ºÚÁÏÍø´óʼÇ
Arts, Design & Architecture

ADA Learning Abroad & Exchange

Take your studies global — explore the Learning Abroad opportunities available to students in ADA

Personalise
ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç student Georgia Morelli on exchange

Many degree programs in the Faculty of Arts, Design & Architecture offer you the chance to expand your horizons by undertaking an International Student exchange or Short program with Learning abroad.

Student exchangeÌý

Imagine spending a semester or a full year at a partner university overseas, studying courses that count toward your ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç degree. This is the essence of our exchange program – a chance to enrich your academic and cultural journey without extending the time it takes to graduate. You can choose from over 300 partner universities for your exchange!Ìý

Short programs

If a whole semester or year abroad isn’t practical, consider a short program. These usually run for 2–8 weeks and provide a flexible way to incorporate an international experience into your degree.

Frequently asked questions

  • The exchange program isn’t exclusive to a specific degree or discipline, and students from a variety of programs are encouraged to apply. While some degrees lend themselves more readily to a semester or year-long exchange, that doesn’t mean it’s off the table for others. If your degree isn’t on the ‘well-suited’ list, it may simply mean that a little early, extra planning is needed. We encourage you to book an appointment withÌýThe Nucleus: Student Hub Ìýto explore your options and see how an exchange could work for you!

  • Undergraduate degrees

    Well-suited

    • Bachelor of Arts
    • Bachelor of Social Sciences
    • Bachelor of Media

    Suitable with careful forward planning (around core course requirements):

    • Bachelor of Architectural Studies
    • Bachelor of City Planning (Honours)
    • Bachelor of Construction Management & Property
    • Bachelor of Interior Architecture (Honours)*
    • Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (Honours)*
    • Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy & Economics
    • Bachelor of Design
    • Bachelor of Fine Arts

    May be possible in select instances

    • Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)*
    • Bachelor of Arts, Media and Design double degrees

    Honours students:
    Students in a 4-year degree with an embedded Honours component cannot go on exchange during their Honours year.

    Not compatible:
    Bachelor of Education (Primary and Secondary) – Due to accreditation requirements.

  • School of the Built Environment
    If you are a student in Architectural Studies, City Planning, Construction Management & Property, Industrial Design, Interior Architecture, or Landscape Architecture, you will find everything you need to know about how exchange fits into your program, which Term is best, what universities are recommended and even course-matching requirements at and by consulting the Applying for exchange: Your Guide.

    School of Art and Design
    If you are a student in Art & Design, everything you need to know about how exchange fits into your program, course-matching information, recommended partner universities, and portfolio requirements is available at and by consulting the Applying for exchange: Your Guide.

    School of the Arts & Media, Education, Humanities & Languages and SocialÌýSciences
    If your degree is in one of these Schools, you can find everything you need to know about exchange at and by consulting Applying for exchange: Your Guide.

    Exchange tip for all students: where possible, save Free Electives and GeneralÌýEducation courses to maximise flexibility for exchange.

    Postgraduate students
    - Coursework students: Eligible if the program is at least 72 UOC. Applications should generally be made in the first term.
    - Research students: Not eligible for exchange but may apply for other Learning abroad opportunities, such as short programs.

  • If exchange is something you’re interested in, it’s essential to map your course progression carefully. Many programs have a limited number of courses that are compatible with exchange, so to give yourself the best chance of taking advantage of this fantastic opportunity, we recommend you start planning early and follow the steps below:

    1. Book an appointment withÌýThe Nucleus: Student HubÌýto discuss how exchange might fit into your degree.
    2. Review the Student exchange section of the Learning Abroad & Exchange website.
    3. Get inspired! Browse the vast list of ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç exchange partners and start thinking about where exchange could take you!
    4. Access the . This is your go-to resource for everything related to exchange, offering important information and guides to help you with the process.
    5. Join an hosted by the Learning Abroad team. These will be advertised on the Learning Abroad & Exchange website.

  • Start planning early! It’s important to think about exchange in your first year so you can map your courses and meet application requirements.

    The earliest you can apply for exchange is T3 of your first year in your undergraduate program, and you must have completed 18 UoC at the time of application. The only exception to this Rule is the Bachelor of City Planning, where students can apply in T1 of the first year. For more information, check your school-specific information & resources and the exchange Moodle tutorial.

    Note: A T3 exchange start date at your host university keeps you in sync with most universities in the northern hemisphere (especially for language study, which is often sequential), and ensures the exchange Office have sufficient time to receive your official transcript and process your transfer of credit in anticipation of graduation requirements.

    The suggested timeframes are intended as a guide only and may not be suited to your particular circumstances. You should always confirm your eligibility, timing, and program fit with the The Nucleus: Student Hub before applying.

  • Students who aren’t eligible for a traditional exchange or who would like to spend a shorter time abroad should consider experiencing a Short program. As many of these programs run during the term/semester break or are embedded as internal course requirements, they are more accessible to students across all ADA degree programs.

  • Short programs are flexible, usually 2–5 weeks long and can be credit-bearing or non-credit experiences. Options include:

    • Faculty Study Tours – Group trips led by your School or Faculty, often linked to a specific course.
    • Short Courses – Academic subjects offered by partner universities during ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç breaks (Summer/Winter).
    • Overseas Internships – May count toward Work Integrated Learning (WIL) requirements.
    • Volunteering Abroad – Community-based or NGO experiences. (Usually non- credit.)
    • Virtual Experiences – Online global learning programs that don’t require travel.
    1. with anÌýArts, Design & Architecture Program Specialist.Ìý
    2. Review your program rules in the ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç Handbook for any international short course or Faculty study tour offered internally.
    3. Visit the Learning Abroad & Exchange webpage to review eligibility and general information on Short programs.
    4. Browse upcoming opportunities on the Learning Abroad Notices webpage. for updates so you don’t miss out!

  • Several funding options support ADA students undertaking overseas study:

    • OS-HELP: A government loan (similar to HECS) for approved exchange or short programs.
    • Scholarships and grants supporting study, internships, and language training in the Indo-Pacific.
    • : Faculty or destination-specific funding (updated annually)..

Useful links

Testimonials
Ruth Begbie, B/Arts & Law

Exchange – Sciences Po Aix |
Aix-en-Provence, France.

My exchange experience has been the highlight of my time as a student at ºÚÁÏÍø´óʼÇ.

The joy of experiencing this country with this new, diverse group of international students is something I will never forget. My year on exchange taught me so much, and is a big part of who I am now. I’m still connected to many of my friends overseas, and really feel that I have a ‘second-home’ in the south of France.ÌýÌý

It has been such a privilege to experience another way of living and learning - I would recommend it to anyone!

Serena Pek, B/City Planning

Exchange – McGill University Montreal, Canada

I was able to learn from leading professors and experience student life in the heart of Montreal.

I met students from all over the world and had the opportunity to travel around Canada and North America. I learned a lot about living independently and being resilient in the face of challenges which

included adapting to Montreal’s French-dominant city.

Overall, my exchange was an unforgettable experience which enriched both my academic and personal growth.

Beth Blanch, B/Arts

Exchange – Doshisha University Kyoto, Japan.

Going on exchange was one of the best experiences I've had. The experience of immersing myself in a new culture was both exciting and a great personal growth opportunity. I developed practical skills such as cooking for myself and navigating a new environment in a different language. More importantly, I learned to make new friends and say yes to challenging experiences.

I also loved trying new things, particularly food! Making friends with local students was one of my highlights, as I could practice my language skills (and they could practice theirs), and I experienced Japan 'through the eyes of locals', as I would travel and eat out with new friends regularly.

Ìý

Studying at a different university was immensely interesting, as I could learn history from an entirely different viewpoint. This really enhanced my ability to consider multiple perspectives when I study, a valuable skill no matter what your degree is.

If you are an ADA student considering going on exchange, I couldn't recommend it highly enough. There may be hurdles at various points, but through these challenges you will grow and learn, and come out better equipped to face life.

You have the opportunity to grow, both as a student and as a person, so take the opportunity while it’s there, you won’t regret it!
Katherine Fieldus, B/Commerce & Arts

Georgetown University (Washington DC, USA).

I attended Georgetown University for a semester and had a truly unforgettable experience whilst on exchange. Located in Washington, DC, you are so close to where all the major decision making in the United States is taking place.

As a student of Politics and International Relations, in very few other places would I have received such exposure to political experts.

All the other exchange students were eager to get to know one another, and the existing Georgetown students were very welcoming. You encounter the changes in your living situation, new social circles and an adjustment to your daily routine yet have the full support of the host university behind you.

Esther Anderson, B/Interior Architecture

Bachelor of Interior Architecture (Honours) Study tour – Tokyo, Japan, December 2024.

My trip to Japan was an unforgettable and truly unique opportunity—one I knew I had to take. It gave me the chance to surround myself with an entirely new group of people in a completely unfamiliar environment. Immersing myself in a different culture not only enriched my academic experience but also helped me grow personally. I made some new friends, and together we created memories I’ll always treasure—studying at the University of Tokyo, sipping warm sake after long days of exploring iconic landmarks, and navigating the delightful chaos of Don Quijote.

In our free time, we were encouraged to explore independently. I often found myself wandering through Harajuku’s incredible fashion stores or visiting the otter café. When I needed a break from the buzz of the city, I found peace at the Meiji Shrine and the tranquil forest that surrounds it.

I truly believe that firsthand experiences and stepping into new places—travel—are some of the most transformative things a person can do. They open your eyes to new perspectives, introduce you to incredible people, and reveal strengths within yourself that you may not have known were there.

If you're a student considering an exchange program or an overseas course, I can't recommend it enough. Take the chance, embrace the adventure, and go explore the world while you can!

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