Monash introduces the world's best student exchange offer

12 August 2008

Monash University has introduced what must be one of the world’s most generous exchange packages to increase the number of Australian and South African students spending a semester or two of their studies at its Sunway campus in Malaysia.

The move is expected to provide a major boost to the university’s inter-campus student mobility program, said Pro Vice-Chancellor and President ( Malaysia) Professor Robin Pollard. “There are high expectations in Malaysia that Monash can make the international university vision a reality through bi-directional student mobility."

"Until now, very few students from Australia have spent time on exchange in Malaysia. "We aim to reverse that trend, in support of Malaysian national objectives and to broaden the experiences of all Monash students.”

The package, open to Australian and South African citizens and permanent residents, includes free airfare and accommodation, in addition to the Monash Study Abroad grant given out as part of the student mobility program. The program allows students to study up to two 6-month-long semesters at another Monash campus as part of their course.

Tuition fees have also been waived for summer units taken by participants this year during the Australian summer teaching period between December and January.

Advisor to the Ministry of Higher Education, Professor Dato’ Sahol Hamid Abu Bakar said during a recent visit to the Sunway campus that the proactive move by Monash was something the Ministry has long hoped to see happen.

“This is in line with our goals and strategic plans. We want to see greater exchanges of students, especially those from developed countries. It is very important in fostering greater understanding of Malaysia and encouraging academic exchanges.”

“Our relationship with Australia, particularly, has been one way. We’ve sent thousands of students there and even if they only spend a semester in Malaysia, it will provide them with a valuable opportunity to know Malaysia,” he added.

“I’m glad that the Monash Sunway campus is willing to make a large financial contribution to bring students to Malaysia. It will definitely benefit Malaysian and the Australian students.”

“I hope other branch campuses will follow Monash University’s footsteps in this area,” he said, urging local universities to explore collaboration opportunities with highly ranked universities like Monash. - Jasbir Singh.

Details of the program can be found at www.monash.edu.my/student-services/exchange.htm

Monash University exchange student Matthew Bourke (right) visiting Taman Negara with fellow students

Exchange students visiting Petaling Street

The exchange program also allows opportunities for regional travel, such as this trip made to Thailand by David Bowly of Monash University.