Study Abroad in Australia: University of Canberra

Name: Study Abroad in Australia: University of Canberra
Brand: University of Canberra
SKU: 15853
Rating: 4.67 (54 reviews)

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4.67 Rating

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Location

Australia
- Canberra

Term

Academic Year, Fall, Spring

Subject Areas

Accounting Advertising Architecture Arts Business Communications Computer Science Creative Writing Criminal Justice Design Economics Education Film Finance Food Science and Nutrition Global Studies Graphic Design Health Sciences Hospitality International Business International Relations Journalism Landscape Architecture Law Marketing Natural Sciences Nursing Philosophy Political Science Psychology Public Relations Sociology Sports Science Tourism Web Design +25

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Program Details

Program Type

Direct Enrollment

Degree Level

Bachelors Masters

Housing

Apartment Dormitory Host Family

Language

English

Pricing

Price Details

Tuition*: AUD $9,900 AUD per semester (currently $6,550 USD**)
Living expenses: AUD $300 per week estimate (currently $200 USD**) for on campus housing + utilities, groceries & public transport

*Prices are current in 2024 and subject to change
**USD quoted prices are Google's exchange estimate on 26 Aug. 2024). Actual exchange rates and prices will be determined at the time of payment.

Last Updated: Sep 11, 2024

Last Reviewed: Nov 25, 2024

Wish List

35 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

The Study Abroad program at the University of Canberra (UC) enables you to study in Australia's capital city and receive credit for one to two semesters of your degree. Live on campus in guaranteed housing, just footsteps away from class and the resident kangaroos and colourful parrots! Choose from over 3,000 classes and study alongside local Aussies at a world ranked university with a 5-star rating in teaching quality and learner engagement (GUG, 2023).

Canberra is a beautiful, well designed city, currently ranked #2 in the world for quality of life (Oxford Economics Global Cities index). Canberra boasts an excellent blend of city and country life, offering all the amenities and activities of a larger city without the congestion.

Access full support from the UC Global Learning Office, including many free or subsidised activities and trips every semester.

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Video and Photos

UC students cheering for the University of Canberra Brumbies

Kangaroos live on the University of Canberra Campus!

Floriade, one of the many annual festivals in Canberra

University of Canberra Study Abroad and Exchange Program

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Program Highlights

Live on campus in guaranteed housing, just footsteps away from class and the resident kangaroos and colourful parrots!
Choose from over 3,000 classes and study alongside local Aussies at a world ranked university with a 5-star rating in teaching quality and learner engagement (GUG, 2023).
Canberra is a beautiful, well designed city, currently ranked #2 in the world for quality of life (Oxford Economics Global Cities index). Canberra boasts an excellent blend of city and country life, offering all the amenities and activities of a larger ci
UC’s semester dates tend to line up with well with the Northern Hemisphere University calendar, meaning you can study abroad and have that summer job or internship you want without compromise.
Access full support from the UC Global Learning Office, including many free or subsidised activities and trips every semester.

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Program Reviews

4.67 Rating

based on 54 reviews

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Rating Spread Study

5 rating 68.52%
4 rating 29.63%
3 rating 1.85%
2 rating 0%
1 rating 0%

Academics 4.15
Support 4.8
Fun 3.75
Housing 4.65
Safety 4.7

Good for Students

Showing 17 - 24 of 54 reviews

friendly and helpful people through and through - if i ever needed support, i got it almost instantly! i especially got to love the community i experienced in my accomodation AND the international group.
to sum it up: ive had a great time and im sure that everyone who will participate in this overseas exchange programme will have an equally valuable experience!

Was very hesitant to come to Australia, knowing I'd be here for a year, but as my time is coming to an end, I'm wishing I could stay longer!
The people here are amazing, between the Australians I live on res with, and the exchange students I have met, they have made this experience what it was, and that's the best year of my life.
The ambassadors have done so much to make this experience fun for the exchange students. Despite not getting paid, they always had plenty of time for us by organising trips, parties, bbqs etc.
It was amazing getting to know so many people from different cultures amongst the exchangees and Australians. It makes me just want to travel more afterwards.
Canberra is in a good position geographically as well, as it's a reasonable distance from both Sydney and Melbourne.

What would you improve about this program?

The rent is so expensive for what you get. Not only that, but if you miss a rent payment, they don't let you know about missing your payment until they email you, giving you about one week before they kick you off. The people in the office can be blunt. They say they will do inspections on a certain date and they arrive a week later and charge each housemate $60 for a failed inspection. They don't give your deposit back after your stay until you ask for it. Isn't that illegal?
These are the reasons why less and less people live on campus.

Response from University of Canberra

Hi Gareth,
Thank you for your review of our program and we are so glad to hear that you have enjoyed your experience here in Australia. Your feedback and praise for our ambassadors will be taken with full stride as we try to make the program greater each semester.

We welcome your negative feedback regarding housing. The Study Abroad and Exchange Office aims to provide students with the best experience while living in Canberra and unfortunately this is one aspect of the program which we have limited control over. As the majority of housing on campus is privately operated, the exchange office is unable to determine costs, payments and the general operation of these living options. Despite this, we continue to communicate all feedback regarding housing with each applicable residency. As seen in recent years, new and more affordable housing options are beginning to be offered on campus and this will hopefully continue as the university moves through its expansion.

By University of Canberra on June 17, 2014

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I was lucky enough to have such an incredible experience on my exchange to UC. The staff at the Study Abroad office has made this a great experience. I've learned and grown so much through this program and I have made some of the best memories of my entire life here. Canberra is truly a city that offers a lot, but you need to be willing to go and find it. Once you do take the opportunity to explore, you'll find that you can never be bored! The academics, though to me they were challenging, I found were reasonable. Classes weren't so difficult that I didn't have enough time to enjoy myself. Through the Study Abroad office at UC I was able to transition so smoothly. The activities that were planned for exchange students gave me a chance to meet some incredible people. You get the opportunity to meet people from around the world and I can leave saying I've made friends for a lifetime. The social scene on campus is incredible and coming from New York City I was impressed. Living on campus was a good decision too because I was closer to my lecture halls and I could hangout with friends that were nearby. Everything you need is within walking distance and if you are ever lost or need help the UC staff at the exchange office is always there if you need it. This program is so well developed it's impossible to leave saying you didn't have a unforgettable time!

Response from University of Canberra

Hi Roshani,

The Study Abroad and Exchange Office are glad to hear about your wonderful experience at UC and appreciate your wonderful praises. Canberra is certainly a city which offers a lot and we enjoy hearing all of your positive feedback of the University, staff, Canberra and Australia! We pride our program on the social experience and opportunities provided to students to make the most of their experience.

By University of Canberra on July 6, 2014

From the applying process here in the end everything has been unforgettable. I got help in all stages and I feel that if I had something to ask I could do that easily.

Even though people complain about Canberra, I find it good place to study and also have fun. Canberra is not like Sydney but you can find heaps to do also here, if you just want to. At least my calendar has been full since the beginning! And there are lots of parties, if you are a party animal.

The exchange staff is very friendly and helpful. Other exchange students as well as Australians are nice people and like one big family here. Also teachers are nice and lenient towards us exchange students.

There are so many opportunities to explore Australia even from here: travel around and see the wildlife - even in your backyard!

What would you improve about this program?

UC's accommodation is not perfect - actually it's far from there. The apartments, especially University Village (UV) apartments are old, cold and dirty. And not just dirty like you could clean them. Lot of things are broken in apartments time to time: showers, toilets, taps, ovens… And usually it takes long time for University Village staff to do anything about it.
It's also cold in the apartments especially during the winter and beginning of the spring. It doesn't always help that you have a heater if it's working one our at the time. Luckily mine was broken and stayed on as long as I wanted it to stay.
And the housing is very expensive comparing to the level of it.
But at least university guaranteed housing for all of the students so I didn't need to worry about it.

Response from University of Canberra

Hi Bora,

Thank you for your review and sharing your experience here at the University of Canberra. It is great to hear that the people you met and university staff were friendly and welcoming. You are spot on that Canberra is the perfect platform for basing your travels in Australia with close proximity to both nature and our large urban centres.

By University of Canberra on July 6, 2014

This exchange program is one of the best experiences I've ever had! If you ever get the chance to do it, DEFINITELY take that chance! You will not regret it. So many wonderful memories will be made here! The people are great, the UC Staff is very helpful & they work hard to provide us with everything we need as exchange students. This program will let you explore and learn so much about yourself, about Australian culture & life, and it will definitely help you grow as a person. It's a once in a lifetime experience, and think of all the great stories you'll get to take back home with you as well :)

One thing I've learned is, people complain about how Canberra is boring, however, if you know where to find the fun, you won't have enough time in your schedule for everything. I know this because that's what my experience was like. My schedule is super packed with schoolwork, fun & exciting events, trips, and PARTIES! So don't let anyone tell you that you can't have fun here! I'm from New York, one of the most exciting city's in the world, and I'm telling you right now, if Canberra is anything, it's not boring.

What would you improve about this program?

More support for this program from the University. This program is great and I think that UC needs to fund it more! It isn't cheap trying to look out for and entertain such large groups of exchange students, I definitely think that the uni could do more for the exchange office to help them out with everything that goes into this program.

Response from University of Canberra

Hi Dina,

Your review is fantastic and we greatly appreciate your feedback here in the Study Abroad and Exchange Office! Canberra is a fun, vibrant and youthful city and in no means should be compared to the likes of Sydney and Melbourne. We offer a unique Australian experience and pride ourselves on the friendliness of locals, beautiful seasonal weather, wildlife and the great annual calendar of events and festivals. Thank you for your support and we hope to make our program greater in future semesters.

By University of Canberra on July 6, 2014

Read my full story

Studying on exchange has profoundly changed the way I view and interact with different cultures. Australia is incredibly diverse and beautiful in both the natural and man-made landscapes. The program at UC is very good about making you feel welcome and cared for. Academically, classes vary in difficulty, but nothing is un-manageable. The short weekends and day-trips were great opportunities to explore more of the country. I've made some of my closest friends here, whom I know will remain close after we leave. Experiences like these, where you're taken completely out of your comfort zone, make it easier to be real with yourself and others. I would recommend this type of experience to anyone. But beware, you will likely catch the travel bug and crave more adventure!

What would you improve about this program?

No more UC Village. It is dirty and not worth the money to live here. Ewwie.

Response from University of Canberra

Hi Carly,

It is great to hear that you took so much away from our exchange program and learned more about yourself! Your feedback is greatly appreciated here in the exchange office and we enjoy hearing about experience.

By University of Canberra on July 6, 2014

UC is not a large university, but there is tons of activities provided. UC staff are really friendly and they provided all kinds of support to students. In ressies there is always something happening, partying, hanging out or watching movies.

What would you improve about this program?

Living in Canberra is really expensive and city itself is quite boring.

Response from University of Canberra

Hi MK,

The University of Canberra is a smaller University which is both growing and improving. Being small, we are able to work closer with students to provide the best experience while here on exchange. The cost of living in Australia is expensive for students and reflects the growing economy of many of its cities. To make your experience more affordable the exchange office works towards offering exciting and affordable trips, activities and options for students to take advantage of during their time with us in Canberra.

By University of Canberra on July 6, 2014

Overall, the exchange program was excellent. It was a great way to meet other exchange students and some of my closest relationships are with other exchange students.

What would you improve about this program?

More information about the University prior to getting here.

Questions & Answers

Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Do you think your program changed you as a person?

Definitely. I think it's impossible for an experience like being in a far away country for one year to not change you as a person. I have probably met around 200 people since arriving here, and I think I got to experience so many different and unique personalities that I wouldn't have experienced if I decided not to go on exchange.

So because I met so many people, I feel a lot more comfortable introducing myself and talking to strangers. I also have never lived on my own before going abroad, so in terms of independence this exchange has been really beneficial. I could hardly boil an egg before arriving here, but now I can fend for myself in the kitchen.

Tell us about an experience you had that you could not have had at home.

My home university (DIT) in Ireland wasn't too far away from my house, so it wouldn't have made much sense if I didn't live with my parents. One of the big reasons I decided to go was to experience the lifestyle of living on campus surrounded by friends, and that's my favorite part of being abroad.

Every day I could do something with my friends, whether if it was something simple such as watching TV with them, hanging out in one of the common areas or going to the city for a night out with them. I'm sure it will be difficult to have these friends who were a two minute walk away to being on the other side of the Atlantic, or in another country elsewhere.

View Entire Interview

What made this study abroad experience unique and special?

The people. I am staying quite late in Canberra, as I want to hold onto my job to save money and to travel to Melbourne before heading back home, and it's tough (to say the least) to say goodbye to people I have gotten to know really well. As more and more people are going, you soon realize that it's the group of people that make an experience what it is.

I was lucky enough to be apart of two different great exchange groups during my time in Canberra, and they're people I'd love to see again and to keep in contact with. I've become really good friends with Australians as well, which is another reason why I'm sticking around for longer. Since I visited their country, I hope they can return the favor and visit mine!

How has this experience impacted your future?

I was very apprehensive before arriving here. Spending a full year away from home was pretty daunting considering the longest I've been outside my country before that was two weeks. The whole journey coming over here I actually spent most of it looking forward to when I come back home, so before, I used to always consider myself as a home bird, with no interest of seeing much of the world outside Ireland.

But now, on my return flight, I wouldn't bet against me looking forward to seeing the amazing people I have met again. I can't think of anything better than to take a year out and to travel around, having reunions with the closest friends I made here.

What is one piece of advice you'd give future University of Canberra students?

Make the most of it while you're here. There are brilliant ambassadors here who want you're experience of Australia to be as good as it can be, and how they do that is by organising many trips and parties. So I'd recommend to go to as many of them as your bank account allows you to!

Being in Australia costs money, so I missed a chunk of my second semester here as I was doing farm work, and I have to say it was frustrating to miss out on the orientation, and the twice-a-year Sydney trip to get to know all of the exchange students from my second semester. So another piece of advice is to try and get a job as early as possible, in order to afford everything, especially if you're here for the year.

Dina Ahmed

2013 Alum

Tara Brommeland

Elaine Wilcock

Hannah Foulstone

Frédéric Alexandre Schaub

Callie Norwich

Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

What is your favorite travel memory?

I’d have to say that dogsledding in Norway under the Northern Lights and capturing them on my own camera was definitely an experience to remember!

What position do you hold at the University of Canberra? What has been your career path so far?

This is my fourth year as the Inbound Study Abroad and Exchange Officer and it’s actually my first job since graduating university. I feel that this job is the perfect match for my passions, skills and experience and I definitely don’t plan on leaving in the near future.

While studying my Bachelors in Communication Studies at the University of North Carolina, Wilmington (UNCW), I interned at the Office of International Programs and while I was studying my Master of International Relations at Macquarie University, I worked at Macquarie International. This experience working in international offices in two different countries gave me invaluable experience to help me land my current job.

View Entire Interview

Did YOU study abroad?! If so, where and what inspired you to go?

Yes, of course! I wanted the adventure of exploring somewhere new. I went to Wagga Wagga, Australia, which wasn’t my first choice, but something I would never take back. It was here where I met my Aussie husband, decided to change my career path, and deepened my faith.

I also learned that the best places to study abroad are where you can meet the locals and have a true cultural experience. It’s not in the big cities, after all, where the kangaroos and native wildlife live! That’s one of the things I love about working at the University of Canberra too. We have more local students and even kangaroos on campus!

What country have you always wanted to visit?

I’ve always wanted to visit Japan because I became close friends with two Japanese exchange students back when I was studying my undergraduate degree at UNCW. Japanese culture intrigues me, the people are extremely kind and the food isn’t bad either!

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

I love my entire team at the University of Canberra and I feel proud to be a part of the Study Abroad and Exchange team every day! We are all likeminded in our passion for travel and overseas study and we are all very creative and innovative, constantly looking for ways to improve- and implementing them.

About University of Canberra

The University of Canberra is located in Australia's capital city, Canberra. Canberra is conveniently located 3 hours from Sydney and 2 hours from the south coast beaches and the snowy mountains. Canberra offers the perfect blend of city and nature, with all the amenities of a larger city but without the congestion. With a higher percentage of...

Program Details

Pricing

Program Highlights

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Response from University of Canberra

Response from University of Canberra

Response from University of Canberra

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Response from University of Canberra

Alumni Interviews

Gareth Keogh

Do you think your program changed you as a person?

Tell us about an experience you had that you could not have had at home.

What made this study abroad experience unique and special?

How has this experience impacted your future?

What is one piece of advice you'd give future University of Canberra students?

Staff Interviews

Rebecca Willis

What is your favorite travel memory?

What position do you hold at the University of Canberra? What has been your career path so far?

Did YOU study abroad?! If so, where and what inspired you to go?

What country have you always wanted to visit?

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?