See Financial assistance for information on available funding and loans.
Study as part of a team with one of our exchange partners in China. YAAD provides exceptional pre-departure support and in-country opportunities to engage with local networks and industry.
YAAD will not run in 2021
Due to COVID-19, RMIT will not run the YAAD program in 2021.
What is YAAD?
As a YAAD participant you will attend a group in-country orientation designed to prepare you for a smooth transition to the unique culture of mainland China.
Students participating in YAAD receive comprehensive pre-departure support, giving teams the opportunity to form a bond prior to departure.
YAAD started in the School of Global, Urban and Social Sciences in 2001, under the leadership of Guosheng Chen, Honorary Professor.
Optional internship
We encourage you to self-source an internship after your program (scholarships available). Visit the websites below for information about internship opportunities in China:
Who is eligible?
Undergraduate, Associate Degree, Postgraduate and Diploma of Languages:
- Students can apply during their first semester
- Those without an RMIT grade point average (GPA) yet (e.g. students starting their RMIT program, those with credit transfer from another institution) can apply with the support of an Academic Reference Letter, and if successful will receive a conditional offer (students must receive at least a 2.0 GPA once results are released)
- Students without a GPA who do not submit an Academic Reference Letter are still eligible to apply, but may not receive a place at high demand partner institutions
- Students must still successfully complete a minimum of one year (72 credit points) by time of departure
Vocational Education: students are not eligible for exchange (check out Short-term programs instead).
All exchange students need to meet the eligibility criteria:
- Minimum RMIT grade point average (GPA) of 2.0. Some RMIT schools and host institutions may require a higher GPA
- 18 years of age by the official start date of the exchange program at the host institution
- Current RMIT program enrolment. Students on a Leave of Absence not exceeding one year can also apply
RMIT students are expected to comply with RMIT’s Statement of student responsibilities at all times, both at RMIT and abroad. A formal recording of misconduct will disqualify you from exchange.
How much will it cost?
Exchange students do not have to pay tuition fees to exchange partners. Instead you will continue to pay your domestic or international students fees to RMIT. Arrangements for students on Commonwealth Supported Places (HELP) continue.
Costs vary depending on your destination. As a guide, we recommend you budget AU $1,000 for accommodation and living expenses for each month you will be in China. Lots of our exchange partners provide information on the cost of living in their city, use their websites to help you research your budget.
You need to have sufficient funds to finance a semester/s overseas. You may be asked to provide evidence of your financial security when applying for your visa.
We have scholarships, grants and government funding available to support students wishing to study in China. See Financial assistance for more information.
How do I apply?
- Register for and attend a YAAD information session in Semester 1
- Complete your study plan and seek Program Coordinator/School approval
- Visit the online application portal Mobi and follow the steps to apply (see deadline below)
- Apply to your host institution, you will be given advice on how to do this
- If successful, you will be notified and you can start to make travel arrangements (flights, visas etc.)
- Attend the YAAD pre-departure session
- Get set – your global adventure begins!
Application dates and deadlines
YAAD only takes place once a year in Semester 2. Application deadline: 15 April.
What can I study?
- Business: Shanghai Jiao Tong University – Antai College of Economics and Management (SJTU – Antai College). Students interested in studying at SJTU – Antai College, please contact Global Experiences.
- International Business, Logistics & Supply Chain Management: Shanghai University of International Business & Economics (SUIBE). SUIBE offers RMIT courses taught in English
- Chinese language and culture: Nanjing University. Students can choose to study Chinese language intensive courses or English taught courses (or a combination of both) Most courses are taught in Xianlin campus
- Chinese intensive courses – Nanjing University offers all students the opportunity to attend Chinese language courses. Courses of all levels (Elementary Level, Intermediate Level, and Advanced Level ) are offered. Chinese language courses aim to improve students’ Chinese language ability and help them to overcome language barriers. Students are required to take a Chinese proficiency test before starting Chinese language classes. Students with no knowledge of Chinese language do not need to take the test
- English-taught courses – English-taught courses are offered by different departments/faculties of Nanjing University and are open to exchange students. The course list differs from each semester due to NJU’s academic plan, please refer to this website for the most up-to-date information
- Chemistry (UG), Chemical Engineering (UG), Mechanical Engineering (PG), and Environmental Science Engineering (UG): Tianjin University (TJU): TJU offers courses taught in English. Please email global.semester@rmit.edu.au for updated English course list
- Engineering: Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics (NUAA). RMIT Aerospace Engineering students in the second semester of their second year have been going on exchange to NUAA since 2006. View the set-curriculum (study plan) (PDF, 3MB) for NUAA Aerospace Engineering. NUAA offers courses taught in English for the following engineering disciplines:
- Aeronautical Engineering (PDF, 83KB)
- Electrical Engineering (PDF, 94KB)
- Mechanical Engineering (PDF, 118KB)
- Software Engineering (PDF, 91KB)
Frequently asked questions
If there are more applicants than available places and/or scholarships, students may be called in for an interview.
The following factors will also be taken into account:
- Highest grade point average GPA
- Opportunity to go on exchange in another semester if unable to go in this semester
- Whether you have been on an exchange program before
- We may ask for an academic reference
Joshua | Exchange to University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, China
“Being able to travel with so many people gave me insight into the cultural similarities and differences between their home country and mine."
Ryan | Exchange and Internship at SMLIP, China
“To leave after two months and have an authentic culture experience is beyond tangible value.”
