STUDENT EXCHANGE PROGRAM

The exchange program seeks to enable as many VUT registered South African students as possible to undertake one semester of study at an approved overseas institution. The aim of the program is to train and equip students to manage and adapt in a global competitive business and professional environment. One of the thrusts of the program is to instil a global perspective in students by establishing linkages with the international academic institutions/communities.

In line with the Government’s encouragement for building an internationally competitive corporate South Africa, and in meeting the needs of the institution’s strategic aim of increasing and improving international opportunities for both the students and staff; this office seeks to complement this effort by providing an avenue for students to study overseas, thus acquiring credits from their studies abroad to complete their diploma/degree.

The Student Exchange Program is an arrangement between two Universities to exchange the same number of students for a particular period of time.  This is mainly for academic purposes that is to say the student will be credited for the course done, but in some cases it could be for non academic purposes.  The Student Exchange program is an unique and interesting program with the following benefits and oppurtunities:

• It provides low-cost options to study in another country for up to one semester
• Gives a student the advantage of studying at ethnically diverse campusses
• Allows for a high degree of program compatibility
• A student can take courses not offerred at their own institution but relevant to the program they are registered for
• It is an oppurtunity to learn from different professors and academia
• Enables a student to utilize new as well as different resources and technologies
• Courses can be accessed with a different perspective and new fields of study explored
• Provides the excitement and adventure of living in a different area
• Become more independant and resourceful and therefore experience personal growth
• It can prove to be a stepping stone in one's career

The International Relations Department has establish relationships with various Universities all over the world and is keen on embarking on the Student Exchange program. However the Student Exchange program is a complex process that requires tremendous planning and preparation.  A lot has to be considered for example where and how fees will be paid, course compatability and relevance, social and cultural implications etc.

Students interested in applying to the Exchange Program can apply through the International Relations Department with the following:

• A Student Exchange Program application form obtainable from the International Relations Department
• A minimum of 65% average on all subjects passed from 1st year
• An application letter with a motivation for Student Exchange i.e. why the applicant is interested, what they will contribute and benefit to student
• A non refundable application fee to facilitate the Exchange process
• The application form must be filled out by faculty staff
• Curriculum Vitae of student
• Certified copy of last school results
• Letter of support from parents or guardians declaring that they will meet all costs expected from them
• Consent letter from parents stating that student forms part of a medical aid
• Agreement signed between Exchange Student and VUT (should a student not be successful or fail all costs incurred will be for his/her account).
• Ability to contibute towards all personal expenses

Lectures, Head of Department and Dean of Faculty can nominate students for the Exchange Program.