Looking for a unique global experience to expand your professional networks, gain international exposure, and boost your research capabilities? Complete your Engineering Placement at Osaka University.
Under this new and bespoke global experience, students enrolled in UQ's Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)/Master of Engineering have a unique opportunity to complete their Engineering Placement Requirement under the guidance of a lab supervisor at Osaka University, earning 8 units toward their degree and gaining first-hand experience in a Japanese research environment.
Topics available in the following areas:
- Advanced Electronics and Optical Science
- Bioengineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Materials Science
- System Science and Applied Informatics
Osaka, Japan (Toyonaka Campus)
#3 in Japan (Times Higher Education Japan University Rankings 2023) | #86 globally (QS 2025 Ranking)
22,000+ student body (64% UG, 36% PG, 10% International)
Ranked 6th most employable graduates in Japan, 76th in the world (QS Employability Rankings 2022)
Eligible Programs
Currently, this opportunity is limited to students enrolled in:
Not studying the integrated BE/ME? You will need to request a program change to be eligible for this exchange opportunity. To request this change, you need to:
- have a cumulative GPA equivalent to the ATAR required for admission
- have not yet commenced the fourth year thesis course
Claiming Credit
This exchange fulfils part of the requirements for the required Engineering Placement under the BE/ME program requirements. As part of this exchange, students will gain 8 units for either:
- ENGG7291
- ENGG7292
- ENGG7293
The course code you choose will depend on your field of study and the timing during which you complete your exchange.
Exchange Pathway
Notes:
- All requirements must be fulfilled as per course profile for corresponding Engineering Placement course.
- Students must find a supervising academic at UQ prior to departure, who will work together with the student prior to, during, and following the exchange experience to ensure course requirements are being met and assessment is on track.
- This program involves up to 12 weeks in Japan. Students are expected to be eligible to enter Japan to complete the required practicum hours.
- Osaka University may have its own assessment requirements as part of the project that differ from assessment requirements at UQ.
Language of Instruction
This exchange is available entirely in English. There is no requirement to prove Japanese proficiency throughout the admission or enrolment process.
While Japan is very English-friendly, with Osaka being one of its more tourist-heavy cities, it would be ideal if students completing the program aim for at least beginner level command of Japanese to assist in the assimilation process.
Accommodation
Osaka University operates several dormitories, however, as their capacity is limited, most international students will need to find private accommodation. The contact person at the Graduate School/School of Engineering Science will help with this process during the application process. Osaka University’s Support Office also offers a variety of information on housing as well.
Cost of living
Careers and Employability recommend a budget of AU$12,000 - 18,000 per semester, regardless of your destination, which considers all possible costs, e.g. flights, accommodation, daily necessities, visas, insurance, and incidental costs.
Living expenses vary greatly depending on your personal lifestyle, but Osaka University recommends that students prepare about ¥100,000–¥120,000 (approx. AU$1,000 - 1,500) per month to cover living expenses.
Your budget will ultimately depend on factors such as your expectations and lifestyle. It is important to be amply prepared prior to departure, and not hold any expectations of earning money abroad to help support your costs.
Financial support
A range of funding for student exchange is available to UQ students, including scholarships, grants and loans.
Insurance
Students approved to participate in this program are automatically covered by UQ’s Travel Insurance. UQ's Travel Insurance will only cover incidents occurring within the official scope of the program on which they are embarking.
For more information, read the Student Travel Insurance Policy Summary on UQ’s Travel Insurance web page (login required).
All students at Osaka University are required to take out the “Personal Accident Insurance for Students Pursuing Education and Research” (PAS). Details will be provided after acceptance into to the program.
If you plan to travel outside of Osaka as part of any personal travel plans (i.e. not related to the program), you should purchase additional insurance.
Visas and travel
Depending on the nationality of your passport, you may be able to complete the program without applying for a visa (short-term stay). Students whose stay in the program is expected to exceed 90 days, or whom are not able to enter Japan without a visa will receive guidance from Osaka University on visa and immigration information for incoming exchange students.
Contact the Consulate General of Japan for more visa information.
Travel risk levels
The University of Queensland cannot and does not allow students to travel to and participate in programs in any country with a risk level of 3 (Reconsider your need to travel) or above, as assessed by the Australian Government.
If a country's risk level changes to 3 or above, experiences to that country are suspended until the risk level improves.
Find out the risk level and travel advice, and sign up to receive updates for your host country on the Smartraveller website.
Next Intake
Applications: January 2025
Commencement: Sem 2, 2025