UMD Exchange: University of Western Australia (Australia)

 

All students accepted to an Exchange program are automatically considered for an award of $1,000! See Cost tab for more information.

Host Institution
One of Australia's best and most prestigious universities, The University of Western Australia (UWA) is highly ranked internationally and is the only Western Australian university to belong to the Group of Eight (Go8) – a coalition of the top research universities in Australia.  Established in 1911, the University's ground-breaking research, quality academic staff and state-of-the-art facilities combine to offer a vibrant student experience.  The University hosts 20,000 students each year with more than 4,500 international students from 90 different countries on the multi-cultural Crawley campus.  Adjacent to the Swan River, the UWA Crawley Campus is among the most picturesque campuses in Australia with its grand sandstone and terracotta buildings sitting amongst elegant gardens. The nine different academic colleges, include Architecture, Landscape & Visual Arts, Arts (including humanities), Business, Education, Engineering, Computing and Mathematics, Law, Life & Physical Sciences, Medicine, Dentistry & Health Sciences, Natural & Agricultural Sciences.  Apart from academics, UQ has excellent students support and services, which is particularly highlighted through the Student Guild, a student representative body hosting 13, 000 members and over 80 student clubs. 

Host City
UWA is located in Perth, which is Australia’s fourth largest city and the capital of the State of Western Australia. Perth has an enviable standard of living, and is consistently voted one of the top ten cities in which to live by the The Economist.  Many of Perth’s attractions are within easy traveling distance from the UWA campus.  These attractions include King's Park, museums and galleries, nightlife and entertainment venues, cafés, the famous Cottesloe Beach, and the historic port town of Fremantle.  The Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers is ideal for students who are intersted in outdoor activities, such as golf, tennis, sailing, swimming and windsurfing.

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Exchange programs are highly competitive and space in each program is limited. You must meet the following eligibility requirements in order to apply to this program:

• 3.0 GPA
• Completion of 2 semesters at UMD

Exchange programs are a good fit for students looking for immersion, personal growth, and the opportunity to strengthen qualities such as independence and adaptability.

Student Visa Information
As an exchange student, you are required to obtain a student visa for Australia before you leave the US: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/student-500

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1. Click "Apply Now" at the top of this page. You will log in with your UMD directory ID and password.
2. Submit all application materials by the deadline listed below. This includes meeting with your EA advisor (listed at the top of this page), and may include requesting a faculty letter of recommendation, and submitting an official transcript. If a letter of recommendation and/or official transcript are required, it will be listed in MyEA once you start an application for this program. 
3. After the application deadline, we will review all completed applications and nominate students for available spots in each exchange program.
4. If you are nominated to participate in this exchange, you will work with your EA advisor (listed above) to apply directly to the host university, who will formally admit you to the exchange program. Nominated students must complete the host university application in accordance with the host university’s stated deadlines and instructions.
5. Nominated students will then work with their EA advisor (listed above) and our partner universities to coordinate all aspects of the stay at the host university such as course registration, visas and arrival.

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Academic Planning

Visit the Academics & Study Abroad page which outlines key considerations for your academic planning as you navigate different phases of study abroad:

• Pre-Departure Course Selection & Approval
• Finalizing Course Enrollment Abroad
• Transcripts and Credits on your UMD Record

Coursework

The Student Exchange and Study Abroad programs at UWA allow you choose any unit, or class, which is part of a UWA recognised degree program in the following areas: Architecture, Landscape & Visual Arts, Arts (including humanities), Business, Education, Engineering, Computing and Mathematics, Law, Life & Physical Sciences, Health Sciences, Natural & Agricultural Sciences. Students can design their own program of study. Medicine and Dentistry classes are restricted.

 

There may be other course offerings on this program that are not currently listed in the Study Abroad Course Database (SACD).  If you are interested in taking a course not listed in the SACD, please submit a transfer credit evaluation request.
 

Credit

All credit you earn on this program will count as transfer credit towards your UMD degree. Most courses at the University of Western Australia will be converted as follows:

University of Western Australia Credit	UMD Credit
1 UWA credit	0.67 UMD credit
6 UWA credits	4 UMD credits

The chart above was last approved by the UMD Transfer Credit Committee on June 5, 2014.

Grading

Undergraduates must receive a C- equivalent or better in order to be eligible for the transfer of credit.

University of Western Australia Grade	UMD Grade
50/P	C -

 

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UWA offers a number of housing options on and off campus for exchange students.  First, there are five residential colleges affiliated with or owned by UWA, including University Hall, Trinity, St. Catherine's College, St. Thomas More College, an St. George's College.  The colleges are close-knit communities full of support and activity that offer a unique opportunity to exchange students.  Students should apply early to secure a college place.  The University also owns a number of unfurnished properties very close to the Crawley campus, known as Crawley Village. These properties vary from being stand alone houses to units, and aim to provide a secure and comfortable environment.  Properties include one, two and three bedroom units and two, three and four bedroom houses. Students wishing to live off-campus have a choice of shared accommodation, renting or full-board. The University's Housing Office provides information on off-campus options.

More information on the various housing options can be found on the UWA accommodation website: http://www.studyat.uwa.edu.au/about/accommodation.

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Exchange Program Cost of Attendance
UMD students participating in an Exchange program have the benefit of paying UMD tuition rates to attend an institution abroad. For specific information about this Exchange program, please reference the Cost of Attendance Chart.
 

Tuition and fees for exchange programs are charged directly to your UMD account, which means you can apply UMD scholarships, state and federal financial aid, and alternative loans towards the cost of an exchange. Housing costs are paid directly to the host institution or on-site housing agency.

You can use the cost of attendance comparison worksheet to view how study abroad programs compare to each other and the amount you pay on campus at UMD. As always, your EA advisor (listed above) is available to help you complete this worksheet and find affordable programs that fit your study abroad goals.

Exchange Scholarship
All students accepted to an Exchange program are considered for an automatic award of $1,000! To be considered for this scholarship, you must:

• Be a current degree seeking undergraduate UMD student (graduate students are not eligible for this award)
• Not currently receive full tuition scholarship/benefits (i.e. Banneker Key, tuition remission, Frederick Douglass Scholarship, etc.)

Additional Financial Resources

• Financial Aid
• Scholarships
• Financial Policies

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Maximize your time abroad by taking advantage of resources at your host institution!

Student Clubs and Organizations
The University of Western Australia has a variety of sports activities, including events and teams, that are open for student participation.  

International Welcome/Orientation
The university hosts their O-Week every semester which includes information sessions, chances to meet student club representatives, and faculty orientation. 

Counseling & Health Services
Free counseling services and a medical center are available for students at the University of Western Australia. 
 

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