Published on
Your complete guide to studying overseas at ANU
Studying overseas is one of the most exciting opportunities you can take up during your degree at the Australian National University (ANU) and it’s more achievable than you might think.
From swapping lecture theatres for temples in Japan to doing coursework surrounded by the bustling streets of Paris, the Global Programs team at ANU can help you turn those overseas dreams into academic reality.
This guide is here to walk you through what doing an exchange or year abroad looks like at ANU, the different program types available and why so many students say it’s the highlight of their university experience.
So, what is overseas study?
Overseas study is exactly what it sounds like. It’s a chance to undertake part of your degree in another country. It could mean studying at a partner university for a semester, spending a few weeks on a short program, or even doing field work or independent learning abroad.
At ANU, this is all facilitated through Global Programs—a one-stop team that helps you find, plan and apply for the right opportunity. Whether you want to travel for academic credit or personal enrichment, they’ll help you figure out how it fits into your degree.
The different ways to study abroad at ANU
No two overseas journeys look the same, and that’s part of the beauty of it. Here are the main options ANU students can explore:
- Exchange and study abroad programs
- Short programs
- Year in Asia
- Independent global learning
The most well-known option, exchange lets you study at one of our 180 partner universities around the world. You pay your usual ANU tuition fees and earn credit toward your degree. If your dream university isn’t part of our exchange agreements, you might still be able to go through a study abroad program, where you pay fees directly to the host institution.
Don’t want to be away for a whole semester? Short programs are intensive courses that run over a few weeks during semester breaks. Think summer schools, winter courses, or even research-based fieldwork.
Exclusively for students in eligible degrees within the College of Asia & the Pacific, this immersive program lets you spend a full year studying in an Asian country while building your language and cultural knowledge. It’s an incredible way to learn more about a specific region while progressing your ANU degree.
Got something more self-directed in mind? Independent Learning Abroad programs (also called Study Abroad) undertaken during the semester period are self-sourced and managed, with students responsible for all costs incurred and will pay fees directly to the host university or provider.
Study in Amsterdam and take a walk around the historic canal houses.
Why study in another country at all?
Aside from the obvious perks (passport stamps, anyone?), studying overseas can seriously level up your degree. Here are a few reasons students choose to go:
- Personal growth. Living in another country and experiencing different cultures challenges you in the best ways. You’ll come back more confident, independent and globally aware.
- Academic perspective. Different countries approach education in different ways. Studying overseas lets you learn new ideas, theories and methods in your field.
- Career advantage. Employers love seeing international experience on a resume. It shows adaptability, problem-solving skills and a proactive attitude.
- Global connections. From friends to future collaborators, the people you meet abroad can become lifelong parts of your personal and professional network.
Study in Dublin, Ireland and explore the friendly atmosphere and cool live music scene.
The logistics: how it all works
Here’s how the general process goes:
- Plan ahead. Overseas study works best when you start planning early. Explore programs and talk to an academic adviser to see how it can fit into your degree.
- Check your eligibility. Each program has its own requirements (like GPA or language proficiency). Make sure you meet the criteria before applying.
- Apply. Application processes and timelines vary depending on the program type, but a coordinator at ANU will walk you through it.
- Get approval. If your program counts for credit, you’ll need academic approval to make sure it lines up with your study plan.
- Go! Once you’re accepted, it’s time to get packing and looking forward to the exciting adventure ahead of you.
Where can you go?
From Europe to Asia, North America to Oceania, ANU has partners across the globe. Some of the most popular destinations include:
- United Kingdom
- Europe
- Japan
- United States of America
- South Korea
The full list of exchange partners is always evolving, so check the Global Programs website to see what’s currently available.
Study in Hong Kong and soak in the vibrant night life and delicious food scene.
What support is available?
While overseas study is very exciting, it requires some organising beforehand. That’s why there are plenty of support systems in place to help students get to the departure gate. The Global Programs team runs regular info sessions throughout the semester that walk you through everything from the application process to funding your overseas study adventure. There are also pre-departure information sessions held for students that are specific for each program type.
You can also apply for travel grants, scholarships and OS-HELP loans (a government loan for eligible students that helps with travel expenses).
Are you ready to go global?
Whether it’s a two-week summer course or a year-long exchange, studying overseas can be one of the most unforgettable parts of your time at ANU.
It’s not just about ticking off countries on a map—it’s about gaining new skills, new perspectives and maybe even a new version of yourself.
So, if you’ve ever wondered whether studying overseas is for you, the answer might just be: why not?
