Heriot-Watt University Student Exchange Program
What is the exchange program?
The Centre for Actuarial Studies has an exchange agreement with Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, Scotland. Each year, up to two students from each University can spend a year at the other institution, gaining credits towards their degree and also having the opportunity to gain exemptions from professional actuarial exams.
Who is eligible for the program?
The program is open to third year students with a good academic record who intend to complete an Honours year or Master of Commerce with a specialisation in Actuarial Studies. Students in the program are eligible to choose between degrees of Honours and Master of Commerce.
How does the program work?
The academic year at Heriot-Watt starts in September and finishes in May. Hence, students on the exchange program complete the first semester of their third year at the University of Melbourne before travelling to Edinburgh for a year. On returning to Melbourne in the following year, students will have completed the BCom degree provided sufficient subjects have been taken at both HeriotWatt and Melbourne. Students complete their Honours degree by spending the second semester, or complete their Master of Commerce degree by spending two semesters after their return, undertaking subjects at the University of Melbourne.
If you are participating in the program, there are some constraints on the subjects that need to be taken in the third year at both Heriot-Watt and Melbourne. You will be advised of details at the time applications are invited. Students considering going on exchange must enrol in MGMT20001 Organisational Behaviour in their second year of study.
Is there financial support for the exchange?
Tuition fees are not required to be paid in Edinburgh, but you will still be subject to HECS or fees in Australia. Exchange students are automatically considered for a Melbourne Global Grant. No separate application form is necessary. Students will be ranked by grade average, and some students will receive a grant of $2,500. There is no guaranteed minimum grant. Other funding is also available.
Other than the financial help above, you will be required to provide the necessary funds for travel, accommodation and living expenses in Edinburgh. The Centre for Actuarial Studies does not offer any financial assistance for the exchange program.
When can I apply for the exchange?
Applications are called for in your second year, around August. You must submit your application on the official application form that will be available from the Centre for Actuarial Studies. You will be given more information in the first semester of your second year, and applications must be submitted during second semester, usually in September.
Applications will be assessed by staff of the Centre for Actuarial Studies, and the successful applicants will usually be advised before the end of October. Faculty approval is required for the exchange, and is normally given based on the Centre’s recommendation.