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Frequently Asked Questions

RMIT Outbound Students

What is EAO?

EAO is the Education Abroad Office: We manage all RMIT student mobility programs, assist you in the application process, run pre-departure sessions, provide on-going support throughout the term of your overseas program, are a resource area, and much more.

What is an exchange program?

Student exchange occurs through a reciprocal agreement between RMIT University and institutions from different countries. These institutions are referred to as RMIT exchange partner institutions or host institutions.

The partner institution and RMIT have an agreement to exchange a set number of students per year, these numbers are usually balanced out over a period of three years. The Education Abroad Office maintains and reviews the balances each semester.

The agreements enable RMIT students to study at a partner institution (coursework only) for a maximum period of two semesters (this does not extend time to your RMIT degree) while staying enrolled at RMIT. The tuition fees are waived at the partner institution but you continue to pay RMIT tuition fees.

TAFE students studying one to one and a half year programs may only be permitted to study one semester overseas.

On completion of your overseas program, the partner institution will forward your academic results to RMIT and study undertaken at the partner institution will be credited towards your RMIT award program; this will appear on your RMIT academic record as either an External Pass Grade or an External Fail Grade. You also receive the original academic transcript from the partner institution.

What is an intercampus exchange programs?

An intercampus exchange program operates under similar conditions to an exchange program but the host institution is RMIT University Vietnam. The only difference with an Intercampus Exchange, are the closing dates and how students are enrolled.

What is a partner/host institution?

A partner institution is a university or a college that has a reciprocal exchange agreement with RMIT, where each institution nominate and exchange a number of students per year or semester to study for a period of up to one year. The terms; overseas institution, partner institution, and host institution are interchangeable.

What is a study abroad program?

Students who wish to go to a non-partner institution (no agreement with RMIT) may apply as a study abroad applicant and will pay tuition fees to the partner institution.

As a study abroad student, it is your responsibility to liaise with the non-partner institution regarding the application process, seek course approval from your RMIT School’s program leader/coordinator, ensure you are enrolled at RMIT in study abroad codes for the semester you are away; and pay the requested study abroad fees directly to the non-partner institution. You are also still required to submit an application to EAO but do not have to adhere to the EAO closing dates, only the deadlines of the partner institution.

What is a Student Mobility Advisor?

A Student Mobility Advisor works at the Education Abroad Office, each Advisor is responsible for dealing with outgoing and incoming applications for specific overseas regions. Any staff member at EAO may assist you with your initial enquiries but once the questions become specific to a region or institution you will be assisted by an Advisor for that area.

What are balances?

A partner institution and RMIT have an agreement to exchange a set number of students per year, these numbers are usually balanced out over a period of three years. The Education Abroad Office maintains and reviews the balances each semester. For example, some institutions we may only be permitted to nominate two students to go out on exchange for the semester, others may be higher. Where a situation arises that RMIT have sent too many students to a particular institution (out of balance) we will be requested to put the agreement on ‘hold’ until the balances have evened out. That is, the host institution has sent more students to RMIT.

Where can I study on exchange?

RMIT has approximately 140 exchange partner institutions in 31 countries around the world. Please refer to the Student Exchange list for Higher Education or Postgraduate or TAFE on the EAO website. Students may also go on intercampus exchange to RMIT Vietnam for one or two semesters, or a combination of RMIT Vietnam and a partner institution. www.rmit.edu.au/globalpassport/educationabroad

Where can I study as a Study Abroad (not exchange) student?

You can pick any institution throughout the world that offers courses in your discipline area and will accept study abroad students (visiting students) providing your school approves your study plan and approves credit transfer to your RMIT program.

What institutions can I apply to for exchange?

Please refer to the Student Exchange list for Higher Education, or Postgraduate or TAFE on the EAO website. www.rmit.edu.au/globalpassport/educationabroad

Some institutions are open to students from all schools, while others are limited to specific disciplines or school areas. Some overseas institutions may only teach in their native language but many do teach in English. Some institutions may only accept undergraduate students.

Once you have found an institution that may be suitable for your program, for example, undergraduate, teaches in English, open to many disciplines, then you need to follow the links to the partner institution and start looking for courses that fit into your area of study. If you need assistance, contact the Education Abroad Office eao@rmit.edu.au

Can I go to RMIT Vietnam on exchange?

Yes, this is called an intercampus exchange. The conditions and process are similar to a normal exchange but the closing dates for applications are later and enrolment is slightly different. Balances are still maintained between RMIT Australia and RMIT Vietnam so there are not unlimited places. Business students can go to RMIT Vietnam in their second semester of their first year of study.

Who can apply?

Any RMIT student can apply; local or international, Post Graduate or Undergraduate, TAFE or Higher Education. RMIT English Worldwide (REW) students are not eligible for exchange until they have transferred into a TAFE or Higher Ed program. International fee-paying students can go on exchange but not to their country of citizenship. AusAid funded students are not eligible to go on exchange as the AusAid scholarships are only provided to students while they study in Australia.

What are the eligibility criteria?

Higher Education (HED students must

  • be enrolled in a RMIT program ( students on a Leave of Absence not exceeding 1 year can still apply)
  • have completed at least one year (96 credit points) of academic study at RMIT prior to applying for the exchange program, unless a Business student applying for RMIT Vietnam who only need 48 credit points.
  • have a minimum overall credit average i.e. Grade Point Average of 2.0 (GPA)
  • obtain approval for their exchange semester(s) and study plan from their RMIT school
  • have sufficient funds to finance exchange semester(s)

TAFE students must

  • be enrolled and active in a RMIT program
  • have completed at least one semester (48 credit points) of academic study at RMIT prior to applying for the exchange program
  • have a minimum overall credit average (GPA 2.0) (Some RMIT schools may require a higher GPA)
  • obtain approval for their exchange semester(s) and study plan from their RMIT school
  • have sufficient funds to finance exchange semester(s)

What are the deadlines for submitting an exchange application?

  • For exchange in Semester 1: June 30 (previous year)
  • For exchange in Semester 2: December 1 (previous year)
  • Applications to RMIT Vietnam: Intercampus Exchange can be handed in later but must be at the EAO 2 months prior to the start of the Vietnam semester commencing.

As a part-time student, am I eligible to apply?

Yes, provided that you meet the eligibility criteria and enrol as a full-time on-campus student while on Exchange or Study Abroad. In some circumstances it may be possible to study part time on exchange but this will be dependant on visa conditions, the host institution, and the RMTI School. Students should contact the Education Abroad Office to check eligibility.

If I am an international student, am I eligible to apply?

Yes. You would continue to pay your tuition fees to RMIT while on exchange and pay no fee to the partner institution. However, you cannot apply to an institution in your country of citizenship (this does not apply to dual citizenships, or if you are a citizen or permanent resident of Australia). You must also meet the conditions of your Australian student visa.

AusAid funded students are not eligible to go on exchange as the AusAid scholarships are only provided to students while they study in Australia.

Can I still apply if I have failed a subject?

Yes, provided you still meet a minimum overall credit average i.e. GPA 2.0. Applications will not be accepted if the GPA is below 2.0.

Can Postgraduate students go on Exchange or Study Abroad?

Yes, postgraduate students doing coursework can go on Exchange or Study Abroad, see list of partners for Postgraduate.

Can TAFE students go on exchanges or Study Abroad?

Yes, TAFE students can go on exchange or study abroad but as TAFE programs are shorter in length (1-1.5 years) you may only be able to go overseas for one semester. See list of partners under TAFE

How do I apply to go on exchange?

  • Attend an information session – details are available on the EAO web site
  • Do some research on what country and partner institution you would be interested in by going to the lists on the EAO website: Higher Education, or Postgraduate or TAFE
  • Download an EAO application form (PDF 94Kb 6p) and read thoroughly
  • Read thoroughly what is required for the Study Plan
  • Discuss your proposal with your school program leader/coordinator and have them approve your Study Plan
  • Submit your application to the Education Abroad Office by the due date along with all other required documents
  • Check available financial support

Applications must include:

  • Completed application form - This is more than a formality, the thoroughness of your application is an important consideration in the selection process
  • Completed and signed study plan
  • Statement of Purpose – 500 word essay
  • Portfolio (if required)
  • 2 academic references
  • 2 passport photos

How to I apply to go on Study Abroad (paying tuition fees to host institution)?

  • Attend an information session – details are available on the EAO web site
  • Do some research on what country and institution you would be interested in
  • Download some information about the institution to take to your school. Information should include; name and location, how highly ranked is the institution, what are their strengths, outline of the school/faculty you will study in, outline of courses you wish to do.
  • Download an EAO application form (PDF 94Kb 6p) and read thoroughly
  • Read thoroughly what is required for the Study Plan
  • Discuss your proposal with your school program leader/coordinator and have them approve your Study Plan and the institution you have selected.
  • Submit your application to the Education Abroad Office along with all other required documents. NB: You do not have to meet the EAO deadlines as shown on the application form but if applying for a travel grant the EAO will need to have your approved and completed application before assessing you. You will then be bound by the host institutions closing dates.
  • Check available financial support

EAO Applications must include:

  • Completed application
  • Completed and signed study plan
  • Statement of Purpose – 500 word essay
  • Portfolio (if required)
  • 2 academic references

You will also need to submit to EAO proof of acceptance to the host institution once you have received it.

Host Institution:

  • Contact the host institution to find out the following: will they accept a study abroad student, what are the closing dates, how much are tuition fees, what are the semester dates, where are the course outlines, where is the application form, and what else is may be required?
  • You will then need to complete the host institutions application form and return it to them with all requested documentation (usually will ask for an original academic transcript) by the due dates.
  • You are responsible for following up the progress of your application with the host institution.
  • Once you have received an acceptance, take a copy into the EAO.

You will be invited by the EAO to attend a Pre-Departure session, this is compulsory. You may be invited to attend the session before you have received acceptance from the host institution but you will still need to attend.

If I have questions (eg, courses) can I contact the partner institution directly?

No. If you want to study at a partner institution as an exchange student you should not contact the host institution directly, please contact the EAO if you are having any trouble finding information. This is very important and usually a request from the host institution so they are not inundated with emails or providing conflicting advice. In order to maintain a good working relationship with our partner institutions, only EAO staff should contact partner institutions unless otherwise advised.

Can I defer a place once it has been offered to me?

No. If you choose not to take up a place after it has been offered or decide not to continue with your application, you will have to reapply for the exchange program by the next relevant deadline. This is due to increasing demand for exchange programs.

Can I apply to more than one institution?

No. If going on exchange you can only apply for one institution on the EAO application form. However, it is often a good idea to have a back-up destination and institute in mind in case there are too many applicants to the one institution and the host institute won’t accept them all. In this instance, the EAO will contact you after the EAO closing dates and advise if you need to apply for another institute.

When can I go?

Generally, the earliest Higher Ed students can go on exchange or study abroad will be in the second semester of your second year and any subsequent semester. Some Schools may not permit you to undertake an overseas program in your last semester, you should discuss this with your program leader/coordinator before applying to EAO.

TAFE students may be eligible to go in the second or third semester of their program.

Are the semesters overseas the same as RMIT?

The academic year for most overseas institutions is different to the academic year at RMIT. In the northern hemisphere, the academic year is approximately mid-August to late December (their semester 1) and early January to May (their semester 2). Most institutions allow you to begin studies at any semester but please check with the EAO for any exception. Generally you will be able to fit in an overseas semester and be back in time to commence your next semester at RMIT.

How long can I go on Exchange or Study Abroad for?

You can undertake Exchange or Study Abroad for up to two semesters if you are studying a 3 to 4 year degree. Please research thoroughly and keep in mind your RMIT program and/or financial restrictions when planning your exchange. If doing a 1 to 1 1/2 year program, you may only be able to go for one semester.

Can I go on Exchange or Study Abroad in my last semester at RMIT?

Some schools may not permit you to do your last semester overseas, especially if you have only core courses left or are required to do a major project in your last semester. It is usually easier to organise your Exchange or Study Abroad if you have only elective courses left to complete in your last semester. Check with your School before applying to EAO.

How early should I start planning for my Exchange or Study Abroad?

Application deadlines are between 6 to 12 months prior to the commencement of the overseas semester. You should give yourself at least 3 months prior to the EAO deadline, to research which country and institution you want to go to, prepare your application, and get approval for your study plan. Allow a minimum of 4 weeks prior to the EAO deadline to get your study plan approved by the school.

Do I need to be able to speak another language?

Not necessarily as most partner institutions teach in English or offer a number of courses taught in English. However, if you choose a program that instructs in a foreign language, you will be expected to have an intermediate to advanced level of fluency (i.e. Level 7 or High school + 2 years at university level), otherwise your grades may be affected. There are some programs that instruct in a combination of English and a foreign language, eg in Japan, Korea, France, Sweden, the Netherlands, and Malaysia.

What will I study?

Your choice of courses to study overseas will depend on what is available at the partner institution and what stage you are at in your RMIT program. Read the section on ‘completing your study plan’ on the EAO application form for more detail.

Can I overload?

No, not if you are going on exchange. You are required to be enrolled in a RMIT full time equivalent at the host institution i.e. 36-48 credit points but you cannot take extra courses. An exchange agreement has the provision for maximum 48 credit points only.

You may be able to overload as a Study Abroad student as you will just be paying additional tuition fees for the courses, however, it is not recommended as you will be adjusting to a new academic environment and will have quite a busy social life.

Will I get credit for the courses I study on exchange or Study Abroad?

Yes. This is a very important part of the application process and why a study plan is required. You need to select courses that are similar to the courses required for your RMIT degree. Course descriptions for each partner institution can be located in individual institution handbooks online. You can approach EAO if you are having difficulties locating information.

Your study plan containing your course list both at RMIT and the partner institution needs to be approved by academics/program team leader (instructions are also listed on the study plan in the EAO application).

If going as an exchange student you will be enrolled at RMIT while overseas in exchange codes and continue to pay tuition fees to RMIT.

If going on Study Abroad you will be enrolled at RMIT while overseas in study abroad codes but RMIT tuition fees are waived and you pay tuition direct to the host institution.

How does credit transfer work?

Upon the completion of your exchange or study abroad semester, an official academic transcript showing all the courses you enrolled in and the grades you received will be sent to EAO or directly to you. If your transcript is sent to EAO, a copy of the transcript will be forward to your school /program administration officer to update your RMIT student record. If you receive the transcript directly, please give a copy to EAO and then take another copy to your school.

What grades will I get for the courses I studied on Exchange or Study Abroad?

The grades you achieved are not converted into RMIT grades/marks. Your grades will be either External Pass Grade (EPG) or External Fail Grade (EFG).

To demonstrate the grades you achieved for the courses studied on Exchange or Study Abroad, you will need to produce your official partner institution academic transcript. Some Schools may also require you to bring back your assessment materials, you should check this with your school before leaving Australia. Schools will generally not convert the grades to your RMIT academic record.

Does the program extend my degree by a semester or a year?

No, provided that you completed and passed all approved courses at the partner institution.

Do I need to enrol at RMIT?

Even though you will be studying at an institution overseas, you are still officially an RMIT student. For this reason, you need to ensure that you are correctly enrolled at RMIT before you leave Australia, pay relevant student fees at RMIT and comply with all RMIT census dates while overseas.

You need to make an appointment with your program leader/coordinator from your school to ensure that you are correctly enrolled into either Exchange or Study Abroad course codes, prior to departure. An incorrect enrolment can lead to difficulties in obtaining credit for your overseas program upon your return and you may incur additional fees as a result.

If you are going to be overseas during the enrolment period, you must ensure that you give proxy to someone to enrol for you.

Will I need to enrol at the host institution?

Yes, when you arrive at the host institution they will advise you have to enrol. You will be required to maintain your enrolment at the host institution and at RMIT for the duration of your overseas program, including adhering to census and other important dates.

Can I study part-time while on Exchange or Study Abroad?

Possibly. For the duration of your overseas program, you are usually required to be enrolled in a full-time, on-campus course load at the overseas institution. This is a requirement of the Exchange/Study Abroad program and a visa regulation. However, there are some countries where this is not a visa requirement and some partner institutions may let you study part time. This would need to be confirmed by the Education Abroad Office so please check with them before applying eao@rmit.edu.au

Can I extend my Exchange or Study Abroad?

It is possible, provided you have not been on Exchange or Study Abroad for more than two semesters. You need to seek approval from your RMIT academic advisors/program leader, the EAO and partner institution or non partner institution. This can be arranged by email. It is important to take into account if you have received an OS-HELP loan for your first overseas semester and what conditions apply to this. For example, to be eligible for a loan you must be returning to RMIT to complete a minimum of 48 credit points. If extending your stay means you will then be in breach of this condition you will not be permitted to extend.

Where will I live?

Accommodation varies from institution to institution. You should refer to the partner institutions website for more details on the accommodation options (eg, on-campus or off-campus). Even though you have the option to organise your own accommodation, most students choose to live in an on-campus residence (if available) as this provides greater opportunity for meeting new friends and becoming involved in student life. Residence housing is normally in a shared dormitory room. Other options include Homestay or you may need to rent an apartment off-campus. A partner institution may have a housing office, which can assist you with obtaining accommodation. Some host institutions will ask you to register for accommodation and organise this when they send you an offer letter – Offer letters are sent out via the EAO for exchange students.

What about travel arrangements?

Travel arrangements are your responsibility. Please do not make any payment towards airfares until you have received the letter of acceptance from the partner institution. Remember that you must allow ample time to obtain any required visas. Please check all immigration matters very carefully before your departure.

Students going on Exchange can check with STA on campus about travel arrangements as soon as they receive a nomination from EAO. STA and EAO have an arrangement whereby exchange/study abroad students can secure STA flights by paying a small deposit. The deposit is refunded if you do not end up getting an offer from the overseas institution (not if you just change your mind). Contact STA for more details.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance?

Yes. It is a condition of your participation in an Exchange or a Study Abroad program that you are covered by adequate travel insurance. Also, some overseas institutions may require you to purchase their own health insurance; this may be a visa requirement. Health Insurance is not the same as or in place of travel insurance.

How much will my semester overseas cost?

Exchange students do not pay tuition fees to the host institution, however there may be a small charge for orientation or other student services.

Study Abroad students pay tuition fees to the host institution and these are usually required up-front and often before leaving Australia.

You are required to pay all other costs such as; airfares, accommodation, insurance, passport, student visa application fees, and living costs. These costs vary, depending on where you are going and how long you are going for. We recommend that you budget $2,000 per month for each month your will be away to cover all expenses other than airfares, this will be less if you are going to an Asian country.

The Embassy/Consulate for many countries will ask for proof of funds when you apply for a student visa. For example, if you apply to go on exchange in the USA, the partner institution will ask you to provide a letter from your bank showing that you or your sponsor have at least US $6000 available for your expenses overseas (this may be greater if going for longer).

You should do some research on the costs of visas so you can include this in your budget. Some countries may not require a visa but will require you obtain an entry permit on arrival, entry permits still cost money and for some countries can cost up to $800.

What financial support is available if I go on an overseas program?

Some financial assistance is available from RMIT and the federal government for your overseas study program.

RMIT

  • RMIT University provides a limited number of Travel Grants to assist students who are undertaking a mobility activity that is for academic credit within their RMIT Program. This can be:
    • Exchange or Study Abroad $2,000
    • Study Tour $1,000
    • International Industry Placement / Internship / Fieldwork (unpaid only) $1,000

  • John Storey Junior Memorial Fund offers education abroad scholarships of up to $3000 to applicants—awarded on academic merit; community service; extra-curricular interests; successful placement at an RMIT partner institution; and previous international experiences.
  • In some instances, portfolios or schools will provide assistance for certain opportunities. Please check with your program coordinator if any additional support is available for the placement you are considering.

Federal Government

  • The Endeavour Programme sends high achieving students around the world to undertake short or long-term study in a broad range of disciplines. There are some scholarships available through the Endeavour Program. The Education Abroad Office bids for the funding and then they allocate it to RMIT applicants based on where they are going and highest GPA. There is no need to apply for these as EAO will allocate them if you are eligible and funding is available.
  • OS-Help. The federal government offers OS-Help, a loan scheme that assists students with additional funds to study overseas. While only available for domestic, full-time undergraduate students, these loans are up to approximately $5,523 (indexed each year) and can be paid off as part of your HELP debt. Applications (PDF 86Kb 5p) are available from the EAO web site. There are no deadlines but students cannot apply any later than one month after the commencement of their overseas program.
  • Youth Allowance and Austudy. Most students who currently receive youth allowance or Austudy will continue to do so while studying abroad. Some students maybe eligible for a ‘living away from home’ allowance while overseas. For more information please refer to www.centrelink.gov.au. Once you have been accepted for your overseas program the EAO will need to provide you with a letter to take to Centrelink.

How do I complete a Study Plan

The Study Plan is part of the Outgoing Exchange/Study Abroad application form (PDF 94Kb 6p)

There are two parts to the study plan.

  1. You initially have to do some research:
    Use the links on the RMIT Education Abroad website to go to the partner institution website to locate the courses you wish to study Higher Education, or Postgraduate or TAFE

    As you find a course that you believe is suitable, print off a hard copy of the outline of the course and attach it to this study plan. This will assist academics when assessing the course for credit transfer. The outline should include a description of the course, learning objectives, course number and credit points, number of contact hours per week, how many weeks the course runs for, and how it will be assessed e.g. exam, assignments. The more detail you can provide, the easier it will be to get school approval.

    If course outlines are in a language other than English, you will need to translate the outlines for your school.
  2. Once you have completed the Study Plan you need to take it to an academic or course coordinator for that course, for approval for credit transfer. You then need to have it signed off by your School Program Coordinator/Administrator.

    N.B. It is important that you are able to select 8 courses at the host institution in case any of them are cancelled when you go to enrol or if there are timetable clashes. If you can only find 3 or 4 courses and you have to do these courses for your RMIT program, it is not recommended that go or you should select another institution. There is no guarantee that you will get into the courses at the host institution that you select.

What happens after I put in my exchange application to EAO?

  • After you lodge your application to EAO you will receive an acknowledgement email.
  • Once the closing dates have passed the Student Mobility Advisors will check the number of applications received for each institution and then check that these fit within the balances (there are enough places to nominate all applicants). Should there be more applications than places, each application will be assessed on the basis of; GPA, Statement of Purpose, Academic References, ability to take up an exchange at a later date. If your application cannot be accepted EAO will contact you within approximately two weeks of receiving your application and request that you select another institution, you will need to complete another study plan and have it approved. EAO will also advise what else is required.
  • If your application can be accepted the EAO advisor will contact you by email advising that you will be nominated and requesting that you complete the host institutions application form (EAO will provide or direct you to the on-line application) and provide an original RMIT academic transcript.
  • Once the EAO Advisor has received all completed documents from you, they will then send a nomination letter along with all application forms to the host institution.
  • The next stage requires patience as it can take anywhere from 2 – 10 weeks to receive a response from the host institution.
  • Once the host institution has accepted EAO’s nomination they will forward you an offer letter via the EAO who will get in touch with you immediately. It is at this stage that you are actually accepted to go on an exchange and can finalise your airfares and other arrangements. You will be required to accept the offer but the EAO Advisor will provide instructions on this.
  • Once your acceptance has been forwarded back to the host institution, they will issue you with documentation to start applying for your visa, however, you should do some research on visa requirements prior to this so you have everything prepared.

During the above process you will be invited by the EAO to attend a Pre-Departure session, this is compulsory. You may be invited to attend the session before you have received an acceptance from the host institution but you will still need to attend.

Does a nomination mean that I have been accepted by the partner institution?

No. It is important to note that a nomination is a recommendation given from RMIT to the partner institution. It will ultimately be at the discretion of the partner institution as to whether or not you will be offered a place. If successful, you will receive an official offer/acceptance letter and supporting documents to make further arrangements.

How long do I have to wait to receive an official offer/acceptance letter from the partner institution?

The assessment by the partner institution does take some time, usually between two – ten weeks. EAO will contact you regarding the outcome of your application as soon as we are notified by the partner institution.

Do I need a passport?

Yes. If you are going overseas you will need to have a current passport (must be current for at least six months after you are ready to return to Australia.

As it can take time to get a passport it is often worth applying for one early and even if you don’t end up going on exchange the passport will be valid for 10 years. To apply for a passport you will need to make an appointment at Australia Post.

I have a dual citizenship passport can I use this?

Yes. In some cases it may save you money, for example, if your dual citizenship is the UK and you are going on exchange to Europe this may save you money on a visa. It is important to remember when using a dual passport that you must come back into the country on the exact same passport you went out on.

Do I need a student visa?

Yes, in most cases, you will need to apply for student visa. Always check the visa requirements with the Embassy or Consulate of the country where you will be studying. Some countries may require an entry permit rather than a visa, it is important that you research this as entry permits will also cost money and you may need to budget for this.

I am an International student how does going on exchange affect my Australian visa?

When you apply for the overseas visa you will be required to take a letter from RMIT advising that you will be on exchange and out of the country for more than 28 days. The Education Abroad Office can issue you with this letter.

Can I work while on exchange or study abroad?

In most cases you can work but it will depend on the conditions of your student visa. As a rule, students going to the USA can work up to 20hours per week but this must be on-campus at the host institution only. Generally for Europe working 20 hours per week is also permitted, however, it is your responsibility to check with the relevant countries embassy/consulate for work conditions under a student visa.

It is not really recommended that you work while on exchange as you will have a new study environment to adapt to and quite a busy social life, so if possible try not to take this option.