Arizona State University

Arizona State University (ASU) is a top-ranked public research university in the greater Phoenix metropolitan area, America’s sunniest metropolis. Dating from the last 1800s, It houses various important institutes such as the Institute of Human Origins, the Biodesign Institute and the McCain Institute for International Leadership.

Academic Highlights

One of the largest and most esteemed public universities in the US, ASU's international student enrolment has more than doubled in the past five years, with students from more than 135 countries enrolling in undergraduate and graduate programs in every discipline. It ranks highly for innovation in terms of curriculum, faculty, students, campus life, technology and facilities.

Location

ASU comprises five campuses in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area and four regional campuses. Referring to itself as “one university in many places”, shuttle buses and light rail allow students and faculty to easily travel between the campuses. The largest campus is Tempe, a lively university city five minutes’ drive from Phoenix.

Did you know?

The Tempe campus, 13 kilometres east of downtown Phoenix, is a nationally recognised arboretum. It contains more than 300 species from the Sonoran Desert and beyond.

Handbook/Catalogue

ASU's course catalogue

You can use this to find ASU's course syllabi

Select Advanced Search to the right of the search bar, and select your preferred College/School and/or Level to refine your search. Undergraduate courses are levels 100-400, and Masters courses are 500-599)

Academic Restrictions

• International exchange students must enrol in full-time studies by the ASU course registration deadline. Full time study means that undergraduate students are expected to study between 12-15 credits per semester, while postgraduate students are expected to study between 9-12 credits per semester.
• Some courses may have restrictions and guidelines, this is particularly important for Business, Engineering, Journalism and Law students, as some units are prohibited. Read the Academic Program Restrictions page carefully.
• Students wanting to study music performance and composition units will need to audition.  Details will be provided at the time of application to ASU.
• Students wanting to study in architecture, art history, industrial design, engineering, and will need to present a portfolio of work for consideration.  Details will be provided at the time of application to ASU.

Full-time Credit Load Equivalents

Academic Calendar

ASU Fall Semester (Monash semester 2): late August - mid-December
ASU Spring Semester (Monash semester 1): mid-January – early May

ASU's Academic Calendar

Note

• The listed disciplines are not necessarily exhaustive and other fields of study might also be available at the institution.
• Approval to study particular subjects at any institution is always at the discretion of the departmental/discipline and faculty advisers in your managing faculty(ies) and subject to available places at the host.

Accommodation

ASU has on-campus accommodation in halls of residence, but places are limited. It can also assist with arranging home stays.

ASU offers further advice on university housing, as well as off-campus housing.

Visas

International exchange students studying in the U.S. must obtain the J-1 Exchange Visitor’s visa before leaving their home country. The application process requires a personal interview at the Consulate.

For more information on visas, please refer to the the U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Australia here, and the U.S. Visa Information Service for Australia here.

ASU also provides some advice on visas and immigration.

Health and insurance

International exchange students are automatically enrolled in the ASU Student Health Insurance plan, which is mandatory for all international students. The fee cannot be waived, even if your university provides you with a mandatory insurance as well. This cost of the insurance will be charged to a student’s ASU student account and can be paid through the MyASU “Finances” Tab. The insurance fee will be in the range of US$1,600 - $2,000 per semester. There is also a Student Initiated Fee payable of US$350 per semester.

ASU provides further information on health insurance and resources.

When travelling on a Monash Abroad approved program, you are automatically covered under the Monash University Student Travel Insurance policy. This will provide cover to and from your exchange.

Orientation and extra-curricular 

All exchange students must attend the two mandatory orientation sessions, which will be held about one week prior to the first day of classes. ASU also provides various workshops, activities and resources during the first weeks of semester to help new students transition into student life.

ASU has a vibrant student life, which includes many student clubs and organisations, fraternities and sororities, and sport and fitness facilities.

Exchange students can also register to participate in the Global Guides program, which involves being partnered with a volunteer student mentor who helps them integrate into the ASU community.

Cost of living

International exchange students are required to provide proof of sufficient financial support as a part of the application process. See specific amounts in the Application Process section, under Eligibility.

ASU offers guidance on estimated costs for exchange students, including mandatory ASU student initiated fees.

Funding

For information about funding available to support study on exchange overseas, see the Financial Information page on the Monash Abroad website.

Exchange students are allowed to work on-campus for no more than 20 hours per week during the academic semesters and no more than 40 hours during official school breaks. However, students require authorisation to work on their exchange visa. Find out more here.

Important notes

Exchange students are automatically enrolled in the ASU Student Health Insurance plan, which is mandatory for ALL international students. It is not possible to waive this requirement. The cost of the insurance (approximately US$1,600-$2,000 per semester).

Exchange students must pay Student Initiated Fees of approximately US$402-$547 per semester at ASU.

This program is not currently accepting applications.

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Let us know about your exchange via this survey form and your testimonial could be shown here