Swinburne University of Technology - Sarawak: Kuching, Malaysia

SUT-Sarawak is a branch campus of Swinburne University of Technology in Melbourne, Australia. In the Good Universities Guide 2007, Swinburne was awarded a 5-star rating for its teaching quality, generic skills, overall satisfaction and graduate rating of the overall educational experience. Swinburne is currently the only Australian University invited to be a member of the European Consortium of Innovative Universities, which aims to foster student and staff mobility and share innovative programs to give students a competitive edge in today’s global employment market.

In the year 2000, Swinburne University of Technology in partnership with the State Government of Sarawak, Malaysia opened SUT-Sarawak in the capital city of Kuching. The courses and degree programs are identical to those taught at the main campus in Melbourne, Australia and instruction is in English. Students from across Malaysia and from over 30 countries attend SUT-Sarawak including Bangaladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Myanmar, Vietnam and Australia.

The Sarawak campus is equipped with the latest educational technologies and all subjects have a web presence in addition to face-to-face delivery by faculty. Swinburne is committed to the internationalization of its curriculum and the courses offered are designed to prepare graduates to live and work in a world in which professionals need to be capable of high levels of interaction with international economies and societies. The campus is a multi-cultural environment with international students coming from over 30 countries. The total campus population is 2,300 students.

The 16.5 acre campus includes well equipped laboratories, lecture and seminar rooms, engineering workshops, computer labs, a state-of-the-art digital resource center, high-speed internet access, cafeteria, student lounge, gym, sporting facilities and on campus dormitories.

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Program Quick Facts - Swinburne University of Technology-Sarawak

Location: Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
Housing: On-campus dormitory
Dates: Spring Semester: February 24-June 26, 2009*
Fall Semester: August 4-December 4, 2009*
Application Deadline: Spring Semester November 15,
Fall Semester: May 15
Required GPA: 2.75/4.0
Semester Program Fee: $10,100 USD*
Program Fee Includes: Tuition for 12-16 credits, accommodation,
AsiaLearn Program Introduction, some excursions, on-campus student
fees, overseas health insurance, ISIC card, official transcript, and more
(see What's Included page). Airfare, visa fee, meals, and books are an additional cost.
*Subject to change.

Buddy Program

To ensure a smooth transition for studying and living in Malaysia, SUT-S has developed a program to connect study abroad students with degree-seeking students. Prior to your departure you will be matched up with a student currently studying at SUT-S who will help answer any questions you may have before you come. Your SUT-S buddy is someone you can look forward to meeting once you arrive and help show you around campus.

Housing

On-campus housing is provided for AsiaLearn students in newly-built dorms. The dorms are divided into male and female blocks with 24-hour security. Rooms are typically twin-share, and furnishings include bed, study table, chair, and wardrobe. Most units are air-conditioned and all have wall fans. Amenities include common reading/visitors areas, kitchen, and dining rooms as well as laundry rooms and drying areas. Students will also have wireless Internet access in the dorms.

Academic Areas

Swinburne’s Sarawak campus focuses its academics on particular areas and provides outstanding hands-on experience in the disciplines of biotechnology, business, engineering, and multimedia design. More specifically, courses are offered in:

Biotechnology – Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Mathematics
Business – Accounting, Business Information Systems, Finance, Human Resource Management, Marketing, International Business
Engineering – Computer Science and Software Engineering, Computing, Civil Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Electronics and Computer Systems, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics and Mechatronics, Telecommunication and Network Engineering
Multimedia Design – Animation, Multimedia Design, Video Production

To see specific subjects available, click here.

Language Instruction and Malaysian Studies for International Students

All classes are instructed in English. AsiaLearn participants are required to enroll in Malaysian Studies at SUT-S, providing them with an introduction to Bahasa Melayu (Malay language) and Malaysian culture. Additional language instruction may be arranged outside of the university through local language centers.

This two-part subject introduces Malaysia and the Malaysian language to international students. The first part will cover the following areas: History and Politics, Constitution of Malaysia, Nationality and Unity, National Development, and Issues of National Concern. The second part is an introduction to the national language, with the aim of enabling students to acquire the basic language skills and competency to communicate ideas and feeling orally or in writing. It will cover the following areas: Pronunciation and Intonation, Spelling, Oral Practices – Greetings and Grammar, Comprehension, and Writing.

Special Program Features

Excursions
SUT-Sarawak provides all AsiaLearn students with a complimentary trip to two of the following locations (varies by semester). The cost of two excursions is included in your program fees, typically covering transportation, lodging and entry fees.

KUCHING - Unscrambling Nature (Mountain biking & light jungle trekking @ Anah Rais)

Duration: 2 days/1 night
Description:
Day 1: Begins with pickup, followed by a leisurely drive through the scenic countryside to Ta-ie. Hop onto the bike to begin your cycling adventure. Pedal at your own pace and relish the timeless and serene beauty of Sarawak – picturesque rolling hills, pepper vines, and villages, all beckoning to tell their own stories. A short stop for refreshment at Tiang Bekap, followed by a short drive to Anah Rais, which nestles snugly at the foot of the Penrissen Highlands. Tour the main attraction, the Bidayuh longhouse whose beauty has withstood the test of time. Break for refreshment, followed by light jungle trekking on a trail that runs over open fields and along clear, cool streams to the unspoilt and charming Yang Prutan waterfall. Break for lunch, and a cool dip if you like. Set up camp for the night along the trail. Enjoy a traditionally-prepared dinner and outdoor activities around the campfire. A short rest and proceed for a night walk.
Day 2: After breakfast, depart camp for Anah Rais and continue journey to the Hot Spring. Participate in a nature/community activity. Have lunch and a short rest, returning to Kuching in the late afternoon.

MIRI - Miri City & Niah Cave

Duration: 3 days/2 nights
Description:
Day 1: Depart Kuching for Miri on Air Asia. Transfer to hotel upon arrival.
Day 2: Breakfast at hotel and proceed to Niah Caves for day trip. Niah Caves is one of the largest limestone caves in the world, and Borneo’s most important archeological site.
Day 3: Breakfast at hotel and free at leisure before transfer to airport for departure to Kuching.

KOTA KINABALU - Kota Kinabalu City Tour, Kinabalu Park & Poring Hot Springs

Duration: 3 days/2 nights
Description:
Day 1: Depart Kuching for Kota Kinabalu on Air Asia. Transfer to hotel upon arrival.
Day 2: Breakfast at hotel and proceed to city tour, Kinabalu Park and Poring Hot Spring.
Day 3: Breakfast at hotel and free at leisure before transfer to airport for departure to Kuching.

KUALA LUMPUR - Kuala Lumpur City Tour

Duration: 3 days/2 nights
Description:
Day 1: Depart Kuching for Kuala Lumpur on Air Asia. Transfer to hotel upon arrival.
Day 2: Breakfast at hotel and proceed to city tour.
Day 3: Breakfast at hotel and free at leisure before transfer to airport for departure to Kuching.

Summer Program also available at Swinburne University of Technology-Sarawak. LEARN MORE>