South Australian students who want to study overseas can explore options and programs for secondary and tertiary education.
Why study overseas
By studying overseas, you may:
- improve your language skills
- experience and engage with diverse cultures and perspectives
- make new friends
- gain an advantage in joining the workforce.
Secondary school exchange programs
As a South Australian secondary school student, you can take part in a student exchange program. Student exchanges can be:
- from one school term of full-time study
- to a maximum of one school year.
SACE students can find information on SACE credits for educational exchange programs.
Book your exchange through a registered exchange organisation.
Find a registered student exchange organisation
Student exchange organisations in South Australia are registered by the Education Standards Board. Find a list on their student exchange organisation register for secondary schools.
University exchange programs
As a tertiary student enrolled with a South Australian university, you can study overseas through a student exchange or a study abroad program.
Student exchange with a partner university
In a student exchange program you:
- complete part of your Australian qualification in a partner university overseas
- continue paying tuition fees as usual to your SA university while you’re overseas – you don’t pay the host institution
- apply through your university – both major universities in South Australia offer student exchanges
- can get help from your university with choosing an institution and planning exchange and travel arrangements.
For information on student exchange programs including eligibility criteria, cost and travel see:
Study abroad programs
For a study abroad program, your SA university doesn’t have a formal exchange agreement with the overseas institution. This usually means that you:
- need to check with your SA university international officer if you can receive credit for the subjects you take abroad
- apply directly to the institution overseas
- take leave from your SA university by deferring your course for a semester or two
- pay fees to the overseas institution upfront.
Financial assistance
You may be eligible for financial assistance from the government while studying overseas. Use the StudyAssist eligibility tool.
Safety advice for travelling and living overseas
Before travelling and living overseas you should check the Smartraveller website.
