Apply for an Exchange Semester

Applying for an exchange semester is a 2 part process.

The first step is to apply online to the Flinders exchange program. If your application is successful you will be invited to submit an application to one of your nominated host institutions.

Your eligibility

Apply online

Exchange application process part 1

Exchange application process part 2

Application deadlines for semester exchange programs

Semester one:
31 July of the previous year

Semester two:
30 November of previous year

Please note, application deadlines for short-term programs will differ from the deadlines specified above and will be listed in the course information for that particular program.

To commence the application process, ensure you have:

1. Check exchange program eligibility and deadlines

Seek approval from your College by submitting an online request via Ask Flinders:

Area > Overseas Study Application
Overseas Study Application Area > Semester Exchange
Enquiry summary > Eligibility for an exchange
Enquiry details > submit the following:
- According to my study plan, when is the best time for me to undertake a semester exchange?
- Can I use electives, or do I need to match option/core topics?
- Will undertaking an exchange delay my degree completion?

2. Choose two universities for your application

Use the Programs and Partners table to search and select two preferred partner universities (they can be in different countries).
Refer to the academic full-time study load document to understand credit equivalency between Flinders and partner universities.
Submit an Exchange Semester Credit Request form via AskFlinders to obtain the credit letter (sample only).

3. Start your application

If you're ready to take the leap, complete the Part 1: Flinders Exchange Application, the steps and submit your application!

Your eligibility

Do you meet all the requirements?

Undergraduate

As a full time undergraduate student, an applicant should at the time of application:

have achieved an overall GPA of 5.0 following completion of one semester (18 units) of their current program of study; or
have achieved an overall GPA of 4.0 following completion of (or about to complete) at least one year of their current program of study (36 units);
are enrolled as a full-time student at the time of the proposed exchange.

Postgraduate

As a full time postgraduate student, an applicant should at the time of application:

have achieved an overall GPA of 4.0 following completion of (or about to complete) one semester of a postgraduate program (18 units);
be enrolled as a full-time student at the time of the proposed exchange.

College and degree requirements

Languages
Second semester of second year, or third year. French Language students are encouraged to apply for an overseas short term program, prior to applying for a semester exchange program with French partners.

Letters, Social Work and Speech Pathology
Exchange is not possible in this degree.

Law
Third year onwards.

Undergraduate Education degrees
Students may be permitted to undertake an exchange semester by taking approved topics at an overseas institution in their second year of study. Topics can only be credited in place of the topics identified for their major, minor, elective or specialisation* rather than core EDUC topics. Major, minor, elective and specialisation options differ between undergraduate degrees.

Exchanges can also be taken to undertake third year placements at an overseas institution during second semester of third year. Accreditation requires these placements to be at sites teaching the Australian National Curriculum.

Nutrition
Second semester of second year (strict study plan).

Nursing/Midwifery
No semester exchange available. Please contact Donelle Arthur, Course Coordinator, Bachelor of Nursing for advice and for details of overseas clinical placement options.

Psychology and Behavioural Science
Second year or first semester of third year.

Creative Arts - Dual Award and VET entry
Exchange may be possible in the second semester of the second year or the first semester of 3rd year. Carefully read the eligibility criteria for the OS Help Loan - must be a Commonwealth supported student and completed 36 units of study undertaken in Australia towards the course of study, as a Commonwealth supported student.

Higher Education Diploma
Exchange is not possible within this Diploma. If continuing into Bachelor program, exchange maybe possible.

Medical Science
Exchange may be possible in the third year when option topics are available.

Master of Teaching (all streams)
The exchange is not possible due to accreditation and teachers registration requirements.

Part 1: Flinders Exchange Application

Step 1

Submit an Exchange Semester Credit Request form via AskFlinders to obtain the credit letter (sample only).

Step 2: Write a 500 word statement of purpose outlining:

Why you wish to participate in the exchange program including your aims and objectivities.
How study at your exchange host will benefit you both academically and personally.
Demonstrate awareness of your proposed host universities and country’s culture

Step 3: Obtain a written reference from one Flinders academic staff member.

Provide the Academic reference letter-guidelines to your referee. The reference letter should be written as an MS Word document under the referee's Flinders University personalised letterhead.

Please note that in some circumstances a 2nd referee may be required.

Step 4

Complete 1 financial planner for your first preferred host university.

Step 5: Apply online

Complete the online application form and upload your supporting documentation (approved study plan/credit letter, statement of purpose, reference letters and financial planner).

Apply online

Resources

Sample referee report

Sample financial budget

Sample personal statement

Sample credit approval letter

Exchange semester credit request form

Short-term study abroad credit request form

Academic reference letter guidelines

Submit your application

By submitting an online application you acknowledge that you have read, understood and agreed to the conditions of participation.

Conditions of participation

AS A FLINDERS UNIVERSITY STUDENT PARTICIPATING IN THE EXCHANGE PROGRAM, I UNDERSTAND THAT I REMAIN SUBJECT TO THE RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THE UNIVERSITY. I AM AWARE AND UNDERSTAND THAT:

For each semester of study undertaken on exchange, I will be billed by Flinders University for the total units credited of tuition fees based on the course(s) in which I am currently enrolled,
It is my responsibility to submit for approval to the Faculty Administrative Officer any proposed changes to my academic program as detailed in the Study Plan as soon as they occur. I will send copies of all correspondence to the relevant Faculty Administrative Officer and Mobility Office.
The Global Experience office and my college will enrol me in an exchange topic for each semester I am on exchange prior to my departure. In the case that I am not able to enrol for the following year prior to my departure, I will enrol online. I acknowledge that studies undertaken on exchange must meet my course requirements.
I must research and prepare a study plan and have it approved by my course/topic coordinator and Faculty Administrative Officer prior to selection.
I must submit the approved study plan to the Mobility Officer prior to selection.
I accept financial responsibility for all costs associated with this exchange including but not limited to housing, room, board, transportation, passports, visas, textbooks and insurance.
I will fulfil my role as an ambassador for Flinders University, abide by the regulations of my host institution and the laws of its country.
I will consult promptly with my host university international advisers (and if necessary the Mobility Officer at Flinders University) should any problems arise in relation to my studies or otherwise during my time on the exchange program.
I will submit a report to the Mobility Officer on my exchange experience within four weeks of the completion of the exchange program.
I will assist with the promotion of exchange programs during and upon my return to Flinders University.
I acknowledge that I have been informed by Flinders of the need to take out adequate travel, medical and hospital insurance cover and am aware that it is my responsibility to arrange this cover.

Apply online for semester exchange

Part 2: Completing The Host University Exchange Application Form

Step 1

We acknowledge receipt of your application and assess your application after the relevant closing date. Following the closing date we will notify you via email of the outcome of your Flinders exchange application.

Step 2

If your Flinders exchange application is successful, we will nominate you as an exchange student to one of your preferred host universities. You will need to attend a mandatory Post Nomination session.

Step 3

After your nomination, you will receive an email from your Host University requesting you to submit an exchange application. Once your are accepted by your Host University you can apply for financial assistance and student travel insurance. All exchange students will attend a mandatory Pre-Departure session.

Make all final arrangements for your exchange (Visas, Travel, Accommodation etc.)