Study Overseas

Imagine marvelling at the Golden Gate Bridge from the shores of San Francisco Bay, or learning directly from the pioneers of water management in the Netherlands, all while immersing yourself in a different culture and earning credit towards your degree. Engineering students have the rewarding opportunity to further their degree by studying abroad for 1 or 2 semesters paying no extra tuition fees through the UQ Abroad program. 

Where can I go?

You can study at one or two of more than 130 partner universities in 27 countries as part of the UQ Abroad program. Many Engineering students have studied at the following prestigious universities:
 
 Canada

Europe

United States of America
 
Depending on your Bachelor of Engineering specialisation and the university you go to, you can take equivalent compulsory courses, engineering electives or other electives. If you are in a dual degree, you can often take courses toward that degree also. A dual degree agreement with the best French engineering schools also offers a 2 year study opportunity in France and graduation with both UQ and French engineering qualifications.
 
For an idea on possible credit toward your BE degree, we have complied some examples of credit that has been granted to other students over the past few years. If you need specific advice, you should talk to one of the academic advisors in your specialisation. 
 

When can I go?

Most engineering students go on exchange after they have completed their first two years of study. Some overseas universities require you to start at a certain time of year and others require you to stay for a whole year.  The timing is otherwise dependent on your BE specialisation and what courses (subjects) you want to take overseas. Your academic advisor can help you pick the right time to go. 
 

How do I apply?

The University holds many information sessions throughout the year.  Interested students should attend one of these sessions so you can get the necessary information and application package. Alternatively, contact UQ Abroad.  The deadlines to apply are:
  • Last working day in May for Semester 1 of the following year
  • Last working day in October for Semester 2 of the following year  

Am I eligible?

The University sets strict eligibility criteria. For example, undergraduate students need to:
  • Be enrolled at UQ in the semester you lodge your application;
  • Have completed at least one year of study (#16 units) and have at least one semester left before you expect to graduate;
  • Have a GPA of 4.5 or higher*; and
  • Gain approval for the courses (subjects) you want to study so you are sure you are eligible to get credit toward your UQ degree when you come back.
*if you have changed programs into the BE or are in a dual degree with the BE, you should get advice from the Faculty on your GPA. 
 

What costs are involved?

When you go on exchange to a partner university, you pay your HECS-HELP or tuition fees to UQ, at UQ’s rates. However, some universities require students to pay a student service charge and other incidental fees. You will also need to budget for the following:
  • Return airfare
  • Accommodation (on or off campus)
  • Travel and health insurance
  • Other living expenses (e.g. food, entertainment, personal travel, other transportation)
This could cost you about $6,000 - $10,000 (Australian dollars) per semester, depending on where you go and the value of the Australian dollar at the time. For more information, click here. UQ’s travel and insurance policy will cover you for one semester although some universities require you to take out their specific health insurance. For more information, click here. 
 

Are there scholarships or other financial assistance?

There are several scholarship opportunities for students who want to study overseas. These include:
  • UQ covers travel insurance for one semester
     
  • UQ Student Exchange Scholarships: These are available to all UQ students who are approved to go on exchange; you don’t have to apply. However, you do have to submit your application to go on exchange on time. There are $5,000 and $1,000 scholarships available.
     
  • Faculty Scholarships: These are available to engineering and other students enrolled in Faculty programs who are approved to go on exchange; you don’t have to apply. However, you do have to submit your application to go on exchange on time. These have a value of $2500 each. 
     
  • Partner University Scholarships: A small number of partner universities and governments offer scholarships for UQ students to study overseas.
     
  • Federal Government Scholarships: The Australian government offers scholarships for students to go on exchange to certain countries.
A scholarship may be treated as income for Centrelink benefits or taxation purposes.  Please check with Centrelink and/or the Australian Taxation Office before accepting a scholarship as the value of the scholarship may be treated as income. You should also check with Centrelink to see if you can continue to receive payments while overseas. The Federal Government also offers loans (OS-HELP). 
 

For more information, please contact:

UQ Abroad
Email: uqabroad@uq.edu.au
Phone: +61 7 3365 8832, +61 7 3365 9075, +61 7 3365 3552
Web: www.uq.edu.au/uqabroad  


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