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What next?

Once you have decided if you would like to travel overseas, the first step is to fill out the application form. Once your application has been received you will be contacted by the Study Abroad Office who will provide further details of the full application process.

In the meantime, you may want to think about some of the following issues:


Application Process

Now that you have submitted an application to participate in the exchange program, you will need to be aware of the following things:

Your RMIT application has been sent to your host institution and they will process your application. This may take up to 6 weeks. Please be patient!

You may be required to complete the Hosts Institution's application. We will contact you and let you know if there are more forms to complete.

Most institutions offer accommodation placement in university housing or on-campus dormitories. If you require accommodation, you will need to complete the necessary forms. Request these through our office. Many institutions require a non-refundable deposit in local currency to secure a housing space.

Once you have been accepted as an exchange student, you will be sent a formal acceptance letter. In most instances, you will need to take this to the Consulate in order to get a student visa. Students applying to study in Canada and the UK require a letter from this office to accompany the visa application.

Visas

It is your responsibility to contact the Consulate of your Host Institution to find out how to apply for a student visa. On many student visas, you have the option of working (legally) part-time. Visa regulations are not static so it is imperative you contact the Consulate for current information

It is advisable (where possible) to visit in person – phone lines are often incredibly busy.

Consulate Contacts

Canada – 02/9364 3050
France – 429 St Kilda Road, 9820 0944
Germany – 480 Punt Road South Yarra, 9828 6888
Japan – 360 Elizabeth Street, 9639 3244
Mexico – 1038a Dandenong Road Carnegie, 9571 1866 or 2/93261311
The Netherlands – Level 4 118 Queen Street Melbourne Vic3000 (03) 9670 5573
United Kingdom – 02/6257 1982, fax 02/6257 5857
United States – 553 St Kilda Road, 9526 5900

International Students

If you are an International Student, it is important for to check with the relevant Consulate if you are required to return to your country of origin to apply for your student visa. In many instances, International Students must apply for a United States student visa in their country of origin.

Finances

Expenses/Costs

Airfare (International Students may incur the additional expense of a flight to their country of origin to apply for a student visa.)
Health & Travel Insurance
Accommodation and living costs

Some Consulates (the United States in particular) ask for proof of finances before issuing student visas. If you are "borrowing" money from family or friends for proof of finances, it is advisable to do so at least a month before submitting the papers – the Consulates are cracking down on the overnight transfer of funds.

Youth Allowance recipients are entitled to continue receiving their allowance while on exchange. Be sure to ask for the Youth Allowance letter from the Education Abroad Unit before your departure.

If you are having any thoughts at all about being short of money, our advice would be to postpone your exchange until the following semester. That way you could take a leave of absence and work full-time, earn some more spending money so that you have an enjoyable time. Do not rely on scholarship money or getting a part-time job to get you through your exchange program – in the past, students have had a miserable time!

Pre-departure

We will hold a pre-departure session during the examination period which will cover the following:

Travel & Medical Insurance (vaccinations, prescriptions, medication)
Flight arrangements (luggage allowance, confirming seats)
Contact details
Subject variations (proxy enrolment)
Study Plan on application form

Travel Plans

Please let us know of your departure and arrival dates.

If you are planning to leave a few months before the start of semester at the exchange institution, it is imperative you let us know so we can let the host know of your plans and try to expedite the acceptance process.

Travel Advice for RMIT Students traveling overseas for study

Students who are undertaking study travel are encouraged to read the document carefully. It provides information about:

researching risk levels for countries and regions;
support offered by the Education Abroad Unit;
what to do if the risk level of a country rules out travel;
pre-departure briefings
health concerns;
what to do if you experience problems while overseas; and
travel insurance.

More Information: Travel Advice for RMIT students traveling overseas