Overview

GlobaLinks Learning Abroad, formerly known as AustraLearn, offers semester and year abroad programs at the University of Melbourne. At the University of Melbourne, you’ll find everything to make the most of your time abroad: top-ranked academics, strong commitment to international education, and an exceptional lifestyle outside of class. We look forward to having you as part of this global community!

The University of Melbourne has a 150-year history of leadership in research, innovation, teaching and learning in a variety of fields ranging from the Arts to Sciences.  The Times Higher Education (THE) publishes an annual ranking of the top 200 institutions around the world. For 2010, the University of Melbourne is placed 36 overall.

Melbourne’s student population is nearly 27% international, from more than 100 countries. Not only will you make lifelong friends, you’ll be learning with other top students from around the world.  

One of the biggest advantages of studying at the University of Melbourne is the location.  The Economist Intelligence Unit (London) has consistently ranked Melbourne as the world’s most livable city, based on:
 

• Celebrating diversity and multiculturalism
• Welcoming newcomers to a safe environment
• Clean air
• Numerous public parks and gardens
• Many major cultural and sporting events throughout the year

Academically, nearly every area of study is available as well as unique classes with an Australian or international focus, interdisciplinary studies, elite performing arts, Asia and Islamic Studies, and options to complete a research project.
 

Location

About Melbourne

Melbourne is Australia's second-largest and most cosmopolitan city. Its residents represent 140 nationalities and speak 151 languages. Melbourne is comprised of smaller neighborhoods, each with its own personality and attractions. You’ll always feel at home and the extensive public transportation means you can easily explore them all!   

The campus is spacious, green, leafy, and walking distance to downtown (10 minutes by tram). Both the campus and the city feel European with a variety of architecture, historic sites, museums, and compact design, mixed with gardens, unique shops, markets, and cafes. It’s just 30 minutes to the beach and less than one hour’s drive to:
 

• Surfing
• The Great Ocean Road and historic Twelve Apostles
• The Penguin Parade
• Miles of Australian bush for summer and snow activities

The city is vibrant and buzzing with life nearly all the time. Sports are very popular, especially Australian Rules Football (Footy), soccer, rugby and cricket. Many premier international events occur throughout the year, such as the Melbourne International Comedy Festival (only 3 in the world), The Australian Open Grand Slam Tennis (only 4 in the world), the Australian Grand Prix (Formula One racing), and the Melbourne Cup (Kentucky Derby). 

Around the University

Melbourne is a collection of small neighborhoods. Each has its own personality, international flair, Main Street, shops, and eateries. On campus you are in green, leafy spacious, cool architecture, 10 minutes one way into the fast-paced CBD that is as busy on Wed night as it is on Sat night. Ten minutes in any other direction and you’ve found another new village area.

All of these villages are easy walking distance in the immediate surrounds of the campus or a few minutes by tram, train, bus, bike or taxi.
 

The University and City of Melbourne offer:

• Indoor climbing walls
• Swimming pools
• Largest and oldest market in the Southern Hemisphere, open 5 days/week
• Movie theatre
• Hospital, hotels, services like salons, nails, car repair, dry cleaner
• Biking trail, 21Ks around the entire city
• IMAX movie theatre
• Anything you could want to eat- Vietnamese, Japanese, Greek, middle Eastern
• A quaint café every 10 feet, best coffee in the world
• Shopping – malls, markets and quaint little shops ranging from cheap to high end fashion
• Grocery stores, fast food, to gourmet restaurants
• Gardens/parks

Less than 15 minutes by tram, train, bus, bike or taxi but you actually can walk to any of these:

• Zoo
• Boat ride along the Yarra River
• Kayak/crew along the Yarra
• Arts Precinct
• Ice Skating rink
• MCG, Rod Laver and Etihad stadium for large concerts and sporting events
• More shopping and eating
• Museums, theatres, ferris wheel, festival grounds
• Horse racing track
   

Academic Highlights

The university has ten primary areas of study:

• Architecture Building and Planning
• Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
• Computer & IT
• Economics and Commerce*
• Education
• Engineering
• Land and Environment
• Law
• Music and the Arts
• Science

*The University of Melbourne has EQUIS and AACSB International accreditation for business and and AACSB accreditation for accounting.

Unique study options:  

Elite Performance Arts:  Classes are offered through the Victorian College of the Arts for top-performing students in dance, vocal, instrumental, drama and fine art. NOTE: The application deadline for classes offered by the Victorian College of the Arts is March 29th for the July Term. For the February Term the application deadline is October 29th.

Interdisciplinary Study:  More than 30 classes are available where multiple departments team-teach into the classes.

Research projects:  Science students can request to undertake a research project in addition to classes and receive a certificate of completion.

Asia Institute: One of only two pre-eminent centers in Australia, the Institute brings together expertise in politics, anthropology, economics, linguistics, history, religion and society across a number of Asian countries and the Middle East, including Islamic studies

Fieldwork subjects:  Every semester there are subjects available that have a fieldwork or field trip component.

Australian and International Focus:  Nearly 30 classes are offered throughout the year related specifically to Australia, its connections to other nations, and Aboriginal Culture.


 

View Available Subjects

Classes are offered in a wide range of subjects. To see if the classes you need are available at this university, review the course catalog.
View courses/subjects available at this university.
Be sure to use the "help pages" for assistance on finding the courses that you need.
 

University Services

Housing

As a GlobaLinks Learning Abroad student you are guaranteed pre-arranged accommodation to fit your lifestyle. There are a variety of housing options available which you will apply for after acceptance. Read below for more specific options offered at this university:

Study abroad students are typically housed in university-affiliated housing, only a short walk from the campus and designed to suit different personalities, budgets, and lifestyles.  Residential colleges provide a unique Australian experience while shared university style apartments are also popular.

Orientation

In addition to the GlobaLinks Learning Abroad Bridging Cultures Program which is included in your AustraLearn program fees, orientation begins before you arrive with opportunity to meet other students online and utlize modules that introduce you to living and studying in Melbourne. After you arrive, you’ll have a day of enrollment dedicated exclusively to study abroad students, followed by a week of orientation activities for all University students.

Scholarships Available

In addition to the scholarships offered by GlobaLinks Learning Abroad, University of Melbourne supports GlobaLinks Learning Abroad students with two $1,000 AUD awards each year.

Special Programs/Excursions

• Activities such as: Aboriginal Heritage Walks, surfing, jazz at the Melbourne Zoo, footy game (a truly Aussie experience) and cricket at the MCG.
• Rare opportunity to live in an Australian Residential College
• Best way to meet Melbourne students before class starts!

Get Involved Abroad

Extracurricular Activities

Through nearly 200 hundred clubs, societies and sports groups, you can develop skills in leadership, cultural awareness, or community service, plus meet local students, experience life in Australia and have fun!

Highlights include:

Leadership, Involvement & Volunteer Experience (LIVE)
The University of Melbourne is focused on developing educated, well-informed citizens who contribute to their communities wherever they choose to live and work. Located only at the University of Melbourne, the LIVE unit provides opportunities for leadership, community engagement and volunteering activities.  Students can search an online database of volunteer activities or attend training sessions on skills associated with volunteering.

Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
This internationally recognized Award program began in the UK in 1956 and now operates in more than 126 countries. Students meet with an advisor to develop goals and an “action plan” in four areas: Community Service, Adventurous Journey, Skill and Physical Fitness.  Students compete only against themselves, develop their personal leadership, impact community, have fun, meet locals, and become part of the Duke’s worldwide network

Clubs and Societies:  You can join a choir or musical ensemble, practice a foreign language, perform in or produce a theatre production, or learn anything from juggling to photography. One popular club (MUSEX) is run by local students who have studied abroad and plan fun activities to meet other students and experience Melbourne.

Sporting Facilities and Teams:  In addition to traditional gym facilities, students can join more than 40 affiliated sport clubs.  There are team sports such as basketball, rugby, soccer, underwater hockey; or individual activities ranging from mountaineering to snowboarding or scuba diving.

Community Involvement

While abroad, we recommend getting involved in your local community. It's an awesome way to meet locals, experience the true Australian culture, and create long lasting memories. From volunteering to festival-going, we challenge you to make the most of your international experience... See a sample of community involvement opportunities available in Melbourne or discover your own upon arrival!

You'll get a taste of how enriching community involvement can be during your first few days in Australia on AustraLearn's Bridging Cultures Program. The program includes one day of pre-arranged volunteering with the local community. You'll interact directly with locals while giving back to and sharing your own culture with the community that first welcomes you to Australia. Plus, you can continue your volunteer efforts later in the semester by signing up for AustraLearn's Conservation Volunteer Weekend.

Enhance Your Experience

Global Identity Course

While studying at University of Melbourne, 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

Watch a slideshow of photos highlighting the University of Melbourne.

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! Advice From The Coordinator: The main campus at the University of Melbourne is located north of the central business district so students have easy access to all of the cultural and historical wonders of this city. There is a wide array of shops, cafes, theaters, museums and sporting events to add to the international experience students will have.