Semester exchange
Experience studying abroad for one or two semesters at a La Trobe partner university. Explore the world, make new friends, and get credit towards your degree.
Students completing an approved semester exchange program receive a financial grant, complimentary La Trobe travel insurance and may be eligible for other funding.
How does a semester abroad work?
La Trobe has exchange agreements with universities worldwide, allowing students to swap places for one or two sessions.
While on exchange, you stay enrolled full-time at La Trobe, pay your regular tuition fees, and earn credits towards your degree for the subjects you complete at the partner university.
There are no additional tuition fees for going on exchange.
Application Timelines
For Semester Exchange in Semester 1 2026
February - June 2025
Attend an information session and start preparing your application
Early May - 15 June 2025
Submit your application
For Semester Exchange in Semester 2 2026
February - November 2025
Attend an information session and start preparing your application
Early October - 16 November 2025
Submit your application
How to Apply
Step 1. Check your eligibility
To be eligible to participate you need to meet the following requirements:
- Be enrolled in La Trobe degree
- Have completed at least 120 credit points (undergraduate students) or 60 credits points (postgraduate students) at La Trobe prior to departure
- Have a minimum Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of 60. Contact the La Trobe Abroad team if you fall below this.
- A full-time study load of 45-60 La Trobe credit points is required while on semester exchange to meet La Trobe and host university requirements.
Step 3: Understand your Study Plan
It is important to understand your Study Plan and whether you can fit a semester exchange into your course.
You can refer to your Study Plan for a visual representation of the structure of your course.
The structure of your course will influence how much choice and flexibility you have when selecting a partner university. More electives mean more options. Depending on your degree, you may need to complete:
- All core subjects (matching La Trobe subjects to overseas subjects)
- All electives
- A combination of core and elective subjects
We recommend using electives if possible.
You can book an appointment with Ask La Trobe/Student Advising to discuss how to plan subjects for overseas study.
NOTE: The Ask La Trobe/Student Advising team cannot assist you with finding partner universities that offer your study area. Contact Learning Abroad for assistance with this step.
Restricted Degrees
The below academic programs do not allow for a semester exchange.
- Physiotherapy, Speech Pathology, Occupational Therapy, Oral Health, Paramedicine (Speak to your Course Coordinator for alternative study abroad programs including international placements)
- Students enrolled in a La Trobe course taught outside Australia
- Students studying through Open Universities Australia
Tricky Degrees
The below academic programs may not allow for a semester exchange unless you are early in your degree. Check with your Course Coordinator.
- Psychology
- Education
- Post Graduate degrees
- Other degrees with limited electives.
Step 4. Research and choose your host university
Once you understand your Study Plan and the subjects you have available for a semester exchange, you can begin researching where you want to study.
Check the partner university subject information to make sure they offer suitable subjects during the semester you plan to go on exchange.
In your application, you will be required to select three universities in your order of preference. Make sure you research your second and third choices to ensure they are viable backup options.
Semester Exchange Colour Categories
When choosing your three partner universities, consider their colour category:
- Red: Very popular, limited places.
- Orange: Popular, more places than Red.
- Green: Most places available.
If you choose a Red or Orange university as your first preference, your second and third choices must be Orange or Green.
Explore Programs
If you need help or guidance, reach out to the La Trobe Learning Abroad team.
Step 5. Prepare your Semester Exchange Subject Planner
As part of your application, you are required to prepare your Semester Exchange Subject Planner for your first preference host university.
You must research 3 Host universities/preferences, looking for the subjects you wish to take while on exchange by carefully reviewing the partner university subject outlines. It is much easier if you use any Elective space in your La Trobe degree as the subjects don't have to match
If you are not sure what subjects you should be looking to take on exchange, go back to Step 3 above and consider meeting with an Ask La Trobe Student Advisor for Study Plan advice. You need to ensure that your chosen partner university offers the subjects you need.
You only need to submit a Subject Plan for your first preference university. However, ensure that you check that your second and third preference universities offers the subjects you require in case you are allocated to one of these universities. Please download and complete the important Subject Planner document below: (Course coordinator approval is not required at this stage).
Download the Semester Exchange Subject Planner [PDF 139.4KB]
Step 6. Submit your application
Submit your application, making sure you upload your prepared Semester Exchange Subject Plan and your unofficial La Trobe transcript. You can access your unofficial transcript through StudentOnLine.
Apply Now (this will be a live link once applications are open)
What Happens Next
Acceptance
If you have been accepted into the La Trobe semester exchange program, you will be emailed an offer letter indicating the partner university we will be nominating you to.
Please check your offer letter thoroughly prior to accepting your place in the program.
Credit Approval
You will then proceed with completing the Semester Exchange Subject Planner. You will send your prepared Subject Planner to your Course Coordinator to review.
Once you have the equivalent of 90 - 120 La Trobe credits pre-approved to study at your nominated partner university, you will submit the Global Experience Credit Approval (GECA) application and upload your completed Subject Planner.
Once you receive confirmation of your approved subjects, ensure you forward the Credit Approval letter to the Learning Abroad team at: studyabroad@latrobe.edu.au.
Apply to your host university
Once you have accepted your place and submitted you credit approval letter, we will nominate you to the partner university and you will be provided with instructions on how to complete their application.
It can take a few months for the partner university to assess your application and provide you with an outcome.
Arrange your flights, visa and accommodation
Once the application has been accepted by your host university, they will send you a formal offer to study on exchange at their university.
You can then use this to apply for your visa and start booking flights and accommodation.
NOTE: Do not financially commit to travel arrangements until you receive your formal offer from the host university.
Attend the compulsory pre-departure session
Before you depart, you are required to attend a pre-departure session to prepare for your exchange.
This session covers travel insurance, enrolment, Centrelink implications, overseas responsibilities, and necessary pre-departure administration.
It's also a chance to meet other exchange students, hear from recently returned students, and ask questions.
Contact Us
We’re here to help! If you have questions, you can contact Learning Abroad by email or make an appointment to speak with us on the phone or via a Zoom video call.
