Application Procedure

Step 1 - Check Your Eligibility

To be eligible to undertaken an Exchange with ECU you must meet the following criteria.

• You must have completed at least one year (8 units) of study at ECU prior to the exchange period beginning.
• You must be currently enrolled in a course of study at ECU and on 'Good Academic Standing'.
• You must be able to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to live whilst on exchange (approximately $8000/semester).
• Be enrolled at the partner university full-time.
• Be available for ECU promotional activities prior to your departure, whilst on exchange and also upon your return.
• International Students are eligible for exchange.
• Postgraduate students are also eligible for exchange however they have different requirements so it is best to speak with a Study Abroad Advisor.

Step 2 - Download the ECU Application Form

The ECU Exchange Application is available to download from the forms page

Step 3 - Research Overseas Institution(s)

The second step in the application procedure is to research possible overseas Universities that you might like to attend and the subjects they offer. The ECU Exchange Partner University listing on the website provides website information for each partner institution. It is important that you do not contact the overseas university directly. If you have any specific queries please direct them to a member of the ECU Study Abroad & Exchange Office who will gladly follow up with the overseas University Exchange Office on your behalf. You will be most welcome to liaise with the university directly once you have been accepted there.

Another source of information is the Exchange Resource Centre located on the Joondalup Campus in Building 18, Room 18.319. This resource room is open Monday to Friday from 10am until 3pm . While you are free to stop by at any time, it is worthwhile to call first just to ensure that a member of the Study Abroad & Exchange Office is available to assist you! This resource room is full of handbooks, course and housing materials etc.

Step 4 - Academic Approval

The third step in the application process is to obtain academic approval for the subjects in which you wish to enrol at your host institution. It is your responsibility to research the subjects offered at your host institution and provide any documentation necessary to your ECU course coordinator for approval. Ultimately, ECU course coordinators approve the final study plan for the exchange period, thus ensuring that credit, in the form of exemptions, goes towards your ECU degree. You will need to complete an ECU Exchange Credit Transfer Form and have this signed off by your course coordinator prior to submitting your application for exchange. The form is available on the forms page.

Step 5 - Funding your Exchange

After you have determined where you would like to go and have obtained academic approval for the subjects you wish to study, you need to look at how you will fund your exchange. You will be required to show proof that you understand the cost of the exchange and have the funds to afford the exchange. We suggest that you allow for at least AUD$8000 per semester of study overseas; however, this will vary based on the country in which you choose to study. The funding can come from a number of sources including:

• Austudy/Youth Allowance - if you currently receive this benefit you will continue to do so while you are away 
• Shares, assets or funding provided by a sponsor
• Scholarships
• Loans (Such as OS-HELP)

Please note that financial verification of funds is required at the time the application is submitted. This verification can come in the form of bank statements, Austudy/Youth Allowance documentation, loan documentation and/or a letter from your sponsor. Please note that letters from sponsors must either be accompanied by a copy of the sponsor's bank statement or be stamped by the bank with notation stating that the sponsor has sufficient funds.

Step 6 - Additional ECU Documentation

All students must submit a typed one page Statement of Purpose outlining the reasons, both academic and personal, for wanting to undertake an ECU exchange. The statement should also address the reasons why you wish to attend the nominated institution(s) and why you would be a good ambassador for ECU. Be sure to address any challenges you believe you will face whilst on exchange and how you will overcome these challenges.

Students must also submit two academic references. This form can be downloaded from the forms page on the website. If you have any difficulty obtaining two references please contact the ECU Study Abroad and Exchange Office for guidance.

Step 7 - Host Institution Documentation

Most overseas institutions require you to complete their exchange application as well as the ECU application. The ECU Exchange Partner University listing contains links to any additional documentation requirements for each partner institution. Please complete any required forms and submit them to the ECU Study Abroad & Exchange Office when you submit your ECU application.

Step 8 - Submitting the Application Form

Once you have a signed International Exchange Credit Transfer Form, proof of sufficient funds, a Statement of Purpose and a completed ECU Exchange Application form, plus any additional documentation you are ready to submit your application. You can submit your application by mail or in person.

Step 9 - Application Review

Once your application has been received, it will be reviewed by a Study Abroad and Exchange team member. If any additional information is required you will be contacted and your application will not progress until the required information has been supplied. Once your application is complete, you will be contact to arrange an interview time.

Step 10 - Exchange Interview

All students applying for exchange will be required to attend an interview. During the interview you will be asked a series of questions to ascertain your eligibility for the Exchange program. You will need to demonstrate that you have researched your host institution and host country, that you are fully aware of the ambassadorial role you will play for ECU and that you are able to overcome any challenges that may arise from living and studying in another country.

Step 11 - Unsuccessful Applications

If for any reason you are deemed ineligible to participate in Exchange Program, you will be contacted by an ECU Study Abroad and Exchange team member who will discuss your application with you, and outline the reasons why your application was not successful on this occasion. An unsuccessful application does not preclude you from attempting a second application for exchange at a later date.

Step 12 - Successful Applications

Once you are deemed eligible to participate in the Exchange Program your application will be forwarded to your nominated host institution for their approval. Please note that this may take some time and you should be patient.

Step 13 - Pre-departure Event

All students going on exchange are required to attend the Pre-departure event which will be held on the 1st Monday after Exams. During this event you will receive last minute advice and information. There may also be the opportunity to ask questions and gain advice from past exchange students.

Step 14 - Farewell

Time to say goodbye! Make sure that you update the ECU Study Abroad & Exchange Office of your new contact details upon arrival in your host country so that they are able to get in touch with you as needed.