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GO Program FAQs
What is the GO (Global Opportunities) Program?
USC's GO Program allows students to choose from more than 70 partner universities in Asia, Europe, North Central and South America.
Participants pay USC tuition fees while studying at an overseas institution. This arrangement allows overseas study without prohibitive fees.
Find more GO Program information on the USC portal under Resources.
Will I earn credit towards my USC degree?
GO Program students must take courses that count towards their USC degree.
Participants should undertake study similar to their USC elective course options to ease credit transfer.
USC faculties will assess overseas course choices for credit approval.
How much does it cost?
It's just like being at home - while you are studying overseas, you remain enrolled as a full-time USC student.
You continue to pay your fees under the same arrangements as 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
You also pay for your own airfares, accommodation, meals, personal and living expenses, text books and study supplies, transportation, insurance, health cover etc.
USC's GO Program agreements are based on a waiver of the overseas institution's tuition fees. You are responsible for other overseas institutions' fees.
Overseas Study Grants are available from USC.
Costs vary depending on the country, host institution, exchange rates and your level of personal spending.
As a guide, the USA requires international students to show evidence of approximately US$7,000 in funds per semester. Austudy payments can be included towards this amount.
If you currently receive Youth Allowance, you should contact Centrelink for more information.
Are there any scholarships available?
Yes. USC offers GO program students the chance to apply for various overseas study grants including the USC Overseas Study Grant.
The USC Overseas Study grant helps offset a return economy airfare to the host country for up to A$3,000.
USC's Overseas Study Grant is not available to students who receive any other grant/scholarships from overseas institutions or other external organisations.
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How long can I study overseas?
The overseas study period ranges from four-week short programs to a semester or an entire academic year.
The duration depends USC's 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 is from August / September through to May / June, and the summer vacation is between June and September.
How do I get there?
You are responsible for your own travel arrangements to and from the overseas country and university, and any extra travel arrangements before or after your GO Program.
Where will I live?
Most GO students live in residential colleges on the host university campus, or in accommodation located nearby.
Living on campus is part of the experience and will help you to adapt to the culture and make friends.
Some GO students stay with host families which is a great way to understand a country’s culture, language and customs.
Once accepted into the GO Program, you can contact the staff at your overseas institution for assistance in securing accommodation for the duration of your study period.
Can I work while studying overseas?
Your eligibility to work depends on the country you choose.
In most countries you are allowed to work part-time (20 hours per week), but this may be restricted to employment available within the overseas institution.
To find out more, ask the relevant international consulates in Australia.
Do I need to take out health / travel insurance?
All USC GO Program students are covered for medical and travel insurance while studying overseas.
This cover is limited and USC recommends further travel / health insurance for the entire period abroad.
Some host institutions, including partner universities in the USA, require you to purchase their particular medical insurance before you enrol.
In these cases, it is important you also obtain the relevant travel insurance for the entire period of your overseas stay.
How do I apply for a visa?
The overseas institution provides Student Visa documentation as part of your official GO Program acceptance.
Once you receive that documentation, you apply for the Student Visa with the appropriate consulate in Australia.
Apply promptly, as some consulates have long processing times, and might require interviews.
For further information, please contact the relevant consulate.
Please note: For the United States, new visa regulations now include a pre-visa interview at the Sydney Consulate.
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