Outbound student exchange

You must have successfully completed equivalent to at least 18 AU units of study in your current degree at the time of stage 2 applications closing.  

• For the University of Adelaide, this is equivalent to successful completion of at least 9 units.   

• For the University of South Australia, this is equivalent to successful completion of at least 13.5 units.  

You must have successfully completed equivalent to at least 36 AU units of study at the time of departure.   

• For the University of Adelaide, this is equivalent to successful completion of at least 18 units.   

• For the University of South Australia, this is equivalent to successful completion of at least 27 units.  

You must have successfully completed equivalent to at least 18 AU units of study in your current degree at the time of stage 2 applications closing.   

• For the University of Adelaide, this is equivalent to successful completion of at least 9 units.  

• For the University of South Australia, this is equivalent to successful completion of at least 13.5 units. 

Or completion of a previous degree at Adelaide University or University of Adelaide or University of South Australia within the 12 months prior to application. 

If you are an international student looking to undertake an international exchange program through Adelaide University, we recommend that you contact your foundation university to discuss your options, as there may be additional considerations.

• You can apply to undertake an exchange program at Adelaide University and standard eligibility criteria will apply. 

• You may be required to take an English language test at your own expense to apply to some partner universities.

• It is your responsibility to ensure that any overseas studies will not adversely affect your visa and/or future work and study prospects.

• If you’re a sponsored student, you must receive approval from your sponsor prior to commencing an application for an exchange program. 

Now is the time to start looking into possible host universities, and which courses may be available for you to study overseas. 

When applying for exchange you will be asked to list 3-5 potential host universities in order of preference. You can view existing exchange partners with both the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia to get a sense of which overseas universities may be available for Adelaide University exchange in 2026. However, Adelaide University partners are not yet confirmed and there may be changes to the universities and destinations available. This is even more reason to have multiple back-ups in mind!

You will need to undertake some detailed research to make sure your preferred universities are suitable for you. This part of the process can be time-consuming, with a lot of information to read and absorb. Use these tips to help guide your research: 

• Browse current university exchange partners to discover your options. Some of the information may not apply to the Adelaide University exchange program, but they are a good guide for early research. These webpages also provide the links to overseas university websites, where you can explore in more detail.

• You’ll need to consider whether the universities you’re interested in will have enough relevant courses in your academic area, along with whether they are offered in the semester(s) you want to go on exchange, to make it a suitable choice for you. If you’re not fluent in the language of the host university, you’ll also need to make sure there are a good range of courses taught in English.

• You’ll notice that different universities calculate course loads and credit differently. Ultimately, it will be up to your Program Director to determine how many courses at the host university are equivalent to how many courses at Adelaide University. This will happen later in the process. See the general credit equivalency guidelines below, which may help you with your research. 

Credit equivalencies

• Academic subjects aren’t the only thing to consider. Make sure to think about which universities offer student culture, accommodation options, and student services that suit your lifestyle and needs.

You may already have a specific country or location in mind for your exchange program, but it’s essential to consider that not all universities will offer courses or services to suit you. Therefore, it’s important to remain open-minded about your host location. For example, you may not find the subjects you need in France, but you could have a similarly rewarding experience studying in Denmark or Singapore.

It’s worthwhile to think about your budget as you research your destination. Some countries may be more expensive to travel to than others, may have a weak exchange rate, or might attract a higher cost of living – all worth keeping in mind if you’re on a budget. 

Jump to the finance and funding section to find out more about the financial support available. 

Once you’ve done some initial research, it’s a great idea to meet with the team at your foundation university to discuss your plans. They can offer advice and answer any questions you might have about funding options, application processes, and more. 

Both universities also hold regular information sessions for students interested in undertaking an exchange. This is a great opportunity to meet with team members and ask questions. Keep an eye on your foundation university website, or get in touch to find out about upcoming sessions.

Information on other grants and scholarships may be added to the Adelaide University website if and when they become available.

When you undertake an exchange program, you’re not required to pay tuition to the exchange partner – instead, you will pay tuition to Adelaide University as your home university. However, you’ll need to budget for costs such as accommodation, living expenses, flights, any incidental travel, and more. It's unlikely your visa will allow you to undertake paid employment while on exchange. 

Some countries are also more expensive than others. It's a good idea to plan a budget appropriate to the country and city where you plan to study. If you are on a tight budget, keep this in mind as you consider your destination. 

Even with some financial support options available, you may want to start saving to ensure you can make the most of your overseas experience.

Many host university websites provide information regarding basic costs for students on exchange. Remember to keep an eye on the exchange rate, as costs will vary depending on the strength of the Australian dollar. You can use an online currency converter to help with your budget. 

Costs to consider include:

• Your home university tuition fees (at Adelaide University)

• Health and travel insurance

• Airfare (round-trip)

• Accommodation

• Meals and dining

• Local transportation

• Entertainment costs.

You can also visit your foundation university website for useful information on budgeting, including calculators and templates. Read up on University of Adelaide exchange costs and University of South Australia funding information. Note that this advice is subject to change.