Student Report
Name of the University: Queensland University of Technology (QUT)
Exchange semester: Fall 2013
1. PRACTICAL INFORMATION
1.1 Before leaving Norway
1.2 Applying for visa
1.3 Travel
1.4 Housing
1.5 Costs
1.6 Culture and language
2. ABOUT THE SCHOOL
2.1 School description
2.2 Course registration
2.3 Academic calendar
2.4 Arrival
2.5 The International Office
2.6 Promoting BI and Norway
2.7 Social activities
3. ACADEMICS
3.1 In the classroom
3.2 Course materials
3.3 Exams
3.4 Description of courses
Study Abroad and Exchange Orientation
Study Abroad and Exchange Fact Sheet
1. PRACTICAL INFORMATION
1.1 Before leaving Norway
As Leadership and Organisational Psychology student, regrettably I had fewer choices of
partner institutions that qualified for my specialised degree than broader programmes such as
International Business. Looking at Oceania, New Castle is the only choice for LOP students.
The International Office, however, was open to my own suggestion of going to Brisbane,
Australia, more precisely to Queensland University of Technology during Fall 2013.
As QUT was not on the “recommended list” for LOP students, there has not been much
research on whether or not the university as well as its courses satisfy the faculty’s
requirements and BI standards. If you decide to go off the track and choose your own
university, you have to do this research yourself. Start this process early, so you can be sure to
meet all deadlines, at BI and abroad.
Firstly, discuss your plans with the International Office. Bring a course list of your institution
of choice and match the courses you would have during the coming semester at BI with the
ones that are being offered at the partner university. Ensure that all courses take place during
the semester you wish to go abroad since some units commence only annually. Associate
Dean Astrid Richardsen was very helpful and gave important advice during this stage. She is
also the one who has to approve all courses before you can start applying at the exchange
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university. MSc students usually take 24-30 ECTS or equivalent while on exchange. In case
some courses are not available, you are required to list courses equivalent to at least 45 ECTS
on the Learning Agreement (LA), which you can download from @BI. The LA is then sent to
your host university, which accepts or rejects you for the courses you have indicated on the
LA, based on your suitability (prerequisites are normally outlined in the course descriptions).
Ultimately, I got into the following four units:
MGN410 Employment Relations
MGN440 HRM Theory and Practice
MGN506 Contemporary Issues in Human Resource Management
MGN442 Self-Leadership.
1.2 Applying for a visa
Once you have been accepted at your host university and are registered for courses, you will
receive a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), which you need for your visa application. The
application and payment are organised online on the Australian Department of Immigration
webpage (http://www.immi.gov.au). Here you can also find a pricing estimator and important
information about fees, charges and updates on your own application. Concerning costs, the
573-visa for students of higher education costs AUD$535.00. Depending on your home
country you have to get a medical check as part of the visa requirements. As German citizen I
did not have to do this, but double check for yourself on the Department’s webpage. If you are
not a Norwegian or Swedish citizen, you also need to pay for Overseas Student Health Cover
(OSHC). This is obligatory for international students applying for a student visa and forms a
significant part of your visa costs. QUT cooperates with Mediabank as insurance provider and
offers a convenient online pay system for this. The Medibank health cover totals to
AUD$290.50 and I was genuinely happy with their services. Be aware that you must organise
your OSHC before you leave, otherwise the Department of Immigration can cancel your visa.
Your student visa allows you to work up to 20 hours a week during semester and full-time
during holidays. Most student visa come with permission to work, if not, you must apply to
the Department of Immigration for permission.
1.3 Travel
I flew from Frankfurt to Sydney with Cathay Pacific, stopping over in Hong Kong. Both
flights are about 10-11 hours, depending on your connections. I personally started my travels
late June although the Introduction Week starts only mid-July, so I could adjust to time
difference and climate before commencing my studies. Additionally, I recommend booking
only a one-way ticket or alternatively a flexible return ticket because you most likely want to
travel after your term and there are heaps of opportunities arising with fellow exchange
students you cannot foresee when you first plan your trip.
1.4 Housing
QUT has its own accommodation office (Gardens Point X Block Level 3) and they are very
helpful in finding a place for you. Urbanest for example is located in South Bank, in
immediate proximity to QUT (10 minutes walk). The university has a special agreement with
Urbanest, where you pay AUD$204/week for a private ensuite room with shared kitchen
instead of AUD$255 and up depending on the number of people you share the kitchen with. I
visited Urbanest a lot, it is a very decent and secure place to live and located in the most
beautiful part of Brisbane. Apart from the higher prices, Urbanest, as well as other student
housing organisations, requires you to sign a 6 months contract. In order to get a room, you
have to apply for housing pre-departure without having inspected the room and in case you
want to move out you either have to find a new tenant yourself or keep on paying rent.
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Because this was too much risk for me, I chose to live privately. I lived in two places: Firstly
in Hawthorne, one of the better areas of Brisbane, where I lived with a host family I met over
couchsurfing. This was a great start into the Australian culture and the children took me out
partying and dining, so I could make first contacts with locals. However it is a little far out
(45 minutes taking the ferry and walking to QUT), so I decided to move to Coorparoo (15
minutes by bus and on foot to QUT), where rent prices are cheaper too. Generally, you should
expect rent expenses around AUD$160-200 for a decent place if you look privately. Moving
further into the city and increasing house standard will definitely boost rent prices. The
cheapest way to live in Brisbane is by sharing your room with other students.
1.5 Costs
Costs as per month:
Rent
AUD$760
But paid weekly
Books
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The library offers all the books you need, some of them only in the nonlending collection. Some units provide e-versions of course books and the
article compendium against no charge. If you still wish to buy all course
books, there is a bookstore and second-hand book exchange on campus. Mine
varied between AUD$74 and AUD$135 (retail prices).
Food
AUD$150-250
This really depends on your budget, where you shop and how often you eat
out. There are heaps of cute cafés and its multicultural cuisine is famous for
Brisbane. There is Woolworth, which is a rather high-end supermarket. Coles
is still very good but a little bit cheaper. There are also weekly markets (e.g.
Queens Market every Wednesday on Queens St.), where you can buy fresh
fruits and veggies at a lower rate. There is also Aldi if you are travelling on a
budget.
Transport AUD$60
Your go card is your Brisbane essential. It can be used on buses, trains and
ferries within entire Queensland. You can buy it at 7/11 and other retailers
(also on campus) or online. If you register your travel card
(www.translink.com.au) you can top up money online. Transportation prices
are lower when you travel off-peak and you get 50% concession fare as a
student, so make sure you always carry your student ID with you. If you do
not, penalties can exceed AUD$200. A nice feature: after 9 rides you travel for
free, so you can get a free ride to the Gold Coast on the weekend for instance.
AUD$30
Cell
phone
My provider was Optus and I was very satisfied. I had a pre-paid service that
included all calls, texts and 500MB per day, which I never exceeded because
all social media apps such as Facebook and Twitter are free anyway. Coverage
was always good, except of course you are somewhere in the bush.
Travel
AUD$300
I aimed at one travel a months so I would see as much as possible of this
amazing country even though I was a full-time student. Sometimes it was just
a day/weekend trip and sometimes a week or longer, so this indication above
should be taken as an average. Living in Brisbane, you have some of the most
amazing destinations right at your doorstep (e.g. Fraser Island, North
Stradbroke Island, Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef, Sunshine Coast, Gold
Coast, Byron Bay, etc.), so I would definitely recommend doing a road trip.
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Nightlife
We booked a Jucy Camper for 4 girls and 5 days to drive to Cairns for approx.
AUD$500. Low-cost airlines include Jetstar, Tiger and Virgin. Rental cars are
also affordable under the condition that you pick up and drop off the car at the
same location (approx. AUD$60/day without one-way fee).
AUD$100-200
Wine/beer is about AUD$5-6 in a restaurant/bar. A bottle of cheap wine in one
of the liquor stores (BWS, Liquorland) would be about the same price, a
decent one will cost at least AUD$10-20. The common exchange student lives
off Goon (a red or white 5l cask wine for AUD$12). There is usually no cover
in the clubs, although some in the Valley will charge you. Cigarettes are very
expensive (AUD$15). Cabs take an excess fee during nights, for a 15 minute
cab ride home I paid about AUD$25.
1.6 Culture and language
In the very beginning, I had to get used to Australian accent. Especially when people were not
from the urban areas of Australia I had to ask them to repeat their sentence, which they
happily did. They use some Aussie specific words I did not know before but during Intro
Week we had some playful activities to get to know such country-specificities. QUT also
offers language courses throughout the semester. It is crucial to take part in all the social
events that are offered during Intro Week such as the River Cruise and the Island Dreaming
Orientation Camp on North Stradbroke Island, but also during the semester to meet people
you study with or you might want to travel with, and to enhance your language skills.
Brisbane and Australia in general is a very international place, which made my experience
abroad very multifaceted and interesting, however, it was also hard to make contact with
Australians. Living in an Australian family in the beginning made it significantly easier to
touch base with locals. Overall, the culture is quite close to ours in terms of social dos and
don’ts, so I did not have much of a culture shock.
2. ABOUT THE SCHOOL
2.1 School description
QUT is one of three bigger universities in the wider Brisbane area with approximately 40,000
students, including 6,000 from overseas. It comprises three campuses: Kelvin Grove,
Caboolture and Gardens Point. The business faculty is located at the Gardens Point campus,
which is sited right in the Botanic Gardens (perfect for relaxing study breaks). The Gardens
Point campus is also only 5 minutes walk from the city centre and right next to the Brisbane
River with a separate ferry landing. QUT offers undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD
programmes and has a strong research focus. Many of their staff have received international
awards for their teaching initiatives, research collaborations and publications, including Nobel
Peace Prize-winning scientist Dr. Richard Conant who joined QUT in 2010. The university
has also been ranked Australia’s top young uni in the Times Higher Education Top 100 Under
50 (June 2013). Despite its strong research side, QUT also promotes itself as “the university
of the real world”, which underpins resilient ties to the industry, naming cooperations with
Microsoft, Boeing, Coca Cola and Ernst & Young as only few examples. The percentage of
working people in the postgraduate units are higher than at BI, so most of my classes were
evening classes from 6 to 9 p.m. Usually, classes do not have mandatory attendance, whilst
most of the tutorials require you to sign an attendance sheet. In Australia, marks are given on
a 7-point scale, 7 being a High Distinction grade and 4 the lowest passing grade.
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2.2 Course registration
After BI and your host university approved your courses, you can register for them online on
the QUT Virtual webpage. Be aware that there is a deadline to do this, which can vary. In my
case the following key dates applied:
- 10 December 2012 – 2 August 2013: Enrolment opens
- 17 May 2013: Expected release of timetable
- 3 June 2013: Enrolments/class registration
- 7 June 2013 & 5 July 2013: Final date for accepting applications from international
students
- 5 July 2013: On-time closing date for international student change of major
applications. No late applications accepted.
- 2 August 2013: Last date students can add units to their enrolment programme without
incurring any penalty
- 3 August – 16 August 2013: Students are permitted to add units with payment of
AUD$50 penalty
- 16 August 2013: Census date (final date for cancellation of units without incurring
financial penalty; final date for cancellation of course with a partial refund (50%) of
international student tuition fee; withdrawal after this date will incur full fees)
Courses fill up early, so do not wait until last minute. For me it was crucial to be quick, as the
four courses listed approve were the only ones BI and QUT approved of, so not getting into
one of these had meant to retake units after returning to BI.
2.3 Academic calendar
Arrival date:
First day of the semester:
Last day of classes:
Examination period:
Any special
events/holidays:
Other:
26 June 2013
22 July 2013
16 November 2013
2 November – 16 November 2013
15 July – 19 July 2013: Orientation week
30 September – 4 October 2013: Mid-semester vacation
7 October 2013: Labour Day
23 September 2013: Final exam timetables released
2 December 2013: Release of semester results
2.4 Arrival
The International Office deals with an extreme amount of international students each term, so
they are very professional and well-organised. You can manage your Intro Week yourself
online with the Orientation Planner. There is a multitude of events you can include in your
personal schedule, such as official welcomes, information sessions about sports clubs and
committees, study abroad info sessions, how to find work and accommodation and many
more. There was also a river cruise and an orientation camp on North Stradbroke Island,
which you have to book pre-departure, as well as free T-shirts and free lunches. There are also
faculty-specific events like the Business Mixer, where I made contact with fellow business
and HRM students as well as industry representatives.
2.5 The International Office
All members of the team were super helpful and efficient in problem-solving. They are
empathetic and understand the concerns and issues of international students very well, so if I
had any problems I just walked into their office in A block or wrote an email, which they
responded to in less than 24 hours. They also work closely with other departments such as the
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accommodation office, so even if they cannot deal with your problems directly they always
know the right person to go to. Before I left Europe, the International Office had already sent
me plenty of information material, they even offer free pick-ups from the airport. The
International Office was kindly supported by a handful of exchange buddies, who also
organised some social events, showed us around Brisbane and were always available to
answer questions.
2.6 Promoting BI and Norway
I joined the NORSK student association, which is the single largest non-Australian student
society in Brisbane. Through a variety of social events like barbeques, Halloween parties and
large-scale pub crawls, all members of this society pass on a notion of Norwegian culture and
customs to the southern hemisphere. As a German student living in Norway, I could convey a
neutral stance of the benefits of studying in Oslo in university-related conversations with the
International Office, fellow students and friends.
2.7 Social activities
QUT is very rich in social activities and interaction. As exchange students the first people you
will meet are fellow international students and since most of them will have them same
interests (e.g. travel, party), you will also spend most time with them. To get to know and do
social activities with native students you have to actively seek contact with them, for example
by asking them to work on a group project together or by working in an Australian business.
In one of my units I worked with fours Australians and this was the best group works I had
during my semester abroad because they were social, polite and valued my input as a
foreigner.
Most of the social activities I already outlined and basically you can find one each day. We
had a weekly barbeque either in South Bank or in Kangaroo Point, climbing at Kangaroo
Point, kitesurfing with one of our fellow exchange students who opened a kite school,
gatherings in the Botanic Bar on campus, official events organised by QUT such as catch-up
functions, farewell functions and an international graduation ceremony. Another student
society called East West Eats tours through Brisbane to experience food from all over the
world. There was also a Frisbee club, a running club, a surfing club, a Dragon Boat
competition, trips to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary and the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary,
and so much more. Life never got boring in Brisbane.
3. ACADEMICS
3.1 In the classroom
As “university of the real world”, the teaching style is more practice-oriented than at BI,
where we work more research-based. On the one hand, I really enjoyed learning more about
employment law, trade unions, etc., as I felt I did not know enough about it. On the other
hand, everything you learn concerns Australian law and employment situations.
The interaction with lecturers is very informal on first-name basis and you can speak in class
without being picked on. Although it is not mandatory to come to classes, it is expected of
you to do the readings before each class and stay up-to-date with additional readings that are
posted each week on QUT Blackboard. Lecturers also have office hours to help with
assignments or any other questions you might have. All my classes were very individual. One
of them was the typical Powerpoint slide sort of lecture, which was interrupted by three
workbook exercises about an imaginary organisation on which we had to apply the course
content. Another class had additional tutorials to deepen the knowledge we gained during
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lectures. My third class was a virtual class, where we had weekly meetings in an online
classroom. Lastly, I had one unit that did not have any agenda at all; the course of this unit
was rather determined by the class’ interests in contemporary issues in HRM, what was on the
news and what we thought would be an issue in future. The level of work was in general a bit
easier than at BI, although more assignments, quizzes, presentations and exams had to be
completed. This type of teaching kept me constantly busy and after all increased my learning
outcome because I was tested on several occasions with different methods instead of only
writing one 100% exam.
3.2 Course materials
Course materials were different from class to class. Two of my units had prescribed readings
and the other two were mainly based on current topics and articles. All lecturers worked with
Powerpoint slides, although half of them did not rely on them as main means of teaching but
rather summarised key dates and deadlines on them. The materials were new editions, so all
content taught was highly relevant. You can access your course materials on QUT Blackboard
or through the library. The library provides a comprehensive online system to place and renew
books loans and the librarians are very supportive as well. The selection of books and media
files at QUT is a lot wider than BI’s and the level of technology use is similar. There are
several computer labs and printing services, which can also be maintained and recharged
online. The IT department ensures operability of all technological devices and also help you
with your own. You can also access your course materials via an app.
3.3 Exams
Exams were based on both course materials and lectures. In detail, the classes were evaluated
as follows:
1.) MGN410 Employment Relations:
Assessment name: Online Quizzes (Optional)
Description: Your knowledge of the previous week's theoretical material and your ability to
apply it to an employment situation are tested either by using a simple employment scenario
similar to those used in tutorial exercises, or through a series of multiple choice questions.
Compulsory or Optional: Optional
Length/Duration: 30-45 minutes
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Relates to objectives: Unit objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4 and AOL goals: KS (1.1), CTA (2.1), SEU
(5.1)
Weight: 25%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Weeks 3-12
Assessment name: End-semester Exam (Compulsory)
Description: The examination will cover all aspects of the unit. The format of the exam will
be 4 short answer questions + 1 integrative essay.
Compulsory or Optional: Compulsory
Length/Duration: 2 hours + 10 minutes perusal time
Formative or Summative: Summative
Relates to objectives: Unit objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4 and AOL goals: KS (1.1), CTA (2.1), SEU
(5.1)
Weight: 50%
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Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 13 in class
Assessment name: Case Study (Optional)
Description: Using a specific case study you are to undertake a comprehensive consideration
of matters occurring in relation to ER at that workplace. Several separate issue topics are
available each with separate submission dates, outlined in the week 1 document. You are
required to select only one.
Compulsory or Optional: Optional Length/Duration:
1,250 words + reference list Formative or
Summative: Formative and Summative
Relates to objectives: Unit objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4 and AOL goals: KS (1.1), CTA (2.1), PC
(3.1)
Weight: 25%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Various
Assessment name: Research Essay (Optional)
Description: Using theoretical material discussed in the unit, you are to research one of the
essay questions outlined in the week 1 document. There are both Australian and
internationally-focused topics and students may select any option.
Compulsory or Optional: Optional Length/Duration: 2,500 words + reference list
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Relates to objectives: Unit objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4 and AOL goals: KS (1.1), CTA (2.1), PC
(3.1), SEU (5.1)
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Various
2.) MGN440 HRM Theory and Practice:
Assessment name: Critique (Written)
Description: The critique permits you to reflect on decisions made in the project (living case)
and to evaluate the extent to which decisions support the intended business strategy and
desired organisational culture.
Length/Duration: 1,000 words
Formative or Summative: Summative
Relates to objectives: Unit objectives: 1, 2, 3 and AOL goals: KS (1.1), CTA (2.1), PC (3.1)
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 12
Assessment name: Final Examination
Description: The exam may consist of essay, short answer and/or case type questions. The
exam will sample a range of content covered through the entire semester. Additional details
will be advised in the final weeks of class.
Length: 2 hours + 10 minutes perusal
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Formative or Summative: Summative
Relates to objectives: Unit objectives: 1, 2, and AOL goals: KS (1.1), CTA (2.1)
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Central Exam Period
Assessment name: Case Study
Description: A group project on a living case study requiring decision making/action taking
and analysis of decisions designed to develop your knowledge of key concepts, research,
critical analysis and writing skills. Marks incorporate self and peer assessment of group
processes.
Length/Duration: 2,000 words (excluding references and executive summary)
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Relates to objectives: Unit objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and AOL goals: KS (1.1), CTA (2.1), PC
(3.1), TW (4.1)
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Group
Due date: Weeks 6, 9 & 11
3.) MGN442 Self-Leadership:
Assessment name: Essay
Description: Discuss a specific area of self-leadership drawing on the relevant literature and
use this knowledge to identify the implications for contemporary human resource practice.
Length/Duration: 1,500 words
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Relates to objectives: Unit objectives: 1, 4 and AOL goals: KS (1.1), KS (1.2), CTA (2.1), PC
(3.1), SEU (5.1).
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 7
Assessment name: Portfolio
Description: You will develop the self-leadership skills portfolio throughout the course of the
unit. The portfolio will contain both self-reflection and feedback from others. You will
conduct an analysis of your skills, strengths and areas for improvement and will develop an
action plan for skills development.
Length/Duration: 2,500 words
Formative or Summative: Summative
Relates to objectives: Unit objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and AOL goals: KS (1.2), PC (3.1), CTA
(2.1), SEU (5.1)
Weight: 60%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 13
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4. MGN506 Contemporary Issues in Human Resource Management:
Assessment name: Workshop
Description: In a small group, you will develop and deliver a workshop on a contemporary
HRM issue. Your group will introduce a contemporary issue impacting on the HR profession
and lead a class discussion on the possible implications of the issue. This assessment
incorporates a peer review. Marks will incorporate self and peer assessment of group
processes.
Length/Duration: 1-hour presentation
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Relates to objectives: Unit objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4 and AOL goals: KS (1.1), KS (1.2), CTA
(2.1), PC (3.1), (3.2), TW (4.1), SEU (5.1)
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Group
Due date: Weeks 12 & 13
Assessment name: Report
Description: Choose a recent business book, which you believe highlights material of strategic
significance for the Human Resource profession. Prepare a written review on the implications
of the book's ideas for the role and practice of HRM.
Length/Duration: 1,500 words
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Relates to objectives: Unit objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4 and AOL goals: KS (1.1), CTA (2.1), PC
(3.1), SEU (5.1)
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 7
Assessment name: Critique (written)
Description: Write a critique of assigned workshop papers, identify and evaluate the potential
impact of the emerging issue for the Human Resource profession.
Length/Duration: 1,500 words
Formative or Summative: Summative
Relates to objectives: Unit objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4 and AOL goals: KS (1.1), CTA (2.1), PC
(3.1)
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Central Exam Period
3.4 Description of courses
Course code
Master/
& name
Bachelor
MGN410
Master
Employment
Relations
Exam form
2-hours
written exam
+ perusal
Prerequisites
None
2,500 words
research
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Approved
as
Elective
Comments
Dr. Robin Price is one of the
leading researchers in her
field. She also organised a
guest speaker on
discrimination in Australia.
For Europeans it might not be
essay
MGN440
HRM Theory
and Practice
Master
2-hours
written exam
+ perusal
None
Elective
None
Elective
None
Elective
1,000 words
critique
2,000 words
case study
MGN442 Self- Master
Leadership
1,500 words
essay
2,500 words
portfolio
MGN506
Master
Contemporary
Issues in HRM
1-hour group
presentation
1,500 words
report
1,500 words
critique
the most relevant course,
since it mostly deals with
Australian law and trade
unions, but it still gives a
general insight in the subject
and the research articles
presented in this course were
particularly interesting.
A course about the basics of
HRM. There is nothing really
new, but you repeat all the
essentials (recruitment,
selection, etc.), however, the
application to an imaginary
organisation was rather
challenging. Our lecturer
demonstrated industry
knowledge and great teaching
skills.
The format of virtual classes
was new to me but I am
surprised how well the
students participated without
having face-to-face contact.
Self-leadership in my eyes is
underrated as university
subject, because it is rather a
soft skill. However, I strongly
feel that it would fit into BI’s
curriculum as well.
My favourite subject this
term. This lecture was
insightful and demanding at
the same time, as it did not
have a fixed course agenda.
Our comments and opinions
shaped the course. The
lecturer was extraordinary
and required the students to
develop big picture thinking
and analytical abilities.
How will you sum up the exchange experience?
(This may be used in future exchange brochures)
The land of sunshine, kangaroos and barrelling waves has in fact more to offer than just that.
Brisbane and QUT showed me how the social and joyful Australian way of life goes hand in
hand with scholastic excellence, outstanding research and technological progression.
Ultimately, both of these sides will benefit my life and career paths: the academic side that
has broadened my skills portfolio and technical knowledge, and the social side that has
refined my cultural sensitivity, open-mindedness and gratitude.
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STUDY ABROAD AND EXCHANGE ORIENTATION
Second Semester 2013 Orientation – Tuesday 16 July 2013
The orientation includes the Official Welcome followed by sessions covering: enrolment,
immigration matters, computing access & password, email and more. Attendance is
compulsory. Further orientation information will be emailed out the month before the
semester starts.
BRISBANE RIVER CRUISE
Second Semester 2013 – Tuesday 16 July 2013
We encourage you to attend the "Welcome to Brisbane" River Cruise. A great way
to meet and get to know fellow students (including staff) in the study abroad and
exchange programs. This cruise incurs an additional cost of approximately AUD$35.00
per person (Subject to change).
ORIENTATION CAMP
2nd Semester: Island Dreaming, Orientation Camp
Friday 19 July – Sunday 21 July 2013
The Study Abroad and Exchange Unit hosts an optional three day orientation weekend at
a select location close to Brisbane. The orientation escape is the ultimate way to begin
studies down under with learn to surf lessons, sea kayaking and beach hikes. Enjoy a
spectacular sunset, get to know other study abroad students and experience Australia’s
natural beauty. This camp incurs an additional cost of approximately AUD$340.00 per
person (subject to change).
6. Choosing Subjects /Modules
Selecting subjects: To select the subjects you would like to study at QUT, refer to Unit
Synopsis: http://www.student.qut.edu.au/studying/units (Use the Drop Down Boxes on
top)
Or the Exchange Subject Directory: http://www.qut.edu.au/international/study-abroadand-exchange/subjects-you-can-study/pre-approved-subjects
To search for subjects by semester, or description use
https://qutvirtual.qut.edu.au/portal/pls/portal/unout_search_p.show
Alternatively, you can use the QUT Study Finder http://www.studyfinder.qut.edu.au/cgibin/WebObjects/StudyFinder
Choose at least eight (8) subjects per semester.
Students should discuss their subject choices with their academic adviser at their home
institution before applying to QUT. The university advisers will be able to ascertain if the
subjects students intend to study at QUT correspond with the home institution's degree
requirements.
Subject Prerequisites
Students must be reminded that when selecting subjects at QUT, it is important to
remember that most subjects above first-year introductory have prerequisites which
must be satisfied before admissions will be approved. If the student wish to undertake
second, third or fourth year level subjects, the School or Faculty will look at their
academic record from their home institution to determine whether they have passed
courses comparable in content to those QUT subjects which are specified as prerequisite.
Ultimately, it is the student’s responsibility to make
sure that they meet any prerequisites and that they feel confident that they will be able to successfully complete the
subjects. At the Study Abroad and Exchange Orientation, students will be able to meet
with Faculty representatives who will be able to discuss subject choices and confirm that
pre-requisites have been met.
Co-requisites
In some cases subjects have co-requisites, which mean they are designed to be taken in
conjunction with another subject.
Workload
As an international student, Immigration Regulations requires you to be enrolled as a
full-time student, i.e. undertake a minimum of 36 credit points. Most QUT subjects are
offered in 12 credit point units, and most students enrol in four (4) subjects as a
standard workload. As mentioned above, when applying to QUT, we strongly
recommend that students nominate at least eight subjects in case some of these are not
approved for study. Some subjects may not be offered in the preferred semester of
study or the prerequisite may not have been met.
Changing Subjects
Students are able to change subjects on arrival at QUT, provided they meet the
prerequisite and have obtained the QUT course adviser's permission to do the
subject. It is equally important that students have the approval of their home institution
as failure to do so might result in difficulties in having the subject credited back to their
home institution. Students have until the second week of classes to change their
subjects as many times as they like (subject to QUT Faculty approval and approval from
the home institution)
Credit Transfer
On completion of the semester or year at QUT each student will be provided with an
official transcript.
7. HOUSING INFORMATION
QUT recognises that accommodation is a high priority for new international
students. Accommodation options for students include student apartments, shared
houses and apartments or home stay for those who prefer to live in a family
environment.
We recommend that Study Abroad and Exchange students seek furnished
accommodation to avoid incurring additional setting-up expenses for furniture,
kitchenware, linen etc. As most students in the Study Abroad and Exchange Programs
are here for the maximum of 16 weeks, students must ensure that they do not commit
to a lease of more than 6 months otherwise breaking this agreement can be costly.
Please note that there are some changes to the recommended accommodation
options for 2012 refer to:
http://www.student.qut.edu.au/international/accommodation-and-homestay
AIRPORT PICK UP AND RECEPTION
Whether you have arranged permanent or temporary accommodation, QUT has an
airport reception service refer to: http://www.student.qut.edu.au/international/airportreception
8. SPECIAL EVENTS / PLANNED ACTIVITIES
See Orientation website:
http://www.student.qut.edu.au/enrolment-and-orientation/orientation.
Day trips organised by International Student Service
http://www.eastwest.qut.edu.au/
9. COMPUTER/INTERNET ACCESS
Everything you need to know about computing at QUT:
http://www.ithelpdesk.qut.edu.au/
10. MONEY AND BANKING ADVICE
All QUT campuses are services by automatic teller machines that cater for cards from
most banks. All banks have offices in the city and branches in the suburbs.
x
x
x
x
x
Suncorp Metway - www.suncorpmetway.com.au (offers a "direct access" account
which allows transaction fee exemption for students.
Commonwealth Bank of Australia - www.commbank.com.au
National Australia Bank - www.national.com.au
ANZ - www.anz.com.au
Westpac - www.westpac.com.au
When opening an account student’s will need to show their passport and some form of
ID. Make sure they tell the bank that they are a full-time student and always ask about
what bank fees are charged.
There will be no problems changing foreign currencies or cash at almost any bank or
exchange bureau. Travellers Cheques generally get a better rate than cash, though
banks take out a commission. Credit cards (particularly Visa and MasterCard) are widely
accepted (and pretty much compulsory if you're going to rent a car), and ATMs all over
the country accept credit and Cirrus cards.
11. LOCAL TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION
Full-time students are eligible for fare discounts for buses, trains and ferries. Frequency
of service increases during peak hours (7.00-9.00 am and 4.00-6.00 pm) and reduces
during weekends, public holidays and off-peak hours.
http://www.qut.edu.au/study/student-life/life-in-brisbane/climate-food-and-transport
If students are going to study in different campuses there are free Shuttle Service
available: http://www.fmd.qut.edu.au/campus_services/shuttle/
12. SUGGESTED READING - AUSTRALIA
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations/australasia/australia/
http://www.australia.com
More information on living in Brisbane can be obtained from:
http://www.visitbrisbane.com.au/
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/dest/aust/brisbane.htm
Preparing for student life - costs etc.
http://www.student.qut.edu.au/studying/student-life/life-in-brisbane/cost-of-living
13. HEALTHCARE FACILITIES FOR STUDENTS
http://www.healthservices.qut.edu.au/
14. STUDENT EMPLOYMENT REGULATION
http://www.student.qut.edu.au/international/employment
15. GUIDE TO TRAVELLERS – KNOW BEFORE YOU GO!
http://www.customs.gov.au/webdata/resources/files/GuideForTravellers.pdf
Queensland University of Technology (QUT)
Study Abroad and Exchange Fact Sheet
Contacts:
Address
Study Abroad and Exchange Office
International and Student Mobility
Room A111, Level 1 A Block
Gardens Point Campus
Queensland University of Technology
2 George Street, Brisbane Qld 4000, Australia
Study Abroad and Exchange Website
http://www.qut.edu.au/international/study-abroad-and-exchange
Primary Email Address
Head of QUT International
International and Student Mobility
Telephone/Email
International Student Mobility
Telephone/Email
Exchange Coordinator
Telephone/Email
Outbound Exchange Officer
Telephone/Email
International Student Mobility Officer
Telephone/Email
Study Abroad and Exchange Officer
Telephone/Email
Study Abroad and Exchange Officer
Telephone/Email
Study Abroad and Exchange Officer
Telephone/Email
Study Abroad and Exchange Assistant
Telephone/Email
stae@qut.edu.au
(Mr) Ray Kelly
Executive Director, QUT International
(Mr) Geoff Edmondson
Director, International and Student Mobility
+617 3138 4156
(Ms) Nicole Patterson
Manager, International Student Mobility
+617 3138 2814
nicole.patterson@qut.edu.au
(Mr) Chung Yiu
International Student Exchange Coordinator (Acting)
+617 3138 5075
yauchung.yiu@qut.edu.au
(Ms) Tanya Gomez
QUT Outbound Exchange
+617 3138 1217
tanya.gomez@qut.edu.au
(Mr) Alemania (Febs) Ierome
Student Mobility and Short Term Program
+617 3138 8340
a.ierome@qut.edu.au
(Ms) Dianne Farley
Inbound Area: Germany, Scandinavia and Austria
+617 3138 4300
d2.farley@qut.edu.au
(Ms) Natalie Pye
Inbound Area: Americas (North and South), Canada
+617 3138 7466
n.pye@qut.edu.au
(Mr) Chung Yiu
Inbound Area: Asia, Europe
+617 3138 5075
yauchung.yiu@qut.edu.au
(Ms) Janette Yuen
Inbound and Outbound General Enquiries
+617 3138 2200
j1.yuen@qut.edu.au
(Ms) Hella Sharley
Agreements
Contact for Agreement
Telephone/Email
g.edmondson@qut.edu.au
+617 3138 8358
partneragreement@qut.edu.au
Last updated 1 March 2013
Queensland University of Technology (QUT)
Study Abroad and Exchange Fact Sheet
Student Exchange Information:
Application Deadline
Semester 1 (February - June): 1 December each year
Semester 2 (July – November): 1 May each year
Choosing Units
Undergraduate unit codes usually end in a B and postgraduate unit codes
generally end in a N or P.
Required Documents
x
x
x
x
x
x
Home University Academic Record (grades), in English;
Copy of your undergraduate degree (for postgraduate applications); and
Evidence of English language proficiency (if required).
Nomination Letter/Email from home institution (Exchange Student Only)
Copy of Passport Personal Information Page (Bio-page)
A copy of your current enrolment
http://www.immi.gov.au/students/students/chooser/
(Student Visa; Non-award, Subclass 575)
OSHC – Visa Requirement (except Belgian and Norwegian and some Swedish
who are covered by the CSN International (Swedish National Board of Student
Aid) or by Kammarkollegiet (the Swedish Legal, Financial and Administration
Agency) – Australian Government, Department of Health and Ageing.
Visa
Overseas Students Health Cover
(OSHC)/Insurance/Health Cover
Students need to pay QUT the OSHC Fee (stated on the Offer Letter), so that
QUT can organise it for the student.
Health Cover
http://www.qut.edu.au/international/study-abroad-andexchange/predeparture/health-cover
Step-by-step Guide
http://www.qut.edu.au/international/study-abroad-andexchange/applying/inbound-exchange/applying-step-by-step-guide
Student Services and Amenities
Fee
http://www.student.qut.edu.au/fees-and-finances/study-costs/fee-schedule/table-lstudent-services-and-amenities-fee (Not applicable to Study Abroad and
Exchange students - 7th Aug 2012. Subject to Change).
Accommodation/Arrival/Orientation
Accommodation
http://www.qut.edu.au/international/study-abroad-and-exchange/qut-andbrisbane/accommodation
Airport Reception
http://www.qut.edu.au/international/study-abroad-andexchange/predeparture/airport-reception
Orientation
http://www.student.qut.edu.au/enrolment-and-orientation/orientation
Cost of Living
http://www.student.qut.edu.au/studying/student-life/life-in-brisbane/cost-ofliving
Credit Points
Minimum Load
Normal Load
Approximate credit point
translations are:
36 CP (3 units, 12 CP/ Unit) (Full time Load)
48 CP (4 units) (Standard Load)
12 credit points = 3 or 4 credits in the US system
12 credit points = 7.5 ECTS in the European system
Last updated 1 March 2013
Queensland University of Technology (QUT)
Study Abroad and Exchange Fact Sheet
Grading System
LEGEND 7pt Scale
QUT 91/1 - Current
Pass Parameters**
7
High Distinction
7 - High Distinction: 85%-100%
6
Distinction
6 - Distinction: 75%-84%
5
Credit
5 - Credit: 65%-74%
4
Pass
4 - Pass: 50%-64%
3
Fail
3 - Marginal Fail: 40%-49%
2
Fail
2 - Fail: 25%-39%
1
Low Fail
1 - Low Fail: Less than 25%
Grade Point Average (GPA)
The Grade Point Average (GPA) is calculated from the grades obtained and
weighted by the credit points of the subject using the formula and assumptions as
described in the QUT Handbook
** The percentages below constitute standard result parameters, but may be
changed at the discretion of the executive dean or delegated faculty officer.
Attendance and Examination
Lecture
2 Hours (*Some specific unit may have a higher number of contact hours)
Tutorial
1 Hour (*Some specific unit may have a higher number of contact hours)
Final Examination
Unit Outlines
http://www.student.qut.edu.au/about/key-dates-and-academic-calendar/academiccalendar
https://qutvirtual.qut.edu.au/portal/pls/portal/unout_search_p.show_public
Useful Websites
QUT International
http://www.qut.edu.au/international/
Entry Requirements
http://www.qut.edu.au/international/study-abroad-and-exchange/applying
Pre-Approved Units
http://www.qut.edu.au/international-students/study-abroad-andexchange/subjects-you-can-study/pre-approved-subjects
Units
Academic Calendar
International Student Services
http://www.student.qut.edu.au/studying/units
http://www.student.qut.edu.au/about/key-dates-and-academic-calendar/academiccalendar
http://www.student.qut.edu.au/international
Last updated 1 March 2013