Study abroad and exchange programs

Where in the world will your degree take you?

Travelling is an education. Getting out of your comfort zone and experiencing other cultures can expand your horizons and worldview in a way no textbook can.

If you’ve dreamed of travelling or living overseas, Notre Dame offers you a chance to see the world and experience new cultures, people and places without putting your degree on hold.

Some of the options available are:

• Semester abroad
• Short-term programs
• Internships
• Volunteering

Notre Dame has partner institutions in Europe, North America and Asia. A list of our partner institutions can be found further down the page.

Use our interactive map below to explore our partner universities.

Why study overseas?

Studies from all over the world show there are many benefits to studying overseas. For example, you can:

• Pursue your academic interests in a fresh context, and experience exciting new ways to learning.
• Develop an international perspective and global outlook on your degree, adding value to your resume and boosting your employability.
• Enjoy a valuable opportunity to study a new language.
• Explore aspects of your host country's history, society, and culture.
• Develop your communication skills, with the opportunity to interact with diverse individuals and the capacity to adapt and learn quickly.
• Enhance your emotional resilience, helps build confidence and executive functioning skills.
• Make friends for life from around the world.

Don’t just take it from us – hear from some students who have studied overseas.

Exchange programs

• About our exchange programs

  Notre Dame’s Exchange program is your chance to spend a semester overseas at one of our partner institutions, immersing yourself in everyday life and the local culture.

  Where can I go?

  You can apply to study a semester of your degree at a range of destinations across the globe at one of Notre Dame’s partner institutions in Europe, North America and Asia.

  How does it work?

  While overseas as an approved semester exchange student*, you will:

  • Stay enrolled at Notre Dame
  • Continue to pay your Notre Dame tuition fees; and
  • Receive credit for your overseas study towards your Notre Dame degree, meaning your degree completion date isn’t impacted^

  ^ Bachelor of Counselling or Bachelor of Physiotherapy students are unable to participate in exchange programs due to program accreditation requirements. 
  *Bachelor of Nursing students: Studying abroad will add six months to your degree.

  If you’re a current student, you’ll need to enrol in the COM0369 Notre Dame Outbound Blackboard community site for further information about our partner university, such as disciplines available and academic requirements.

• Exchange Partner Institutions

  You can apply to study a semester of your degree at a range of destinations across the globe at one of our partner institutions in Asia, Europe, and North America.

  Asia

  • Fu Jen Catholic University, Taiwan
  • LaSalle College of the Arts, Singapore
  • Parahyangan Catholic University, Indonesia
  • Sogang University, Republic of Korea
  • Sophia University, Japan
  • The Catholic University of Korea, Republic of Korea

  Europe

  • Catholic University of Lyon, France
  • Leeds Trinity University, England
  • Mary Immaculate College, Ireland
  • Maynooth University, Ireland
  • Paderborn University, Germany
  • Pázmány Péter Catholic University, Hungary
  • St Mary’s University Twickenham London, England
  • University of Navarra, Spain

  North America

  • Boston College, Massachusetts, USA
  • Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C, USA
  • College of Saint Benedict & Saint John’s University, Minnesota, USA
  • DeSales University, Pennsylvania, USA
  • Kings University College at Western University, Ontario, Canada
  • Purdue University, Indiana, USA
  • St. Edward’s University, Texas, USA
  • St. Mary’s University, Alberta, Canada
  • University of Notre Dame du Lac, Indiana, USA
  • University of Portland, Oregon, USA
  • University of San Francisco, California, USA

• How do I apply?

  Step 1: Check your availability

  • You may apply from the end of your first semester at Notre Dame (this doesn’t include a foundation year of study).
  • You’ll normally need a minimum Grade Point Average of 2.5 which equates to a high credit/distinction average.
  • You’ll need to maintain a full-time course load while abroad.
  • You must be taking courses at the host institution, for which Notre Dame has agreed to grant full-time academic credit towards your program.

  Explore our COM0369 Notre Dame Outbound Blackboard community site for the full-time course load equivalencies at partner universities and the requirements specific to each.

  Step 2: Research

  Enrol in the COM0369 Notre Dame Outbound Blackboard community site to research potential host universities for your planned exchange. (You’ll need to be logged in to LMS to find the page).

  Please don’t contact the partner universities directly – if you have any questions, contact the Study Abroad Office.

  Step 3: Discuss your options

  Contact our Study Abroad Office to arrange a time to meet and discuss your options. Also, speak with your program coordinator about your program requirements.

  Step 4: Submit your application

  Apply through the COM0369 Notre Dame Outbound Blackboard community site.

  Application deadlines for exchange:

  • Semester 1: 1 July of the year prior
  • Semester 2: 1 December of the year prior

  All students participating must comply with the University’s Study Abroad Policy.

Finances, fees and scholarships

• OS-HELP loans

  If you’re enrolled in a Commonwealth supported place, you may be eligible for OS-HELP. This is a Commonwealth Government loan designed to provide financial assistance associated with your overseas experience which could include airfares, accommodation or other travel costs.

  OS-HELP is available for students heading overseas and whose study outside of Australia will count toward their Notre Dame program requirements.

  Check your eligibility

• Centrelink

  If you’re currently receiving Centrelink payments, you may be able to continue receiving these while on exchange.

• Scholarships and grants

  New Colombo Plan (NCP)

  The New Colombo Plan (NCP) is a signature initiative of the Australian Government which aims to lift knowledge of the Indo-Pacific in Australia by supporting Australian undergrads to study and undertake internships in the region.

  If you’re a current Notre Dame student and interested in studying in the Indo-Pacific region, contact the Study Abroad Office to discuss your options. Learn more about the New Colombo Plan and the New Colombo Plan Scholarship.

  Students may be eligible for funding of up to $75,000 over 19 months to live and study in the Indo-Pacific (1 or 2 semesters of study, language training, internships and mentorships).

Other programs

• Short-term, internships or volunteering

  We’ve partnered with CIS Australia to provide you with opportunities to participate in various general and specialised programs across disciplines, in around 25 countries.

• Faculty-led programs and study tours

  Faculty-led study tours are the ideal opportunity to consolidate what you’ve learned in class into real-world experiences and make industry and international networks.

  For further information about possible Faculty-Led programs, please contact your school.

• Global Gateways Agreement

  The Global Gateways Agreement is an exciting partnership with our founding partner, the University of Notre Dame (Indiana).

  Students will have the opportunity to study and engage in research at Notre Dame’s main campus in Indiana, USA, or at other intellectual hubs around the globe, such as in London and Jerusalem.

  Students can study at one of the Global Gateways through the University student exchange program. If you’re a current student, please enrol in the COM0369 Notre Dame Outbound Blackboard community site for further information.

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