If you are thinking about an exchange experience in 2026, there’s still time to apply!
Semester Exchange applications for Semester 1 2026 close on 16 June 2025, so don’t miss out on the opportunity to explore the world, make new friends and get credit towards your degree.
New Colombo Plan Scholarship expressions of interest for 2026 are also open. This prestigious scholarship supports exchange opportunities in the Indo-Pacific region.
Going on exchange will change your life – but don’t just take our word for it, hear what these students have to say about exchange!
UK exchange created unforgettable experiences for James
James Marsden (main image, pictured at left), Commerce and Psychological Science student. Exchange university: University of Reading, UK
I went on exchange to the University of Reading in the UK in August 2024 to February 2025. I was in my third year at university with La Trobe and always knew I wanted to step outside my comfort zone and challenge myself, study abroad provided that opportunity!
I was motivated to apply for study abroad for my personal growth and academic opportunities. I wanted to develop as a person and throw myself in the deep end while also experiencing a new system of learning.
The University of Reading was both similar and different to La Trobe. The uni lifestyle was so much fun, living on campus meeting international and domestic students. There were always events happening that made campus lively! A small but tedious challenge I encountered was adapting to a new LMS, it was hard to understand and navigate at first but with asking questions, study abroad support and consistent use, it became easy to use.
Study abroad directly helped me understand myself better, it broadened my perspective and increased my ability to adapt to change
I had a few incredible experiences that I’ll never forget. The biggest highlight for me was that my friend and I were lucky enough to go to Anfield and watch Liverpool play Aston Villa. The atmosphere was so surreal and so loud. “You’ll Never Walk Alone” played before the match started and it literally gave me goosebumps, everyone was united singing the song.
This academic experience certainly developed me as a person and broadened by global perspective. My confidence, personal growth and development, adaptability and independence increased significantly throughout this experience. While I attended Reading, I had a mixture of local and international friends, connecting with them through my classes, uni events, sports clubs and study abroad events. To build relationships, my advice is to put yourself out there and get to know as many people as possible through as many ways possible (sports, clubs, classes, events).
Before and after exchange I travelled all around Europe going to all kinds of places including Italy, Spain, Albania, Norway, Hungary and even Morocco! It was so much fun to experience different cultures and meet new people while travelling. Study abroad directly helped me understand myself better, it broadened my perspective and increased my ability to adapt to change and develop meaningful relationships. My advice to potential exchange students is to just do it! You will regret not doing it, it will be some of the best months/years of your life while also contributing to your degree at La Trobe!
Angad joined an amazing community at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden
Angad Singh. Exchange university: University of Gothenburg, Sweden
I had the chance to go on an exchange program at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden. Also referred to as the birthplace of Volvo and a historical city with vibrant ports and rich cultural scenes, Gothenburg remained my second house for nearly half a year. Additionally, it became a place of growth, self-exploring and lifelong friendships for me.
I was both excited and stressed the day before my flight was departing. Nervous because I have never traveled alone without my family, that too beyond Australia and India. With two heavily loaded suitcases and unfamiliar faces, I was a bit frightened. But a big thanks to the kindness of the locals, I was able to locate my way.
While on the exchange, I never knew that I would be a part of such an amazing community of local and exchange students from other parts of the globe. My life and travel stories about Australia made local Swedish students so fascinated that they want me to be their travel guide whenever they visit Australia.
Staying in the heart of Sweden gave me an opportunity to indulge myself in new cultural experiences.
I noticed fika, the Swedish tradition of coffee and pastries that’s as much about social connection as it is about the treat itself. Through fika, I learned the importance of slowing down, having a break and building a sense of inclusiveness even during a busy academic schedule.
Pushing the boundaries outside my classes also became a part of my everyday life in Gothenburg. I joined hiking trails where I went hiking alone with complete strangers to beautiful islands like Björkö.
These moments guided me in growing more independent and open to spontaneous adventures.
Celebrating New Year’s Eve in Gothenburg left an everlasting impression on me. Me and my friends saw fireworks lighting the sky up, while voices around echoed Tennyson’s poem “Ring out, wild bells”. It was truly a wonderful way to begin the new year — one that blended Swedish tradition with global relations.
The main surprise of my exchange came at the end when my dad surprised me with a visit. Together, we traveled across Europe, visiting Switzerland, Britain, the Netherlands and Norway. It was a rare and cherished opportunity to bond with him, and one I’ll treasure for a lifetime.
The trip brought upon significant changes in how I perceived my personal and professional future. In addition to my interest in intercultural communication, my ability to navigate easily in a foreign environment saw major improvements as well. The exchange motivated me to seek further international opportunities. I observed the value of building global networks and openness to diverse opinions – skills that are essential in the interconnected world of today.
I would advise all the students to consider giving the exchange program a shot. It may seem intimidating at first, but the experiences, inner growth and social relationships that you form will be beyond measurement.
An Khanh’s Singapore experience brought a new mindset and new growth
An Khanh Nguyen, Bachelor of Business (majoring in Digital Business and Finance) student. Exchange university: Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
Having a semester at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) was one of my best decisions in my undergraduate course.
At the beginning, I wanted to go on exchange for a semester because of my desire to experience academic environment in Asia. I also wanted to explore other aspects of myself, and Singapore was my to-go option. Luckily, I got this opportunity from NTU and I am grateful for that.
NTU impressed me. Its location is far from the city center, but it brings some sense of peace. There are different and unique buildings like The Hives, or Gaia (which is the largest wooden building in Asia). NTU also impressed me with a good-conditioned hall for students, with different canteens and other conveniences on campus.
I was impressed with not only the academic programs of the university, but also the student life there. I had a chance to meet many students there, and I am really impressed with them. They are strongly academic-focused, but they are also active in engaging with student activities and clubs in the university. I had the chance to join extra-curricular activities in NTU, and it was the best experience of the whole exchange semester. It brought me many friends, from different majors and many enjoyable moments.
Everything on my exchange semester was not only around NTU, it also brought me a chance to explore Singapore. I had opportunities to visit some popular spots such as Changi Airport, Marina Bay Sands and Haji Lane. It was incredible because of the high-complex architectures and lifestyle there. The most memorable place for me was The Merlion – it was so iconic that people take pictures there a lot.
Even though the experience there was great, I also dealt with some difficulties in academics. The work was somehow more challenging for me, but I got my friends to help me out. Although it was hard at first, I was able to manage my study with assistance from professors and my friends.
After all, semester exchange in Singapore is one of the best experiences in my higher education journey. I am really grateful for both La Trobe University and NTU for this precious experience, which has brought me new insights, new friends, new mindset and new direction for my future goals and growth.
Want to find out more or apply for your own, life-changing exchange experience? Visit the Study Abroad and New Colombo Plan Scholarship Plan (NCP) webpages for more information.
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