International Office

Step 1 - Consider if the opportunity is right for you

If interested in a Learning Abroad Program, it may be helpful to consider the following:

• Attend an information session if your School is running one.
• Do you have room in your course structure for a study tour unit? If you are unsure, visit the Student Hub.
• If you have questions about the logistics or cost of the program, talk to the Program Leader.
• Review your finances. There is useful information on Funding and OS HELP loans available.
• Think about travel preparation, including if a new passport or a travel visa is required and how to apply, arrange for vaccinations, etc.

Step 2 - Complete the online short term program student application form

Complete the application form and upload a scanned copy of the ID page of your valid passport. Please ensure your passport will still be valid for 6 months after your planned return date to Australia at the end of the tour. This is a Australian Government requirement. If you are in the process of applying for, or renewing, your passport, you can still submit your application. Please note this in your submission, and email a copy of the passport information page to the International Office once you have received it.

• If you are unsure of the Program Unit, or whether you are eligible to enrol in this unit, please contact your Program Leader and/or Course Coordinator.
  • Your Course Coordinator may approve you to receive credit towards a different unit as a result of completing the study tour.
• All fields in the Application Form must be completed.
• The Application Form can only completed in one go, you cannot partially complete and come back to it later.
• Should you wish to make any changes to your application, or add any additional supporting documentation, after submitting, please contact the International Office with your request.

Applications must be received by the closing date indicated. Please note that under some circumstances we may be required to change the application deadline for the tour. To avoid disappointment, we recommend submitting your application as soon as you can.

Step 3 - Successful Applicants Receive & Accept Offers

After the application deadline, the Program Leader will review the applications and select participants.

The International Office will email offer letters to successful students. The email will contain the relevant documentation (below), and instructions on how to accept your offer.

• Offer Letter/Acceptance form providing final costs and payment details (where applicable)
• Student Travel Approval Form
  • Please note that MAC users must ensure that they open the PDF Travel Approval Form within Adobe Reader, not Preview mode. Alternatively, MAC users can print the email and complete/sign manually then scan, save and email. For assistance please contact IT on 6000.

Step 4 - Travel Approval Confirmed

All students travelling overseas for Learning Abroad Programs must have their travel approved in line with the ECU Travel Policy. This will be coordinate by the International Office upon submission of your complete Student Travel Approval Form.

Please read through the visa information page for general visa advice.

If you make additional changes to your travel arrangements after submitting your student travel approval form, you must inform your Program Leader.

Step 5 - Centrelink Letters

If you receive Centrelink payments, you may be able to continue to do so while on your program. You will need to provide your CRN (Centrelink Reference Number) in the application form so that the Student Hub can arrange an official letter with details of your overseas program. This letter should then be provided to Centrelink.

Step 6 - Government Grant Payments (where applicable)

If eligible, Government grants will be paid directly into your nominated bank account.

Step 7 - Study Tour Program Costs & Payment

You will receive details of the final costs relating to the Program/Placement in the offer letter. The letter will also provide a link to the online payment portal.

Step 8 - Students to Receive and Pay Unit Fee Invoice

You will be enrolled in the relevant study tour unit and receive the unit fee invoice to make payment (where applicable).

Step 9 - Students Submit Confirmed Flight Itinerary

Your confirmed flight itinerary must be submitted to the Program Leader at least 3 weeks prior to departure.

Step 10 - Pre-departure Information Session

You will receive an email invitation with details to attend a pre-departure information session, which will cover:

• Travel insurance
• Cultural expectations and behaviour
• Useful travel information
• Any last minute concerns

This session will also be an opportunity for you to meet fellow students participating in the program.

Step 11 - Post Program Evaluation

You will receive email notification to complete the Program Feedback Form. This feedback will assist in improving future activities and may be used for research purposes. Feedback must be completed and returned to the International Office within 7 days of receiving the feedback notice.