Australia: University of Tasmania

The University of Tasmania has two main campuses situated two and a half hours apart in Hobart and Launceston as well as two campuses in Sydney, located in Darlinghurst and Rozelle where students can undertake a Bachelor of Nursing.

Hobart Campus lies within the beach side suburb of Sandy Bay, only a five minute drive from the city centre. Hobart allows students to experience Tasmania’s natural bushland while maintaining an urban feel. The campus host 9,500 local and international students. The spacious Launceston Newnham Campus overlooks the Tamar River. A short drive from the downtown, reliable public transportation connects students to the lively city culture. The campus houses approximately 5,000 students. Across both campuses there are close to 100 programs of study offered by seven faculties (Colleges).

A wide range of facilities cater to students on both campuses such as restaurants, cafeterias and bars, bookshop, banks, general store and a hairdresser. There is also a contact centre, post office, travel agency and a student health centre. The campuses offer state of the art sporting and recreation centres where students have the opportunity to participate in a multitude of activities and programs: competitive sport, social competitions, a weight room, aerobics, yoga, Pilates, kick boxing and other fitness classes.

Once you have arrived at the University of Tasmania, the International Student Advisors and International Service Center provide assistance. For international students field trips are also offered and include, the Tarkine, scuba diving and exploring the shipwrecks off the Tasman Peninsula, Concerts at the Gorge, From Crater Falls to Cradle Mountain, biking, surfing, safaris, and much more.

The study abroad program at the University of Tasmania begins with a week-long Orientation Program meant to prepare students for the academic and cultural experience ahead. All Study Abroad and Exchange students are able to study a wide array of courses offered by the University of Tasmania. Course subjects are broken down into 18 areas of study: 

• Agriculture and environmental science
• Architecture and design
• Art, music, and theater
• Arts, humanities and social science
• Business and economics
• Computing and IT
• Education and teaching
• Engineering
• Health sciences and community care
• Journalism, media and communication
• Law
• Marine and Antarctic
• Maritime studies
• Medicine
• Nursing
• Pharmacy
• Psychology
• Science

Courses: Students typically take 3 or 4 courses while studying at UTAS. UNI students can take major, minor, and/or UNIFI courses while studying in Australia. We recommend students also try to take at least one course in a topic on Australia. Information on courses and when they are offered can be found here.

Teaching Methods and Styles: Australian higher education is derived from the British model. This means that most undergraduate courses consist of lectures, classes, workshops, and tutorials each week as well as 'unstructured' time which means students should be doing individual reading and research. Lecture and class times will be given to students when they enroll during orientation week. All students are required to be at lectures and tutorials at the specified times.

Academic Calendar: The university operates on a semester system with Semester 1 (our Spring semester) running from February to June and Semester 2 (our Fall semester) running from July to December. When thinking about their semester dates, it is important to remember that with it being on the other side of the hemisphere, their spring semester is our fall and vice versa. To view the academic calendar, please see here. 

Credits and Grades:  Australian credits are calculated differently than in the US. UTAS courses are usually 12.5 credits which means a course is usually transferred back as 3.8, which could be rounded. That being said, most UNI students take three to four courses to be considered full-time. Grades are also calculated differently. Below, please find the UNI equivalents to UTAS grading scale. (UTAS grades on the left, UNI equivalent on the right: 

HD        High Distinction    80 -- 100%    = A

DN        Distinction             70 -- 79         = A

CR        Credit                     60 -- 69        = B

PP        Pass                        50 -- 59        = C

Accommodation at UTAS is either on or off-campus accommodations at both Hobart and Launceston.

On-Campus: At Hobart, there are two residential colleges and one apartment block. The two  co-ed residential colleges, Christ College and John Fisher College, offer fully furnished, single bedrooms with shared bathroom facilities. All students have internet access and located throughout the building are various study areas, common rooms, laundry facilities, gym, communal kitchen and kitchenettes. The University Apartments are fully furnished, self-contained and sleep up to six people with two bathrooms per apartment. Laundry facilities are located on site in close proximity to the apartments.

Meals: Apartment style housing includes a kitchen and necessary cooking tools. College residents can use their Student Card which doubles as a Meal Card. The Meal Card is a prepaid system with funds being able to be added as required. 

Health Preparation for Studying Abroad

Studying abroad is an exciting opportunity, but it also requires careful planning—especially when it comes to your health. To ensure a safe and successful experience, we strongly recommend the following steps:

1. Talk to Your Healthcare Provider Early
At the time you are selecting your study abroad program, schedule an appointment with your primary care provider or specialist to discuss:

• Medication Legality: Some prescription and over-the-counter medications that are legal in the U.S. may be restricted or illegal in other countries. Your provider can help you determine if your medications are permitted in your destination and suggest alternatives if needed.
• Chronic Conditions or Health Concerns: Discuss how your health needs might be affected by travel, climate, time zone changes, or access to care abroad.
• Mental Health Support: If you are currently receiving mental health care, talk with your provider about how to maintain support while abroad.

2. Schedule a Travel Health Consultation (6–8 Weeks Before Departure)
A separate travel health consultation is essential and should be held at least 6–8 weeks before your departure. During this appointment, a travel medicine specialist can:

• Review your destination-specific health risks
• Recommend or administer necessary vaccines
• Provide guidance on food and water safety
• Prescribe medications for travel-related illnesses (e.g., malaria, traveler’s diarrhea)
• Offer tips for managing jet lag, altitude, and other travel-related challenges

These appointments can be held at the UNI Student Health Clinic. For more information on their services, please visit their website.

Accessibility and Study Abroad: Plan Ahead for a Smooth Experience

If you are a student with a disability or accessibility concern—whether related to mobility, learning, mental health, chronic health conditions, or other needs—we encourage you to connect with Student Accessibility Services (SAS) as early as possible, ideally during the program selection process. Early communication allows our team to understand your specific needs and preferences and explore available accommodations in your host country.

Accessibility resources and standards can vary widely by country, so advance planning is essential to help us advocate for your needs and create a positive, inclusive experience abroad.

Reach out to Student Accessibility Services to start a conversation. The sooner we know, the more we can do to support you.

Study abroad is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be challenged by new experiences in new environments and cultures. UNI study abroad programs are designed to prioritize educational opportunities for students. Students are encouraged to embrace the adventure of exploring how housing, meals, and daily routines differ abroad.

Meet your Advisor:

Stephanie is a full time study abroad advisor who will help you throughout the application process to Australia, including documentation, finances, scholarships, and more.  From the application process to financial assistance to preparing for your journey abroad, Stephanie will be with you every step of the way providing guidance and reassurance.

Identities Abroad

The Study Abroad Center (SAC) wants to support you as you prepare for your study abroad experience. In addition to course planning and arranging accommodations, it is also important to engage in personal reflection before your departure. There may be certain aspects of your identity that could potentially impact your international experience in ways that you have not faced or thought about previously. As we are here to help guide you, you may want to consider meeting with the SAC staff to discuss this as you plan your abroad experience. Please visit our Identities Abroad page for more information and help.

Entry and Exit Requirements:

Review and follow the travel recommendations of the U.S. State Department for travel to Australia.