Support, safety and confidence for LGBTIQA+ students studying overseas 

Going on a UTS global exchange or short program is about more than studying overseas — it’s about feeling safe, supported and able to be yourself wherever you go. For LGBTIQA+ students, this can involve additional planning around destinations, safety and local support.

UTS Planet Pride is an initiative to help you navigate these considerations with confidence, offering guidance, inclusive partner options and practical support so you can focus on making the most of your global experience. 

 

1. Inclusive destinations and Planet Pride partners

Social attitudes, legal protections and campus cultures vary around the world. Planet Pride highlights partner universities and locations where LGBTIQA+ students have access to inclusive campus services and supportive environments, based on publicly available information and student feedback at the time of publication.

These destinations are identified using a range of indicators, including national laws, on‑campus support and services, and previous experiences from UTS students. Social and legal contexts can change, so students are encouraged to research and seek advice early. 

“They need to feel they belong; they need to feel safe and be. It’s also a time when a lot of them are going through periods where they are exploring their own identity. That’s what college is about, and it’s also what going to a new place is about.”

Mary Schlarb

Director of international Programs at the State University of New York-Cortland

Global Exchange database

Use our Global Exchange database and filter for these locations to find your perfect match.  

UTS top picks

2. Personalised safety support via International SOS 

Safety is about more than insurance — it’s about information. All UTS students on approved global programs will be covered by UTS travel insurance and will have access to International SOS, providing comprehensive medical, security, and wellbeing support worldwide. 

International SOS can provide pre‑departure briefings tailored to your destination, including local laws, cultural norms and safety considerations relevant to LGBTIQA+ travellers.

3. Connect with global visibility and support networks 

UTS works with established global mobility and safety partners to ensure students can access reliable information when planning their exchange. We are proud of our global community, and we love to connect our students with global initiatives that advocate for diverse students.  

Check out "Advice for LGBTQIA+ travellers" from Smartraveller, Diversity Abroad and ISEP, which offer specialised "Out and About" guides. These resources help you answer the big questions: Will there be a queer community on campus? Are there local LGBTQIA+ health services? What is the local dating scene like?  

4. Financial support to access global experiences 

Cost should not be a barrier to global learning. UTS offers financial assistance to support students undertaking global exchange and short programs. 

Once your program is approved, you may be automatically considered for many funding opportunities, with recipients selected based on eligibility and academic merit. 

5. A community to come home to

Your global experience doesn’t end when you return to Sydney. UTS values your lived experience and encourages returning students to share insights and support others considering global opportunities. 

Connecting with campus networks and student communities of like-minded peers can help strengthen belonging and visibility while shaping a more inclusive global mobility culture.  

Quick decision checklist

Before applying for exchange or a short program, consider:  

Where will you go?

Whether you’re considering a short program or a semester‑long exchange, UTS is here to help you plan with confidence and pride. 

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