They differ in the way you pay tuition fees.

Exchange programs

You remain enrolled at Sydney and continue your usual fee arrangement. Most semester/year-long programs are exchange.

All exchange programs are for credit.

Both undergraduate and postgraduate students can go on exchange — undergraduate students can go anytime from Semester 2 in your first year.

You'll just need to check that it works with your degree. Student exchange is open to most students, but not all. Some faculties have rules around what can be studied overseas, or when it's best to go. 

Non-exchange programs

Requires you to enrol at a host university or program provider and pay fees to them directly. Many of these programs are held over the summer or winter break.

Applying for academic credit for these programs is optional.

The Sydney Abroad team manage exchange programs and a range of non-exchange short-term programs.

Generally speaking, to be eligible for semester, year-long and short-term programs (exchange and non-exchange), you need to:

• Have a weighted average mark (WAM) of at least 50
• Meet the progression requirements of your relevant University of Sydney course and the Coursework Policy
  
• For exchange programs, you need to have completed at least 24 credit points of study at the University of Sydney.

There also additional eligibility requirements around language, nationality, virtual vs in-person, host university conditions and more that may impact your eligibility.

Going on an overseas program generally should not delay the completion of your course requirements and/or graduation. You may apply for credit.

Exchange programs

If you go on exchange, you remain enrolled to Sydney during your exchange and receive credit for your studies.

Non-exchange programs

For non-exchange programs, you can apply for credit after you return. The key is to plan it out and give yourself enough time.

Going overseas for a program doesn’t have to be expensive – the most important thing is to understand there will be costs and plan your finances to help you have an enjoyable and stress-free experience.

A global experience means you will be living and studying abroad, not travelling on holiday where expenses can be higher. Living costs vary across the world, even in different regions of the same country. The duration of your program and extra travel plans will also impact the expenses.

Find out more about the costs and scholarships available, including grants and loans to assist financially.

A benefit of spending a period at an overseas institution is that you can access units of study that may not be taught at the University of Sydney. For example, at the National University of Singapore, a film studies major could take an elective on South Asian Cinema, which is not offered at the University of Sydney.

One tip when planning any global experience for credit is to save up your elective units so that you can complete them overseas.

Find out more information on applying for academic approval including the process and type of program.

Yes. Undergraduate, postgraduate and international students can go abroad.

For postgraduate students, it is possible provided there is scope in your course and/or approved by your supervisors.