# Eligibility criteria

**Source**: https://employability.uq.edu.au/get-edge/global-experiences/semester-based-exchange/eligibility-criteria
**Parent**: https://employability.uq.edu.au/exchange-funding

To take part in a semester-based Exchange, you will need to meet certain eligibility criteria both before and after applying through the Global Experiences Team.

1. [General criteria](https://employability.uq.edu.au/get-edge/global-experiences/semester-based-exchange/eligibility-criteria?p=0#0)
2. [Program exclusions](https://employability.uq.edu.au/get-edge/global-experiences/semester-based-exchange/eligibility-criteria?p=1#1)

3. [Language requirements](https://employability.uq.edu.au/get-edge/global-experiences/semester-based-exchange/eligibility-criteria?p=2#2)

## 1. General criteria

*Full acceptance for an Exchange cannot be given until all components of Eligibility Criteria Parts 1 & 2 have been achieved.*

*Work your way through the [Exchange Eligibility Checklist](https://employability.uq.edu.au/files/178883/SEED-IGET-Checklist_Exchange_EligibilityChecklist-Digital_FINAL.pdf) to make sure you have met all eligibility criteria.*

##### **Eligibility Criteria: Part 1**

Part 1 eligibility criteria will be assessed after the application deadline and the release of grades.At the time of assessing eligibility:

**All students must:**

- have been enrolled and achieved a minimum GPA of 4.5 in a UQ degree program in the semester of application
- have a minimum cumulative GPA of 4.5
- have completed a minimum number of units in your current program, of which 6 units must have been completed at UQ:
  - Undergraduate = 12 units
  - Postgraduate = 6 units
- meet requirements set by host university (GPA, units completed, etc)\
  Note: academic performance in prior programs, whether at UQ or another university, may impact your eligibility or suitability for certain host universities
- agree to UQ's Internships and Global Experiences [Terms and Conditions](https://employability.uq.edu.au/uq-global-experiences-terms-and-conditions)\
  \
  **Note**: All UQ programs have rules about the maximum amount of credit you can transfer in from another institution. This transfer limit includes transfer credit from a global experience (exchange and short-term). Your faculty will confirm if you have exceeded the maximum amount of transfer credit allowable when they assess your study plan. If you have any concerns, please contact your faculty.\
  \
  **BEL Faculty** students need to consider the[BEL Faculty Academic Considerations](https://bel.uq.edu.au/academic-considerations). \
  \
  **HMBS Faculty** students need to consider the [HMBS Faculty Academic Considerations](https://employability.uq.edu.au/get-edge/global-experiences/semester-based-exchange/eligibility-criteria/hmbs-global-experiences-academic-considerations).\
  \
  **Bachelor of Education dual degree** and **Bachelor of Music** \
  Students in the Bachelor of Education dual degree and the Bachelor of Music must consult with their school and sign a waiver form. See more details on our [submitting supporting documents page](https://employability.uq.edu.au/get-edge/global-experiences/semester-based-exchange/applying-exchange?p=5#5).

**International students:**

- cannot go on exchange to the country/region of passport, if you hold a temporary residency visa for Australia (international student visa or provisional Business Innovation and Investment visa (subclass 188))
- cannot go on exchange if you are a recipient of an Australia Award\
  **Note:** If you are a sponsored student, contact your sponsor and the [International Scholarships Unit](https://global-engagement.uq.edu.au/sponsored-students) at UQ to see whether you are able to participate in the student exchange program.\
  **Note:** An exchange semester may impact your eligibility to meet the [Australian study requirement](https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/temporary-graduate-485/post-study-work#Eligibility) for the Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa.

##### **Eligibility Criteria: Part 2**

Part 2 eligibility criteria will be assessed progressively in the months that follow the application deadline.

**All students must:**

- meet criteria set by UQ Faculty for UQ program (contact your school/faculty for requirements specific to your program– e.g BEL Faculty[Academic Considerations](https://bel.uq.edu.au/academic-considerations))
- receive approval for a study plan from the UQ School and Faculty
- have at least #8 units\* remaining in the UQ program to complete on exchange
- have completed 16 units in current UQ program before commencing exchange (Undergraduates only)
- maintain minimum of 4.5 cumulative GPA in the semester prior to exchange
- maintain minimum requirements set by host university (GPA, units completed, etc)
- have received a Host University acceptance letter
- have completed the Travel Details (ISOS) form in Student Hub

\*Students going in their final semester may be allowed to go with only #6 UQ units remaining. Please consider the [risks and impact](https://support.my.uq.edu.au/app/answers/detail/a_id/2575/~/can-i-go-on-exchange-in-my-final-semester%3F) of taking an exchange in your final semester.

[Program exclusions Next](https://employability.uq.edu.au/get-edge/global-experiences/semester-based-exchange/eligibility-criteria?p=1#1)

- [Get started](https://employability.uq.edu.au/get-edge/global-experiences/semester-based-exchange/seek-advice-about-student-exchange)
- [Eligibility criteria](https://employability.uq.edu.au/get-edge/global-experiences/semester-based-exchange/eligibility-criteria)
  - [HMBS Global Experiences Academic Considerations](https://employability.uq.edu.au/get-edge/global-experiences/semester-based-exchange/eligibility-criteria/hmbs-global-experiences-academic-considerations)
- [Costs and funding](https://employability.uq.edu.au/exchange-funding)
- [Find a host university](https://employability.uq.edu.au/student-exchange/find-host)
- [Applying for exchange](https://employability.uq.edu.au/get-edge/global-experiences/semester-based-exchange/applying-exchange)
- [Prepare to go on exchange](https://employability.uq.edu.au/get-edge/global-experiences/semester-based-exchange/prepare-go-exchange)
- [While overseas](https://employability.uq.edu.au/get-edge/global-experiences/semester-based-exchange/while-overseas)
- [Returning to UQ](https://employability.uq.edu.au/get-edge/global-experiences/semester-based-exchange/returning-uq)
- [Speak to an adviser](https://employability.uq.edu.au/team/global-experiences)
- [Glossary of Terms](https://employability.uq.edu.au/global-experiences/glossary)

### Exchange deadlines

**Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 1:**\
**Open:** 24 April (for Semester 1 of the following year)\
**Close:** 31 May (for Semester 1 of the following year)

**Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 2:**\
**Open:** 24 September (for Semester 2 of the following year)\
**Close:** 31 October \
**Last Chance Apps Close:** 31 January 2026 for Sem 2, 2026 exchange\

[Global Experiences\
Frequently Asked Questions](https://support.my.uq.edu.au/app/answers/list/st/3/kw/global%20experiences/page/1/search/1)Search UQ FAQs for commonly asked questions. Use search words including 'global experiences', 'exchange', 'short-term' or 'internships'.