Cross-Institutional Study Program to Study Japanese and Japan
The Cross-Institutional Study (CIS) framework allows university students to enrol in a course (unit) at a host institution while completing their primary degree at their home university. Officially recognised by the Australian Government’s Department of Education, CIS ensures that approved studies undertaken at a host institution count toward your graduation requirements.
For detailed regulatory guidelines, visit the Australian Government Department of Education's Higher Education Administrative Information Providers page via the link below.
Why Consider Cross-Institutional Study for Japanese Studies?
The CIS pathway is particularly valuable for students who want to incorporate Japanese language or Japanese studies units into their degree but find limited options at their home university.
Common Pathways & Examples:
1. Continuing High School Japanese
Scenario: You studied Japanese in high school and want to continue at university. However, your home university does not offer Japanese language courses.
CIS Solution: You can enrol in a foundational or intermediate Japanese course at a neighbouring university or one that offers the units online and credit it back to your primary degree.
2. Advancing to Upper-Intermediate and Advanced Levels
Scenario: You have completed all the available Japanese courses at your home university but want to achieve higher professional proficiency.
CIS Solution: You can look for advanced language, translation, or linguistics units at another institution to continue your learning pathway.
3. Accessing Specialised Japan-Related Electives
Scenario: You are majoring in International Relations, History, or Business etc. and want to take a specific course (e.g., Modern Japanese History, Japanese Popular Culture, or Doing Business in Japan), but it is unavailable at your home university.
CIS Solution: You can study those specific specialised units at a host institution to add a competitive edge to your degree.
4. Studying Japanese Language & Culture Concurrently with an Education Degree
Scenario: You are pursuing an education degree to qualify as a Japanese language teacher, but your home university does not offer the relevant language or cultural units required to develop your essential linguistic proficiency and cultural competence
CIS Solution: You can study those specific language and culture units at a host institution concurrently with your education degree. This allows you to consolidate, brush up, and build the vital skills needed for your future teaching career by the time you graduate.
Key Considerations Before You Apply
While the CIS framework is widely supported, eligibility and approval depend on specific institutional policies. Keep the following in mind:
Approval is Mandatory: Your home institution must formally approve the host institution's unit before you enrol to ensure credit transfer.
Fee Structures: Unit fees (including Commonwealth Supported Places/HECS-HELP eligibility) are generally managed by the host institution. Check how this aligns with your current student status.
Prerequisites: You must meet any entry or proficiency prerequisites set by the host institution.
How to Get Started
If you wish to explore a Cross-Institutional Study pathway, please contact the relevant department—such as the Student Centre, Course Advisors, or relevant Faculty—at both your home institution and your intended host institution. Each institution operates independently, meaning requirements, regulations, and application procedures will vary depending on the universities involved.
Searching Available Courses
The University Languages Portal Australia (ULPA) serves as an excellent starting point to search for Japanese language options across different institutions.
Please note: The ULPA portal focuses on language courses and does not list Japanese Studies courses that may be taught in English (such as history, politics, or cultural studies).
Please Note: The Japanese Studies Association of Australia (JSAA) provides this information as a general guide to support the sustainability of Japanese studies. JSAA does not administer academic programs, cannot approve credit transfers, and is unable to provide specific institutional advice or individual consulting. All CIS arrangements, eligibility, and approvals are strictly determined by the respective universities.
