OverviewLocated in Perth, Western Australia, Murdoch University is a multi-award winning institution that has an international reputation for research and teaching and is committed to the pursuit of excellence. This reputation is supported by:
- Murdoch lecturer Professor Duane Varan was the winner of the prestigious 2001 Prime Minister’s Award for “Australian University Teacher of the Year”.
- Australia’s premier veterinary science program is at Murdoch University. The School houses a veterinary farm, hospital, and emergency clinic on campus and is the only one of its kind in Australia.
- The world-class facilities and education at Murdoch University’s Veterinary School were recently recognized through accreditation by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Murdoch University was the first Australian veterinary school to achieve this accreditation.
- Murdoch University is one of only four institutions in the world to have a state-of-the-art engineering pilot plant on campus.
- The United Nations has made Murdoch one of only three regional Environmental Technology Centres in the world.
- Murdoch University is home to a AUD$3.7 million Media Arts Centre, which is the most up-to-date media production facility of any Australian university.
- Program Chair of Media Studies at Murdoch, Dr Martin Mhando, is the first Australian university academic to have a film nominated for an Academy Award.
- Murdoch has some of the most highly qualified academic staff in Australia with over 70 percent of its teaching staff holding a doctorate (compared to the Australian average of 50 percent).
- Murdoch’s graduates rank us highly too, Murdoch has gained a Five Star Graduate Satisfaction rating for 13 of the past 14 years – unmatched by any university in Australia.
Established in 1973 as a research university, Murdoch is a modern, progressive institution, committed to flexible, multi-disciplinary study. With a student population of 15,000, Murdoch supports excellent staff-student relations and provides state-of-the-art facilities, excellent student services, and an extensive range of academic programs.
Murdoch University has developed important links with universities throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, and Southeast Asia. With approximately 3,000 international students from over 100 different countries, the University is a vibrant and cosmopolitan institution that is benefiting from its strong commitment to international education.
 While studying at Murdoch University, you can maximize your study abroad experience by enrolling in the new 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 in Australia with AustraLearn. LEARN MORE>LocationWestern Australia is one of Australia’s best-kept secrets! The State is adored for its brilliant blue skies, warm sunny climate, and white sandy beaches.
Perth, the capital of Western Australia, is home to 1.4 million people and enjoys more hours of sunshine than any capital city in Australia. Perth is a safe, friendly, and inexpensive city that is large enough to be exciting and cosmopolitan, yet small enough to offer a friendly and relaxed lifestyle.
Murdoch University is set on a beautifully landscaped campus, which is located approximately 11 minutes by train or 20 minutes by bus (nine miles) from Perth’s city center and 10 minutes by bus (five miles) from the popular cafe district of Fremantle, which is Western Australia’s first port city. Extracurricular ActivitiesMurdoch University provides a wonderful opportunity to experience an Australia little known to international students and travelers. Students can enjoy the café strip in Fremantle or explore the natural environment – from the sparkling, pristine beaches of the south to the rugged and remote ‘outback’ of the Kimberleys in the far north.
CISWA (Council for International Students of WA) also arranges activities and excursions for international students throughout the semester. Students will need to come to the International Office to book these trips.
Students can also access a wide range of volunteer opportunities through the Murdoch University Student Guild’s ‘Students Without Borders’ program. Partnering with a wide variety of not-for-profit organizations opportunities range from environmental projects through social justice activities and can range from one-off events to semester long commitments recognized by the University. The programs are a great way to gain professional experience, enhance your learning and make friends from Australia and around the world.Academic HighlightsThe study abroad program at Murdoch University is designed to give international students the opportunity to spend one or two semesters of their undergraduate degree in Perth, transferring their credit to their home institution. As a study abroad student you will have a wide choice of subjects across over 90 disciplines offered on campus, enabling you not only to meet the subject requirements of your home institution but also to deepen or broaden your educational experience by study subjects not available to you at home.
Subject choices are available in the following areas:
- Commerce/Business
- Economics
- Information Technology
- Law
- Politics and International Studies
- Arts
- Aboriginal and Islander Studies
- Animal Science
- Asian Studies
- Education
- Communication and Cultural Studies
- Media (Radio, Film and Television)
- Multimedia Mass Communication (Public Relations and Journalism)
- Psychology
- History
- Sociology
- Tourism
- Community Development
- Sustainable Development
- Biological Science
- Biotechnology
- Forensic Biology and Toxicology
- Conservation Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Software Engineering
- Renewable Energy Engineering
- Environmental Science
- Marine Science
- Mathematical and Physical Science
- Biomedical Science
- Chiropractic
- Sports Science
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 ServicesMurdoch University is particularly proud of the quality of its student support services and the level of personal contact with students. Murdoch University is the only university in Australia to receive a five-star Graduate Satisfaction rating from the Good Guides University Guide for 12 out of 13 years.
Murdoch University provides a comprehensive one-week orientation program, international student liaison officers, accommodation assistance (on campus or off campus), email and computing facilities, and assistance with the organization of excursions around Western Australia.
There are several food outlets, two banking outlets, a fully equipped gymnasium, a student union, travel center, hairdresser, bookshop, gift store, health and counseling service, career service, worship center, extensive library, and an optometrist on campus.HousingMurdoch University Village is home to over 800 students and accommodation is provided in self-catering units on campus. Standard undergrad units contain five-, six-, or eight-bedrooms; two baths; and a communal kitchen and lounge room. The Village also has a swimming pool, recreation rooms and a study center for residents’ use.OrientationEach semester at Murdoch begins with Week O (Orientation Week), a full week of orientation activities to help students get off to a great start before their first lecture the following week!
The highlight of Week O is Festival Day, which gives students the opportunity to enjoy campus entertainment, join clubs and societies, go on organized campus tours, and soak up the atmosphere of university life!Special Programs/ExcursionsNorthwest Outback Excursion
Murdoch University organizes a 10-day camping expedition in remote Western Australia for all study abroad students. This fun-filled bus trip, to the rugged northwest of Western Australia, covers close to 2,500 miles across plains of wild flowers and the vast outcrop that is outback Australia.
On this trip students will meet the dolphins at Monkey Mia in the Shark Bay World Heritage Area; visit Ningaloo Reef, home to some 500 species of fish; and hike the spectacular gorges of Karijini National Park. The trip will also introduce students to the Aboriginal people, their history and traditions, as well as the major issues they face today.
Total cost of the trip is only $720 AUD (approximately $525 USD).Community InvolvementWhile 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 Perth 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 Culture and Adventure 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.
   Meet Your AustraLearn CoordinatorRebecca Oihus is the AustraLearn Coordinator for Murdoch University
View SubjectsClasses 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. Fees| Program Fees | $10400.00 | | Housing | | With Meals | Not available at this university | | Without Meals | Starting at $3,520 | | Housing Deposit | | With Meals | Not applicable | | Without Meals | Refundable housing deposits range from approximately $200 - $1,200 and are billed in addition to the housing fees. |
Fee IncludesProgram fees are in U.S. dollars. Program Fees include tuition for 3 to 4 subjects, university administrative fees, membership in the student union (where applicable), overseas health coverage, ISIC Premium (International Student Identity Card), 25% Lonely Planet Book discount, also included is our renowned 6-day Bridging Cultures Program in Tropical Cairns, Australia. Fees include all pre-trip services such as: orientation materials, visa-processing service (excluding the visa fee), housing placements, personal advising, subject selections, liaise with your home university, credit transfer assistance, and financial aid services. As a study abroad student, you will be required to enroll as a full time student. Your semester is equivalent to 12-16 U.S. credits. Additional tuition and/or fees may apply in some subject areas not limited to the following: science, engineering, fine arts, and journalism. Students who undertake subjects where the university requires additional fees will be billed by the host university. Several universities have included the Sports and Rec. membership. Activities are usually extra. The Housing Fees are approximates and are in addition to the Program Fees. Housing fees listed include the least expensive option available for single accommodation in flats, houses and/or dormitories. AustraLearn offers a wide variety of accommodation options and costs allowing for individual budget considerations. 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. Fee SemesterThe Program Fees listed are for the February 2010 semester. Fees are subject to change for future terms.
The Housing Fees listed are approximate figures based on the least expensive option available for accommmodation in flats, houses and/or dormitories. AustraLearn offers a wide variety of accommodation options and costs allowing for individual budget considerations. FactsLocation: Perth, Western Australia Overseas Students: 1900 Staff: 1500 Total Enrolment: 12200
Dates| All dates are provided by each university and are subject to change. AustraLearn will attempt to provide you with the most up-to-date information as we receive it. Be sure to confirm dates before finalizing any travel plans. | |
| July 2010 Semester - Fall | Application Deadline: April 15, 2010
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| Anticipated Departure | July 10, 2010 | | Start Date | July 12, 2010 | | End Date | November 26, 2010 | | Mid Semester Break #1 | September 26, 2010 - September 30, 2010 | | Mid Semester Break #2 | - |
| July 2010 Year - Fall | Application Deadline: April 15, 2010
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| Anticipated Departure | July 10, 2010 | | Start Date | July 12, 2010 | | End Date | June 13, 2011 | | Mid Semester Break #1 | September 26, 2010 - September 30, 2010 | | Mid Semester Break #2 | March 24, 2011 - March 28, 2011 |
| February 2011 Semester - Spring | Application Deadline: April 15, 2011
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| Anticipated Departure | February 1, 2011 | | Start Date | February 3, 2011 | | End Date | June 3, 2011 | | Mid Semester Break #1 | April 9, 2011 - April 17, 2011 | | Mid Semester Break #2 | - |
| February 2011 Year - Spring | Application Deadline: April 15, 2011
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| Anticipated Departure | February 1, 2011 | | Start Date | February 3, 2011 | | End Date | November 27, 2011 | | Mid Semester Break #1 | April 9, 2011 - April 17, 2011 | | Mid Semester Break #2 | September 26, 2011 - October 2, 2011 |
| July 2011 Semester - Fall | Application Deadline: April 15, 2011
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| Anticipated Departure | July 13, 2011 | | Start Date | July 15, 2011 | | End Date | November 25, 2011 | | Mid Semester Break #1 | September 24, 2011 - October 2, 2011 | | Mid Semester Break #2 | - |
| July 2011 Year - Fall | Application Deadline: April 15, 2011
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| Anticipated Departure | July 13, 2011 | | Start Date | July 15, 2011 | | End Date | November 25, 2011 | | Mid Semester Break #1 | September 24, 2011 - October 2, 2011 | | Mid Semester Break #2 | April 7, 2012 - April 15, 2012 |
| February 2012 Semester - Spring | Application Deadline: November 15, 2011
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| Anticipated Departure | January 24, 2012 | | Start Date | January 26, 2012 | | End Date | June 15, 2012 | | Mid Semester Break #1 | April 7, 2012 - April 8, 2012 | | Mid Semester Break #2 | - |
| February 2012 Year - Spring | Application Deadline: November 15, 2011
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| Anticipated Departure | January 24, 2012 | | Start Date | January 26, 2012 | | End Date | June 22, 2012 | | Mid Semester Break #1 | April 7, 2012 - April 15, 2012 | | Mid Semester Break #2 | September 29, 2012 - October 7, 2012 |
| July 2012 Semester - Fall | Application Deadline: April 15, 2012
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| Anticipated Departure | July 11, 2012 | | Start Date | July 13, 2012 | | End Date | November 30, 2012 | | Mid Semester Break #1 | September 29, 2012 - October 7, 2012 | | Mid Semester Break #2 | - |
| July 2012 Year - Fall | Application Deadline: April 15, 2012
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| Anticipated Departure | July 11, 2012 | | Start Date | July 13, 2012 | | End Date | November 30, 2012 | | Mid Semester Break #1 | September 29, 2012 - October 7, 2012 | | Mid Semester Break #2 | April 6, 2013 - April 14, 2013 |
Entry RequirementsApplicants must have the required GPA and have completed at least the equivalent of one year of full-time study at the university/college level.
Students with a lower GPA than the requirement may be considered on a case by case basis. Please contact our office for more information.
Required GPA: 2.75
University Specific ScholarshipsIn addition to the scholarships offered by AustraLearn, Murdoch University supports AustraLearn study abroad students with two $750 AUD awards each year.AustraLearn Coordinator| Name: | Rebecca Oihus | | Title: | Coordinator, Outreach and Student Services | | Department: | Semester or Year Abroad in Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji | BIO: Rebecca manages study abroad admissions and participant pre-trip services for students attending International College of Management Sydney (ICMS) University of Tasmania, Edith Cowan University, Murdoch University, Bond University, and University of Newcastle.
Rebecca graduated with a BA in International Relations and Spanish from St. Cloud State University, Minnesota in 2006. She studied abroad for a semester at La Universidad de Concepcion in Chile and was a participant in a short-term study abroad program to China. She has also traveled to Belgium and the Canary Islands.
Advice From The Coordinator: Students really love hanging out in Fremantle, or “Freo” as the locals call it. It is full of great restaurants, cafes, and pubs. Also, do not forget to sign up for the Northwest Outback Excursion. This 10-day camping trip through Western Australia is amazing and available at a subsidized cost -- it should not be passed up! |
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