International Exchange Schemes

Through arrangements with overseas institutions that have been made on both faculty and university levels, students in the Department of Chemical Engineering have various options if they are interested in carrying out some of their studies abroad. Exchange programs work on the basis that by keeping the numbers of students between international institutions fairly even, students can pay tuition fees as if they were attending their local university, and these fees will cover the tuition costs at the overseas institution.

Exchange students from the University of Sydney are expected to remain enrolled full time for the entire exchange period, they have to meet certain eligibility criteria, and they have to support themselves when overseas (although there are various scholarships available).

The department has an International Programs Co-ordinator, and you can find general information online here.

Important Notice

Students who participate in the exchange will have their academic marks recorded as pass/fail or satisfactory. Students can still retain the marks they obtain from the exchange institution if they wish them to be considered for scholarship or job applications, but the marks will no longer be counted overall WAM calculations.

• Where can I go?
• How do I get onto an Exchange Program
• What are the costs involved?
• I want to go on exchange - what do I need to do?

Imperial College in London

This is an option for students who wish to carry out their third year of studies in London. Visit the Imperial College website.

L'Institut National Polytechnique de Toulouse (France)
This is an option for students who wish to complete their third year of studies in Toulouse. The language of instruction in this institution is French and students who wish to go to France do need to have a previous background in the language or enrol in a course in French. Some short courses are available through the Centre for Continuing Education who can be contacted at 9351 2907. Students who have participated in the program suggest that intensive courses would also be very useful. Visit the L'Institute website.

Iowa State University
This is an option for students who wish to complete their third year of studies at Iowa State. Visit the Iowa State University website.

Technology of Kungl Techniska Hogskolan (KTH), Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden
This is an option for students who wish to complete their final year of studies in Sweden. The language of instruction in KTH is Swedish, however, KTH does provide a short course for English speakers to teach them the language used commonly by students and staff. For those for whom Swedish is not their first language, examinations can be taken in English. Visit the KTH website.

• You need to be in the right year (as listed above)
• You need to have a credit average (minimum 65%)
• You need to enrol as a full time student at the University of Sydney while away on exchange
• You need to provided evidence of sufficient funding to cover living expenses during the exchange period.

One thing to bear in mind when discussing the costs of any exchange program is that some costs can be offset if you secure a scholarship (further information below). You will need funds to pay for return airfares and a living allowance. A general estimate of living expenses is $7,500 for 6 months and $15,000 for a year. This is however a general figure, and in some cases, you may need more funds. You’ll need to prove that you have this level of funds before going on exchange, but please note that you can include money from all of the following sources.

• Austudy (if you are already eligible)
• Personal Savings
• Parental Support (proof of sponsorship must be submitted)
• Scholarships/Bursaries (written proof of award will need to be submitted)

1. You need to prepare the following items that will be needed both for your application for the scheme, and for scholarships.
   
   Academic Referees
   
   All exchange applicants must submit reports from two academic referees. The reports have to be submitted on specific forms, and you can get these forms from the International Coordinator, or the International Office. On the report, your academic referee will be asked to comment on your quality of work, academic potential, and degree of support for the exchange period.
   
   Essay
   
   A short essay of around two pages outlining the reasons behind your application such as what you intend to gain both academically and personally, and why you’ve chosen a particular institution. You should highlight why the particular institution is suited to your course of study, and how the experience will serve your study and career plans. In addition, you also need to demonstrate an awareness of any challenges that you anticipate during your time abroad, and how you would plan to tackle these challenges. Special mention should also be made regarding any extra-curricular activities and travel experience you’re likely to engage in while you are away.
    
2. Scholarships
   
   For applications to the two institutions that the department has links with through the Faculty-specific scheme, i.e. KTH in Sweden or Polytechnique de Toulouse, you must apply for a scholarship and/or bursary from the International Office before lodging your application to the Department. You can apply for as many of the following scholarships as you like, but you can only hold one scholarship. If you receive a scholarship or bursary or more than $2,000 from a source other than the International Office then you must return the International Office Scholarship Payment immediately:
   
   International Office Scholarships
   Closing dates for applications are 30th April for students leaving in Semester 2 and 31st October for those leaving in Semester 1. Students are strongly advised to apply in Semester 1, i.e. before the 30th of April.
   Chancellors Committee Scholarship
   The top five students per year receive $2000 each.
   Travelling Scholarships
   These are open to all students in the University of Sydney exchange program. They comprise $2000 per student and are awarded on the basis of academic merit as judged by WAM and the academic referees reports.
   Bursaries
   A maximum of $5000 for those studying on the exchange scheme for one year, and $2500 for those studying for one semester. These bursaries are awarded on both academic merit and financial need.
   
   Recipients of exchange bursaries and scholarships are expected to submit Progress Reports during their exchange semester/year and attend information sessions at the University of Sydney to promote the program.
   
   To obtain an application form, please see the International Coordinator or the international Office. You can also visit the IO website for further details.
    
3. The Application Process
   
   Where should I lodge my application?
   
   In the case of the Iowa State University Exchange scheme, you must submit your application to the International Office. Your application will consist of:
   • A cover letter for your application
   • Academic referees reports
   • Essay
   • Scholarship and/or bursary application forms
   
   
   You will also be asked to attend a short interview with the Exchange Selection Panel that will include an academic, a counsellor from the International Student Services Unit and the Exchange Program Coordinator. The panel will look at your academic and personal suitability to participate in the exchange program. The sort of issues that might be raised include:
   • Your reasons for wanting to study on exchange
   • Your preparedness to undertake a year/semester abroad
   • How the experience will serve your career and study plans
   
   You should also give some thought to your role as an ambassador for the University of Sydney and Australia.
   
   For all European exchanges, we would recommend that you discuss your application with the International Coordinator in April and they will advise you on when you will need to submit your application and what semester your exchange will be run.
   
   A decision about your application will be made after the relevant Examiners' meeting at the end of Semester 1 or 2. If your application is successful, it will be sent to KTH or Imperial College for approval. The procedure is slightly different for Polytechnique de Toulouse in that they will be contacted by the International Coordinator and they will send you the appropriate application forms.
    
4. Credit
   
   Before lodging an application you need to liaise with the International Coordinator in the Department to work out the courses/units that you need to take overseas. It’s vital to ensure that the credits for the subject that you carry out when away can be transferred back to Sydney University.
   
   Please ensure that the International Coordinator completes a Unit of Study Approval Form for each subject within the Department and be aware that with the changes in Units that happen from year to year, you may need to inform them of the situation in your host institution when you arrive there.