Short programs and study tours
Take part in a global learning opportunity through »Ê¹Ú²ÊƱ’s short programs.

Short study opportunities, from our exchange partners, networks and providers, are promoted regularly on our .Ìý
You can also consult the  or your faculty's website for any faculty-led study tours on offer.
See also
Your guide to short-term Learning Abroad programs
Discover short program options, learn how to apply and explore your funding options.Ìý
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Learning Abroad short programs typically run for for 2–8 weeks.
They may include study tours, conferences, fieldwork or internships, and are offered through »Ê¹Ú²ÊƱ faculties, WIL Central or partner institutions and networks.Programs are available during:
- Summer (December - January)
- Winter/Term 2Â (June - August)
They may be delivered in-person, virtually or in a hybrid format. In some cases, you could be eligible for academic credit or recognition.
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Short programs include the following types of experiences:
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Short courses are intensive academic programs that run for 4-8 weeks at partner institutions around the world, typically during their summer or winter school periods. These specialised programs are usually fee-based. In some cases, a tuition fee reduction may be negotiated through »Ê¹Ú²ÊƱ’s international partner institutions and networks.
Completion of an approved short course may lead to the awarding of 6 or 12 Free Elective UOC, or where applicable, 6 or 12 General Education UOC toward your »Ê¹Ú²ÊƱ program.
These opportunities are supported by the »Ê¹Ú²ÊƱ Learning Abroad Office.
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»Ê¹Ú²ÊƱ faculties offer a range of overseas learning experiences, including international study tours, practicums, studios and field studies. These short programs typically run for 4-6 weeks and are equivalent to 6-12 UOC. They are often held during summer, winter or term breaks. They may also involve partnerships with industryÌý´Ç°ùÌýoverseas institutions. Many of these short programs have funding available.
A study tour will be:
- Associated with a »Ê¹Ú²ÊƱ course code
- Tuition fees are payable to »Ê¹Ú²ÊƱ
- Credit will be awarded through normal assessment undertaken as part of the course.
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Conferences may be for purposes of attendance, presenting a research paper or undertaking an international competition. These programs are not for credit and have a duration of around one week.
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Students gain professional skills and workplace experience overseas while they enrol in »Ê¹Ú²ÊƱ WIL courses. These may be taken as part of industrial training requirements. The experience may be paid, unpaid or fee based (third-party providers). The duration can be from as little as two weeks up to six months.Ìý
These programs are supported by »Ê¹Ú²ÊƱ WIL Central, the Careers and Employment team, and the Study Abroad and Exchange Office.
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»Ê¹Ú²ÊƱ students can undertake part of their honours, masters or postgraduate research abroad while still enrolled at »Ê¹Ú²ÊƱ. The duration can be up to 12 months.Ìý
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Selecting a Learning Abroad program involves more than just location or timing. Explore the key factors below to make a well-informed decision:
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Some factors to consider when determining the right program for you might include:
Academic and program considerations Personal and practical considerations - »Ê¹Ú²ÊƱ program requirements
- Host university
- Location - consider safety, transport, accommodation, healthcare and visa/legal factors.Ìý
- Program length
- Program dates
- Courses on offer
- Credit transfer approval
- Cost of the program
- »Ê¹Ú²ÊƱ program progression.
- Finances and funding
- Preference to travel as part of a group or individually
- Personal situation (e.g. family or work commitments).
If you are registered with , are neurodivergent, and/or live with a physical or mental health condition, it is important to research what support services may be available to you while undertaking your Learning Abroad short program.Ìý
Be aware that support services may vary overseas compared to »Ê¹Ú²ÊƱ. If you have an Equitable Learning Plan at »Ê¹Ú²ÊƱ, we recommend you consult with your Equitable Learning Facilitator for guidance. You can also seek advice from an Exchange Advisor.
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- Complete the Learning Abroad Short Programs module.
- Explore the Learning Abroad Notices to find a short course, study tour or internship that suits your goals.
- Review the eligibility criteria to confirm you meet the requirements for the opportunity and for credit transfer (if applicable).Ìý
- Take note of the »Ê¹Ú²ÊƱ application deadlines:
- Winter Programs (June-July): Apply by February/March
- Summer Programs (December-February): Apply by September/October.
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In most cases, there will be two application forms to complete:
- (If nominated by »Ê¹Ú²ÊƱ) the host university's application form
Each host university will specify their own application dates and deadlines. »Ê¹Ú²ÊƱ will have an internal deadline several weeks prior to this to allow assessment and nomination of student applications.
You must submit your applications by both »Ê¹Ú²ÊƱ’s and the host institution’s deadlines.ÌýLate applications will not be accepted.
»Ê¹Ú²ÊƱ does not charge an application fee for international short programs. However, some host universities may require an application fee during their process - please check their instructions carefully.
Once submitted, your application will be reviewed by the Learning Abroad Office and your faculty. You’ll be notified of the outcome via email once the assessment is complete.
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- Nomination email: If your application is approved by your faculty, you'll get an email from »Ê¹Ú²ÊƱ Learning Abroad confirming your nomination.
- Accept or decline: You need to either accept or decline your nomination.
- Apply to the host university: If you accept your nomination, you then need to apply directly to the host university.
Note: »Ê¹Ú²ÊƱ's nomination doesn't guarantee acceptance into the program by the host university.Ìý
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- Confirmation email: Once the host university accepts you, »Ê¹Ú²ÊƱ Learning Abroad will email you asking to confirm your enrolment.
- Confirm your enrolment with the host university
- Apply for funding: Now you can apply for funding.
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Get ready for your Learning Abroad experience!
Follow our Preparing for Departure Checklist to complete key steps like travel approval, visas, health checks and safety prep.
Once you've completed the checklist, you'll be ready to begin your Learning Abroad experience with confidence.
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Returning from Learning Abroad
Finalise your Learning Abroad experience and settle back in with confidence.
Find out what you need to know about credit transfer, re-enrolment and adjusting back to life at »Ê¹Ú²ÊƱ.
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There are a number of conditions and procedures related to earning UOC. The information below covers our most frequently asked questions:
Enrolment options for short programs
There are two ways to enrol in an overseas short program - direct enrolmentÌý´Ç°ùÌýexchange place. In both cases, the program is treated as a credit transfer, and your host university grades will not appear on your »Ê¹Ú²ÊƱ transcript.
- Exchange place
- Direct enrolment
Some partner universities offer short programs on an exchange basis. To be eligible, you must be nominated by »Ê¹Ú²ÊƱ Learning Abroad. If nominated:
- You’ll be enrolled in a »Ê¹Ú²ÊƱ exchange course code
- You’ll pay tuition fees to »Ê¹Ú²ÊƱ for the approved credit load (usually 6 or 12 units of credit)
- You won’t pay tuition fees to the host university
- You’ll be covered by »Ê¹Ú²ÊƱ travel insurance.
If you're not nominated for an exchange place, you can enrol directly with the host university. In this case:
- You’ll pay tuition fees directly to the host institution
- You may still be covered by »Ê¹Ú²ÊƱ travel insurance if your credit transfer is approved by your faculty before departure.
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- General requirement: You must have completed at least 48 UOC at »Ê¹Ú²ÊƱ
- If you are a Law student: Juris Doctor students need to have completed 72 UOC and Bachelor of Law students need to have completed 78 UOC.
- Faculty-led programs: Check specific requirements in the »Ê¹Ú²ÊƱ Handbook.
- Location: No credit will be approved for programs undertaken in your home country.
- Study level: Make sure the learning abroad program is the correct level for your »Ê¹Ú²ÊƱ program (e.g. undergraduate or postgraduate level).
Note:Â Approval is not guaranteed and must be done before the program starts.ÌýEach request is reviewed based on your situation, progression and study plan.
If your program is active on myPlan, you can use this tool to verify if you have the space available in your »Ê¹Ú²ÊƱ program to receive credit for the learning abroad experience.
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Planning ahead is essential to ensure you have enough funds for your time abroad. Budget based on your destination’s cost of living and aim to have at least AUD$3,500 available per month. Costs vary by country and host university, and some host institutions may require evidence of greater funds.
- Costs covered by »Ê¹Ú²ÊƱ
- Costs you need to budget for
»Ê¹Ú²ÊƱ will cover the following expenses:
- Travel insurance:ÌýCoverage is provided. Check our  for details on what is and isn’t covered.
- International SOS:Ìý»Ê¹Ú²ÊƱ’s travel assistance and advisory provider offers 24/7 international medical and travel security advice and support during your short program.
You'll need to budget for tuition (to be paid to »Ê¹Ú²ÊƱ or host university, depending on your enrolment type), application fees, passport and visa, flights, accommodation, meals, daily living expenses, textbooks, transport and personal travel.
Learn more by accessing the Learning Abroad Short Programs Tutorial. It provides a full breakdown of expected costs and planning tips.
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Scholarships, OS-Help Loans and travel grants may be available to support for some programs.ÌýFurther information can be found on our Financial Assistance page.
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💡 Information sessions
Stay informed about upcoming short program opportunities - sessions are held twice a year and promoted through the page.
Note: If you are not currently logged in to Moodle you will see the message 'Guests cannot access this course. Please log in.' If you see this message please click the 'Continue' button and log in to Moodle with your zID. You will then be able to enrol using the above enrolment key.
Need help?
Our Learning Abroad and Exchange team is here to help. Register for an upcoming  or complete an enquiry form below.