Academic approval for overseas subjects

Students who want their overseas studies to count towards their Western degree need to obtain academic approval. You should discuss your Academic Study Plan with Academic Success and Program Support (ASPS) before departure. Academic approval is not automatic. You need to complete the following steps.

Academic Success and Program Support (ASPS) Contact Listing[[button]]

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Before you go

1. Research your overseas subjects

Find detailed information about the subjects you are planning to study, including:

  • Subject name
  • Subject level
  • Credit point value
  • Language of instruction
  • Subject objectives and content
  • Number of study hours
  • Textbooks or learning materials used
  • Assessment methods

The required information can be found in the Learning Guide. You must obtain a Learning Guide or equivalent subject outline published within the past two years for each subject.

You can usually find this information through the Course Catalogue on the host university’s website. If the required information is not available online, please contact the host university directly. A link to the relevant host university website can be found on each university’s page on the Go Global portal.

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Before applying for Academic Approval through WesternNow, please obtain informal approval from the ASPS team via email. This will help ensure your application is processed smoothly.

2. Apply for academic approval

Submit an Overseas Academic Credit Approval (OACA) application through WesternNow.
Your application will be reviewed to determine whether the overseas study can count towards your Western degree.

Overseas Academic Credit Approval [[button]]

Changed a subject while overseas?

If you change any of your approved subjects while overseas, you need to submit a new Overseas Academic Credit Approval application for the new subject(s).

After you return

1. Obtain your official transcript
  • Your overseas transcript must be verified by the Go Global team before your credit can be processed.
  • If your host university sends your transcript directly to Go Global, we will verify it and send you a verified copy.
  • If you receive the transcript directly, upload it through a WesternNow Go Global enquiry. We will verify it and return the verified copy to you.
2. Apply for Credit for Prior Learning (CPL)

Submit a Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) application so your successfully completed overseas study can be recorded against your Western degree.

Overseas Academic Credit Approval [[button]]

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For semester and year exchange students

Before departure checklist
  • Complete your exchange eCAF.
You will receive an email from the Enrolment team when this is ready to complete. Update your contact details in MyStudentRecords (MySR).
  • Check that you have no outstanding Western Sydney University fees, e.g. SSAF; library fines (non-payment will affect your enrolment).
  • Make sure your overseas subjects have been academically approved.
  • If you don't return to study after your overseas activity, you still need to follow the normal Leave of Absence application process.
While on exchange, remember to:
  • You must be enrolled full-time at Western Sydney University (30-40 credit points)
  • You must maintain full-time enrolment at the host university (as per their rules)
  • Make sure you withdraw from any non-exchange subjects at Western for the duration of your exchange.