Exchange guide The University of Western Australia
Courses, housing, visa, campus life and exchange basics for studying at The University of Western Australia in Perth, Australia.
Study abroad at The University of Western Australia: overview
Study abroad at The University of Western Australia (UWA) places you on a sandstone Group of Eight campus beside the Swan River in Crawley, 10 minutes from central Perth. With roughly 28,000โ29,000 students and strong global rankings in mining, marine science, engineering and business, UWA suits exchange and Study Abroad students who want research-intensive academics combined with outdoor coastal living.
Enrollment
Approx. 28,000โ29,000 enrolled students across undergraduate, postgraduate coursework and research degrees (UWA institutional profile).
International Mix
Approx. 7,900โ8,500 international students (~28โ30% of the student body) from over 100 countries.
Why students choose it
Main Crawley campus on the Swan River (35 Stirling Highway, ~5 km southwest of Perth CBD) plus UWA Health Campus in Nedlands. Best for students targeting Mining & Earth Sciences, Marine Science, Engineering, Business or Humanities who want a traditional collegiate campus.
Language of instruction: English
Exchange & application at The University of Western Australia
UWA exchange starts with official nomination from your home university (by 30 September for Semester 1 or 30 March for Semester 2), followed by direct online application by 15 October or 15 April. Prepare 4 standard units (24 credit points) plus backups so faculty prerequisites can be cleared smoothly.
Official links
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Open page
Exchange page
The universityโs own page for incoming exchange students.
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See courses
Course catalogue
The official list of courses. Check which ones are open to exchange students and taught in a language you speak.
โ Requirements
Official nomination from your home institution (for exchange), cumulative GPA equivalent to at least a credit/good standing (typically 2.5/4.0 or equivalent), official academic transcript, English-language proficiency evidence (generally IELTS 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0 or accepted equivalent), passport copy, and proposed UWA unit list.
๐จNomination Process
Your home university exchange coordinator submits your nomination to the UWA Global Learning Office first. Once nominated, UWA emails you direct application instructions to upload your transcript, English proof and unit selections for faculty pre-approval.
๐งญOrientation Week
Recommended arrival: Arrive 7โ10 days before classes begin to attend compulsory International Student Orientation and O-Week in mid-February (Semester 1) or mid-July (Semester 2).
Attendance at UWA International & Exchange Orientation is strongly expected to activate Campus Card, finalise unit enrolment and complete safety briefings.
Events hub: https://www.uwa.edu.au/students/getting-started
๐๏ธDeadlines by intake
| Intake | Nomination deadline | Application deadline |
|---|---|---|
| 1st semester | 30 September of the preceding year (for February Semester 1 start; confirm earlier internal home-university deadlines). | 15 October of the preceding year (online application and supporting documents due after nomination). |
| 2nd semester | 30 March of the same year (for July Semester 2 start; confirm earlier internal home-university deadlines). | 15 April of the same year (online application and supporting documents due after nomination). |
Arrival Checklist
- Obtain your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), arrange OSHC for your full visa duration and secure the Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500) before flying.
- Book Perth Airport pickup through the free UWA College Row / StudyPerth Airport Greeters service or take the Airport Line train to Elizabeth Quay and bus 950 to Crawley.
- Activate your UWA Pheme student account, verify unit approvals in StudentConnect and enter class preferences in the Class Allocation System (CAS).
- Collect your UWA Campus Card at Student Central and link its student ID number to a Transperth Tertiary SmartRider for 20% transit discounts.
- Inspect any private share-house room in Nedlands, Subiaco or Claremont in person before paying a bond, or check in at your assigned College Row residence.
Academics & courses at The University of Western Australia
Full-time load at UWA is 24 credit points per semester (4 units of 6 points each), managed through StudentConnect and the CAS timetable system. Check Level 2 and Level 3 prerequisites in the UWA Handbook before submitting your Learning Agreement.
๐Course Registration
Full-time exchange and Study Abroad load is normally 24 UWA credit points per semester (4 standard units of 6 points each; minimum 18 points where approved for visa and home-university rules). Enrolment is managed via StudentConnect and timetable allocation via CAS (Class Allocation System). Level 1 units have few prerequisites, while Level 2 and Level 3 units require documented prior study on your transcript.
๐Credit System
Standard full-time semester load is 24 UWA credit points (4 units ร 6 points), which most European partner universities map to 30 ECTS (1 UWA point โ 1.25 ECTS) and North American partners map to 12โ15 US semester credits.
๐ฏGrading System
UWA uses percentage marks and letter grades: HD (High Distinction, 80โ100%), D (Distinction, 70โ79%), CR (Credit, 60โ69%), P (Pass, 50โ59%), and N/Fail (<50%).
โ๏ธExam Culture
Units combine continuous assessment (essays, laboratory reports, tutorial participation, mid-semester tests and group projects) with a formal two-week examination period in June (Semester 1) or November (Semester 2). Many lectures are recorded on Lecture Capture, but tutorials, labs and workshops require in-person attendance.
๐Library Access
Full access to the six-level Reid Library (main Crawley arts, business and humanities hub), Barry J Marshall Library (science and engineering club/study pods), Beasley Law Library and J.S. Battye medical collections, including 24/7 study zones with a valid UWA Campus Card.
Tuition & fees at The University of Western Australia
Reciprocal exchange students pay AUD 0 tuition to UWA, whereas independent Study Abroad visitors pay UWA semester package fees. Budget separately for compulsory OSHC health cover, College Row or Nedlands rent, and daily expenses.
| Student Type | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| EXCHANGE | AUD 0 host tuition (waived under bilateral exchange agreement) | Reciprocal partner students pay tuition to their home university; compulsory OSHC health cover, visa fees and living costs apply separately. |
| Study Abroad (visiting fee-paying) | Approx. AUD 12,500โ15,800 per semester (3 or 4 units) | Non-exchange visiting students pay UWA Study Abroad semester package tuition based on taking 3 units (18 pts) or 4 units (24 pts). |
| Full degree โ international | AUD 42,000โ54,000 / year (course-specific) | Annual international degree tuition varies by faculty (Arts/Commerce at lower end; Engineering/Lab Sciences higher); check the UWA Course Handbook. |
AUD 0 host tuition (waived under bilateral exchange agreement)
Reciprocal partner students pay tuition to their home university; compulsory OSHC health cover, visa fees and living costs apply separately.
Approx. AUD 12,500โ15,800 per semester (3 or 4 units)
Non-exchange visiting students pay UWA Study Abroad semester package tuition based on taking 3 units (18 pts) or 4 units (24 pts).
AUD 42,000โ54,000 / year (course-specific)
Annual international degree tuition varies by faculty (Arts/Commerce at lower end; Engineering/Lab Sciences higher); check the UWA Course Handbook.
Fees change annually โ verify current rates on the official exchange office page
Student housing at The University of Western Australia
College Row sits directly across Stirling Highway from UWA Crawley campus with five residential colleges including University Hall (catered and self-catered options). Because Semester 1 places fill rapidly, apply through the UWA Accommodation portal as soon as nominated or search verified share houses in Nedlands, Subiaco and CBD PBSA along bus 950 and the Purple CAT.
The University of Western Australia offers official housing
Five residential colleges on College Row directly opposite campus (University Hall offers both self-catered studios and catered rooms from ~AUD 360/week; traditional colleges include meals and utilities). Apply through the central UWA Accommodation portal as soon as you are nominated.
Apply for housingFull housing guide
Find housing in Perth
Official contacts, student residences, private platforms, tips & red flags.
Insurance & campus support at The University of Western Australia
From UWA Medical Centre and The Living Room wellbeing hub in Guild Village to UniMentor peer matching and STUDYSmarter academic coaching, campus support is centralised and easy to reach during your first weeks.
๐ก๏ธMandatory Insurance
Yes โ Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory for all Subclass 500 student visa holders for the full length of stay.
๐ฅCampus Clinic
UWA Medical Centre (Guild Village, Crawley campus) offers on-campus general practitioners, nursing care and direct billing for preferred OSHC policies.
๐ง Mental Health
UWA Psychological and Counselling Services and The Living Room (student wellbeing peer space at Guild Village) provide free confidential counselling, crisis support and wellbeing workshops.
Allianz Care Australia OSHC (UWA preferred provider โ arranged via UWA offer acceptance or directly)
Bupa, Medibank, nib or ahm government-approved OSHC policies
Reciprocal exemptions apply only to specific Norwegian, Swedish or Belgian national insurance schemes under Australian Home Affairs rules
Campus services
UWA Global Learning & Inbound Exchange Office
Partner nominations, Study Abroad admissions, unit pre-approval guidance, Learning Agreement sign-off and orientation coordination.
UWA Accommodation & College Row Portal
Centralized application portal for University Hall and the four affiliated residential colleges, plus UWA Studystays off-campus housing advisory.
UWA Student Guild
Over 150 student clubs, Guild Volunteering, Student Assist (independent academic and welfare advocacy), Tav and Refectory dining discounts.
UWA Medical Centre & Wellbeing (The Living Room)
On-campus GP clinic, psychological counselling, peer mental health support and UniAccess disability/academic adjustments.
STUDYSmarter & Reid Library Academic Skills
Drop-in academic writing consultations, maths/stats coaching, English communication workshops and exam preparation guides.
Student life at The University of Western Australia
Student life revolves around Oak Lawn, the UWA Student Guildโs 150+ clubs, Matilda Bay watersports and ESN UWA trips to Rottnest Island and Margaret River.
Student Clubs
- Over 150 UWA Student Guild clubs and societies presented at O-Day on Oak Lawn.
- Exchange Student Network (ESN UWA) and International Studentsโ Department (ISD) social trips and welcome events.
- UWA Outdoor Club, Surf Club and Underwater Club for weekend coastal and regional adventures.
Buddy Program
UWA UniMentor matches incoming international and exchange students with current UWA mentors for campus tours, timetable help and social meetups from Orientation Week onward.
Sports & Recreation
- UWA Sport Fitness and Recreation Centre (Crawley) with gym, Olympic pool, squash and tennis courts, and social intramural leagues.
- UWA Boat Club and Watersports Complex on Matilda Bay for rowing, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding on the Swan River.
- Inter-college sports cup competitions for residents living along College Row.
Public Groups & Communities
Your First 2 Weeks
- Attend UWA International Orientation and O-Day on Oak Lawn.
- Collect your UWA Campus Card and activate your Tertiary SmartRider concession in StudentConnect.
- Finalise your 4 units (24 credit points) and CAS tutorial/lab preferences.
- Set up Eduroam Wi-Fi and 24/7 swipe access at Reid Library.
- Join the ESN UWA and Guild welcome events at Matilda Bay and the UWA Tavern.
Key exchange dates at The University of Western Australia
Track UWAโs two main intakes carefully: 30 September / 15 October deadlines for Semester 1 (FebruaryโJune) and 30 March / 15 April deadlines for Semester 2 (JulyโNovember), plus compulsory Orientation Week before classes begin.
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1
Semester 1 nomination & application
Nomination by 30 September; application by 15 October (prior year)
Applies to February Semester 1 entry; submit unit choices early for engineering and science prerequisites.
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2
Semester 1 O-Week, classes & exams
Orientation mid-February; classes late FebโMay; exams in June
O-Day on Oak Lawn takes place during Orientation Week; do not book flights before final June exam dates.
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3
Semester 2 nomination & application
Nomination by 30 March; application by 15 April (same year)
Applies to July Semester 2 entry; apply for College Row housing immediately upon nomination.
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4
Semester 2 Orientation, classes & exams
Orientation mid-July; classes late JulyโOctober; exams in November
Spring weather arrives in September alongside Kings Park Festival; exams conclude by mid-to-late November.
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