Program Details:
Incoming Study Abroad and Exchange Students

The Study Abroad and Exchange programs allow you to spend one or two semesters studying at Swinburne University of Technology - gaining an international edge to your studies within an Australian context.

Eligibility

Study Abroad
The Study Abroad Program is designed for students currently studying at an overseas institution. All students should have a good academic history and be proficient in English.

Exchange Program
The Swinburne Student Exchange program is available to students currently studying at one of our overseas partner institutions. In order to be considered you will need the approval of your home university's international office/advisor. If you are not sure if your institution is a partner of Swinburne then please check our List of Partner Institutions.

Your Swinburne Program

Study Abroad and Exchange students can study at Swinburne for one or two semesters and may begin their studies in either Semester 1 or Semester 2. You are required to take a full-time study load, which is 50 credit points per semester. Most Swinburne subjects are 12.5 credit points, so generally you will take four subjects. We strongly encourage you to enrol in HAT110 Australia: A Global Context.

Fees

Study Abroad
Fees include your tuition, airport pickup and Orientation.

The Study Abroad fee for 2008 is A$8,250 per semester. Fees in 2009 will be A$8,500.

Please be aware of Swinburne's policies in regards to refunds. They are contained in the International Student Regulations and Tuition Fee Policy on the Swinburne Policy and Procedures Database.

Exchange Students
Students pay their regular tuition fees to their home university under the conditions of the student exchange agreement. Students do not pay tuition fees to Swinburne.

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

Australian Government regulations require all Study Abroad and Exchange students studying in Australia to take out Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). When you pay your fees, Swinburne will arrange OSHC for you. In 2008 the cost for a single person is A$185 for 6 months or $370 for 12 months.

Under a reciprocal government agreement Swedish and Norwegian students are not required to have OSHC.

English Language Programs

Students from non-English speaking backgrounds may wish to undertake some preparatory English language studies before coming to Swinburne. Our English Language Centre offers programs in General English and English for Academic Purposes. Fees will vary depending on the length of the program.

Swinburne's Teaching Style

Classes at Swinburne are taught using a number of styles. Lectures are held each week and students are given an overview of the week’s materials. Tutorials are an opportunity for students to meet in smaller groups to discuss the lecture material. Laboratory sessions are held for some subjects to enable students to gain practical knowledge of their academic area. Studio classes are used for design students to develop their ideas. Assessment takes various forms at Swinburne. Generally students will be assessed by a combination of assignments, examinations, practicals and presentations.

Learning Facilities

Study Abroad and Exchange students have full access to Swinburne Library services across all campuses. Swinburne libraries provide information resources, information literacy training (library orientation and skills in finding, evaluating, organising and using information) and information access services. The Information Technology Services department provides computing services and support including computer labs, online library services, dial-in access and webmail. All Swinburne campuses have wireless access.

Assessment at Swinburne

Just as there are many teaching methods used at Swinburne there are also many ways your work may be assessed. These include assignments, reports, examinations, class presentation, journal keeping, class participation and group projects. Most subjects will use a combination of assessment methods. At the end of the semester you will be awarded a result for each subject. Results are as follows:

High Distinction: HD 85-100%
Distinction: D 75-84%
Credit: C 65-74%
Pass: P 50-64%
Not Pass : N 0-49%

Your Credit Transfer

You will need to negotiate with your home institution before you come to Swinburne to make sure your classes here will be credited to your home program. At the end of your studies here at Swinburne the Education Abroad Office will mail a transcript either to your home institution or directly to you so that you can have your studies credited.

Staying for an Extra Semester

The maximum Study Abroad or Exchange period at Swinburne is two semesters. If you are only enrolled for one semester and are considering staying on, contact the Education Abroad Office as soon as possible to see whether it is possible for you to continue.

Orientation

A customised Orientation is held for Study Abroad and Exchange students to equip you with with an academic, social and cultural introduction to Swinburne and Australia.