Exchange guide Griffith University
Courses, housing, visa, campus life and exchange basics for studying at Griffith University in Gold Coast, Australia.
City
Gold CoastCountry
AustraliaInternational
Approx. 8,500+ international students (~18–20% of the student cohort) representing over 130 nationalities.
Enrollment
Approx. 45,000–50,000 enrolled students across undergraduate, postgraduate and research degrees (Griffith institutional reports).
Study abroad at Griffith University: overview
Studying abroad at Griffith University places you at the heart of Queensland's vibrant coastal region, with its flagship Gold Coast campus in Southport integrated into the Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct. Enrolling 45,000 to 50,000 students across five campuses including Brisbane, Griffith combines top-tier research in nursing, hospitality, marine science, and business with an outdoor sub-tropical lifestyle. With two dedicated G:link tram stations right on campus, students enjoy an easy commute between lectures, student housing, and world-class Pacific surf beaches.
Enrollment
Approx. 45,000–50,000 enrolled students across undergraduate, postgraduate and research degrees (Griffith institutional reports).
International Mix
Approx. 8,500+ international students (~18–20% of the student cohort) representing over 130 nationalities.
Why students choose it
Flagship Gold Coast campus at Southport (Parklands Drive, ~4 km northwest of Surfers Paradise) in the Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct, alongside Brisbane campuses at Nathan, South Bank, Mt Gravatt, and Logan.
Language of instruction: English
Exchange & application at Griffith University
Inbound study at Griffith operates through two pathways: reciprocal tuition-waived exchange for nominated partner students and fee-paying Study Abroad for independent applicants. Deadlines are set around 15 September / 15 October for Trimester 1 (commencing February/March) and 15 February / 15 March for Trimester 2 (commencing July). Students should prepare certified academic transcripts and proof of English proficiency (typically IELTS 6.0 undergraduate or 6.5 postgraduate) and select 3 to 4 courses per trimester for faculty review.
Official links
-
Open page
Exchange page
The university’s own page for incoming exchange students.
-
See courses
Course catalogue
The official list of courses. Check which ones are open to exchange students and taught in a language you speak.
✅Requirements
Minimum age of 18, cumulative GPA equivalent to at least 4.5 on Griffith's 7.0 grading scale (or sound academic standing at your home institution), official academic transcript with grading scale, English language proficiency certification (IELTS Academic 6.0 overall with no band below 5.5 for undergraduate study, or 6.5 overall for postgraduate, or approved university waiver), valid passport, and proposed study plan.
📨Nomination Process
Your home institution exchange coordinator submits your nomination directly to the Griffith Global Mobility team (inboundmobility@griffith.edu.au). Once accepted, Griffith emails you a direct application link to upload transcripts, English evidence, and your initial 3–4 course selections for faculty assessment.
🧭Orientation Week
Recommended arrival: Arrive 7 to 10 days before classes start to attend International Orientation and O-Week in late February (Trimester 1) or early July (Trimester 2).
Participation in Griffith International Orientation is essential to collect your student ID card, confirm course enrolments, and complete campus safety inductions.
Events hub: https://www.griffith.edu.au/orientation
🗓️Deadlines by intake
| Intake | Nomination deadline | Application deadline |
|---|---|---|
| 1st semester | 15 September of the preceding year (for Trimester 1 commencing late February/early March; home universities set earlier internal deadlines). | 15 October of the preceding year (for Trimester 1 entry; visiting Study Abroad direct applicants may apply through January). |
| 2nd semester | 15 February of the same year (for Trimester 2 commencing July; home universities set earlier internal deadlines). | 15 March of the same year (for Trimester 2 entry; visiting Study Abroad direct applicants may apply through May). |
Arrival Checklist
- Secure your electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), purchase mandatory OSHC insurance, and obtain the Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500) before departure.
- Arrive at Gold Coast Airport (Coolangatta) or Brisbane Airport and take the Translink train or bus/tram connections to Southport or your pre-booked accommodation.
- Activate your Griffith student portal, review course approvals in myGriffith, and finalise tutorial workshop registrations.
- Collect your Griffith Student ID Card at Student Central (Building G33) and link it to a Translink concession go card for reduced public transit fares.
- Inspect any off-campus private share house in Southport or Parkwood in person before transferring a rental bond, ensuring it is lodged with the Queensland RTA.
Academics & courses at Griffith University
Griffith operates on a trimester calendar where standard full-time study consists of 40 credit points (4 courses of 10 CP each; minimum 30 CP for student visa compliance), mapping neatly to 30 ECTS or 12–16 US semester credits. Evaluation is based on a 7-point grading scale (7 High Distinction down to 4 Pass) combining continuous assessment with final examinations. High-demand fields include tourism and hospitality management, environmental and marine biology, allied health, and international business.
📝Course Registration
Full-time enrolment requires between 30 and 40 Griffith credit points (CP) per trimester (3 or 4 standard courses of 10 CP each; 40 CP is the typical full-time load). Course enrolment is managed via the myGriffith online portal. Level 1 courses are introductory, while Level 2 and Level 3 courses require documented academic prerequisites on your home transcript.
🎓Credit System
Griffith assigns 10 credit points (CP) per standard course. A standard 40 CP trimester load maps to 30 ECTS (1 Griffith course of 10 CP ≈ 7.5 ECTS) in European systems, or 12 to 16 semester credit hours in North American systems (3–4 US credits per 10 CP course).
💯Grading System
Griffith operates on a 7-point grading scale: 7 = High Distinction (HD, 85–100%), 6 = Distinction (D, 75–84.5%), 5 = Credit (C, 65–74.5%), 4 = Pass (P, 50–64.5%), and 1–3 = Fail (<50%). A grade of 4 (Pass) is the minimum required to earn course credit.
✍️Exam Culture
Courses incorporate continuous assessment (mid-trimester quizzes, research essays, practical laboratory reports, and group presentations) leading to a formal end-of-trimester examination block in June (Trimester 1) or October (Trimester 2). Many lectures offer recordings, but interactive tutorials and lab workshops enforce mandatory attendance.
📚Library Access
Full access to the Griffith Gold Coast Library (Buildings G10 and G11) with extensive digital journal databases, individual silent study floors, collaborative group pods, computer suites, and 24/7 swipe-card access zones for enrolled students.
Tuition & fees at Griffith University
Reciprocal exchange students pay AUD 0 tuition to Griffith, while visiting Study Abroad students pay set trimester package fees of AUD 8,944 for 30 CP (3 courses) or AUD 11,925 for 40 CP (4 courses) in 2026. Full-degree international tuition ranges from AUD 32,500 to AUD 44,000 annually. In addition to tuition, students must budget for mandatory Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), weekly housing (ranging from ~AUD 250 in share houses to ~AUD 330–598 in student residences), and everyday living expenses.
| Student Type | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| EXCHANGE | AUD 0 host tuition (waived under bilateral exchange agreement) | Reciprocal exchange students pay regular tuition to their home university; mandatory OSHC, visa and living expenses apply separately. |
| Study Abroad (visiting fee-paying) | AUD 8,944 (30 CP / 3 courses) or AUD 11,925 (40 CP / 4 courses) per trimester | Fee-paying Study Abroad tuition is set at AUD 8,944 for 30 CP (3 courses) or AUD 11,925 for 40 CP (4 courses) per trimester in 2026. |
| Full degree – international | AUD 32,500–44,000 / year (course-specific) | Annual tuition varies by discipline (arts/business ~AUD 32,500; sciences/engineering ~AUD 40,000; clinical medicine higher); check Degree Finder. |
AUD 0 host tuition (waived under bilateral exchange agreement)
Reciprocal exchange students pay regular tuition to their home university; mandatory OSHC, visa and living expenses apply separately.
AUD 8,944 (30 CP / 3 courses) or AUD 11,925 (40 CP / 4 courses) per trimester
Fee-paying Study Abroad tuition is set at AUD 8,944 for 30 CP (3 courses) or AUD 11,925 for 40 CP (4 courses) per trimester in 2026.
AUD 32,500–44,000 / year (course-specific)
Annual tuition varies by discipline (arts/business ~AUD 32,500; sciences/engineering ~AUD 40,000; clinical medicine higher); check Degree Finder.
Fees change annually — verify current rates on the official exchange office page
Student housing at Griffith University
Official on-campus living is centered at Griffith University Village in Southport, offering 5-bedroom shared flats and studio apartments with all utilities, Wi-Fi, swimming pool, and gym facilities included. Off campus, students commonly rent private share rooms in Parkwood (walkable to campus), Southport (connected via the G:link tram), or Labrador. In Queensland, tenancy agreements are protected by the Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA); rental bonds are capped at 4 weeks' rent and must be lodged with the RTA.
Griffith University offers official housing
On-campus student apartments at Southport operated by Campus Living Villages, providing 5-bedroom shared units (~AUD 330–445/week) to private studios (~AUD 460–598/week) with all utilities, pool, and gym included.
Apply for housingFull housing guide
Find housing in Gold Coast
Official contacts, student residences, private platforms, tips & red flags.
Insurance & campus support at Griffith University
Griffith provides comprehensive student support, including on-campus healthcare at Building G33 (GP clinic and direct billing for Allianz Care OSHC) and Building G40 (allied health clinics). Free academic tutoring, digital library support, and personal psychological counselling are readily accessible. The award-winning Griffith Mates network and the Gold Coast Student Guild ensure new arrivals receive guidance from their first week on campus.
🛡️Mandatory Insurance
Yes — Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is compulsory for all Subclass 500 student visa holders for the complete duration of their stay in Australia.
🏥Campus Clinic
Griffith Health & Medical Services (Building G33, Southport) provides on-campus general practitioners and nursing staff, complemented by the multidisciplinary Griffith Health Clinics in Building G40 (dentistry, physiotherapy, psychology).
🧠Mental Health
Griffith Counselling and Wellbeing provides free, confidential psychological consultations, triage support, and resilience workshops for registered students on the Gold Coast campus.
Allianz Care Australia OSHC (Griffith University preferred provider — arranged through the university offer acceptance or independently)
Bupa, Medibank, nib, or ahm government-approved Australian OSHC policies
Reciprocal national health exemptions apply exclusively to eligible citizens of Norway, Sweden, or Belgium under Australian Department of Home Affairs regulations
Campus services
Griffith Global Mobility & Inbound Exchange Office
Oversees exchange partner nominations, Study Abroad applications, course prerequisite screening, Learning Agreement sign-offs, and inbound orientation.
Griffith Accommodation Office & Village Team
Coordinates placement at Griffith University Village, assists with off-campus rental directories, and provides Queensland tenancy guidance.
Griffith University Gold Coast Student Guild
Supports 60+ Gold Coast clubs, social sports leagues, the Uni Bar, student kitchen facilities, and free independent academic advocacy.
Griffith Health & Medical Services (Building G33 & G40)
On-campus general practice medical clinic, nursing consultations, mental health triage, and specialized allied health clinical appointments.
Griffith Library Academic & Digital Skills
Drop-in academic writing advisory, citation formatting support, study workshops, and 24/7 secure study space access on campus.
Student life at Griffith University
Life at Griffith's Gold Coast campus revolves around The Link precinct, home to the Student Guild, casual cafes, and the Uni Bar. Fitness enthusiasts have access to the Griffith Aquatic Centre's 50-metre Olympic pool and campus gym. On weekends, the G:link tram provides effortless access to Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach, while student clubs coordinate group surfing sessions, coastal diving, and rainforest hikes in the nearby Gold Coast Hinterland.
Student Clubs
- Over 60 active clubs affiliated with the Griffith University Gold Coast Student Guild showcased during O-Week Market Day.
- Griffith Mates community events including campus tours, trivia nights, and regional excursions to Byron Bay and Tamborine Mountain.
- Griffith Sport clubs covering competitive athletics, boardriding, rugby union, soccer, and social beach volleyball.
Buddy Program
The Griffith Mates initiative pairs newly arrived international and study abroad students with trained student leaders who offer airport welcomes, campus tours, and informal social check-ins during your first weeks.
Sports & Recreation
- Griffith Aquatic Centre on the Gold Coast campus featuring a 50-metre heated Olympic pool, 25-metre fitness pool, and full gym facility.
- Gold Coast Student Guild social sports competitions including weekly futsal, touch football, netball, and basketball tournaments.
- Close access to premier Gold Coast surf breaks at The Spit, Main Beach, and Surfers Paradise, supported by the campus boardriders community.
Public Groups & Communities
Griffith University Gold Coast Student Guild Directory
Official directory of 60+ clubs, societies and sporting organizations on the Gold Coast campus.
Griffith Mates International Community
University-backed student community facilitating social integration, peer support, and regional outings.
Your First 2 Weeks
- Attend Griffith International Orientation and Market Day at The Link (G07).
- Obtain your Griffith Student ID card and link your Translink concession go card.
- Finalise your 3–4 course schedule and tutorial times in myGriffith.
- Register your OSHC details with Griffith Health & Medical Services in Building G33.
- Attend Griffith Mates social mixers and explore the Gold Coast beaches via the G:link tram.
Key exchange dates at Griffith University
Keep track of Griffith's trimester dates: Trimester 1 features late February Orientation, classes from March to May, and exams in June. Trimester 2 begins with early July Orientation, classes through October, and exams finishing in late October. Trimester 3 provides an optional summer study term between November and February. Remember to finalize housing bookings and course approvals well ahead of your intake's O-Week.
-
1
Trimester 1 nomination & application
Nomination by 15 September; application by 15 October (prior year)
Applies to Trimester 1 (February/March start); apply early for Griffith University Village as on-campus spaces fill rapidly.
-
2
Trimester 1 O-Week, classes & exams
Orientation late February; classes early March–May; exams early to mid-June
O-Week features Student Guild Market Day and Griffith Mates tours; do not book departures before the official June exam schedule concludes.
-
3
Trimester 2 nomination & application
Nomination by 15 February; application by 15 March (same year)
Applies to Trimester 2 (July start); ensure overseas transcript evaluations are submitted early for faculty prerequisite approvals.
-
4
Trimester 2 Orientation, classes & exams
Orientation early July; classes mid-July–October; exams mid-to-late October
Warm spring weather arrives across the Gold Coast in August and September; trimester exams conclude by late October.
Interested in this university?
Would you like to study at Griffith University?
Tell us what you have in mind in under a minute. We will write back with information on how to apply. Odisea does not handle admissions yet.