La Trobe students going on exchange
Where can La Trobe University students go on Exchange?
La Trobe University has over 100 international exchange partners in over 30 countries offering wide-ranging programs and nearly all offer courses in English.
How do I decide where to go?
Research the institutions by exploring their websites for unit availability and features of the institution.
If you want to network socially with previous and current exchange students, visit the “La Trobe University Study Abroad and Exchange Program Group” and page on Facebook.
At the La Trobe Global Lounge (more information below) you can access information about partner institutions and receive advice from a La Trobe Abroad staff member.
For information about available grants, scholarships and costs for students accepted into the exchange program, please visit this site.
Please note that international students are not eligible to apply for exchange programs in their home countries.
Exchange information sessions
| Date | Commences | Location | Campus |
|---|---|---|---|
| New dates TBC |
Important deadlines
| Event |
Deadline/Date |
| Exchange during Semester 2, 2013 |
Applications for University of California are due by Thursday 22 November. No late applications will be accepted. Closing date for faculty approvals: Friday 2 November. Postgraduate applications may require earlier submission. Please note: Interviews for selected UC applicants will be held the following week, most likely on Tuesday 27 November - selected candidates will be advised. All other applications to be submitted by 13 December 2012 (Please submit your complete application to your relevant faculty for approval by 23 November 2012). |
| Exchange during Semester1, 2014 |
Apply by 31 July 2013 (Please submit your complete application to the relevant faculty for approval by the 6 July 2013). |
Important required session dates
| Date |
Event |
Commences |
Location |
Campus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 August, 2012 |
Acceptance reception |
6-8pm |
Western Lecture Theatre 2 |
Bundoora |
| 6 September |
Acceptance reception - regional |
11.30am-1pm |
Busines Boardroom 129 |
Bendigo |
| 24 October, 2012 |
Pre-departure session |
2-4pm |
Western Lecture Theatre 2 |
Melbourne |
| 2-4pm |
HHS201 |
Bendigo |
||
| 2-4pm |
Grogan Lecture Theatre |
Mildura |
||
| 2-4pm |
Room 3117 |
Albury-Wodonga |
||
| 2-4pm |
Room 213 |
Shepparton |
||
| 15 November 2012 |
Final pre-departure |
6-8pm |
Agora Cinema |
Melbourne |
Extending your exchange semester
Same institution - Students on exchange wishing to apply for an extension at the same institution for the following semester, please see the deadlines in the table below.
Different institution - Students will need to apply through the normal application process. Please see the application deadlines (in the Important deadlines table above) for the relevant dates.
| Outbound students |
Extension request - notification received by* |
Extension applications (including faculty approvals) and all new travel forms due in by |
|---|---|---|
| On exchange in Semester 2, 2012 (wishing to extend for Semester 1, 2013) |
Monday, 8 October 2012 |
Thursday 1 November 2012 |
| On exchange in Semester 1, 2013 (wishing to extend for Semester 2, 2013) |
Monday 29 April 2013 |
Thursday 30 May 2013 |
| On exchange in Semester 2, 2013 (wishing to extend for Semester 1, 2014) |
Monday 30 September 2013 |
Thursday 31 October 2013 |
Eligibility
Students are selected for international mobility programs by La Trobe International on a competitive basis reflecting academic standing, motivation, seriousness of purpose, ability to take initiative, communications skills, social maturity and adaptability.
Students are also assessed on their suitability as an ambassador for La Trobe University and their ability to adapt and function independently in new environments. Students need to have a good understanding of Australian culture and be able to adequately represent La Trobe University while overseas.
- All degree seeking La Trobe University students including domestic and international students are eligible and are encouraged to make an application for entry to the La Trobe University Exchange program.
- Applicants must be currently enrolled in a relevant La Trobe University degree award program at the time of application, the semester prior to their exchange, and also at the commencement of their exchange.
- Students must have completed at least 120 credit points at La Trobe University or will have successfully completed 120 credit points by the time they participate in the exchange program.
- All students must seek Course Coordinator and Faculty approval for the exchange
- Students who have completed their degree requirements or will complete their degree requirements the semester prior to the semester they want to go on exchange, will not be eligible for the program.
- Students must have a satisfactory level of academic achievement with a 65 per cent or above average to be accepted to the La Trobe University Exchange Program; however, some partner institutions require a higher grade point average to gain entry into their programs.
- If students who have been accepted in to the exchange program fail one or more units in the semester prior to their exchange, they may not be permitted to participate in the program.
How do I apply?
- Download and complete the outbound exchange application form (PDF 104KB). The form details what information and documentation is required.
- Research host institutions, singling out those which are both of interest to you and can provide relevant studies.
- Bring the application form to your Faculty together with a list of the units that you wish to take at the host institution. The Internal Use and Study Plan sections need to be signed and approved on by your Faculty and Course Coordinator.
- Complete the other necessary forms required by the exchange application.
Outgoing La Trobe students, for details about which partner instituions are prioritised for the Student Mobility Scholarship (SMS), please see the Scholarships page.
A complete application checklist:
- Academic transcript: A current academic transcript demonstrating a 65 (C) or above average.
- Study plan: A detailed study plan approved by your course coordinator and faculty advisors which demonstrates the subjects you wish to study on exchange
- Reference: One academic and one non-academic reference. The non-academic reference should not be written by a family member or friend. Recommended non-academic references include: employer, landlord, coach or volunteer supervisor.
Academic Reference Form
Non-academic Reference Form - Personal statement: This should cover your motivations, why you want to study at your chosen University, your interest in that particular country and what you feel you will learn from the experience.
Submit the application to the La Trobe Abroad Team by visiting the Global Lounge before the application deadline. You do not need to book an appointment unless you wish to discuss your application. Once your application is reviewed by a committee, you will receive an email from your coordinator, indicating whether you have been accepted into the La Trobe University Exchange Program.
Applications must be complete before they will be reviewed. Applicants will be notified regarding an incomplete application and will be required to provide additional documentation.
Acceptance reception
All successful applicants are required to attend the compulsory Acceptance Reception for their approved exchange period. At the reception, students will be provided with information regarding their host institution application, information clearly detailing the conditions and responsibilities of the Exchange Program, and essential information for this stage of the exchange process. Please see the acceptance reception dates (these dates may vary each year).
Pre-departure session
The pre-departure session is the final compulsory session for students before they depart on exchange. This session has been tailored to ensure that students are fully prepared for their semester overseas and covers: health and safety, academic requirements, culture shock, and additional information that will help students during their exchange.
A pre-departure guide will be available to all students who attend the pre-departure session.
| Form/document |
Due date |
Submitted to |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance and conditions of participation form (PDF 126KB) |
within two weeks from your acceptance session |
La Trobe Abroad |
| Nominated proxy form (PDF 11KB) |
within two weeks from your acceptance session |
|
| Mobility grant payment details (PDF 69KB) |
within two weeks from your acceptance session | La Trobe Abroad |
| Travel insurance guidelines (PDF 16KB) |
||
| Travel form (PDF 62KB) |
within two weeks from your pre-departure session |
|
| Risk assessment form (PDF 35KB) |
within two weeks from your pre-departure session |
|
| Variation of enrolment (PDF 2MB) |
within two weeks from your pre-departure session |
|
| Request for a Centrelink letter (PDF 1.47MB) |
within two weeks from your pre-departure session |
|
| Amendment to personal details form (PDF 112KB) |
within two weeks from your pre-departure session |
|
| Offer letter from the host university |
as soon as you receive it - prior to your departure |
a copy to La Trobe Abroad |
| On arrival form (PDF 65KB) (Sent to your relevant La Trobe Abroad coordinator) |
within four weeks of starting overseas semester |
La Trobe Abroad |
Visas, flights, travel/risk forms, and accommodation
All flight, visa, and accommodation arrangements are the responsibility of the student.
-
Visas
La Trobe is unable to provide advice on visa requirements. It is recommended that students contact the appropriate Consulate for additional information. - Flights
We strongly recommend that students refrain from making flight or travel insurance bookings, or payments, before receiving an official letter of offer from the host institution. La Trobe University takes no responsibility for any financial loss associated with flight and/or travel insurance bookings.
- Travel/risk forms
It is a condition of La Trobe University that all exchange students must submit a travel form at least 28 days prior to their departure. Students traveling to destinations that have been deemed 'Medium' risk and above, must also complete a Risk Form. Please see the City Brief website for the most up to date country information. Additional forms and guidelines are available via the University's Insurance website.
- Accommodation
In most cases, accommodation is organised as part of a student's exchange, however it is the responsability of the student to research and confirm their housing. Students generally choose to live in residential colleges, dormitories, or apartments on or very close to their host university campuses. Some host institutions do not have on-campus housing, but do have services to assist students with accommodation.
Please note: not all exchange partner institutions are able to guarantee housing.
Travel insurance
It is a condition of La Trobe University that all exchange students must have comprehensive travel and health insurance. Some host institutions may also require that students take out a Health Insurance policy. Students should ensure that they carefully review the acceptance information regarding insurance requirements. All travel and insurance documents must be submitted to your Education Abroad Advisor at least 28 days before you leave. More information is available at the LTU Insurance Office.
Returning students - Organising credit transfers
When a student finishes their exchange program, the host institution will send an official academic transcript to the La Trobe Abroad Office. Students are required to submit their final Photo Journal, Video, or Experience Report (PDF 47KB) to the La Trobe Abroad Office at which time their host university transcript will be released to them. Students are then required to take this to their faculty office to have their credits transferred.
For further information - visit us at the Global Lounge
Students at the Melbourne campus can access more information on exchange partners at the La Trobe Global Lounge (located behind Velocci Cafe, next to the ISA office). The office is open Monday to Thursday from 11am-3pm.
For 2012, the Global Lounge will also provide specific times for the various regions when you can get expert advice. As usual, all our staff can assist you with any information you might need. Students from our regional campuses are encouraged to call us on +61 3 9479 2112.
| Day and time |
Region |
|---|---|
| Monday, 11am - 1pm |
Americas |
| Monday, 1pm - 3pm |
Asia & short programs |
| Tuesday, 11am - 1pm |
Europe |
| Tuesday, 1pm - 3pm |
Americas |
| Wednesday, 11am - 1pm |
Asia & short programs |
| Wednesday, 1pm - 3pm |
Europe |
| Thursday, 11am - 12.20pm |
Americas |
| Thursday, 12.20pm - 1.40pm |
Europe |
| Thursday, 1.40pm - 3pm |
Asia & short programs |
Please note, these region-specific times are subject to change depending on staff availability.
