Study overseas

This public health program is designed for undergraduate and postgraduate students from the Institute of Health and Wellbeing. You’ll explore how sociocultural factors influence health through field visits, health promotion activities and cultural exchange. Connect with healthcare professionals, community leaders and fellow students while gaining valuable insights into public health in resource-constrained settings and compare healthcare systems in Indonesia and Australia.

Key details

• Host: Universitas Airlangga
• Location: Surabaya, Indonesia
• Dates: 4–19 January, 2027
• Places: 20
• Estimated cost: Up to $4,000, including return flights from Melbourne, accommodation, meals, local transport and all program activities
• Eligibility: Undergraduate and postgraduate students enrolled in the Institute of Health and Wellbeing who meet the program requirements

Why join

You'll build cross-cultural skills, gain practical public health experience, expand your professional network and enhance your future career in health.

How to apply

Applications for the public health program in Indonesia closed on 30 June, 2026.

This study tour is for undergraduate science students who want to get hands-on experience in the field. You’ll take part in fieldwork, conservation projects and cultural activities, including visits to UNESCO World Heritage forests, wildlife conservation sites and local industries. Along the way, you’ll build practical skills, earn credit towards your degree and gain valuable international and cross-cultural experience.

Key details

• Host: University of Peradeniya
• Location: Sri Lanka
• Dates: 10–24 January, 2027
• Places: Limited
• Estimated cost: Approximately $5,725, including flights, accommodation, meals, transport and program activities
• Funding: Eligible students can cover the full program cost through an OS-HELP loan
• Eligibility: Undergraduate science students who have completed at least one year of their course and have an available elective (to be eligible for OS-HELP)

Why join

Earn credit for SCEXC2501: International Science Exchange while getting real-world experience in tropical conservation. You’ll work alongside experts in biodiversity, sustainability and environmental conservation, and develop your cross-cultural skills. This is a great way to build your knowledge, gain practical skills and make a difference in the field.

How to apply

Email Kushan Tennakoon at k.tennakoon@federation.edu.au. Applications close 31 July, 2026. 

Living expenses can vary depending on where you choose to study. If you’re an exchange student, you’ll pay (or defer) your usual Federation University fees. If you’re a study abroad student, you’ll pay your tuition fees directly to your host university.

Don’t forget to budget for flights, visas and insurance. Some countries, like the USA, ask for proof of funds when you apply for a student visa. Make sure you check if your destination has similar requirements.

Think about what matters most to you – your lifestyle, your budget, and how long you’d like to be away from home. Take time to research different host universities. It’s also important to consider the stability, culture and climate of the country you’re interested in.

We recommend planning your semester-long overseas study for the second year of your undergraduate degree. It can be tricky to fit an exchange into your final year, so going earlier gives you more flexibility. Short-term study options are available at any time during your course.

Most of our partner universities offer on-campus student accommodation, making it easier to settle in and meet new people.

You can change your units, but you’ll need approval from both Federation University and your host institution before making any changes.

If you need to withdraw after being accepted, email studyabroad@federation.edu.au with your name, student number, host university and reasons for withdrawal.

If you’re doing an exchange or study abroad program, you must enrol in a full-time load. The number of subjects will depend on what your host institution considers full time.

If you’re doing an exchange, your host university will send a transcript to Federation and you’ll receive Transfer Credits (TC) or an Ungraded Fail (UN) for each unit. These don’t affect your GPA. Faculty-led study tours will be graded using the Federation scale.

You’re responsible for arranging your own travel and visa. If you’re joining a short-term study program, your tour leader may help with some arrangements. Wait until your host university confirms your place before you apply for a visa or book your flights. Most countries only accept visa applications after you receive an official acceptance letter.

If you’re studying overseas for more than three months, you’ll usually need a student visa. For shorter trips, visa requirements can vary – check what applies to your destination. Some countries may also require you to register as a temporary resident.

If you currently receive Centrelink payments, you may be able to keep getting support while you study overseas as part of your full-time Federation University course. Before you leave, contact Services Australia to confirm your eligibility and make sure your payments can continue.

Yes, you must have travel and medical insurance to take part in an overseas study program. Federation University provides free travel insurance that covers your overseas program for up to 180 days.