Semester exchange

Would you like to travel to another country to immerse yourself in the local culture, pick up some intercultural skills and build your international network, all while continuing your studies?

As a Monash student you can do all of this, and more, with a semester exchange.

You can follow the steps below for an overview of the exchange program, and a step-by-step support with preparing your application.

Semester exchange application dates

  • Applications for a semester exchange commencing in semester one, 2027 open on Friday, 6 March and close at 4pm AEST/2pm MYT on Tuesday, 19 May 2026
  • Applications for a semester exchange commencing in semester two, 2027 open on Friday, 31 July and close at 4pm AEDT/1pm MYT on Tuesday, 20 October 2026

How does it work?

While on exchange, you will:

  • study at one of our overseas partner institutions for one or two semesters;
  • stay enrolled at Monash;
  • receive credit for your overseas study towards your Monash degree; and
  • continue paying your Monash fees.

Where can I go?

We have student exchange agreements with over 100 partner institutions in more than 30 countries across the world!

Discover our exchange partners by visiting the Program Search page and searching for "Exchange".

For any additional partner information not included in the program brochures, please contact Monash Abroad and we can follow up on your behalf.

If you would like to study at an institution for one or two semesters that Monash does not have an exchange partnership with, you'll need to apply for the Independent Study Abroad program - more information here.

What can I study?

The partner institutions on our Program search page offer a variety of options and units to Monash students.

While some will accept students from any faculty/school, others may specialise in specific faculties or discipline areas, so it's worth checking if they offer units or disciplines that would be compatible with your degree.

Your next steps

Interested in applying?

Check out our information on your next steps to apply.

Applying for exchange

Step 1: Check if an exchange is right for you

Complete a course advice request

A course advice request is your faculty’s/school’s way of confirming that you have space in your degree for an exchange. Follow the link to learn more.

Advice

Check your eligibility

Check out our eligibility requirements to ensure that you meet all the criteria to apply for a semester exchange.

Advice

Funding your exchange: costs and affordability

There is a range of funding available if you’re participating in an exchange program. To learn more, please follow this link.

Advice

Attend or watch an information session

Learn more about the semester exchange program by attending one of our upcoming live information or drop-in sessions, or by watching our on-demand recordings.

Advice

Step 2: Research your options

Now that you have checked you meet the requirements and your course advice says an exchange works with your degree, the next step is to look for partner institutions that will work best for you.


Tip: Information sessions and drop-in advising are available in-person and online throughout the semester at your home campus. You can check out our upcoming sessions at Monash Australia here and Monash Malaysia here.

Program Search walkthough

The program search is where we list all of our available programs and exchange partners. Check out our video for an introduction on how to navigate this page, and what information to look for when considering your options.

Video

Look through our Program Search

For a list of all of our exchange partners, visit our Program Search page. We recommend using a laptop, as you can use filters more easily to refine your results.

Discovery tool

Selecting your institution preferences

Our partners have different levels of availability, so we use a traffic light system to indicate the ‘exchange availability’ of each partner institution. Follow the link to learn more about how to best select your three exchange preferences.

Advice

Step 3: Complete your Application for Overseas Study form

Figured out what your three preferences are? Then you can get started with your application!

Your application comprises two parts: the Application for Overseas Study (AOS) form, and your Study Plan. You will have to submit both parts prior to the deadline date for your application to be complete.

Scroll through the options for further support with your AOS form.

Application for Overseas Study (AOS) Form Walkthrough

As part of your exchange application, you'll need to submit an Application for Overseas Study (AOS) form. In this video, we will step you through each of the sections.

Video

Writing your personal statement

In the Exchange preference section of the AOS form, you’ll need to provide a 300-400 word personal statement as to why your first-preference institution choice is a good fit for you. Follow the link for advice on completing your personal statement.

Advice

Creating your financial plan

As part of the AOS form you’ll need to put together a financial plan. This is a tool to help you think about funding your overseas experience. Follow the link for more information and how to complete your financial plan.

Advice

Studying in another language?

In the AOS, it asks if you intend to study in a language other than English. If so, you'll need to provide a letter from your Monash language school confirming you have the sufficient language skills. Check out our factsheet for more information.

Advice

Step 4: Prepare your study plan

Using the course advice you requested in step 1 to help you, it’s time to create a study plan which lists the units you would like to study while overseas.


Tip: Allow a good amount of time to create your study plan - it can take a while to research and find units, as well as source all of the required unit information for your first-preference institution.

Example of a study plan

Access an example of what a completed study plan looks like, to see what kind of information you need to include before you submit.

Example

Study Plan Drafting Tool

Use this handy tool to create a study plan draft to help plan your exchange application. Please note this tool is for drafting purposes only and you will still need to submit a study plan separately as part of your application.

Tool

Step 5: Submit your AOS form and your study plan

  • Submit your Application for Overseas Study form

    Complete and submit the Application for Overseas Study (AOS) form using the link in the 'How to Apply' tab of the Program Brochure (see 'Program Search' above).

  • Submit your study plan

    Complete and submit your study plan using the link in the 'How to Apply' tab of the Program Brochure (see 'Program Search' above). N.B. More fields will become available to you on the form as you complete the sections.

Want to learn more?

We're here to help you with your application.

Come along to one of our information sessions and/or drop-in sessions to learn more and get support from our exchange advisors.

After you have applied for exchange

Submitted both your Application for Overseas Study and your Study Plan? Great news!

Follow the link below to find out what your next steps are.

After you apply

After your application has been submitted, it will be assessed by Monash Abroad and your faculty/ies or school/s. You will then be sent a study plan outcome advising which units have been approved or rejected, and if you need to submit additional units.

Below are the next steps to expect following submission of your application.

Step One:  Receive an outcome on your application from Monash Abroad

Keep an eye on your emails after submitting, as this is how we will communicate with you about the status of your application.

After results are released for the semester that you applied in, we will let you know if you’ve been accepted to go on exchange.

The institution you have been allocated is the one that you’ll be attending on exchange!

When you'll receive your outcome

Your application roundAllocation outcome date
Exchange commencing in Semester two, 2026Thursday, 12 February, 2026
Exchange commencing in Semester one, 2027Thursday, 20 August, 2026

  • If you receive your first preference

    You don’t have to do anything to confirm your host institution allocation - just check your emails regularly to stay up to date.

  • If you receive your second or third preference

    You’ll just need to prepare and submit a new study plan for your allocated second/third preference. We will email you instructions on how to do this if it applies to you.

  • If you do not receive any of your three preferences

    When we cannot allocate you to one of your three preferences, we will get in contact with you directly to discuss your options.

Step Two: Attend our Post-Allocation Information Session

  • Post-allocation information session

    We will hold an information session, to take you through the next steps and answer any questions you have. We will send you an invitation to register for this information session via email.

  • Meeting other exchange students from Monash

    When registering for the post-allocation session we will ask for your consent to share your contact details with students who will also be going to the same country as you on exchange, if you would like to meet and make friends with these students before you go on your program.

For students going on exchange in semester two, 2026 the post-allocation information session will take place on Tuesday, 24 February at 4pm.

For students going on exchange in semester one, 2027 the post-allocation information session will take place on Tuesday, 1 September at 4pm.

Step Three: Confirming your place at the host institution

  • Nomination by Monash Abroad to host institution

    After you are allocated, we will contact the host institution and notify them that we wish to send you there on exchange. Each institution has a different nomination date, so this may not occur for a month or two after your initial allocation.

  • Confirm your place with your host institution

    Following your nomination by Monash Abroad, you will be sent instructions on how to apply to your host institution either by Monash Abroad or your host institution itself. The required tasks and the timing of this will vary by host institution. Once you have completed your host institution application, please let us know via the link in your nomination email.

  • Organise your accommodation

    Finding somewhere to live can be tricky, so it's worth getting this organised as soon as you can. For on-campus and student housing, it is helpful to know when applications open so that you can apply early (sometimes it can be first-come, first-served!). Your host institution should also have some advice on housing for exchange students, so be sure to check the links included in the Program Search brochure for your host institution to start your research!

Step Four: Finalising your pre-departure exchange administration with Monash

  • Submit your host institution acceptance document

    After you have completed the required tasks set by your host institution and they have assessed it, they will send you an official acceptance letter. Submit this to Monash Abroad via the link in the email you were sent following your nomination, with the subject 'Update Request: Host Acceptance Document' - we will then notify your faculty/ies or school/s to enrol you in your exchange units to reflect your overseas studies.

  • Be enrolled into exchange units

    Your faculty/ies or school/s will have their own processes for confirming your enrolment. They will send you instructions to organise your enrolment for exchange. It’s important to make sure this is reflected correctly on WES, so you receive the correct credit and can be assessed for the Monash Abroad Travel Grant. Your faculty/ies or school/s will be best placed to advise you on this.

  • Receive your Confirmation Document

    Within two weeks of submitting your host acceptance document, you will receive your Confirmation Document from Monash Abroad. It is used to confirm with organisations such as Centrelink, scholarship bodies, or consulates/embassies that you are participating in an approved exchange for credit to your Monash degree/s and receiving complimentary Monash Travel Insurance.

  • Complete the Travel Approval Form

    The travel approval form asks for your personal travel plans, as well as key information relating to your overseas program such as emergency numbers, local support, medical support and consulate information.

  • Complete the pre-departure module

    Follow the link to the Monash Abroad pre-departure module and complete all the activities.

  • Apply for an OS-HELP loan and check out available scholarships

    If you would like to apply for the OS-HELP loan or other available scholarships, follow the link to confirm that you meet all the criteria and requirements, and ensure that you apply before the deadline for the period in which you will be doing your program.

  • Changing your study plan

    If you discover new units you would like to study at your host institution, or units in your initial study plan are no longer being offered so you need to add additional units, you must get approval for them by submitting an additional study plan.

Tip: You may need to enrol in units for next year before your exchange is finalised, in order to meet re-enrolment deadlines. To avoid late penalties, enrol in units as if you were still going to be studying at Monash, your faculty/ies or school/s will update your enrolment to reflect your exchange once you have been accepted by your host institution.

Step Five: Preparing to travel to and live in your host country

Step Six: Attend your Pre-Departure Session

Our Pre-Departure sessions are the last information sessions we hold before you go overseas, and we cover a range of topics to help you prepare for your exchange program.

Monash Australia students

Region/ThemeExchange commencingDateTime
Insurance Pre-Departure SessionSemester two, 2026 27 May, 2026
5 - 6pm
Semester one, 202721 October, 2026
Europe Pre-Departure SessionSemester two, 20262 June, 202610am - 12pm
Semester one, 202727 October, 2026
UK Pre-Departure SessionSemester two, 20263 June, 202610am - 12pm
Semester one, 202728 October, 2026
Americas Pre-Departure SessionSemester two, 20263 June, 20261 - 3pm
Semester one, 202728 October, 2026
Asia and Oceania Pre-Departure SessionSemester two, 20264 June, 202510am - 12pm
Semester one, 202729 October, 2026
Global Intercampus Program to MalaysiaSemester two, 20264 June, 20264 - 6pm
Semester one, 202729 October, 2026

Monash Malaysia students

ProgramExchange commencingDateTime
International ExchangeSemester two, 202621 May, 20263 - 5pm
Semester one, 20278 October, 2026
Global Intercampus Program to AustraliaSemester two, 20267 May, 20263 - 5pm
Semester one, 202712 November, 2026

Further details will be emailed to you in advance of the pre-departure sessions.

Almost there! Check that you have completed all the tasks below:

Task
Have you submitted your host acceptance document to Monash Abroad?
Have you arranged your accommodation?
Have you completed the pre-departure module on Moodle and submitted the Travel Approval Form?
Have you booked a visa appointment with the relevant embassy/high commission/consulate?
Have you arranged your flights?
Has your faculty/ies or school/s enrolled you in your exchange units?
Have you provided your updated details to the Coursework Scholarships Unit for the Monash Abroad Travel Grant?
Have you submitted your OS-HELP loan (if relevant)?
Have you checked the Monash Abroad Travel Insurance policy, and assessed whether you need additional cover?
Have you booked a travel health appointment with your doctor?

Withdrawal

If you want to withdraw your application or are having concerns that may lead to you withdrawing from your exchange, email Monash Abroad.

Late withdrawal can affect your ability to apply for future exchange rounds, so it’s really important to get in contact with us to discuss your options.

Our full withdrawal policy can be found here.

Next steps

You've completed all the pre-departure tasks before your exchange - congratulations!

Click below to learn more about support during and following your exchange.

In-country and post-exchange support

While you are on your exchange

Changing the units you are studying at your host institution

You may arrive at your host institution and may want or need to change your units. Perhaps some of the units in your study plan are no longer being offered, or the classes are full. If you're in this situation, the main thing is to ensure that you let your faculty/ies or school/s know so your enrolment can be updated and you get credit for the new units.

Make sure you also meet your required study load stipulated by Monash Abroad. If you are not sure what that is, check the brochure for your host institution on the Monash Abroad website.

  • Changing into an approved unit on your study plan

    If you have a unit on your study plan that has already been approved by your faculty/ies or school/s, all you have to do is enrol into the unit at your host institution and then inform your faculty/ies or school/s (while ensuring that you are still meeting your required study load).

  • Changing into a unit that isn't listed on your study plan

    If you want to enrol into a unit that has not yet been approved, then you will need to submit a new study plan with the new unit included and have it approved by your faculty/ies or school/s prior to enrolling.

Getting support while you are overseas

If you encounter any issues while on your exchange program, there is always help available.

As a first point of contact, we recommend contacting the local mobility staff at your host institution. They are able to provide in-person support and will know of the local services available to assist you.

You can also get in contact with Monash Abroad and we will support you remotely. If required, we can also help organise counselling for you through Monash Counselling services.

We also have a resource on Monash University’s emergency contacts, and would strongly recommend taking note of the support services at your host institution as well as saving the emergency services contacts for your host country on your phone.

Using travel insurance during your program

After finishing your program

Submitting transcripts to Monash Abroad

After completing your exchange, your host institution will send your official academic transcript directly to you and/or to Monash Abroad.

If your host institution sends it directly to you, forward it to Monash Abroad.

Once Monash Abroad receives the transcript, we will verify that it is genuine and send a copy to your faculty/ies and school/s. They will then transfer the approved credit to your Monash degree.

Keep your host institution transcript safe as that forms part of your academic record for the future. When applying for jobs, further study or scholarships, in addition to providing your Monash transcript, you may also need to provide a copy of your exchange transcript.

Share your feedback with us

Following your exchange, we will be inviting you to complete a survey asking you about your experience. This will be optional, however we really value your feedback and it will be useful in helping us improve our service and plan for future exchange rounds.

Re-adjusting to life back home

After you return home, you might be having mixed emotions  – excited to see friends and family, but perhaps missing your life as an exchange student. This is a completely normal part of the readjustment process.

Reverse culture shock can last longer than the culture shock you experienced while you are away. After all, you were overseas for a relatively short while and your experiences abroad will help shape the person you become for years to come. So allow yourself time to get used to being back home and to process the experience you have just had.

This resource defines reverse culture shock, which involves the initial excitement of being home followed by difficulties adjusting back into your home culture, and strategies for managing it after you return home.

You may not experience reverse culture shock in the same way as other returned students, but it is important to know that you aren't the only one having mixed feelings about being home.

You might consider joining one of the many cultural clubs at Monash to keep your overseas experience alive.

Applying your exchange to your employability skills

Having an overseas experience on your resume can be a great help in securing a job or internship. Monash Career Connect have created an employability skills (PDF, 0.22 MB) worksheet that will help you include your experience in CVs and cover letters.

Here is an example of how you might include your exchange experience on your resume/CV.

University of Warwick, United Kingdom
Exchange program October 2025 – March 2026

  • Subjects in International Business and British Literature