For most students, the earliest you can go on exchange is your 4th semester at UQ.
You can study on exchange for 1 or 2 semesters.
Most partner universities operate on a two-semester system with semester dates typically being September to December (Semester 1) and January to May (Semester 2).
Some institutions (Edinburgh, Birmingham) require exchange students to go for two semesters, beginning in the September semester.
Find out more details about the possibilities on our partner universities' page.
Can I study overseas in my last semester of my degree?
Yes, you can. But you need to remember that:
- You must have a minimum of 6 units left in your degree to be able to study overseas in your last semester.
- Studying overseas in your last semester will most likely delay your graduation, especially if you are studying overseas in the September – December semester. UQ will not receive your transcript until early January and will not be able to transfer your credit in time for you to graduate in December.
- If you fail any courses while you are overseas in your last semester, you will almost certainly have to return to UQ to finish your degree.
- Flexibility with courses is necessary when going on exchange. If you only have core courses remaining in your degree it is not recommended that you go on exchange in your last semester.
- You will not be eligible for an OS-Help loan.
LAW - All Law students (enrolled in a single or dual degree) who want to go on exchange must discuss this option with their Academic Administrative Officer in the BEL Faculty for further advice before the end of their 2nd year.
Single Law students (who began their studies in 2008) will only be able to go on exchange in their last semester (to do all electives). Students should be aware that studying overseas in their last semester will delay their graduation.
Dual Law degree students (from 2008)
- Students should ideally complete both Law of Property A+B and Law of Trusts A+B at UQ before going on exchange. However, students who do not wish to take any private law elective courses overseas may be able to go on exchange after 2nd year.
- Students may be able to go on exchange for 2 semesters in Year 4 but must discuss this option with their Academic Administrative Officer.
- Students can combine courses with their other degree and take courses from both degrees while on exchange.
- Students going on exchange may have to overload in the semester before they go or when they come back or take some courses in a summer semester.
Psychological Science
- Students are only allowed to undertake one semester on exchange. Those wishing to go on exchange for more than one semester are encouraged to move to the Bachelor of Arts.
- BPsySc students cannot undertake exchange studies in Semester 2, Year 3.
- The School of Psychology strongly recommends that BPsySc students undertake their exchange studies in their first semester of their third year in the program.
- The school is willing to develop study plans for students who prefer to go overseas in second semester of their second year however it is critical that Year 2 students meet with the Student Advisor in the School at the end of their first year so that a suitable study plan can be devised as some courses cannot be taken overseas.
ARTS - Click here for Exchange advice for Japanese (Double) Major students.
For further advice regarding this please contact the Arts Faculty.