UQ ABROAD
Next Steps
THE UQ ABROAD TEAM

Jan McCreary
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
Caroline Thompson
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- Team leader, Europe, Latin
America
Katie Smith


- Manager
- Canada and USA
Weiya Huang
- Asia, Scandinavia
Irene Hui
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- UK, Ireland, NZ, South Africa,
Israel
COMMUNICATION WITH UQ ABROAD
Write to relevant adviser through
uqabroad@uq.edu.au
 UQ email – check it frequently
 Subject line


Subject of inquiry / HOST UNI / Student # /
LAST NAME First name
Leaving phone messages – be clear
 Please do not communicate directly with Host
University at this time
 Join UQ Abroad’s Facebook

DOCUMENTS RELATED TO EXCHANGE
• Get a document wallet
• Make a copy of everything
you submit related to your
exchange a keep a copy in
your wallet or electronically
• UQ Abroad cannot provide
copies of previously
submitted documents (eg,
study plans)
SOME STATS FOR SEMESTER 1, 2015
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Almost 400 students have
applied
Europe & Scandinavia – 36%
US & Canada - 23%
UK & Ireland - 23%
Asia - 15%
Latin America – 3%
Most popular partners
1. Edinburgh
2. Uni Leeds
3. Sciences Po
4. University of
Copenhagen
5. McGill
APPLICATION PROCESS
STEP 1 – APPLY TO UQ ABROAD
Confirm your
eligibility for
the UQ Abroad
program
Choose and research
three possible
exchange partners
# units completed
Check course
available
GPA in current
program
Semester of available
courses
Progress (or
Graduation) check
Course level
(undergrad/postgrad)
Language of
instruction
Complete the
application form
UQ Abroad
assesses your
application
UQ Abroad notifies
you of application
status
Step 1) Submit to UQ
Abroad by May 31
with a copy of your
study plan
GPA calculated once
semester exam
results are available
If awaiting deferred
exams, expect this
step to be delayed.
Step 2) submit study
plan to faculty by
May 31
Application assessed
against eligibility
criteria
APPLICATION PROCESS
STEP 2 – APPLY TO THE HOST UNIVERSITY
Accepted into
UQ Abroad
program
You have met the
eligibility criteria
UQ Abroad has
received your
approved study plan
Nominated to
Host University
UQ Abroad will
nominate you to the
host university
Contacted by
your Advisor
with application
instructions
Follow the
instructions provided
in the email
Submit documents to
UQ Abroad or online
(depending on
application)
Host university
notifies you of
application status
Prepare for
departure
If applying to a
multiple campus
university please
expect this process
may be delayed
Finalise visa
Confirm
accommodation
Attend a predeparture session
Book flights
NEXT STEP: UQ ABROAD APPLICATION
ASSESSMENT
1. Applications assessed according to eligibility criteria
once grades have been released
2. Host university placements based on first preference
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Number of places available
Cumulative GPA in current program
Prior UQ Abroad experience
3. Students notified by end of July (except those with
deferred/supplementary exams) or applying to a
popular host uni with other applicants having
deferred or supplementary exams
4. UQ Abroad to notify faculties and request study
plans
CAN I CHANGE MY FIRST
PREFERENCE AT THIS TIME?
NO, unless . . . .
 You want a guaranteed travel grant of $1000:

KAIST, Korea University, Seoul National University
 National Taiwan University, National Chengchi
University
 Chulalongkorn University, Thammasat University

You have concerns about prior convictions (eg
DUI) – make appointment to discuss with UQ
Abroad
 Change must be made in writing prior to July 4,
2014.

WHAT IF I DON’T GET MY 1ST
PREFERENCE?
You will be considered for your 2nd preference
and, if necessary your 3rd preference
 If all three preferences are full, you will be
contacted to discuss your options
 Once you have been told by UQ Abroad which
host university you will be nominated for, you
will need to submit a new study plan to your
faculty if not your first preference

NEXT STEP: APPLICATION TO HOST
UNIVERSITY
 Due
dates vary
 Late-July (UC) – October
 Adviser will contact you
regarding the application
process (‘It’s time to apply’
email)
 Please do not start the
process until advised
STUDENTS APPLYING TO THE USA

Stay for 15 minutes at end of session for more
information
STUDENTS APPLYING TO JAPAN . . .
• Must show continuous
enrolment at UQ
• Cannot defer their
studies the semester
prior to going on
exchange
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS
Official UQ transcript (apply through My
Advisor) - wait until after you have received a
“Time to Apply” email to order as some
universities will need to see what courses
students have enrolled in in the semester
immediately before exchange
 Proof of Finances

Either at time of application
 Others – usually at time of student visa application


Personal statement


Focus on academic reasons for studying at host
university
Valid passport
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS

Letters of reference
Usually needs to be academic unless otherwise stated
 Ask your Lecturers or tutors
 If you need further guidance, contact UQ Abroad


CV/Resume


If you do not know how to write a CV/resume, contact
UQ Abroad
Medical check
Mainly Asia and US partners
 You will be advised as to the requirements
 May need to prove childhood immunisations (esp. for
the US)

ACCOMMODATION
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

Host universities are required to provide information about
housing options. This information may be provided as part
of host university application or once you have been
accepted.
But you are responsible for securing accommodation for the
duration of your exchange.
Arranging accommodation can be very stressful so research
your options early.
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Read testimonials from returned students for advice
Write to students on Facebook for advice
Make sure that you have arranged temporary
accommodation if you are going to look for your own
accommodation or if you plan on arriving too early to move
into university arranged accommodation.
Accommodation can be very limited in some cities. You will
need to be flexible with your requirements and your price
range.
SELECTING COURSES AT THE HOST
UNIVERSITY
No guarantee that courses pre-approved by your
faculty will be available.
 May have to select new courses
 Flexibility is key!
 Must be enrolled in equivalent full time
load/semester
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UQ = 8 units (usually 4 courses)
US/Canadian unis – 15 credits (usually 5 courses)
UK – 60 credits (3-6 courses)
Europe – 30 ECTS (2-8 courses)
Japan – 8-14 credits (8-10 courses)
NEXT STEP: HOST UNIVERSITY
ACCEPTANCE
Response time from host
university varies
 UQ Abroad has no control
over host university
processes

VERY IMPORTANT!
 Do
not plan any travel or short
courses prior to your exchange
until you have received your
acceptance and finalised your
student visa!
WHAT IF I DON’T GET ACCEPTED?
UQ Abroad tries to identify any issues prior to
host university application
 No guarantees
 UQ Abroad will try to get you a place, but
flexibility is essential.

NEXT STEP: FUNDING YOUR EXCHANGE

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All students who submitted applications on time are
automatically considered for all UQ Abroad
administered scholarships
Scholarships offered by School of Economics,
Engineering, LCCS – students must apply
Scholarships – notification end of September/early
October
List of scholarships available
http://www.uq.edu.au/uqabroad/financial-assistance
GPA
Cumulative GPA in currently enrolled program
 Includes grades from courses transferred from previously
enrolled programs

NEXT STEP: FUNDING YOUR EXCHANGE

Centrelink
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Payments can continue while on exchange but you
need to check eligibility requirements
Rules on receiving payment while overseas have
recently changed.
All payments now stopped if study is not resumed
within 6 weeks of leaving the country
Centrelink requires written confirmation from UQ
that you are enrolled in a full time study load at the
host institution.
We will provide you with this letter once you're
accepted by your host university.
Sort this out BEFORE going on exchange
FUNDING YOUR EXCHANGE: OS-HELP

Students may receive up to $6,250 per six-month study period (in 2014)
for one or two overseas study periods (for non-Asian destinations)

For Asian destinations the maximum is $7500 per 6-month period.

A student must be an Australian citizen or the holder of a permanent
humanitarian visa;

Students cannot receive an OS-HELP loan for the first year (equivalent
full-time).

The loan is subject to the same repayment arrangements as HECS.

If you are unsure whether you will need the loan, apply – you can
always withdraw your application.

You can receive a scholarship and a loan.
FUNDING YOUR EXCHANGE: OS-HELP
Students must have at least 2 units to complete
on return to UQ
 OS-HELP and Diplomas


Can receive credit towards Diplomas while on
exchange and receive an OS-HELP loan
For more information:
http://www.uq.edu.au/myadvisor/os-help-21170
 Apply through UQ Abroad office. Deadline
September 15, 2014

NEXT STEP: GETTING READY TO GO
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Meet and greets
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Held early in the semester
Get to know other students going to your region
Meet returned students and international exchange
students
Brisbane-wide pre-departure sessions run by
Canadian High Commission and US Consulate
for students going to Canada and the US – check
your emails for invitation!
 Mandatory UQ Abroad pre-departure session
held in November

NEXT STEP: GETTING READY TO GO
Student Visa requirements
 Your responsibility to investigate whether you require a visa
and the requirements for obtaining a visa. See links on UQ
Abroad website (Country).
 Acceptance letter required from host university before you can
apply but you can start doing the research NOW!
 You may require:
To go to Sydney for an interview
 To provide a police check
 To provide proof of insurance
 To provide proof of accommodation
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Ask the relevant consulate or embassy, not UQ Abroad.
 Travel agents may provide assistance for a small fee.
Convictions – eg, DUI – may affect your student visa
Getting a visa takes time (can take up to 90 days!) Do not
leave it until the last minute!
NEXT STEP: GETTING READY TO GO
Passport
 Must have at least 6 month
validity after your return to
Australia
 If not, apply for a new passport
Travel insurance
 Covered by UQ’s corporate
insurance - limitations
 Some host universities have
mandatory policies. Host
university requirements re
insurance are subject to change
without notice.
TRAVELLING BEFORE YOUR EXCHANGE
Primary purpose of UQ Abroad is STUDY!
 UQ Abroad does not recommend that you travel
or take a short term course prior to receiving
your acceptance documents and visa.
 UQ Abroad has no control over the response time
of the host university or the time it will take to
process your student visa.
 Do not plan to travel before going on exchange
unless you have received your university
acceptance and student visa.
 Do not purchase air tickets unless deposit is
refundable

GOING ON EXCHANGE IN YOUR LAST
SEMESTER

Will probably delay your graduation by one
semester
Host university must send transcript
 Faculty has to transfer credit
 Official confirmation of your degree
 Graduation takes place only twice a year

WITHDRAWING FROM EXCHANGE
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Can withdraw if there are changes to your
circumstances
No penalty (UQ Abroad); BUT host university
may not refund any deposits for accommodation
or Orientation fee
If you decide to withdraw, please do so early so
that your place can be allocated to another
student.

Let us know in writing

We are here to help – contact us if you have any
concerns

Do not leave your withdrawal to the last minute!
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS: POST-STUDY
WORK RIGHTS
Current eligibility requirements stipulate that
students “cannot count any studies outside
Australia towards the Australian study
requirement. The only courses you can count
towards the Australian study requirement are
those that are completed in Australia.”
 Therefore, if you are enrolled in a 4-semester
post-graduate degree at UQ and wish to study
overseas for one semester, you will not meet the
eligibility requirements for a Post-Study Work
Rights visa.
 Further information on eligibility requirements
for the Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) visa
is available on the Department’s website.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT GOING ON
EXCHANGE!
Read student testimonials
 Contact returned students
 Become a UQ Abroad friend
on Facebook
 Join QUEST
questsociety@gmail.com
 Research the place you are
going to on exchange

BE A CAMPUS GUIDE FOR
IN-COMING EXCHANGE STUDENTS
Tuesday 22 July, 2014
 An opportunity to meet students from the
university you may be going to on exchange
 Watch your UQ email for more information

FINAL WORDS OF ADVICE
Print out check list from UQ Abroad home page
 Take responsibility
 Be patient
 Ask for help

FOR STUDENTS APPLYING TO THE US
USA SPECIFIC: DEADLINES

Late July deadline
University of California – no deferred exams
 University of Wisconsin-Madison (non-Engineering)

If you plan to travel over the break, it is strongly
recommended that you organise a Power of
Attorney to act on your behalf
 Late applications not accepted
 Read your emails!

USA SPECIFIC: APPLICATION DOCUMENTS
Application may take time to complete because of
the supporting documents required. Don’t leave it
until the last minute!
 Proof of finances (liquid funds)


Required at time of host application

Original documents only
US university indicates how much you will need for
the semester (between US$6,000-$12,000).
 Verification of funds as a self-supported student

Official bank statement- signed and dated by bank
 Sponsored or supported by your family
 Certificate of financial support signed by sponsor
 Recent bank statement showing sponsor’s name

STUDENT VISA
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
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Notification of acceptance usually in
November/December
DS-2019 form (required for student visa) may arrive
later – we have no control over when it arrives!
Visa process:
After you have received both the acceptance letter and the
DS-2019 form, you can make an appointment for your visa
interview in Sydney at US Consulate
 Convictions/ arrests may affect student visa

http://canberra.usembassy.gov/arrests_convictions.html
 Don’t book flights to Sydney until you have received
the DS-2019 form and have booked a time for your
interview
 Cannot enter the US earlier than 30 days prior to
date on DS-2019 form
INSURANCE AT US UNIVERSITIES
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International exchange students are required to purchase
and maintain health insurance that meets or exceeds the
limits required by the host university they will be
attending.
Universities throughout the United States have different
requirements and some institutions require exchange
students to purchase the insurance offered by them
regardless of what insurance students may already have.
For specific insurance requirements for a particular host
university, visit their webpage for international students.
Please note: 2014/15 costs for health insurance at
partners in the US vary between USD$450-$1800 per
semester.
Please refer to web page of your host institution on the UQ
Abroad website.
USA SPECIFIC: PRE-REQUISITES
Higher level UG courses require pre-requisites
and the student must show proof of completion of
pre-requsites
 Especially stringent for UC students
 http://www.eap.ucop.edu/Documents/ReciprocalE
xchanges/Prerequisites.pdf
 If you do not meet these pre-requisites, you will
need to change your 1st preference university

USA-SPECIFIC: HOST UNIVERSITY
REQUIREMENTS

Minimum GPA
Some institutions require a minimum GPA of 5.0 to
be considered
 GPA required to be offered a place maybe much
higher due to limited places
 2nd or 3rd preferences or other option will be discussed
with you

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Restricted programs
Some disciplines require maximum flexibility due to
‘impacted’ majors
 You may not be able to enrol in a full semester of
your major or an alternative (more appropriate) host
university may be offered
