Frequently asked questions (FAQ) - Exchange

On this page

• Eligibility and applications
• Locations and institutions
• Exchange structure, units and results
• Costs, transportation and accommodation
• Contact information

Eligibility and applications

Am I eligible for exchange?

Please refer to the full eligibility requirements

• Undergraduate: Completed 36 Monash credit points in the semester you apply
• Graduate: Completed 18 Monash credit points in the semester you apply
• Minimum 60 WAM
• Study a full time load (18-24 Monash credit points)

Can I apply for exchange in my final semester?

Yes, but please be aware of the potential impacts on funding, progression and graduation:

• You may not be eligible for OS-HELP Loan assistance
• Your course completion may be delayed if you fail a unit
• Graduation may be delayed if we have not received your exchange results
• Postgraduate studies / Employment opportunities may be delayed

Locations and institutions

Where can I go on exchange?

Monash has exchange agreements with over 150 partner institutions in more than 30 countries across the UK, Europe, the Americas, the Middle East, Oceania and Asia. This means studying a semester or two in places like Norway, Japan, Germany and Mexico may be easier than you think!

Explore the Program search web pages for each of our partner universities to discover more. Information including unit handbook links, credit conversions, accommodation, and cost of living are all covered within each institution's dedicated web page.

Monash Abroad manages all engagement with partner institutions. Prospective outbound students should contact Monash Abroad for any additional partner information, including sourcing unit outlines, rather than contacting the partner directly.

Can I study for a semester at a non-partner institution?

An independent study abroad experience allows you to pursue your personal and academic goals by studying for a semester at an institution that does not currently have an exchange agreement with Monash. You will pay tuition fees directly to the non-partner institution, not to Monash. Eligibility to receive loans from the Australian government may change for this type of activity, so it’s important that you research options applicable for your particular circumstances.

Exchange structure, units and results

What units can I study on exchange?

You can study electives, major or minor units on exchange. We recommend using your available electives to give you the widest unit choice and the flexibility to change your enrolment if any last minute changes occur.

• Offered at your degree level (Undergraduate or Graduate).
• Be of academic advantage and add value to your degree.
• Taught in English (unless you meet any prerequisite language requirements).

Conducted in face-to-face or in-class mode (not online).

• Capstone units cannot be completed on exchange

Free electives

Study units from any faculty or discipline that interest you, as long as you meet any prerequisite requirements.

Commerce/Business electives

Study units from a commerce discipline, such as marketing, management, sustainability, economics, etc, as long as you meet any prerequisite requirements.

Major/Specialisation units

Study a major unit at the partner institution. The unit content must match the content of the Monash unit you are replacing (We will assess this for you).

Please refer to the partner university handbook to find units similar to those listed in the Monash Handbook for your major. Upload the unit syllabus into your study plan. We will complete this assessment for you when you submit your study plan.

Core foundation units

Students can complete a core foundation unit while on exchange. The unit content must match the content of the Monash unit you are replacing (We will assess this for you).

Please refer to the partner university handbook to find units similar to those listed in the Monash Handbook for your major or core foundation unit requirement. Upload the unit syllabus into your study plan. We will complete this assessment for you when you submit your study plan.

What is a syllabus?

A syllabus is a document that details information about a unit. Details should include: unit title, unit code, an outline of the unit content, number of class hours per week, specific topics covered each week, textbooks referred to, and modes of assessment.

Submitting an incomplete syllabus can delay the unit assessment process, so please ensure that full information is provided. If you’re unable to find a syllabus, Monash Abroad can help you. Please note this in your study plan.

How do I match up semester dates with the exchange institution?

Semester dates in the southern hemisphere differ to those in the northern hemisphere. This means that while semester one in Australia begins in March, in places like the UK the Spring term (their second semester) begins in January.

Be sure to check the dates to make sure they align with your current Monash program.

Information regarding the semester equivalence can be found on the Academic Details tab for the partner university in the Program search page.

How do I enrol in my exchange units?

The Monash Business School Global Programs and Partnerships team will coordinate your enrolment. All you need to do is make sure you're enrolled in your usual Monash units for the semester you're on exchange. Once you've been accepted by the partner institution, we will contact you about changing your enrolment to reflect your approved exchange units.

You will need to manage your enrolment at both your host institution and Monash for your exchange. Your host institution will assist/support your enrolment in units abroad. Please look out for prompts about how to complete this process directly with your host institution.

Remember, it is your responsibility to ensure your Monash exchange enrolment is correct in WES.

What if I can’t enrol in my approved units?

If you are unable to enrol in your approved units, you must contact us immediately.

Sometimes you may not be able to enrol in your planned units once you arrive at your destination due to timetable clashes, changes in unit offerings, the unit is full, etc.

If the major unit that you are hoping to study abroad is not available when you arrive at your destination, it may impact your degree progression and your eligibility for exchange. Students who cannot meet the full time load requirement may not be able to continue their exchange.

How do I confirm my units?

It is your responsibility to ensure you are enrolled in the correct units for your Monash exchange enrolment.

Please provide confirmation of your unit enrolment once it’s been approved by the partner university. Send an email via Monash Connect with the subject - Exchange unit confirmation.

How are my results transferred back to Monash after my exchange?

The partner university will send your academic transcript directly to you. You need to forward your transcript directly to the Monash Abroad office as soon as it becomes available. They will verify the transcript and advise the relevant faculties that results are ready for processing.

Once the academic transcript is provided we will amend your unit results to reflect the grade of SFR (Satisfied Faculty Requirement) or NSR (Not Satisfied Faculty Requirement – Fail). These results will not impact your WAM.

Costs, transportation and accommodation

How do I arrange accommodation and transport?

It is your responsibility to secure accommodation on your exchange. Depending on the program the host institution might have on-campus accommodation available or be able to help you find suitable accommodation nearby campus. Monash Abroad may be able to assist you with questions on accommodation options.

Flights and transfers to and from the airport are your responsibility to organise (unless otherwise indicated by the host university). Please be sure to read the travel insurance information provided by Monash Abroad.

How much will a semester exchange cost?

Contrary to popular belief, studying overseas shouldn’t cost you a fortune! You’re often eligible for scholarships, loans and grants, and under the exchange arrangements Monash has with institutions all over the world, you do not have to pay additional tuition fees. All you pay is your normal Monash home campus tuition fees. Find out more on the Monash Abroad Financial information page.

What tuition fees can I expect to pay?

In most cases, you can expect to pay your normal Monash tuition fees to Monash during your semester abroad. You do not pay tuition fees to the host institution on exchange.

What funding is available?

There are funding opportunities for semester length exchanges.

If you are participating in an exchange to the University of Warwick, University of Padua, or Monash University Malaysia, you may be eligible for a grant in line with Band A.

If you are participating in an exchange with another international partner institution, you may be eligible for a grant in line with Band B.

Read about the Monash Abroad Travel Grant, how OS-HELP loans work while abroad, and other scholarships available on the Monash Abroad Financial information page.

Who can I contact for assistance with course progression or exchange?

General course progression advice

You are welcome to visit the following Business and Economics Student Services counters for advice Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm. Or you can submit your query through Monash Connect.

Caulfield Building N, Level 4 27 Sir John Monash Drive

Clayton Menzies Building (Building 11) 20 Chancellors Walk, Level 2 South Wing

Peninsula Building D, Level 3 McMahons Road

Specialist exchange advice

Specialist advice is available from the Global Programs and Partnerships team Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm. You can contact the team in the following ways:

• Book a Zoom appointment
• Visit us in person on Monash Caulfield campus
• Contact us via Monash Connect - please write Exchange enquiry in the subject line.