Exchange Program (One Semester) (CRICOS course code 048208K) is a Non AQF Award delivered by La Trobe University (La Trobe) over 26 weeks (~6 months). This programme is designed for international students who wish to spend a semester studying in Australia as part of their home institution's exchange agreement. With zero tuition and non-tuition fees (indicative, sourced from the CRICOS register), it offers a cost-effective pathway to experience Australian higher education and culture. La Trobe University is a government-funded institution registered as CRICOS 00115M, with multiple campuses across Victoria. As an exchange student, you will take courses from La Trobe's wide range of disciplines, earning credit toward your home degree. This page provides comprehensive information on course structure, entry requirements, visa conditions, and how to apply. All data is from the official CRICOS register as at 1 April 2026. HeadStart Academy is a free resource linking you to CRICOS-registered providers and courses.
Exchange Program (One Semester) (CRICOS 048208K) is a Non AQF Award offered by La Trobe University (La Trobe). It falls under the field of Mixed Field Programmes (broad field 12, narrow 1299, detailed 129999 – Mixed Field Programmes, n.e.c.). This classification covers programmes that combine generic skills or multidisciplinary content not elsewhere classified. As a non-AQF award, the course does not lead to an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) qualification, but it provides academic credit transferable to the student's home institution. Over 26 weeks, exchange students typically enrol in four to five subjects (depending on the host university's credit system). La Trobe University is one of over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers in Australia, offering more than 26,000 courses to international students. The ESOS Act ensures your rights as a student, including tuition protection and transparent information. For full course details, visit the provider's website at http://www.latrobe.edu.au/international.
While the exact curriculum varies based on the exchange agreement, students in Mixed Field Programmes typically engage in interdisciplinary studies that develop critical thinking, global awareness, and communication skills. At La Trobe, you can choose subjects from arts, business, health, science, law, or engineering, depending on availability and prerequisites. The programme is designed to broaden your academic perspective and cultural understanding. Learning outcomes align with non-AQF awards: you will gain experience in an Australian educational environment, improve English language proficiency, and build a network of international contacts. Assessment methods include exams, essays, group projects, and presentations. All instruction is in English. Note that this is not a foundation studies programme and does not include a mandatory work component.
The CRICOS register lists the duration as 26 weeks (approximately 6 months). This typically corresponds to a single semester of full-time study. The language of instruction is English. The course is offered as a single qualification only (no dual qualification). Study mode is on-campus at one of La Trobe's six delivery locations: Albury-Wodonga Campus (Wodonga, VIC), Bendigo Campus (Flora Hill, VIC), City Campus (Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC), Melbourne (Bundoora) Campus (Bundoora, VIC), Mildura Campus (Mildura, VIC), and Shepparton Campus (Shepparton, VIC). Students attend classes during standard academic semesters (usually February–June or July–November). International students must maintain full-time enrolment to comply with student visa (Subclass 500) conditions.
According to the CRICOS register as at 1 April 2026, the tuition fee for Exchange Program (One Semester) is A$0, non-tuition fees are A$0, and the estimated total cost is A$0. This is because exchange students typically pay tuition to their home institution, not to La Trobe, under a bilateral exchange agreement. However, students are responsible for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) (see our guide at /visa/oshc-health-cover), living expenses, and the visa application charge. For current fee confirmations, always check the provider's official website: http://www.latrobe.edu.au/international. Living costs vary by location: in Melbourne, indicative weekly expenses are around A$450–650 (rent, groceries, transport). Regional campuses like Bendigo or Mildura are generally cheaper. HeadStart Academy provides indicative data only; fees are subject to change.
Entry requirements for exchange programmes are set by the home and host institutions. Generally, students must be enrolled in a degree at a partner university and have completed at least one year of tertiary study. English language requirements vary by provider – typically IELTS 5.5–7.0 overall (or equivalent) depending on course level. For this Non AQF Award, an IELTS score of 6.0 is common. Some institutions may require a minimum GPA. No foundation or pathway options are offered as part of this course. Always check La Trobe's specific requirements on their website. For visa purposes, you must demonstrate genuine temporary entrant (GTE) status and financial capacity to cover living costs, OSHC, and travel. Consult a registered MARA agent or the Department of Home Affairs for personalised advice.
This course has no work component. It is purely academic, with no mandatory internship, placement, or work-based learning. However, as an international student on a Subclass 500 visa, you are allowed to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during scheduled holidays. Work should not interfere with your studies. Note that exchange students may be subject to additional conditions from their home institution regarding work rights. For full details, see our student visa page at /visa/student-visa-subclass-500.
La Trobe University delivers this course at six campuses across Victoria, each offering a unique study environment: - **Melbourne (Bundoora) Campus** – the main campus in BUNDOORA, VIC, with extensive facilities and a large student population. - **City Campus (Collins Street)** – in central Melbourne, VIC, ideal for students seeking urban lifestyle. - **Bendigo Campus** – in Flora Hill, VIC, a regional city with lower living costs. - **Albury-Wodonga Campus** – in Wodonga, VIC, on the NSW border. - **Mildura Campus** – in Mildura, VIC, in the northwest. - **Shepparton Campus** – in Shepparton, VIC, in the Goulburn Valley.
Melbourne and regional campuses have good public transport connections. Student populations vary: Melbourne has over 200,000 students, while regional centres have smaller but close-knit communities. Living costs in regional areas are ~20–30% lower than Melbourne. Consider your preferences for climate, lifestyle, and cost when choosing a location. All campuses are CRICOS-registered and meet ESOS standards.
To study Exchange Program (One Semester) in Australia, you must hold a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows you to stay for the duration of your course plus any holiday periods. Key conditions include: maintaining full-time enrolment, achieving satisfactory course progress, and having valid OSHC. Work rights are as mentioned above (48 hours/fortnight during term). You must also satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, demonstrating you intend to stay temporarily for study. Financial capacity must be shown for travel, tuition (if any), living expenses (A$21,041/year for a single student), OSHC (approx. A$500–700/year), and dependents if applicable. The visa application charge is currently A$1,600. For a comprehensive guide, refer to our student visa page at /visa/student-visa-subclass-500. Remember, HeadStart Academy is not a migration agent; consult MARA-registered agents for visa assistance.
Victoria is Australia's second-most popular destination for international students, with over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers statewide (including La Trobe) and more than 26,000 courses available. Melbourne is consistently ranked among the world's most liveable cities, offering a vibrant arts scene, multicultural food, and excellent public transport. Regional campuses like Bendigo, Mildura, and Shepparton provide a quieter, affordable lifestyle with strong community ties. Victoria's climate ranges from temperate in the south to semi-arid in the north, so consider your preference. Living costs: Melbourne's weekly rent averages A$350–550, regional areas A$200–350. Groceries and transport are generally cheaper outside Melbourne. As an exchange student, you'll have access to La Trobe's support services, including academic advising, career counselling, and student clubs. Before choosing a location, research the campus community and available support.
Ready to start your exchange in Australia? Browse more CRICOS-registered courses at HeadStart Academy or contact La Trobe University directly for application procedures.
Exchange Program (One Semester) is a CRICOS-registered programme at La Trobe University (La Trobe). Use this register extract [CRICOS register, Apr 2026] to cross-check codes, duration and indicative fees before you apply.
This page is general information only and not migration advice. Confirm Student visa (Subclass 500) requirements with the Department of Home Affairs.