Experience Preparation

Once you have been accepted to participate in a short-term experience, it’s time to prepare for your experience to start!

For students participating in-person please read every step carefully.

For students participating virtually some of the steps below will not apply.

Work your way through the IGET Pre-departure Essentials Checklist to help you prepare.

Below you'll also find some tips to help you make the most of your experience while ensuring you keep safe and healthy while overseas.

3. Entry Requirements & Finance

We recommend that you carry photocopies of all important documents and give copies to your family or friends.

Passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months longer than the duration of your trip. Scan a copy of your passport before you leave and save it somewhere secure and easily accessible.

Make a note of the address and telephone number of the Australian embassy or consulate nearest to your host university in case of emergencies.

Student visa and other entry requirements

Check with the host university, a travel agent, or the country’s consulate/embassy here in Australia to find out your visa requirements and costs. You will need to research visa requirements for other countries you plan to travel through while you are overseas. You will need to also research other entry requirements for your host country and any other countries you plan to travel through while you are overseas.

We are unable to provide detailed advice on visas. Contact the consulate/embassy of your host country if you have any specific questions about visas.

If you require evidence of support from UQ, you can request a UQ Global Experience Confirmation Letter for your visa application. 

Banking

Notify all financial institutions in Australia about your travel plans if you plan to use your Australian account/cards while overseas. Be aware of any fees associated with international withdrawals/purchases.

Centrelink

If you receive assistance from Centrelink, you may be able to continue receiving these payments while you are overseas as a UQ exchange student.

You can request a Centrelink letter from Global Experiences after you have been officially accepted by your host university. Contact Centrelink for more details concerning your eligibility and payments. Rent Assistance is not generally paid while you are on exchange.

OS-Help Loan & other funding

Please note: if you have received an offer for an OS-HELP Loan or Short-term global experience funding, you cannot be paid until you have submitted your travel details within the online application system