Frequently asked questions
What is the GO (Global Opportunities) Program?
Will I earn credit towards my University of the Sunshine Coast degree?
How much does it cost?
Are there any scholarships available?
How long can I study overseas?
When can I go?
How do I get there?
Where will I live?
Can I work while studying overseas?
Do I need to take out health/travel insurance?
How do I apply for a visa?
What is the GO (Global Opportunity) Program?
Global Opportunities exist where the student's home institution (University of the Sunshine Coast) has an agreement with an overseas institution. Students that are enrolled with the University of the Sunshine Coast and participate in the GO Program will study at one of the overseas partner institutions, but pay tuition fees to the home institution (USC). The student is not required to pay tuition to the overseas university. This arrangement allows USC students to undertake study overseas without paying prohibitive fees.
Current students can find out more information about the GO (Global Opportunities) Program on the University portal under Resources.
Will I earn credit towards my University of the Sunshine Coast degree?
If you are selected to participate in the GO Program you must undertake courses at the overseas institution that count towards your degree at the University of the Sunshine Coast. Your faculty of enrolment will assess your course choices for credit approval.
It is recommended that students use their elective course options at their preferred host institution to ease credit transfer approval.
How much does it cost?
While you are studying overseas you will be enrolled as a full-time student at the University of the Sunshine Coast and you will be required to pay your fees under the same arrangements that apply for your current degree:
- students eligible to pay fees under HECS or HECS-HELP pay student contributions
- students who are not eligible to pay fees under HECS or HECS-HELP pay full tuition fees
- students on an international student visa pay fees based on their program of enrolment
All of the University's agreements are based on a waiver of the overseas institution's tuition fees. You are responsible for other overseas institutions' fees, such as General Services Fee, airfares, accommodation, meals, personal and living expenses, text books and study supplies, transportation, insurance, health cover etc.
Overseas Study Grants are available from the University of the Sunshine Coast.
The costs for studying with the GO program vary according to the country and the location in which you are studying. Additionally, your level of personal spending and the exchange rates determine your expenditures.
As a guide, the USA requires that international students show evidence of at least US$7,000 in funds to support themselves per semester. Austudy payments can be included towards this amount. If you currently receive Youth Allowance it is recommended that you contact Centrelink for more information.
Are there any scholarships available?
Yes, USC offer all students who apply for the GO program, the opportunity to also apply for various overseas study grants including the USC Overseas Study Grant.
The USC Overseas Study grant will help offset a return economy airfare to the host country for up to A$2,000. USC Overseas Study Grant is not granted to students who receive any other grant/scholarships from overseas institutions or other external organisations.
Back to top
How long can I study overseas?
The overseas study period is normally for one semester. There are also opportunities to study for less than one semester or for up to two semesters depending on the USC agreement with the partner institution.
When can I go?
As the academic year varies from country to country you will need to check with the GO Program Coordinator. In Europe, for example, the academic year extends from August/September through to May/June, and their summer vacation is between June and September.
How do I get there?
You are responsible for your own travel arrangements to the overseas country and university, and for any ancillary travel arrangements before or after your study abroad period.
Where will I live?
Most students studying overseas will live in residential colleges on the host university campus, or in accommodation located nearby. Living on campus is part of the university experience and is strongly recommended as it will help you to adapt to the culture and make friends. Once you are accepted into the GO Program, you can contact the staff at your overseas institution for assistance in securing your accommodation for the duration of your study period.
Can I work whilst studying overseas?
Your eligibility to work while you are studying overseas depends largely on the country in which you choose to study. In most countries you are eligible to work part-time (20 hours per week), but this may be restricted to employment available within the overseas institution. To find out more about your options please seek advice from the relevant international consulates in Australia.
Do I need to have health/travel insurance?
All USC students participating in the GO Program are covered with a medical and travel insurance by USC while studying overseas. This cover is limited and USC recommends that students take out further travel/health insurance for the entire travel and study abroad period.
Please note that some host institutions including partner universities in the USA, require you to purchase their particular medical insurance prior to your enrolment. In these cases, it is important that you also obtain the relevant health insurance to cover the period for your studies overseas.
How do I apply for a visa?
The overseas institution will provide Student Visa documentation as part of your official acceptance in the study program. Once you have received this documentation, it is your responsibility to apply for the Student Visa with the appropriate consulate in Australia. Do not wait too long before applying, as some consulates have a long processing time, and may even require interviews. For further information, please contact the relevant consulate.
Back to top