Due to curriculum restrictions, there are a number of programs at UQ that are not suitable for participating in a student exchange program.

If you are enrolled in the following programs, you are not eligible to apply for an exchange through UQ Abroad:

Undergraduate

• Bachelor of Dental Science
• Bachelor of Education - cannot go on exchange in the 4th year 
• Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS*)
• Bachelor of Music (Music Performance or Composition) - Years One and Two cannot go on exchange
• Bachelor of Occupational Therapy
• Bachelor of Pharmacy
• Bachelor of Psychological Science - cannot go on exchange in the 4th year
• Bachelor of Physiotherapy
• Bachelor of Speech Pathology
• Bachelor of Veterinary Science
• Honours year - any program
• Bachelor of Paramedic Science

If you are enrolled in one of these programs, you may still have an opportunity to participate in a range of other global experiences including, short term study programs, internships, volunteer placements or study tours. Please visit the Office of Undergraduate Education website for further information about global programs and funding support available to UQ students.

* MBBS students should contact the School of Medicine for further information about international opportunities.

Research Higher Degree

Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) students are not eligible to apply for an exchange through UQ Abroad. For information about support available to you to participate in global programs, visit the UQ Graduate School website or speak with your advisor.

The eligibility criteria against which applications for exchange will be assessed are provided below. These requirements should be met by the end of the semester in which you apply to UQ Abroad (See application deadlines). 

The earliest semester in which you can apply for exchange is your second semester of study at UQ; which means that the earliest that you can go on exchange is the second semester of your second year.

Undergraduate students should:

1. Have undertaken the equivalent of at least 2 standard full-time semesters (16 units) of studies at UQ by the end of the semester in which you apply.
2. Have successfully completed at least 2 standard full-time semesters (16 units) in your current UQ program.

Students enrolled in a dual BA/MBBS or BSc/MBBS program are permitted to apply in their first semester at UQ due to the restrictions of their program.

Postgraduate students should:

1. Have undertaken the equivalent of at least 1 standard full-time semester (8 units) of studies at UQ by the end of the semester in which you apply.
2. Have successfully completed at least 1 standard full-time semester (8 units) in your current UQ Coursework Masters program.

All students should:

1. Be enrolled and taking classes in a degree program at UQ in the semester of application.
2. Have a minimum cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 4.5, calculated from the grades in all courses undertaken in your current program plus the grades in other UQ courses that have been credited towards your current program. NB: Students who have an academic warning or who have been required to show cause in their most recent #16 of enrolment at UQ may not be approved to go on exchange, even when their GPA is 4.5 or above.
3. Gain school and faculty approval in the form of a study plan to obtain full credit transfer from your exchange studies towards your UQ degree.
4. Have sufficient time left in your degree to study a standard full-time load (8 units) while on exchange. Students may take the equivalent of 6 units while on exchange if going on exchange in their last semester of their degree with only 6 units left to complete.

Transfer students

• Please note that you must have completed or be in the process of completing 16 units at UQ before you can be considered for exchange, regardless of the number of units transferred to your UQ program.

Special considerations

• If you do not satisfy the above published criteria, you will need to include a statement with your application form justifying why UQ Abroad should consider varying the rules in your case.
• In the case of limited exchange places at host universities, students who have not previously participated in the UQ Abroad Exchange Program will be given priority. If you are applying for your second/third exchange, you may not gain a place at one of your preferred universities; however, we will work with you to try and find a suitable alternative.
• Not all partner universities will accept postgraduate students. Postgraduates considering going on exchange must discuss this option with a UQ Abroad Advisor. 
• Postgraduate architecture students (only) may submit an application for the October deadline during their 'year out' to go on exchange in the second semester of their Master's program.

International students, please also note the following:

• Students studying at UQ on an international student visa are not permitted to study on exchange in their country of citizenship.
• International students studying at UQ receiving funding through AusAid are unable to participate in UQ Abroad. Other international students sponsored by their government should check with their sponsor to see whether they are able to participate in the student exchange program.
• International students from Singapore undertaking a Bachelor of Laws degree are unable to participate in UQ Abroad due to the regulations set by the Board of Legal Education.

While a large number of partner universities teach in English, or offer courses taught in English, some universities in Latin America, Europe and Asia teach predominatly in the local language.

If you would like to study at a university which does not teach in English, you will need to demonstrate that you are proficient in the language of instruction before your application can be approved.

If you plan to study in a foreign language on exchange, complete an Assessment of Language Proficiency form and submit it with your application.

In order to have sufficient language skills to study in a foreign language, you need to have achieved a minimum level of B2 on this chart. Even with the level of B2 you are strongly recommended to take an intensive language course for 2-4 weeks before beginning your studies in a foreign language.

To complete the Assessment of Language Proficiency form:

• If you are currently studying the foreign language at UQ, take the form to your lecturer to complete.
• If you are not studying the foreign language at UQ, you may be required to take a standardised test in the foreign language to determine your level of proficiency. Standardised tests in most foreign languages are offered at the Institute of Modern Languages (IML) for a fee.

Most UQ programs have specific requirements that you will need to meet before going on exchange. Contact your Faculty or School for further information relating to approved partners, course choice, subject approvals, length of stay, and available scholarships.