipline or faculty areas. International students are encouraged to apply, but are not permitted to exchange to a partner institution in their home country.

See this General Information Guide for further information on eligibility.

How do the Exchange Programs work?

The exchange programs operate on the principle of reciprocity. The University of Adelaide may send a specified number of students per year to a particular overseas institution and receive a similar number of students from that institution each year.

Students participating in the exchange programs remain enrolled at the University of Adelaide for the duration of the exchange. They are enrolled as non-award students at the institution they attend overseas, and have no claim to a degree from that institution.

How does credit transfer work?

Exact transfer of credit is negotiated between the student and their Faculty before the student leaves Australia. The student must submit information about the courses they wish to take overseas to their Faculty advisor, so that a decision can be made as to whether they are suitable to be counted towards a University of Adelaide degree. Approval should be sought for more courses than are required to give greater flexibility when enrolling at the overseas institution.

Given that some faculties have restrictions on the number of units which may be transferred from another institution, it is essential that you consult your Faculty office for further information.

Students enrol in courses specifically designed for the exchange program, and their HECS or international student fees are calculated on these courses.

On completion of the exchange, the host university will send an academic transcript to the University of Adelaide, and the student's Faculty will record a NFE (No Formal Exam) grade for the exchange, and will award status based on the results achieved and advising that the student studied at the host university. Students will receive their original transcript from the host university.

Language requirements

Most of our partner institutions offer courses in English. Those who do not teach in English will have language requirements – which may be at least two years of University-level language study or they may require students to undertake formal language assessment. Details are noted at exchange partners and details.

Past students’ surveys

What do other University of Adelaide students say about their experiences abroad? If you're getting ready to go abroad and you're looking for practical advice, you've come to the right place.

Search our past students’ surveys database for helpful information about overseas study written by University of Adelaide students. Reports are currently searchable by university, country, and field of study.