Swinburne University of Technology
Study Abroad in Borneo at Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak for 1 or 2 Semesters
Spend a semester or two studying abroad at Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak, the Malaysian campus of a leading Australian university. Choose from English-taught programs in fields like business, design, engineering, and information technology, and earn internationally recognized academic credits. Located in Kuching, the capital of Sarawak on the island of Borneo, the campus offers a unique blend of Australian education and tropical adventure. With a fast and easy application process, your study placement can be confirmed in as little as one day—making it simple to start your journey abroad.
Program Overview
Semesters
Spring (Mar – May)
Autumn (Sep – Dec)
Max credits
ca. 30 ECTS /
18 US credits
Program content
Lectures
Levels of study
Bachelor and Master
Fees
starts at MYR 18,160
Study Fields
Business/Commerce, Design/Multimedia Design, Engineering, Information and Communication Technology / Computer Science
Swinburne University of Technology
Top 1%
in QS World University rankings (#291)
AACSB
Accredited
Ranked #2 best university for Mathemetics and Computer Science by CTWS Leiden Rankings
Program Highlights
Study at the Malaysian campus of a well-ranked Australian university and earn internationally recognized credits
Choose from English-taught courses in Business, Design, Engineering, and Computer Science
Live in Kuching, the capital of Sarawak, and experience life in one of Southeast Asia’s safest and most welcoming cities
Be part of a diverse international student community representing nearly 30 countries
Develop your academic English skills by studying in a fully English-speaking university environment
STUDYING IN SWINBURNE UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY SARAWAK PROGRAMS
Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak is a great choice for students looking for a globally recognized academic experience in an inspiring and international setting. As the Malaysian campus of a top Australian university, Swinburne Sarawak follows the same curriculum and teaching standards as its Melbourne counterpart, with all courses taught in English.
All programs are part of Swinburne’s regular degree offerings, giving you access to high-quality education designed to meet international academic expectations and industry needs.
Studying at Swinburne Sarawak is for you if…
– You’re a university student seeking an international academic experience
– You want to earn credits at an Australian university in Southeast Asia
– You’re interested in practical, industry-relevant education in fields like business, design, engineering, or computing
– You want to live in a culturally rich, safe, and affordable student city
– You’re excited to meet people from different countries and broaden your global perspective
| SPRING 2026 | |
| Semester dates | March 3rd, 2026 – May 30th, 2026 |
| Orientation | takes place the week before the start of the semester |
| Application deadline | December 15th, 2025 |
| Holiday | TBA |
| AUTUMN 2026 | |
| Semester dates | September 2nd, 2026 – December 7th, 2026 |
| Orientation | takes place the week before the start of the semester |
| Application deadline | June 10th, 2026 |
| Holiday | TBA |
| SPRING 2027* | |
| Semester dates | March 2nd, 2027 – May 30th, 2027 |
| Orientation | takes place the week before the start of the semester |
| Application deadline | December 15th, 2026 |
| Holiday | TBA |
| AUTUMN 2027* | |
| Semester dates | September 1st, 2027 – December 7th, 2027 |
| Orientation | takes place the week before the start of the semester |
| Application deadline | June 10th, 2027 |
| Holiday | TBA |
YOU MAY APPLY FOR SEMESTERS IN THE UPCOMING YEARS ALREADY.
*) SMALL CHANGES POSSIBLE / DATES ARE STILL TENTATIVE.
At Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak, students can study for one or two semesters at the Bachelor level. Courses are part of the university’s regular degree programs and follow the same curriculum as the main campus in Melbourne, Australia.
Study Fields Available:
- Business / Commerce
- Design / Multimedia Design
- Engineering
- Information and Communication Technology / Computer Science
Each course is typically worth 12.5 credit points. Students are required to take 3 to 4 courses per semester, which equals a full-time study load of up to 30 ECTS. All courses are taught in English, and students will study alongside both Malaysian and international peers.
Find a detailed list of all available courses here: Swinburne Sarawak Course List
eCampus
In addition to the courses mentioned above, you have the chance to attend additional distance learning courses in the fields of Economics, Marketing, Sociology, and Politics. All the courses are taught from a distance and can be joined independently from place and time. This gives you the ultimate flexibility to combine your study abroad experience with various academic courses.
All information about the eCampus can be found here.
You have the chance to opt for distance learning courses during your application process. Please note that each distance learning course is worth 5 ECTS and comes at an additional charge of 199 EUR/ 297 USD.
After completing your eCampus courses, you will receive an academic transcript issued by Undiknas University. Additionally, you will receive a participation certificate for each completed distance learning course.
When studying at Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak, students typically take 3 to 4 courses per semester, which equals a full-time study load of up to 30 ECTS or 18 US credits. Most courses are worth 12.5 credit points each and align with international credit transfer standards.
TUITION FEE
The tuition fees at Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak vary by study field:
-
Business and Computing: MYR 18,160 per semester (approx. EUR 3,630)
-
Biotechnology, Design, or Engineering: MYR 22,910 per semester (approx. EUR 4,580)
-
MBA courses: MYR 4,590 per unit (approx. EUR 920)
Students typically take 3 to 4 courses per semester. Additional costs such as visa fees, health screening, registration, and other university service charges may apply upon arrival and are not included in the tuition fee.
Many of our students apply for national student funding such as PROMOS, BAföG, or CSN.
Are you from North America, South America, Australia, or New Zealand? Find out more about the fees.
Benefits when applying via Asia Exchange
- Confirmation even in one day
- Asia Exchange Guide with lots of information e.g., about studies and accommodation and eVAL Guide
- Pre-departure orientation webinar
- Orientation days
- No English proficiency test required
discount when applying for two semesters.
Minimum requirements
- Minimum age of 18 years (you must be 18 years old at the time of your application)
- You have to be currently enrolled at an institution of higher education (university, university of applied sciences or similar)
See the additional requirements.
To apply to Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak, you will need to submit the following documents:
- A scanned copy of the identification page of your passport
- Academic results and certificate
- Proof of certified English proficiency test results (e.g. IELTS, TOEFL, or Versant English Placement Test)
- Any other relevant documents, such as letters from your school or university
- If applying for credit transfer (advanced standing), include certified and translated syllabi from your previous or current study program
Please note: English test results must not be more than two years old at the time of application. For full entry requirements, Swinburne may assess your qualifications on a case-by-case basis.
Apply to study abroad at Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak
Get the required documents (see list below)
APPLICATION
Fill out and submit the online application form together with the required documents
CONFIRMATION
You’ll get a confirmation of your study placement within 1-7 days
- Flexible application: You can apply even if you’re not yet certain of your plans. Cancel at no extra cost up to 1 month before the semester starts.
- When you apply for two semesters: 100 EUR discount on the second semester
- Get access to comprehensive information materials such as an Asia Exchange Guide and an interactive orientation webinar after you apply
Uploading and submitting the attachments
- Fill out the required attachments
- Scan all the required attachments to your computer in PDF format
- Fill out the online application form below and submit it with the required attachments.
Uploading and submitting the attachments
- Please upload the attachments in PDF format.
- If possible, please submit all the attachments together with the application. If you’re missing some attachment(s) when you first apply, you can later send the missing document(s). However, please note that we won’t process applications without any attachments whatsoever.
- All attachments must be sent to us within 30 days of applying or by the application deadline at the very latest.
- You can submit all the documents electronically. Please don’t send anything via regular mail.
- There is a late application fee for applications or attachments submitted after the application deadline.
Confirmation and official acceptance letter
You’ll get a confirmation of your study placement in 1-7 days. You’ll receive the official acceptance letter about 2–3 months before the semester starts. We’ll send it as an electronic document by email. You will need this document for the eVAL application.
Fees
The application fee invoice will be sent to you soon after the initial acceptance letter. This fee will be due within 10 days of receiving your confirmation. The application fee is non-refundable even if you decide to cancel (see below). You’ll receive the invoice for the tuition fee about 2.5 months before the semester starts. The cost of the Malaysian student visa is around 1100 MYR (click here to convert). Find out more about the student visa below. There are some additional fees at the destination related to university services. These include the mobility fee and health screening fee (approx. 170 EUR in total). You may also need to purchase academic material like books for around 200 MYR (click here to convert). All the above fees are subject to change.
Cancellation
If you’re unable to participate in the study abroad semester, you have the right to cancel your participation up to 1 month before the semester starts with no extra cost (the application fee will not be refunded, however). Let us know about your cancellation by writing us an email at info[at]asiaexchange.org. Cancellations notified via phone, SMS or by any other means will not be considered. For more detailed information on our cancellation policy, please see the terms and conditions for cancellation. We also reserve the right to cancel your participation if your application fee or tuition fee becomes overdue. For more information, please see our terms and conditions.
Student visa and medical check-up
All students wishing to study abroad in Malaysia must apply for a student visa. Please note that applying for a student visa to Malaysia is a multi-step process. The visa application process and the list of the required documents may change at any time. Please take this into account when choosing your study abroad destination. Before applying for a student visa, you have to apply for a Visa Approval Letter online (eVAL). Please follow the instructions carefully and prepare the required documents early enough.
About Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak
Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak is the Malaysian campus of Swinburne University of Technology, a globally recognized Australian university. Ranked in the top 1% of universities worldwide by the QS World University Rankings 2024, Swinburne delivers internationally accredited education in a dynamic and future-focused environment.
Located in Kuching, the capital of Sarawak on the island of Borneo, the campus offers English-taught Bachelor-level programs in fields such as Business, Design, Engineering, and Computer Science. Courses are designed to align with the needs of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR4.0), combining academic theory with real-world applications and advanced technology.
Swinburne Sarawak is known for producing graduates who are not only ready for employment but capable of creating opportunities in a rapidly evolving global job market.
Accreditations & Rankings
- Ranked in the top 1% of universities globally in the QS World University Rankings 2024
- AACSB-accredited Business School, placing it among the top business schools worldwide
- Accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA), ensuring all programs meet national higher education standards
Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Address
Jalan Simpang Tiga, 93350 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
Activities & Facilities
Students at Swinburne Sarawak enjoy access to a wide range of sports and recreational facilities on campus. The multi-purpose hall includes a gym, badminton, squash, and basketball courts. Additional sports areas support activities like futsal and volleyball, offering plenty of options to stay active.
There are also tennis courts and a fully equipped fitness center available for students who want to work out or train regularly. Whether you’re into team sports or solo workouts, the campus facilities are designed to support a healthy student lifestyle.
Beyond sports, campus life is enriched by an active student community. Swinburne Sarawak offers a variety of clubs and organizations ranging from cultural groups to creative and academic interests. Student lounges and casual spaces like the “Chillin’ Crib” provide a relaxed environment to socialize, study, or just unwind between classes.
CO2 OFFSETTING
Unfortunately, traveling by plane to study abroad increases the carbon footprint of each student. Over the past years, it has become more apparent than ever: we face a climate crisis and air transport is responsible for up to 10% of humankind’s contribution to global warming. But should students stop pursuing their dreams of studying abroad and sacrifice their future goals? We don’t think so!
We see it as our responsibility to preserve our environment, live a sustainable life, and minimize the carbon footprint of each of our students. Consequently, Asia Exchange has chosen to work with Atmosfair, a non-profit organization that actively contributes to CO₂ mitigation and offers Co2 offsetting. You can now easily donate a free amount of money to Atmosfair’s projects dedicated to offsetting Co2 emissions. During the application process for your study abroad program, you have the opportunity to donate and mitigate your flight emissions.
Simultaneously, Asia Exchange will support your efforts to reduce their carbon footprint when studying abroad by doubling your donations and contributing equally. Let’s make this world a better place!
Click here to find out more about offsetting your flight emissions
Explore virtually – interactive destination tour
MOST FREQUENT QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Q: What level are the courses at Swinburne Sarawak?
A: The courses are offered at Bachelor level. Some MBA courses are also available and are priced per unit.
Q: Are the courses taught in English?
A: Yes. All courses are delivered in English.
Q: Do I need an English language certificate?
A: Yes. You must provide proof of certified English proficiency test results, such as IELTS, TOEFL, or the Versant English Placement Test.
Q: What type of visa do I need to have to study in Malaysia? A: You will have to apply first for an eVAL, then for a Single-Entry Visa and finally start the process for your Student Pass as the last step of your registration period at the beginning of the semester.
Q: When can I apply for my visa? A: You can apply for your eVAL as soon as you receive the Official Offer Letter from Universiti Putra Malaysia. You will usually receive this approximately 3 months before the semester starts.
Q: Can I travel outside of Malaysia during the semester? A: Yes, but only after your Student Pass has been processed. The process usually takes 2-4 weeks, so we don’t recommend planning any trips outside Malaysia before your mid-term holiday. Read our general visa instructions here.
Q: Is there on-campus accommodation available at Swinburne Sarawak?
A: Yes. Swinburne Sarawak offers on-campus accommodation in its Student Village, with single and double rooms available. Priority is given to international and first-year students.
Q: Are there off-campus accommodation options nearby?
A: Yes. Many international students choose to live off campus. A popular option is Riverine Resort, located near Kuching city centre and about 10 minutes by taxi from the university. Read our accommodation tips here.
Q: I need to have my learning agreement/certificate of enrollment signed. What should I do? A: Please fill the document and send it to info@asiaexchange.org.
Q: When will I receive my Official Acceptance Letter? The official letter of acceptance (Offer Letter) will be sent to you by email 2–3 months before the semester starts. You will need this for your eVAL application. You cannot apply for eVAL with the initial acceptance letter from Asia Exchange.
Q: When will I receive my Transcript of Records? The university prepares and sends the Academic Records, usually within 2-3 months after the end of the semester. Still, you can already see your grades in the online student portal before that. The university will inform you when the grades are online.
Q: How can I get to the campus? A: Download the Grab taxi application to your phone. It’s the safest, cheapest and easiest way to travel in Kuala Lumpur.
Q: Do I need insurance? A: Yes, insurance is a requirement for the student visa. You can either purchase one through EMGS during the eVAL application or purchase any similar insurance independently. See our recommended travel insurance providers. Please note that you must bring your insurance certificate in English for the Student Pass processing.
Q: Which extra fees do I have to pay on top of the tuition fee? A: On top of the tuition fee, we charge an application fee of 75 EUR. Some additional fees become payable upon arriving in Malaysia, such as Mobility fees and Student Pass processing fees. Please note that these fees are subject to change. When calculating your budget, please also take into account flights, accommodation and other costs of living.
Q: What are the living costs in Kuching, Malaysia?
A: Kuching is known for its affordable cost of living. While actual expenses depend on your lifestyle, students generally enjoy lower housing, food, and transport costs compared to other Asian cities.Read more about budgeting your study abroad semester.