So you've decided you want to apply for a semester-based exchange!
Before you start the application process make sure you have confirmed that you are eligible and know where you want to go.
If you are having difficulty at any stage of the application process, please contact an Internships and Global Experiences Coordinator for help. Do not contact your host institution directly as all enquiries must be made through Global Experiences until you are formally accepted.
3. Prepare your study plan
Using your Progression Check and the list of courses remaining in your UQ program, you can now begin to look for host university courses to match your UQ credit.
Note: Electives are the best courses for exchange as they provide the most flexibility when enrolling in courses at your host university. If you don't have any electives, look for courses with full profiles and titles similar to your UQ courses.
Watch this instructional video and read the step-by-step guide below to complete your study plan and find the best host courses that will meet the requirements of your UQ program.
Step 1: Download the study plan (download PDF) and save as a pdf file before completing (this form should not be completed within the internet browser).
Step 2: On the host university page, check the "Full-time Study Load", “Course Restrictions” and "Additional Academic information" under the Academic Matters tab to see if the courses you have selected/fields of study are open to exchange students and understand your study requirements.
Where to find the full-time study load
Step 3: Find Host University Courses
BEL faculty students should consider the BEL Faculty Academic Considerations when selecting courses.
A: Search the course catalogue on each host university page (under the Academic Matters tab). This is the most reliable source of course offerings.
Where to find the course catalogue
B: Crosscheck the courses you have found in the host course catalogue with the Credit Precedent Database to see if they have been previously assessed for credit at UQ.
NB: The database should be used as a general guide only. If a course is not listed in the CPD, you can still ask for it to be assessed on your study plan.
You must check the host university course catalogue to see if courses from the Credit Precedent Database are:
- still on offer
- in the correct semester of your exchange
- still worth the same credit value
C: If you are planning to complete your studies overseas in a particular study area or major, search for a corresponding degree program at the host university to view the program plan and general courses taken by domestic students in that degree overseas. NOTE: This should only be used as a guide and students must review any exchange course restrictions and/or the availability of courses for exchange students listed by the host university.
Step 4: Check selected courses are offered in the semester that you are planning to go on exchange.
Step 5: On your study plan, list double the number of host university courses needed for a full-time study load. This serves as back-up courses if some of your preferred courses are unavailable. A full-time study load may consist of anywhere from 2-14 courses per semester at the host university. Students applying for a full-year exchange may need to complete two study plans, one for each semester of exchange.
Once your study plan is complete, please export it/print it as a new PDF in preparation for uploading with your supporting documents after host allocation. (if you are unsure how to do this, please read through our "how to save as PDF" instructions)
Step 6: Gather host university course profiles.
Your faculty requires full course profiles for all host university courses listed on your Study Plan to complete your academic credit assessment.
IMPORTANT: Do not contact the host university directly until after the Internships and Global Experiences Team has allocated you a Host University and given you permission to contact the host.
For detailed instructions on Course Profile requirements, where to find them, and when to submit them, review the Gather Course Profiles page.
Study Plan submission
Note: Please prepare your Study Plan now to ensure that you are selecting a suitable host that will meet your academic requirements, including a full list of backup courses.
EAIT students: As the submission of your study plan in the initial application is just a draft, you do not need the academic signature at this stage. You will be instructed to get the academic signature after you have been allocated a host.
Exchange deadlines
Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 1:
Open: 24 April (for Semester 1 of the following year)
Close: 31 May (for Semester 1 of the following year)
Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 2:
Open: 24 September (for Semester 2 of the following year)
Close: 31 October (for Semester 2 of the following year)
Global Experiences
Frequently Asked QuestionsSearch UQ FAQs for commonly asked questions. Use search words including 'global experiences', 'exchange', 'short-term' or 'internships'.