Our Story
Changing Australian Students' Lives Since 1967
The Birth of SAGSE
Scholarships for Australian-German Student Exchange was founded in Melbourne in 1967 by Herr Fritz von Einem Joosten, a German businessman who was seriously wounded while fighting on the Russian front during World War II.
After immigrating to Australia soon after the war, Fritz believed that conflicts could be avoided if young people from different countries could meet and learn to understand one another. This vision became the foundation of what would grow into one of Australia's most successful student exchange programs.
Fritz sought sponsorship from German firms operating in Australia, and since then, SAGSE has offered select Year 11 and 12 students studying German the opportunity to improve their language skills and experience German culture firsthand.
57+
Years of Exchange
Our Journey
From humble beginnings to a global network
SAGSE Founded by Fritz von Einem Joosten
First Students Travel to Germany
Program Expands Across Australia
GASS Australia Established
Over 1000 Alumni Worldwide
50th Anniversary Celebration
1500+ Alumni Strong and Growing
Enter GASS Australia
GASS Australia is the association of returned SAGSE exchange scholarship winners. We are a youth organization that has built a strong network of over 1500 German and Australian scholarship winners, with branches in Australia and Germany, and members based all around the world.
As an alumni association, we aim to give back and ensure future students can receive the same life-changing opportunities we did. We facilitate the day-to-day running of the exchange program, host year-round events, and provide further leadership and growth opportunities for our members and German language students.
SAGSE is largely run by those who themselves have experienced the program. Former exchange students sit on SAGSE committees, while recently returned students form GASS, assisting with the annual search for host families, organizing social events, and providing support throughout the exchange experience.
What We Do
GASS Australia works together with SAGSE to create unforgettable exchange experiences
The Australian Experience
Approximately 20 German students travel to Australia each year from early-to-mid June until late August. They stay with carefully selected Australian host families, attend school, and participate in GASS-organized events including Wintercamp and regional activities.
This highly rewarding experience provides Australian families the opportunity to share their culture while learning about Germany, creating lasting international friendships.
The German Experience
Each year, approximately 20 Australian students travel to Germany for 10 weeks over summer. They live with German host families, attend school, experience a European winter, and celebrate the holiday season.
Students participate in camps, enjoy regional days across Germany, and conclude with a group trip to Berlin, including a reception at the Australian or New Zealand Embassy.
What Distinguishes Us
Our core values set SAGSE apart from other exchange programs
Cultural Understanding
Building bridges between Australia and Germany through authentic cultural exchange.
Community
Creating a lifelong network of GASSies connected across generations.
Merit-Based
Providing opportunities based on potential, not financial capacity.
Family Spirit
Fostering meaningful relationships between students and host families.
Why Choose SAGSE?
Scholarship-Based Exchange
Providing meritorious students with exchange opportunities regardless of financial background, making it less financially burdensome than other programs.
Meaningful Corporate Relationships
Sponsoring German companies develop meaningful relationships with selected recipients, creating networking opportunities and mentorship.
Rigorous Selection Process
The competitive scholarship leads to careful matching of host families with individual exchange students, ensuring quality experiences.
Highly Social Experience
GASS emphasizes camps and independent travel to create connections within each year group and the wider GASS community, building a supportive global network.
Our Impact Since 1967
Building bridges and changing lives for over half a century