Overview

GlobaLinks Learning Abroad, formerly known as AustraLearn, offers semester and year abroad programs at La Trobe University. Choose lifestyle in a pristine natural environment. La Trobe University’s Bendigo campus is the University’s second largest campus. It is situated on 33 hectares of attractive bushland, approximately 150 kilometers (93 miles) from Melbourne and is close to the Bendigo city center. The size of the campus makes it easy to find your way around, get to know people and feel part of the university community.

Travel between central Melbourne and the campus is easy: it takes about 90 minutes by train or by car.

La Trobe University's Bendigo campus is the University's second largest campus with more than 4,000 local and international students studying courses in this regional Victorian city. Students have access to a full range of services and facilities, including on-campus accommodation in residential halls or apartments. The campus is host to the A$3.3 million Central Victorian Innovation Park. The first publicly-funded and university-endorsed technology business park in Victoria, it contributes to regional economic growth by supporting new innovation-based businesses.

Bendigo offers a full suite of subjects which will complement the study needs of most study abroad students. Bendigo also offers a number of niche courses only available for study in Bendigo with key strengths in health sciences, education and visual arts. It’s especially popular with Study Abroad students seeking courses in Outdoors and Adventure Education, for which the campus has a worldwide reputation.

Because of the relatively small size of the campus and city, the student community is strong and inclusive. Whatever your interests, you’ll find like-minded friends and a fantastic range of social and recreational activities that enable you to enjoy your time at La Trobe Bendigo to the fullest. Clubs and Societies form a solid base for social activities and the Bendigo Student Association (BSA) actively supports the various committees in running their events. Study Abroad Ambassador Scholarships are also available to students at this campus.

See More of the La Trobe University Bendigo Experience:

Location

About Bendigo

The beautiful heritage city of Bendigo is among the top 20 Australian cities in population terms. Only 90 minutes from Melbourne by car or train, it offers the best of both capital and provincial city lifestyles. Bendigo is blessed with historic buildings in wide, tree-lined avenues.

The city offers a fascinating mixture of cultural experiences and social activities with much evidence of the wealth that was created by the discovery of gold in the region in 1851. Bendigo also offers a great shopping district, supermarkets, a variety of cafes, restaurants, pubs, nightclubs, cinemas, art galleries, museums, and sporting facilities.

Bendigo is the University’s second largest campus. It is situated on 33 hectares of attractive bushland, three kilometres from the city centre and is the natural choice for those interested in studying Outdoor Education. Buses run between the University, city and other locations on a regular basis. The 400 staff and 4,000 students at the Bendigo campus have access to a full range of services and facilities. La Trobe University’s Bendigo campus is a great place to meet people.

Around the University

The Bendigo campus of La Trobe University is about a 40-minute walk from the downtown shopping area. Two bus routes service the university area (bus stops are on adjoining roads, just outside the campus) and can take students to the downtown area and to the Bendigo train station (where regular trains run to Melbourne daily – takes about 2 hours). But catching a bus to the downtown area is not usually necessary since there are two local shopping areas within a 6-8 minute walk from the campus. These shopping centers have almost everything the student will need to buy on a day-to-day basis, including 2 supermarkets, a few variety stores, several take-away food shops (incl. McDonalds), DVD rental shop, hair salons, clothing stores, a bakery, newsagent, banks, post office etc.

Opposite the campus is an outdoor Olympic-size swimming pool and there are 2 gyms within an easy walk – one inside the campus and the other just past the second local shopping center. The campus has a large sports field and contains 2 coffee shops, a bookstore, a general store, an ATM, and of course, a well-stocked library (with free and prompt access to books from other campus libraries). The Bendigo City also has a large library and can be accessed easily by bus.

The campus also has a sizeable natural forest on its southern border (where the student accommodation is situated) which extends for several kilometers to a famous lookout tower for a panoramic view over most of the city of Bendigo. Wildlife abounds in the forest and many kangaroos can be seen regularly among the campus facilities. Students living on campus should not be surprised to see kangaroos grazing outside their doorstep from time to time.

Academic Highlights

Aboriginal Studies, Agricultural Sciences, Australian Studies, Anthropology, Archaeology (field trips in some courses), Art History, Biology (field trips in some courses), Business, Computer Studies, Economics, Education, English, Health Sciences, History, International Relations, Law and Legal Studies, Management, Media and Cinema Studies, Outdoor Education, Peace Studies, Politics, Psychology, Religious Studies, Sociology, Speech Pathology, Sport and Leisure Management, Tourism & Hospitality and Women’s Studies.

La Trobe’s unique Outdoor Education program offered exclusively at the Bendigo campus involves a number of excursions including trips to the Grampians National Park, the Victorian Alps, Murray River, and Little Desert. This program allows you to explore the Australian outback through bushwalking, canoeing, rock climbing and camping!
 

University Services

Housing

GlobaLinks Learning Abroad students are guaranteed pre-arranged accommodation to fit your lifestyle. There are a variety of housing options available which you will apply for after acceptance. La Trobe offers the following options:

La Trobe University, Bendigo, has developed a variety of high quality residences for accommodating over 560 students and visiting scholars. Bendigo’s residences are well reputed for facilities and service and offer excellent value for money. Each accommodation option offers different services such as academic support and pastoral, cultural and sporting programs, as well as the option of catered or self-catered accommodation choices.

Attention has been given to provide assorted styles of residences to support a diverse and vibrant student community. Care has been taken in the design of buildings and the provision of quality furnishings to enhance students' lifestyles and assist students to study effectively and live comfortably.

Live-in staff (Residential Supervisors) supported by a leadership team of Resident Assistants, Academic Mentors and Student Club representatives provide residential care, encourage students' academic, social and personal development, and assist with residence life issues.
 

Orientation

In addition to the GlobaLinks Learning Abroad Bridging Cultures Program which is included in your program fees, La Trobe University will provide an onsite orientation upon arrival to your university. La Trobe University provides a comprehensive orientation program known as the International Welcome Festival. The Welcome Festival helps you to settle in quickly and make the most of your time whilst at La Trobe University and in Australia. It’s a great opportunity to meet new friends.

For example, at the Melbourne (Bundoora) campus topics and activities covered include enrollment, a campus tour, studying in Australia, Australian and Aboriginal culture, an introduction to Oz English, free access to the Sports Centre, fun day trips around Melbourne, how to use public transport, city treasure hunt, welcome party and much more.

Scholarships Available

In addition to the scholarships offered by GlobaLinks Learning Abroad, La Trobe University supports GlobaLinks Learning Abroad students with one $1000AUD scholarship awarded each semester. La Trobe University also offer Study Abroad Ambassador Scholarships, starting from $1000AUD. Contact our coordinator for more information.

Special Programs/Excursions

Get Involved Abroad

Extracurricular Activities

Impressive Victorian buildings line the wide streets of Bendigo, as a reminder of the rich history built from one of the world's most exciting gold rushes. Today, Bendigo is a place where art, culture, food, wine and heritage attractions are in the abundance, as was the gold of the late 1850's.

Bendigo itself has hundreds of community groups located throughout the region; the potential to meet new people and discover new interests is almost unlimited. Bendigo has many groups and organizations that are here to welcome and support you.

When you’re planning a weekend away from Bendigo, the options are endless. Bell’s Beach (the home of the world-renowned Easter Surfing Classic) is less than two hours from Melbourne. Or, take a day or weekend tour down the Great Ocean Road, one of the world’s most beautiful coastal drives.

There are also 35 National Parks within easy reach of Melbourne from semi-arid desert to lush rainforest. No visit is complete without a trip to Wilson’s Promontory at the southern most tip of mainland Australia, with some of the best beaches in Australia. In winter, try the ski resorts less than three hours from the city.

Students can experience all this and more through the La Trobe University sporting clubs, run by students for students. For the more adventurous, or just the more curious, there are opportunities to experience first-hand the adventurous Australian lifestyle through the Surfing, Snow Sports, Mountaineering, Scuba, and the Waterski & Wakeboard clubs.
 

Enhance Your Experience

Global Identity Course

While studying at La Trobe University, you can maximize your study abroad experience by enrolling in the Global Identity course (EdPA 3103 Connecting Your International Experience to Your Future). The course will help you articulate the value of your experience to future employers, demonstrate your intercultural development and skills, and understand intercultural interactions.

This one-credit, online course is offered by the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities exclusively for students studying with GlobaLinks Learning Abroad. LEARN MORE>

Global Citizens Development Modules

The Global Citizen Development modules are online learning components designed to help you explore your study abroad destination and experience at a whole new level. These modules are not mandatory, however we strongly encourage your participation as they will introduce you to the opportunities and challenges you may encounter when participating in a study abroad program, as well as expose you to cultural insights and knowledge about your host country to help make your program abroad even more successful and fulfilling. Through the 3 modules, you will refine your skills in cross-cultural observation, adaptation, and communication.

Course Catalog

To determine if the classes you need are available at this university, select Courses/Subjects to view the specific course options.

Tips: For advice on navigating the university’s course catalog, use the Selecting Courses link. You may also view the suggested grade and credit transfer information through the Grade Conversion.

If you have any questions about course availability, please contact studyabroad@globalinksabroad.org.  

Photo Slideshow

Fees

Fee Includes

Program Fees: As a GlobaLinks Learning Abroad study abroad participant, you will be required to enroll as a full-time student; typically this is 3-4 classes, which is equivalent to 12-16 U.S. semester credit hours. Your program fees are in U.S. dollars and include the host university semester tuition for 4 subjects, university administrative fees, overseas health insurance, the Basic ISIC card, our renowned Bridging Cultures Program on-site orientation and the GlobaLinks Learning Abroad Personalized Support and Service.

With GlobaLinks Learning Abroad you will receive Personalized Support and Service through our four point philosophy to manage your program:

1.) Personal Program Selection & Planning: Personal service & advising, academic planning and credit transfer assistance, program location, housing advice, financial assistance.

2.) Pre and Post Orientation and Preparation: Our MyLearn on-line enrollment information and process, comprehensive program information and departure webinar, immigration visa support and advice, airline ticket and group flight assistance, global citizen development modules.

3.) Cultural Integration: On-site Bridging Cultures Program, on-site resident director services and advising, academic support, guaranteed housing and placement, volunteer and community involvement opportunities.

4.) Reflection and Application of the Experience: Beyond Study Abroad Program, The EnCompass Alumni Program, program evaluation opportunity, resume building and review, alumni handbook and transcript services. 

Housing Fees: The Housing Fees are approximates and are in addition to the Program Fees. GlobaLinks Learning Abroad offers you “Housing to Fit Your Lifestyle” and you are guaranteed a placement in a wide variety of quality housing options to accommodate your academic, personal and budgetary needs during your experience abroad. The housing fees listed indicate an approximate cost for the options available on that program which may represent apartments/flats, houses and/or dormitories/residential halls, living within the local community or on-campus with locals and other international students. Private single rooms are standard (although double rooms are available) and are fully furnished, including comfort amenities with access to internet and telephone. Students who choose to arrange their own accommodation upon arrival will be charged the Program Fee only, as they will be responsible for making payment directly to the housing provider once accommodation has been arranged.

Additional Subject & Gym Membership Fees: Additional charges may apply for science, media, fine arts, or journalism subjects at some universities and students who undertake subjects where the university requires additional fees will be billed directly by the home university upon final enrolment. Gym and student union memberships are optional to students. If you wish to join, you may do so on arrival by contacting the international office at your host university.

Fee Advice

Facts

Dates

Entry Requirements

Programs in Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji Coordinator

Name: Jan Amann Title: Coordinator, Outreach and Student Services Department: BIO: Jan Amann manages study abroad admission and participant pre-trip services for students attending the University of Otago, Victoria University of Wellington, University of Adelaide, University of South Australia, Southern Cross University, La Trobe University, Monash University, Swinburne University of Technology and University of Melbourne. Jan earned her B.A. in English and Philosophy from the University of Scranton in 2006. After studying abroad at the University of Otago in New Zealand, Jan was inspired to work for her school’s study abroad office and pursue an exciting career in International Education. Following graduation, Jan moved to New Zealand for one year where she had the opportunity to travel and work for the government. She has also worked with youth for many years, and led a group of students on an Experiment in International Living trip abroad in 2010. Jan completed her M.A. in International Education at New York University, where she studied abroad (again!) in Hong Kong, China, and worked with international students. Jan’s additional travels have brought her to Australia, Italy, Canada, Belgium, France, England and the Caribbean. Jan looks forward to helping AustraLearn students plan their semesters abroad!