Academic Approval (Non-Exchange)
This process is for students participating in a non-exchange, also known as Study Abroad. Non-exchange students pay tuition fees directly to the overseas university or host organisation. Non-exchange students are not enrolled in Western Sydney University's special Exchange 'holding subjects' and as a result will not incur any Western Sydney University tuition fees.
Receiving academic credit for an overseas experience is not automatically granted simply because you have been allocated, committed, nominated or accepted into a Go Global program. In order to receive academic credit for an overseas experience, you will need to seek advice from your Academic Course Advisor (ACA) or Director of Academic Program (DAP) to understand how the overseas activity fits best with your Western Sydney University course structure.
Visit your School website and see 'Contact' if you need to know the contact details of your ACA or DAP.
If you intend to receive academic credit for an overseas experience, you will need to submit an Overseas Academic Approval Form and provide your Academic Course Advisor (ACA) or Director of Academic Program (DAP) with supporting documentation for your intended overseas course.
The overseas course information should include Name of the Subject, Objective, Number of Hours, Text books Used and Methods of Assessment.
Information about overseas courses and syllabus can usually be found on the overseas university or provider websites or on the academic information tab of the program brochure listed on the Go Global portal.
If the information is unavailable on the websites, please contact the overseas institution or provider by searching for their contact details on their webpage.
IMPORTANT: Due to the differences in Australian and international academic calendars, some start and end dates for overseas programs, may overlap and impede your studies at Western Sydney University. In these circumstances and depending on your situation, Academic Advisors may not approve your intended overseas program.
You can read further information here about credit value comparisons and overseas academic calendars.
Information about subjects related to your Western Sydney University degree can be found on Western Sydney University's online Handbook.
How to Apply for Academic Approval
Note: If you are participating in an internship or placement, see Work Experience below.
- Complete the Overseas Academic Approval Form and provide supporting documentation about your course to your Academic Course Advisor (ACA) or Director of Academic Program (DAP). It is ultimately the decision of the ACA or DAP to approve or decline this request.
- On return from overseas, apply for Advanced Standing for recognition of your studies.
Differently from participating in a Semester Exchange where you will pay tuition fees to Western Sydney University, students participating in a Semester Study Abroad (not Short-Term) will need to withdraw from any subjects at Western Sydney University for the period away and apply for a leave of absence when completing the Overseas Academic Approval Form.
Before You Go
- Update any contact details on MyStudentRecords (MySR)
- If you are participating in the semester Study Abroad (not Short-term), withdraw from any subjects at Western Sydney University for the duration of your session overseas.
- Pay any Western Sydney University debts e.g. SSAF, library fines.
- If you don't return to study after your overseas activity, you still need to follow the normal Leave of Absence application process.
How to Find Information
Information about overseas subjects and syllabus can usually be found on the overseas university or provider websites. If the information is unavailable, please contact the overseas institution or provider directly.
Subjects at Overseas Universities
If you are studying a a subject at an overseas university, the information should include the Name of the Subject (subject), Objective, Number of Hours, Text Books Used and Methods of Assessment.
International Calendars and Credit Points
Due to the differences in Australian and international academic calendars, some start and end dates for overseas programs, may overlap and impede your studies at Western Sydney University. In these circumstances and depending on your situation, Academic Advisors may not approve your intended overseas program.To find out more about overseas Academic Calendars and Credit Points, see International Comparisons.
Work Experience
Electives
If you wish to use an elective, some of the companies listed below have partnered with an American University and offer a U.S. transcript and award up to 20 Western academic credit points. The transcript will be awarded based on assessment tasks including the successful completion of written academic assignments, evidence of reflective learning, and an evaluation from the host organisation. These companies are:
- The Intern Group (TIG)
- International Studies Abroad (ISA)
To receive academic recognition, complete the Overseas Academic Approval Form.
Core Subjects
Many degrees at Western Sydney University have dedicated core subjects that can be utilised for work experience, or you may wish to use an elective. If you are uncertain if your degree has a subject for work experience, go to the Western Sydney University course and subject Handbook and go to 'subject search' and under subject name, type one of the following words: 'experience', 'placement', or 'internship'. To receive academic recognition you will need to discuss the requirements with the relevant coordinator or School placement officer.
Consultation
Feel free to contact partner organisations and asks questions about your potential experience. If you would like to discuss an opportunity with a member of staff at Western Sydney University , please submit an enquiry or book an individual consultation with a member of the team - book now through our dedicated bookings portal.
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