Study Abroad & Exchange Programme
Take your degree global! The Outbound Exchange programme lets you study overseas at one of Unitec’s partner institutions while earning credits towards your qualification. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore another country, make lifelong friends, and gain a fresh perspective on your studies.
Are you a student from overseas looking to study at Unitec? See our Inbound Exchange Programme.
Why go on an Exchange?
As a degree student at Unitec, you can complete a semester or two of your programme at one of our many partner institutions across the world. It won’t increase the length of your studies and you can cross-credit eligible courses to your NZ degree.
Grow academically and professionally while also learning a new language, immersing yourself in an ancient city, or snowboarding all semester long. Here’s what’s in it for you:
- Experience life in a new country and culture
- Study at a recognised international partner institution
- Spend one or two semesters abroad
- Make new friends
- Enhance your CV with global experience
- Cross-credit eligible courses to your degree
- Keep your StudyLink allowance (if eligible)
- No extension to the length of your programme
- Open to both domestic AND international students
How it Works
As an outbound exchange student:
- You’ll remain enrolled at Unitec and continue paying your normal tuition fees to us
- You won’t pay tuition to the host university
- You’ll choose courses at the partner institution that align with your Unitec programme
- These courses will be reviewed and approved before you go, so you know they count towards your degree
Explore our global partner institutions to find your favourites.
Costs & Financial Support
While you’ll pay Unitec tuition as usual, you’ll need to cover your travel, visa, insurance, and living expenses. Most students pay using a mix of:
- StudyLink (if eligible)
- Personal savings
- Family support
Accommodation options vary. Many exchange students live in campus housing or are supported by the partner university to find suitable accommodation.
How to apply for outbound exchange
Step 1 - Check eligibility
The outbound exchange programme is open to domestic and international students attending Unitec and is available for most degree programmes.
To apply for an outbound exchange, you’ll need to meet the following requirements:
- Be enrolled in a full-time Unitec degree programme
- Have completed at least 2 semesters at Unitec with a minimum B grade average
- Be at an appropriate level of study as determined by your school
- Demonstrate a high standard of spoken and written English
- Demonstrate that you will be a good ambassador for Unitec and New Zealand
Step 2 - Identify host institution and appropriate courses
To get started, research and identify at least one partner institution where you’d like to go on exchange. All exchanges must be with one of Unitec’s official partner institutions.
Next, explore the courses offered at that institution and find ones that match your current Unitec degree.
You should seek advice from your Academic Programme Manager when choosing your courses. (Check Step 3 - Apply)
Step 3 - Apply
Submit application form
Complete and submit the Outbound Exchange Application Form.
Provide 2 referees
We require 2 referees from your school to complete the Outbound Exchange Referee Form
Download the form twice, fill out part one of both forms yourself and then ask your referees to fill out part two. Email the 2 completed and signed forms to studyabroad@unitec.ac.nz
Academic approval
Start discussing course approvals with your Academic Programme Manager - the Outbound Exchange Approvals Form (PDF, 70KB) will need to be completed. The Exchange Manager can assist you with this process.
Step 4 - Interview
Once we receive your application and both referee forms, we’ll invite you for a short interview.
After the interview, you’ll be notified of the outcome and guided through the next steps if your application is successful.
Highlights from studying abroad
Hear from Desmond Lam, a Bachelor of Architecture student, who spent a Semester in Germany. Listen to his experiences and highlight of his trips.
Contact
If you have any questions or would like to meet our team to discuss further, send us an email at
