DATES:
Fall
(Semester 2 in Australia):
August - December
Spring (Semester 1 in Australia):
February - May
PROGRAM FEE:
Paid to Mason:
--
$125 Application Fee
--
$350 Administrative Fee ($550 for year long)
-- George Mason Tuition
Paid to Canberra University:
-- Overseas student health coverage (~$245)
-- Housing (~$4500)
Not Included in Cost:
-- International Airfare
-- Passport Fees
-- Visa Fees (~$535)
-- Personal Expenses
Financial aid should apply, but you are recommended to discuss aid with your financial aid counselor when planning your study abroad.
NOTE:
If a student applies and is accepted into a direct exchange program and then drops out of the program,the $350 administrative fee is non-refundable. In addition, program fees are subject to change.
ELIGIBILITY:
This program is open to Mason students ONLY. Students must have completed at least 45 credits at the time of departure and have a minimum 2.5 GPA. Students should not study abroad the last semester of senior year if they plan to graduate on time.
CREDITS:
Students may enroll in a variety of courses and may transfer between 12-16 credits per semester back to Mason, provided the letter grade received is equivalent to a "C" or above. The courses are transfer credit, and therefore will not factor into the GPA of the participant.
Note: At Canberra, exchange students must take 12 credits, but can take up to 16. Each course above 12 credits will cost an additional $2000.
Students can take courses in a variety of fields including:
-- Business
-- Communications
--
Design
--
Education
--
Information Sciences
--
International Relations & Politics
--
Health
--
History
--
Law
--
Literature
--
Political Science
--
Sciences
HOUSING:
Students may choose to live on campus, off-campus in shared apartments or with a host family.
The Student Residence Halls on campus are set in landscaped native gardens where you can watch kangaroos graze at dusk. Students are encouraged to live on campus as it will allow you to meet other students, be close to campus and is easier than trying to set up independent housing. Though most students living in residence halls do their own cooking, meal plans are available and there are dining options on campus.
Contact
Email Daria Stepanova
or call (703) 993-2154.
APPLICATION DEADLINES:
Now accepting online applications!
Fall Semester: March 8
Spring Semester: October 1
Experience life Down Under at the University of Canberra - a modern, well designed, and vibrant campus where wild birds fly overhead and kangaroos greet you outside your ressies (residences).
Lectures are held in modern lecture theaters fully equipped with multi-media facilities. Tutorials (small groups) are held in comfortable but highly resourced classrooms where you receive personal attention. Exchange students are free to choose from courses in all programs and must take at least 12 credits per semester, just as full time students do at Mason. Students wishing to take more than 12 credits will need to pay additional registration fees.
Mason students on a boat ride in Canberra Consult the How to Apply section first and make sure you meet the eligibility requirements for a direct exchange program. Next, attend a Direct Exchange program information session. Do this prior to starting an application to ensure that you understand how to choose the right program and what is expected of you during the application process. Check the course offerings at the school you are interested in applying to and check to ensure that they match your course requirements. See “Choosing Courses Abroad” section below. CHOOSING COURSES ABROAD: **Note: Make sure you find plenty of primary AND alternate course options before deciding on a specific program. Schedules are subject to change and registration in your preferred classes is not guaranteed, so you should have sufficient alternate course options. Also, please keep in mind that you must enroll in the equivalency of at least 12 U.S. credits per semester.
After a week-long welcome orientation upon your arrival on campus at the start of your semester, new students have the option to participate in a trip organized by the Study Abroad Office at UC. The trips often change, but currently exchange students are taken on a weekend trip to Sydney, a weekend surfing trip at Seven Mile Beach and a third trip to the Blue Mountains for a weekend of hiking. The trips are a great way to meet other international students and explore Australia.

Aerial view of the University of Canberra
Those interested in fitness can use the gym or join one of the many sports teams. UC's Sports Union organizes multiple social and competitive team events as well as special interest activities. There are also a variety of other clubs you can join. There is never a shortage of things to do at UC. You may even end up wondering when you will have time to study!

On-campus housing - The International House
Exchange students have a variety of options for housing while studying at the University of Canberra. Students can live on campus or off campus, although on campus is recommended. Students choosing to live in the Arscott house will be provided breakfast and dinner. Other housing options exist on campus for students who choose to cook their own meals. The prices for each housing option vary, but can accommodate many different budgets. Please visit UC's housing page for more detailed information.

On-campus housing - The Village
VISA INFORMATION:
Once accepted into a program, it will be your responsibility to apply for a student visa and/or residence permit (if required, based on your citizenship). You will receive details on this with your acceptance letter. Do not apply for a visa until after you have been officially accepted. Visit the Embassy of Australia's website for further information.
MORE HELPFUL LINKS:
Canberra's Tourism Website
Australia's Tourism Website
Campus and City Maps
U.S. State Department Travel Information
Video created by a Canadian exchange student at Canberra
UC Facebook Page
UC Study Abroad Facebook Page
Follow Canberra on Twitter @unicanberra
How to Apply
Once you’ve selected an appropriate program that offers courses that match your major, complete the online application and pay the $125 application fee. Please note that all supplemental documents are also required by the application deadline. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please contact the program officer for further application forms and instructions specific to your program.
There is no list of pre-approved classes for you to take on a direct exchange program. It is your responsibility to select courses and get them approved for transfer credit. Please refer to the “Departments and Courses” link on the left-hand side of this page for a list of course options on this program. You must then complete a Petition for Transfer of Credits Form to ensure that your courses will transfer back to Mason. Download a petition form here.
Download complete petition form instructions for Canberra here.
You can fill out the petition form prior to acceptance into a specific study abroad program and in fact, you should begin this process when you first consider applying. Identify courses at the host institution that are similar to those at Mason that you need to take. This will increase your chances of receiving transfer credit approval from the Departmental Advisors who must sign your petition form. Follow complete instructions from the link above and contact your program officer if you have questions.
*CGE reserves the right to make changes to a program in light of currency fluctuations, changing security and safety conditions, or any other unforeseen circumstances


