International Exchange

To be eligible, you’ll need to:

• be currently enrolled in a full undergraduate degree or postgraduate program at JCU in Cairns or Townsville
• have a minimum GPA of 4.5
• have successfully completed at least one year of full-time study (24 credit points) at JCU by the time you depart for your exchange (the requirement for postgraduate coursework students is 12 credit points)
• have room in your study plan to support an exchange
• be receiving credit for your overseas study with approval from your College.

Students in degree programs within Education, Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing, Vet Science, Occupational Therapy, Pharmacy and Physiotherapy are unable to undertake an exchange due to onshore course requirements.

While on exchange, you’ll continue to pay course fees to JCU.

OS-HELP Loan

OS-HELP is an Australian Government loan used to help students undertake part of their course of study overseas. Students may receive one loan per six-month period, up to a total of two OS-HELP loans. The period of six months in relation to which a student is entitled to OS‑HELP assistance begins on the commencement date of the overseas placement. The maximum OS-HELP amounts are as follow:

Payment in 2026:

• $8,442 for study in non-Asian countries
• $10,130 for study in Asian countries

Students may also receive a supplementary loan amount of $1,345 to undertake language study in preparation for overseas study in Asia.

Please refer to the OS-HELP Statement of Terms and Conditions for a list of Asian countries.

Centrelink

Students receiving Australian Government income support may be able to continue eligible payments while undertaking approved overseas study or exchange. This may include Youth Allowance, Austudy, ABSTUDY, or other Centrelink payments, subject to individual eligibility and approval.

Students are responsible for contacting and arranging continued eligibility directly with Centrelink prior to departure to ensure payments can be maintained while overseas.

Leo and Mabel Barnett Travel Grant

The Leo and Mabel Barnett Travel Grant provides financial assistance to support eligible students undertaking approved international exchange as part of their studies at JCU. Selection is competitive and based on eligibility criteria and application assessment.

Individual grants will be valued between $1,000 - $5,000 per student with final value determined by the Selection Committee. The Committee will have a total of $10,000 to award annually.

Eligibilty:

Be an Australian citizen

• Have applied to go on an international exchange
• Have approval from your College to go on exchange
• Have, or will have, completed at least 24 credit points by the time of departure
• Have a GPA of 4.5 or above

Partner University Scholarships

Some partner universities may offer scholarships or other financial incentives for incoming exchange students. Availability, eligibility, value, and application processes vary by institution. Where applicable, students may be advised directly by the host university following assessment of their exchange application.

• What part of the world interests you? Is there a destination with relevance or significance to your area of study?
• Do you want to study in an English or non-English speaking country? Many partner universities in non-English speaking countries offer subjects taught in English.
• Do you want to experience a big city, or would you prefer to live in a small town? Or does the idea of a university town interest you?
• What is the cost of living? Does it fit with your budget?
• Do you want to live on-campus or off-campus?
• What climate would you prefer to live within?
• What cultural activities do you want to experience?