Program Summary:
- Program: Classic program
- Program length: Short and Long programs
- Vaccinations: Yes
- Discounts and Scholarship: Yes
- Language criteria: No
- Language course: No
- Soft Landing Camp: Yes

Classic Program
If you are looking for a cultural experience for 2-3 months, or an Academic Semester or Year, our Classic program will match you with a welcoming host family and place you in a nearby school. We find the host family and choose the school, and you can enjoy what they have to offer while immersing yourself in local culture.
Perfect for students who:
* Who can be more flexible in where and what they study
* Want to have a cultural experience
* Interested in joining sports, clubs, and activities
* Grow as a person and improve language skills
Classic Program Information
Age and eligibility
Students need to be aged at least 16 years at the start of the school year. Available for 16-17 year old students.
Language criteria
None
Program length
UK offer 3 months or Semester (5-6 months) programs due to visa restrictions. Students can be accepted on a 10 month program in January or September of each year if an EU passport is held.
Schools
In the United Kingdom, there are various types of high schools and colleges to choose from. Depending on the program you select, you may attend a Vocational College, Grammar School, or the more commonly found Sixth Form College. When enrolling, you’ll be placed in classes that match your level and prior knowledge. While Math and English are mandatory subjects, you generally have the freedom to choose your own subjects.
The British school year consists of three semesters that begin in September, January, and April. As an exchange student, your start date will be either in September or January.
Visa
UK offer 3 months or Semester (5-6 months) programs only due to visa restrictions. Students can be accepted on a 10 month program in January or September of each year if an EU passport is held.
Students traveling on Australian & New Zealand passports, with programs up to 90 days, generally travel as “tourists” and do not need to apply for a visa prior departure. However, for programs extending beyond the 90-day period (including Semester & Academic Year programs), students are usually required to apply for the necessary visa.
Program Coordinators will provide the essential visa documents so students can lodge their visa application. Please note that Program Coordinators are not Registered Migration Agents and cannot represent the applicant. Program Coordinators will provide “guidance” where possible, however the responsibility of lodging the visa falls upon the student/parents. Visa application requirements differ per destination and, on top of the visa documents provided by your Program Coordinator, students will need to provide additional documents such as birth certificate, bank statements, police check certificate, passport photos, letter of parental consent, etc.
Visa application fees (set by the foreign Authority) fluctuate depending on the destination and may vary from $180 to $700. These costs exclude expenses such as translations, official stamps (Notary Public stamp, Apostille stamp), national police certificate, passports photos, express post envelopes, etc. In some cases, students must attend an in-person consulate / visa agency appointment, which may incur additional personal expenses for travel such as purchasing flights (Interstate flight or international flight if no representation in your home country), petrol costs, tolls, accommodation, etc.
Canada:
Students must have received their routine childhood vaccinations appropriate for their age. In addition, Canada requires full vaccination against Meningococcal (MenACWY). The Covid-19 vaccine is recommended but not mandatory.
USA:
Students must be up to date with their routine childhood vaccinations for their age group. Additionally, your host school in the USA will require further immunisations to meet national guidelines, such as the Meningococcal ACWY vaccine and a TB test conducted within six months before arrival. While Covid-19 vaccination is recommended, it is not mandatory.
Other Countries:
Students must be up to date with their standard childhood vaccinations. While the Covid-19 vaccine is recommended, it is not compulsory.
Australia: Department of Home Affairs, Finnish Embassy, Canberra, ACT
Australia: Foreign Embassies & Consulates
New Zealand: Foreign Embassies & Consulates
Program start dates are indicative arrivals in the destination & students attending the Welcome Camp (if available) will depart earlier. Program start dates serve as approximate arrival dates at the destination and subject to change as program dates are dependent upon the district that you are placed in. We will notify you of your confirmed program dates ahead of time to prevent any confusion or inconvenience.
If a student arrives on a date other than the suggested arrival dates, an additional fee will be applied. If a student departs earlier or later than the program’s schedule and requires assistance for transfers, an extra charge will be incurred. In cases where a student is travelling as an unaccompanied minor and needs special assistance at the airport, additional fees will apply. The specific costs will be determined based on the program, arrival and departure details, and any additional services required, such as meet and greet, pick-up service, or private transfers.
Please click here to learn more about the Scholarships & Discounts available.
Classic Program Prices for United Kingdom
| Length | Arrive | Depart | Price AUD | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Academic Year | Aug 2026 | Jun 2027 subject to school | $34,950 | May 15, 2026 |
| Academic Semester | Aug 2026 | Jan 2027 | $18,150 | May 15, 2026 |
| 3 Months | Aug 2026 | Dec 2026 | $15,950 | May 15, 2026 |
| Academic Semester | Jan 2027 | late May 2027 | $18,150 | Sep 30, 2026 |
| 3 Months | Jan 2027 | late Mar 2027 | $15,950 | Sep 30, 2026 |
Program prices include a flight budget, and surcharges may apply. Early departures or personal travel changes incur a $300 fee plus any airline costs. Program dates are indicative at the time of publishing and may shift slightly, with confirmed travel details provided by your Program Coordinator. Places are limited, so apply early to secure your spot. For full pricing and surcharge information, see our Money Matters page.

Soft Landing Camp in London
This Soft Landing Camp is optional and an additional fee of AU$1,195 pp.
Your exciting adventure in the UK can commence in the stunning city of London. During a three-night stay, you will join fellow incoming students from various parts of the world. This time in London will help prepare you for the upcoming year and ensure that you have a fantastic experience in this lively city. You will receive the best possible start to your high school exchange. This camp includes a Welcome, on campus games, workshops and activities. Students explore London with the team, have a quiz night, a cruise on the River Thames plus shopping and dinner in Covent Gardens!
Please note that the Soft Landing Camp is exclusively offered to students starting their exchange in September and involves an additional cost.
LIVE Online Info Sessions
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Hear what life on exchange actually looks like, the support families receive, and the transformations our team sees every year.
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Worldwide High School Online Brochure
For an overview of our programs, our team will send you our Worldwide High School Online Brochure.
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Book a chat with our team
Start your application, or discuss your program options. Once you complete the booking form below, we will send an email with the link to book in a time to chat with our team.
Please call our office if the application deadline is fast approaching & you need to get started quickly.
Student Exchange Australia New Zealand Ltd is a fully registered not-for-profit student exchange organisation in all Australian states and territories, ensuring compliance with both state legislation and national student exchange guidelines.














