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Study Abroad
Questions & Answers

Find what you need to plan your next step abroad.

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Getting started

When can I study abroad?

A: You can normally plan to go after completing your first two years, around 90–110 credits. Your chosen partner also sets GPA and language requirements.

Check your pathway with your faculty advisor and OIA before applying.

Which program should I choose?

A: Start with three questions:

  • Your goal: a semester overseas, a Double Degree or a short experience?
  • Your timing: does the host calendar fit your AU study plan?
  • Your budget: can you cover tuition, living costs and travel?

Discuss your shortlist with your family and faculty advisor.

Exchange Double Degree Short-term programs
How do overseas academic calendars compare with AU?

A: Semester dates often differ. Use this as a broad planning guide and confirm exact dates with each university.

Typical semester windows

Location First semester / Fall Second semester / Spring
AU June–October November–March
Europe, UK & USA September–January January/February–May
Japan April–July September–March
South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong & Macao March–June September–December/January
Australia February–June July–November

AU’s summer break is typically April–May. Host calendars vary by institution and year.

How can different semester dates affect my study plan?

A: Host semesters and grade-release dates may overlap with AU’s schedule. This can affect registration and graduation planning.

Meet your faculty advisor in Year 2 to review course equivalencies, semester gaps and the expected timing of credit transfer.

Can I transfer AU credits to another university?

A: The receiving university makes the final decision, whether or not it is an AU partner.

  1. Review its admission and transfer rules.
  2. Complete the application and obtain an offer.
  3. Submit your official AU transcript and course syllabi for evaluation.

Eligibility

What are the exchange eligibility requirements?

A: Review these points with OIA and your faculty:

  • Meet the host GPA requirement, commonly in the 2.75–3.00 range.
  • Have no disciplinary record.
  • Complete English IV or meet the required English proficiency, with IELTS 6.0 cited as a reference.
  • Obtain faculty approval for your curriculum mapping.
  • Provide an advisor recommendation when required and attend the OIA interview.
  • Return to AU to complete graduation requirements and your post-program report.
Can students from every AU faculty study abroad?

A: AU students can explore overseas opportunities, but available routes and suitable courses depend on their faculty and degree.

Discuss Double Degree options with your faculty advisor. For specialist programs such as Architecture, Biotechnology, VMES, Law, Nursing and AU SIMBA, consult your faculty or Dean’s office about practicums, licensing and overseas arrangements.

Costs & scholarships

Are scholarships available?

A: Support depends on the university, destination and current funding. Some exchanges offer government support for living expenses; some Double Degree partners offer tuition discounts.

Scholarships may be merit-based or offered at a fixed rate. Ask OIA what is available when you apply.

How much should I budget?

A: Include airfare, visa costs, insurance, accommodation and everyday living expenses. Some hosts also charge deposits, processing fees or study-abroad fees.

For Double Degree planning, the OIA FAQ gives a reference estimate of THB 950,000–1,500,000 for 8–12 months. Your actual budget depends on the pathway and destination.

Where do I pay tuition for an exchange semester?

A: You pay AU tuition for the subjects registered at the host, according to the arrangements confirmed before departure. Host tuition is waived under the applicable exchange agreement.

Budget separately for travel, insurance, living costs and any host processing fees.

How are Double Degree tuition and fees paid?

A: After acceptance, the host may require a deposit to secure your offer. Tuition is paid directly to the host university.

AU student-status maintenance and credit-transfer fees also apply as required to recognise the results in your AU transcript. Confirm the fee schedule and payment timing with OIA.

Credits & graduation

What is curriculum mapping?

A: It is the process of matching overseas subjects to your AU degree requirements before you leave.

  1. Choose suitable host courses or electives.
  2. Share course descriptions and credits with your AU advisor.
  3. Obtain official faculty approval for the proposed equivalencies.
Download Course Equivalency Request Form
How does credit transfer work at AU?

A:

  1. Plan: choose host courses with your AU academic advisor.
  2. Approve: obtain faculty approval before departure.
  3. Complete: meet the host’s passing-grade requirements.
  4. Transfer: submit the host transcript for verification and official recording at AU.

Keep your approved curriculum map and confirm documentation requirements with your faculty.

See the return-to-AU step
Will studying abroad delay my graduation?

A: Different semesters and transcript-release dates can affect your timeline. Plan semester gaps and outstanding AU requirements with your advisor early.

Depending on faculty approval, summer courses, short programs or approved online courses may help you use gaps productively. Do not assume an extra course will count without approval.

Can OIA help with partner, non-partner or master’s applications?

A: For partner universities, OIA can help introduce you to admissions representatives or coordinators. For non-partner institutions, OIA may refer you and your family to education agency partners.

Admission and credit-transfer decisions remain with the receiving university.

Visa & documents

Which documents will I need to apply?

A: The required list varies by host and program. Common items include:

  • Passport and academic transcript
  • Recommendation letter
  • Health-check documentation, where required
  • Statement of purpose for Double Degree applications
  • Bank statement or proof of funds
  • Sponsor support letter, depending on visa requirements

Follow the checklist supplied for your specific application.

Can OIA help with the visa application process?

A: OIA coordinates with AU’s visa section and your chairperson on student-visa arrangements during the overseas period.

For the destination visa application, OIA can share visa-processing contacts. Families may apply independently or use a processing partner. Follow the relevant official visa requirements for your destination.

Before & after your trip

What support is available before departure?

A: The host university usually provides guidance on arrival and student life. Research on-campus and off-campus housing and review payment, reservation and cancellation terms carefully.

Where possible, OIA can connect you with students who have studied in the destination for practical experience-sharing.

Read AU student stories
What if my selected courses are not available?

A:

  1. Check the host catalogue for suitable alternatives.
  2. Email your AU faculty advisor the new syllabi and proposed replacements.
  3. Obtain written approval and update your curriculum map before finalising enrolment.

Do not assume a replacement will transfer automatically.

What should my post-program report include?

A: Share honest experiences and useful advice in a creative format. Cover:

  • Learning and growth: challenges and how you adapted
  • Classes and campus: teaching styles, engagement and student life
  • Daily living: local routines and advice for future students
  • Practical tips: transport, facilities, places to visit and living costs

Photos and personal tips are welcome. Confirm submission details with OIA.

Still have a question?

Students and parents can chat with OIA. Institutional partners can email us about mobility partnerships and customised programs.

Visit Room SR101, St. Raphael’s Hall, Suvarnabhumi Campus.