UQ ABROADNext Steps

THE UQ ABROAD TEAM

Jan McCreary - Manager

Caroline Thompson - Team leader, Europe, Latin

America

Katie Smith - Canada and USA

Weiya Huang - Asia, Scandinavia

Irene Hui - 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

• Almost 400 students have applied

• Europe & Scandinavia – 36%• US & Canada - 23%• UK & Ireland - 23% • Asia - 15% • Latin America – 3% 

Most popular partners1. Edinburgh2. Uni Leeds3. Sciences Po4. University of

Copenhagen5. McGill

APPLICATION PROCESSSTEP 1 – APPLY TO UQ ABROAD

Confirm your eligibility for

the UQ Abroad program

# units completed

GPA in current program

Progress (or Graduation) check

Choose and research three

possible exchange partners

Check course available

Semester of available courses

Course level (undergrad/postgrad

)

Language of instruction

Complete the application form

Step 1) Submit to UQ Abroad by May 31 with a copy of your study plan

Step 2) submit study plan to faculty

by May 31

UQ Abroad assesses your

application

GPA calculated once semester exam

results are available

Application assessed against eligibility criteria

UQ Abroad notifies you of application

status

If awaiting deferred exams, expect this step to be delayed.

APPLICATION PROCESSSTEP 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

If applying to a multiple campus university please

expect this process may be delayed

Prepare for departure

Book flights

Finalise visa

Confirm accommodation

Attend a pre-departure session

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

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 varyLate-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 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. 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 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

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

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

Meet and greets 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

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 GOPassport 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 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 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 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/ReciprocalExchanges/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 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