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The Macquarie Student Exchange Program

Internationalisation is a vital component in the fabric of Macquarie University; therefore, the Student Exchange program is a very active division supporting hundreds of students to go overseas each year. Student Exchange represents a very real investment in a Macquarie student's own future. Being transplanted from the familiar to the unfamiliar provides a unique opportunity for self-discovery, as well as personal, academic, and professional growth.

Macquarie University has over 200 exchange partners in more than 50 countries worldwide, with study opportunities available for students of all interests and backgrounds. With Macquarie's generous Travel Scholarship program you have an unparalleled opportunity to travel, experience and learn. This is an opportunity that Macquarie University students cannot afford to miss!


General Information and Eligibility Requirements

 

 

 

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What are the benefits of participating in an exchange?

  • It's good for you! Become more confident and independent.
  • Increase the value of your degree! Take courses overseas you cannot take in Australia (like studying fine arts in Italy or marine biology in Fiji)
  • Employers will look favourably on your overseas experience - it shows you can take initiative and work independently.
  • We live in an increasingly interdependent world; this is the best opportunity to get a real look at how people live in other countries.
  • It's the best way to have adventures, make friends, travel... And do it whilst adding value to your Macquarie degree.



 

Where can I go?

We have more than 200 partners in more than 50 countries. Please see the Partner directory.

Don't isolate your options to English speaking countries – students can go to many different countries around the world and study subjects in English.

 

When can I go and for how long?

Undergraduates: For most undergraduates the best time to go on exchange is during second year. You are also eligible to go on exchange for one semester in your third year, but must ensure you satisfy Macquarie University 300 level degree requirements in order to graduate.

Most students go on exchange for one semester only. It is possible to go on exchange for two semesters in the same place; you can also go to two different universities over one academic year. We also know that sometimes students plan on exchange for only one semester, but then completely fall in love with the place! We are usually happy to approve students to go on exchange for a full year, or to approve an extension on your exchange once you are already overseas. However, students will have to keep in mind that placements for your second semester on exchange will be subject to availability at the host institution. Some universities have very limited places available. Macquarie International would like as many students as possible to have an exchange experience, so in the case where only one place may be available at a given institution, preference would be given to a student on their first semester of exchange. For this reason, it is advisable to have some back-up preferences in mind when you apply for a second semester on exchange.

Students should also be aware that the Northern Hemisphere operates on a different timetable. The academic year there extends from August/September through to May/June, with the summer break from June to September.

Postgraduates: You can also go on exchange for one semester during your postgraduate studies. Some European universities offer courses taught in English at a postgraduate level. You should talk to your course-coordinator about overseas study programs and your postgraduate degree. For more information, see: Can Postgraduates participate?

Short term programs: If a semester on exchange seems too long for you to leave Australia or does not fit with your degree, why not try a short term program? There are many programs available in various subject areas – please see the Short Term Programs section.

 

There is a university I'd really like to go to but it is not one of Macquarie's partner institutions. What can I do?

Whilst Macquarie University has many Partner Institutions around the world, it may be that your university of choice is not a listed Macquarie University Exchange partner. In this case, you could consider applying directly to one of these institutions as a study abroad student.

Study Abroad is an alternative to the Student Exchange Program and is most relevant to those students who want to study in a specific area or at a particular institution. Study abroad is not part of the Macquarie University Exchange Program, and so students who pursue this option would need to organise their Study Abroad themselves.

Any student considering Study Abroad will be responsible for (1) Lodging their own application to the host institution (2) Paying the host institution's fees directly (3) Arranging for credit transfer back to Macquarie University directly through their department.

Students considering Study Abroad should be aware that any academic credit granted will be at the discretion of their academic department.

For students interested in Study Abroad options, students may consider a Macquarie University partner program, CIEE. CIEE offers Macquarie University students a 15% discount on their program fees. Please visit http://www.ciee.org/ for more details.



Who is eligible to apply for exchange?

Most Macquarie University students are eligible to apply – this includes international students, undergraduates and postgraduates. You must be currently enrolled at Macquarie as a full degree-seeking or Diploma of Languages student.

The minimum academic requirement for both undergraduates and postgraduates is a GPA of 2.5 (just above a Pass average). Undergraduate students must have completed at least 18 credit points at Macquarie University by the time of participation on the exchange program. Postgraduates must have completed one semester of full-time study towards their Macquarie degree.

For the complete policy regarding student eligibility, please see the Student Exchange Program Policy.

You should read about your degree requirements before you apply. See the Macquarie University Handbook and also consult the series of questions on academics below.

 

Can Postgraduates participate?

Masters Students: Yes! If you are enrolled in a Masters degree program at Macquarie you are eligible to go on exchange for one semester or can participate in a short term program. You should talk to your course-coordinator about overseas study programs and your postgraduate degree. To participate in an exchange program, students should be aware that they will be required to be enrolled in specific postgraduate units approved by the Exemptions Officer of their department.

Postdoctoral Students:  Unfortunately, if you are a PhD student, you are not enrolled in any units and therefore are not eligible for exchange. It is possible to apply for a semester of research overseas, but this would be arranged directly through your department and would not be considered an exchange. For more information, contact your department and consult the Higher Degree Research FAQ page.

Postgraduate Conditions of Participation:

  • Applicants must have completed the equivalent of 6 months of full-time study towards their Macquarie degree before being eligible for exchange. 
  • Students in one-year programs are encouraged to participate in short-term programs run in June-July and December-February.
  • The maximun number of credit points postgraduates can transfer back to their degree is 8 MQ credit points. However, students must also meet the minimum full-time enrolment requirement at their host university. Due to these requirements, postgraduates usually will have to complete at least one extra subject on exchange that will not count toward their degree.
  • Postgraduate students must study units overseas which have been approved as equivalent to units that are part of their degree program at Macquarie. For specific degree conditions, students should check with the department coordinating the degree.
  • Postgraduate students must submit a transcript of their undergraduate results along with their application. This is not necessary where the undergraduate degree was completed at Macquarie.



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Can SIBT students participate?

No, unfortunately students are not eligible for exchange whilst in the SIBT program. Once students have begun a degree program at Macquarie, the normal requirements for exchange go into effect; students must maintain a GPA of at least 2.5 in their Macquarie degree and complete a minimum of 18 credit points in their Macquarie degree prior to going on exchange. Unfortunately SIBT credit points cannot be used toward the 18cp minimum.



 

What are the steps of the exchange process?

  • Research a destination – including universities and subjects
  • Apply to the Student Exchange Program 
  • Application is reviewed for acceptance by the Macquarie University Student Exchange Program Committee; you will be emailed with the outcome of your application within several weeks of the closing date
  • Attend the compulsory Getting Started Session, receive your Acceptance Pack, and complete the application form for your host university
  • Complete and sign the Acceptance of Offer and Conditions of Participation form
  • Submit host university application form to Macquarie Abroad along with necessary documentation (i.e. passport photos, accommodation application, proof of funds, etc.)
  • Attend the compulsory Study Plan Session to learn about your academic approvals and enrolment information
  • Begin obtaining subject approvals
  • Acceptance by host university is received
  • Apply for your visa
  • Purchase your flight
  • Purchase travel insurance for any travel time not covered by the Macquarie Travel Insurance
  • Attend the Pre-Departure session and get your Travel Grant
  • Depart for your host university
  • Meet your host university International Office staff
  • Enrol in subjects overseas
  • Send your Macquarie Abroad advisor your Enrolment Form so that you can be enrolled at Macquarie
  • Submit a 250 word article for the Macquarie Globe
  • Complete your approved subjects at your host university
  • Return to Macquarie
  • Submit your transcript from overseas; Macquarie Abroad will convert your grades
  • Attend the Welcome Back function

 

I am not sure where to go. Can I contact an adviser?

Our regional outbound advisers can give you further information about your exchange destination. Each adviser has contact hours in the Study Abroad & Exchange Office. The office is located in the Campus Hub building next to STA Travel. The office is open during the semester from Monday - Thursday, 10:00am - 4:00pm. You can drop into the Study Abroad & Exchange office anytime during these hours; an appointment is not needed.

To see the list of advisers by region and their contact hours, please click here.

 

I can't go on exchange for a full semester due to work/family/budget. Can I still go overseas?

Yes! There are many Short Term Program possibilities for students on tight budgets and timelines. These programs are offered during Winter Vacation in July and during the summer break in December-January. Travel Grants are also available for these programs.

See our other page sections on exchange for more information -- just click on the menu at the left!