Australia: University of Canberra

University of Canberra

Best Academic Fit for:  Art, Communication, Construction Management, Criminal Justice, Environmental Science, Global Studies, Hospitality & Tourism, Kinesiology, Political Science, Public Health, Psychology, Sociology

University of Canberra (UC) is located in Australia’s capital city, Canberra and enrolls approximately 13,000 students. UC is rated among the top young universities worldwide, and is also proud to be rated highly for quality teaching and for reducing inequalities. UC is dedicated to providing immersive student experiences focused on employability outcomes. The UC campus is about a 10 minute drive from the city center, and home to an array of native plants and animals, including a much-loved and ever-growing mob of kangaroos.

Surrounded by national parks, the city of Canberra it is a wonderful balance of country landscapes with city benefits. Within just a few hours you can reach the beautiful beaches of the South Coast, or visit the uniquely Australian alpine region famous for its skiing and snowboarding from June to September.   Exchange students at UC are able to take advantage of the award-winning bars and restaurants, cultural institutions and outdoor activities while living in one of Australia's most affordable cities.

Program Dates and Period of Study

  • Semester and year long programs.  Seasons are the opposite of California in Australia (i.e. Spring Semester in California is the start of the academic year in Australia and will be autumn).
  • U.S. Fall Semester/Australia Semester 2:  late July/early August to November
  • U.S. Spring Semester/Australia Semester 1: late January/early February to May

Eligibility

  • Cumulative G.P.A. of 2.7
  • Completion of 'Golden 4' GE Requirements (A1, A2, A3, B4)
  • At least one term of study at CSUEB completed at the time of application (two terms at CSUEB required prior to studying at U Canberra)

Language Requirement

  • None: Instruction in English

Academic Structure

Students may take a mix of classes (i.e. they do not need to all be chosen from one department) to complete 12 credit points, or four units/subjects, per semester.

Please note the following terminology before browsing courses/degree programs on the UC website 

  • A COURSE in Australia refers to an academic program (degree/certificate/etc.), not an individual class
  • A UNIT in Australia refers to an individual class or course
  • When researching on the UC website, only look at units offered at the Bruce Campus, and during the term(s) you wish to study (Semester 1 or Semester 2)
  • Most degrees in Australia are 3 years rather than 4 so in general:
    • First year units are lower division
    • Second and Third year units are upper division
  • A sample of units offered at UC:
    • Australian National Cinema, Gender and the Legal System, Healthy and Sustainable Places, Indigenous Cultures and Digital Contexts, Forensic and Criminal Psychology, Listening to Global Voices: World Literature and Cinema, Investigating and Explaining Society, Sport and Performance Psychology

Application Process and Deadlines

CSUEB Exchange Partners have a two step application process.  First, the exchange partner invites CSUEB's study abroad office to identify (i.e. 'nominate') the students that will be submitting applications.  Second, the Exchange Partner invites the nominated students to complete the Exchange Partner's application. 

To complete CSUEB's internal application process, please follow the steps outlined here.

  • U.S. Fall Semester (Australia Semester 2)
    • Nominations accepted late January - April 30, 2024
    • Students will then have approximately 30 days after the nomination deadline to submit the application to U Canberra.
  • U.S. Spring Semester (Australia Semester 1)
    • Nominations accepted Aug 1 - Oct 15
    • Students will then have approximately 30 days after the nomination deadline to submit the application to U Canberra. 

Housing

University of Canberra guarantees on-campus housing for incoming exchange students that complete the application process according to deadlines provided to them after acceptance. Rooms rates vary but there are several within in the range of AU$195.50/week to AU$300.00/week (inclusive of utilities, as of 2023) for multi share apartments.  (Check xe.com to convert from Australian dollars to the current U.S. dollar equivalent.) 

Program Costs and Estimated Expenses

Participants pay tuition and study abroad health insurance to CSUEB, and will need to plan for additional costs such as: round-trip airfare, visa application fees, living expenses.  The Australian student visa also requires enrollment in an approved Australian insurance policy (called Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)).  More details about this requirement are provided on UC's website.

Australia visa and related fees (as of early 2024):

  • Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) - AU$350 - 700
  • Study visa - AU$550 (please check Consulate for up-to-date fees and application process)

Below are estimates of in-country living costs for one semester to help you financially plan your trip. 

  • Groceries: AU$1500 - 2250
  • Utilities: AU$300 - 750
  • Local Transportation: AU$150 - 450
  • Housing: AU$ 2500 - 7500