Australia Study Abroad Program at University of Melbourne
About University of Melbourne in Australia
- Required GPA: 3.0 (4.0 scale)
- Application deadlines: November 1 for semester 1 (Feb-June)
November 1 for calendar year (Feb-Nov)
March 15 for semester 2 (July-Nov)
March 15 for academic year (July-June)
- Program advisor: Laura Wallman
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Program Snapshot
We're so excited that you're considering IFSA-Butler's program at the University of Melbourne for your semester or year abroad. Melbourne is consistently ranked in the top "Most Livable Cities" in the world, and it is the arts capital of Australia, with theatres, concert venues, galleries and arts events, and a thriving local music scene! We're sure you're going to love studying there!
There are a few specific forms for this program that you will need to complete along with your IFSA-Butler application. You can find the forms under the Forms tab.
What Melbourne has to offer
- One of Australia's leading research and higher education institutions in the heart of a cosmopolitan city
- A wide range of subject choices, especially in the arts, science, economics and commerce
- One of the top 40 universities in the world and the top in Australia according to the 2013 Times Higher Education World Reputation Rankings
- Interesting and innovative interdisciplinary programs
- On-campus health service, post office, banks, restaurant, cafe, bistro, food cooperative, pharmacy, dental service, hair salon, news agent, bookstore, computer store, travel agent, cinema, theatres, art galleries, and stalls selling fruits, vegetables, clothing and general merchandise
- An energetic atmosphere due to an active student union that sponsors concerts, speakers and cultural events
- Union House, the hub of campus social life and home to many of the 160 clubs and societies
- Great indoor and outdoor athletic facilities, including a mountain lodge
Housing
- Housing is in UniLodge, a privately owned student complex downtown within walking distance of the campus
- Students who live in UniLodge purchase or prepare their own meals
- Students may also apply to live in a residential college
Academics
- Most classes are organized around a core series of lectures and tutorials, while students work independently on research projects and essays
- Students take a varied number of courses, depending on course weight
We look forward to working with you!
Academics
CoursesWhere can I find a list of courses that the university offers?
- Open the University of Melbourne online course catalog.
- Click on the faculty (general area of study) in which you are looking for courses (called subjects at University of Melbourne).
- Click on the department for a list of courses. You can also search for subjects by keyword.
What courses am I eligible to take?
As an IFSA-Butler student, you are entitled to enroll in undergraduate courses for which you are qualified and in which space is available. Course descriptions in the online course catalog (see above) include prerequisites you must fulfill in order to enroll in each course.
When considering departments and courses, please note that:
- Remember in Australia, U.S. fall semester = semester 2 and U.S. spring semester = semester 1. Be sure to select courses for the correct semester you are studying abroad.
- University of Melbourne course codes are listed with four letters and six digits. Make sure to write the letters and digits on your course preference form. You are not eligible to take graduate courses.
- Students wishing to take courses at the Victorian College of the Arts (VCA) cannot choose courses in other disciplines. All coursework must be done in the VCA, and students must be majors in the areas they wish to study. Areas of study for study abroad students at the VCA are art (drawing, painting and photography), dance (ballet and contemporary, choreography and performance), production, and music (improvisation, composition and performance). Study abroad students are not eligible for theatre/drama or film/television courses.
- Non-majors do have some options at VCA. Click here for more information.
- Supplemental items are required for admission to the VCA. Please contact your program advisor, Laura Wallman, for specifics.
What if I need to take a required course?
Please be aware that IFSA-Butler cannot guarantee that your host university will offer a particular course, or that you will be allowed to take that particular course. However, if you need to take a required course, you may indicate that it is required on your course preference form. Your IFSA-Butler program advisor will communicate your needs to your host university.
Course Restrictions
The University of Melbourne has course restrictions in certain faculties and disciplines. Click here to view the list of restrictions.
Also please note that Melbourne does not permit study abroad students to take Honours/4th year level courses or postgraduate courses.
Credits
How many courses am I able to take, and how do I determine U.S. semester credit hours?
IFSA-Butler requires students to enroll in a full course load at the host institution. The University of Melbourne requires all study abroad students, except in very special cases, to take four courses worth 12.5 points for a total of 50 points. The number of courses you will take depends on the individual credit value of the courses you select. For information on the credit weight, please consult the information below.
6.25 UME points = 2 U.S. semester credit hours
12.5 UME points = 4 U.S. semester credit hours
50 UME points = 16 U.S. semester credit hours
Registration
What are the registration conditions?
You must take a full University of Melbourne course load as determined by IFSA-Butler. Credit will be awarded on a Butler University transcript based on a typical U.S. full course load. All courses are graded on an A-F scale, and there is no provision for pass/fail or auditing courses unless pass/fail is the only method of assessment for the course. You are not allowed to register for online, distance education or hybrid courses.
You should also be aware that you may be charged additional fees by your home institution or host university to take or process additional credits. Taking less than a full course load may jeopardize your student status and result in personal academic repercussions and/or loss of financial aid.
The course preference form is not a registration form; it is a guideline to let your host university know which courses you are interested in taking abroad. You should discuss your course selections with your academic advisor at your home institution and have several backup choices in mind. Neither you nor the university is bound by your selections, and you will not officially register for courses until you arrive on campus.
Exams
What do I need to know about exams?
Because of the differences in the academic systems, you will not know your exam schedule until after you arrive at your host university. Please refer to your program calendar to review the exam period for your host university. Your host university's policies do not permit you to reschedule any exams, request alternate assessments or arrange to have your exams proctored in the United States. If this occurs, IFSA-Butler cannot assist you in conducting a grade query or academic follow-up for the course in which you made this arrangement. You will need to complete and submit all academic work prior to departing the program.
Transcripts
How will my home university know what my classes were and what grades I received?
After you have returned to the U.S., your home university will receive a Butler University transcript with the credit you earned at the University of Melbourne. The Butler University transcript will report the equivalent U.S. semester credit hours and letter grades. We also will send an official transcript to your permanent address.
Housing
Housing OptionsWhat are my housing options?
IFSA-Butler students live in UniLodge, a student apartment complex that provides an urban living experience. All of the residents at UniLodge attend a university in Melbourne, but not necessarily the University of Melbourne. Many of the residents will be international students. The University of Melbourne is about a 20-minute walk or 10-minute trolley ride away. You will also be able to prepare your own meals in the apartment's kitchen or take advantage of the numerous cafes and restaurants that are nearby.
Most apartments will house two students on the IFSA-Butler program. Each student has his or her own bedroom with a bed, desk, closet and dresser. The kitchenette has a sufficiently-sized refrigerator, cook top and microwave, but students must provide their own crockery (cups, plates, saucepans, etc.), utensils and bedding. Living rooms are furnished with a lounge suite, dining table and chairs, TV/VCR and are heated centrally. There is one communal bathroom per flat.
Network Internet and telephone service is available (fees paid by residents). A student life program called Community Spirit has been set up to encourage community involvement and also provide support to residents. Recent programs have included a ski trip to Mount Buller, a night tour of the gaol, barbeques, Aussie sports trips, game nights, movie nights and cross-cultural celebrations.
If you prefer to live in a residential college, please let your program advisor know and be aware that there will be a minimum $5,000 supplemental bill per semester for the additional cost of the housing services and meals. The following residential colleges are available:
The colleges provide tutorial support, pastoral care, libraries, common rooms, recreational rooms or fitness centers, a very active student community, social and sporting clubs, meals and formal dinners as part of their services.
Meals
Students are responsible for preparing their own meals in shared kitchen areas.
Housing FAQs
Is my housing included in the program fee?
Yes. Your program fee includes accommodation at the university while classes are in session. You will be responsible for any commuting costs you may incur. Australian university housing requires students to move out during breaks between semesters. If you are studying abroad for a year and wish to remain in residence during the vacation period(s), you must notify the university housing office upon arrival to make necessary arrangements. Staying in residence during these breaks may incur additional costs not covered by the IFSA-Butler program fee.
When will I receive my housing assignment?
You will most likely receive your housing assignment one to two weeks before your departure. However, in some cases you may not receive your housing assignment until you arrive in Australia for orientation. Your program advisor will notify you of your housing assignment via e-mail when it is released by the university.
Please keep in mind that while IFSA-Butler guarantees housing, we cannot guarantee your preferences.
Do I have to pay a housing deposit?
Yes. IFSA-Butler requires a refundable housing deposit of $300 before going abroad. We will return this deposit to you after March 1 for fall programs or September 1 for spring and year programs, less any fines, damages or outstanding debts in your name.
Can I arrange my own housing?
Yes. IFSA-Butler recognizes that some students require independent housing for their time abroad. If you choose not to take advantage of our guaranteed housing, you may sign up for independent housing on the housing preference form. Once you've made this choice, we will not provide housing for you or bill you for the accommodation fee.
Please be advised that housing costs can be high abroad, and many times students living independently end up spending more money than students living in IFSA-Butler arranged housing. If you are hoping to save money by arranging housing on your own, please research your options early so you can compare costs. You must notify us of your intention to live in independent housing by December 1 for spring and semester 1 programs or by May 1 for fall and semester 2 programs. We are not able to accommodate independent housing requests after these dates.
Location Info
Living and Studying Abroad in Melbourne, Australia
About Melbourne
Population: 4 million
Location: State of Victoria, on the southeast edge of Australia
City features
- Known as the "World's Most Livable City"
- A great combination of ultramodern development and 19th-century architecture
- The arts capital of Australia, with theatres, concert venues, galleries and arts events, and a thriving local music scene
- World class sporting teams and events, including Aussie Rules football, the Melbourne Cup (horse racing), the Australian Masters (golf) and the Australian Grand Prix (Formula One racing)
Do more!
- Sun and swim at great beaches just outside the city
- Drive the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne to Adelaide, one of the most beautiful drives in all of Australia
- Walk the trails of Mornington Peninsula National Park for magnificent views of seascapes
Links
City of Melbourne
CitySearch Melbourne
Melbourne.com
Visit Victoria
VICNET-Victoria's Community Network
Melbourne and Victoria News
Dates & Fees
Program Dates
 Please wait - Loading Dates... Your program end date may change due to circumstances beyond IFSA-Butler's control. Upon arrival at your host university, be sure to verify your exam schedule and program end date. We also strongly recommend that you investigate fees and penalties associated with your airline tickets in case you need to make date or route changes.
All program support services end on the “Program Ends” date.
Exams must be taken where and when scheduled. Under no circumstances may students request that an exam time be changed. In Australia exams are taken under formal examination conditions, and changes cannot be made for individuals.
Program Fees
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What's included in our Australia program fees
Expense calculator
Calendar Year and Semester 1 Payments Due: December 15
Academic Year and Semester 2 Payments Due: May 15
Program Fee Bills
IFSA-Butler will send a single bill for the entire program fee, which includes tuition, services and housing. Students who opt for independent housing will not be charged the housing component of the program fee.
Housing
The housing component of our program fee is based on the average cost of local student self-catering accommodation, usually a shared room in a regular dormitory, apartment or house without any extra features.
† Housing Deposit
This program requires a housing deposit of $300. This payment is in addition to the program fee but is due on the same date. The deposit is held separately from the program fee and should be paid separately. The deposit is refunded to the student after the program, less any damages, fines or outstanding debts in the student’s name.
Personal Cost Estimates
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Expense calculator
These figures are designed to assist students with financial planning but are only estimates based on past students’ experiences at the current exchange rate. They do not include any entertainment or vacation travel costs.
The above numbers are general estimates of expenses during a program abroad. We recommend taking into account your current spending habits, the cost of living in your host country and the current exchange rate. Your IFSA-Butler program advisor can be helpful as you attempt to work on a personal budget for your experience abroad.
Personal Miscellaneous: Covers general expenses of college life, including course supplies, photocopying, toiletries, snacks, personal care, etc.
Commuting: Estimates are for transportation between housing and university. Transportation for personal or recreational purposes is not included in the above estimates.
All costs are in U.S. dollars.
Forms
To apply to the University of Melbourne program, use our easy online application.
Applicants to the University of Melbourne program must complete additional forms as part of the application process:
We must receive these forms before we can send your application to the University of Melbourne for an admissions decision. They can be sent to IFSA-Butler via email, fax or regular mail. Please submit these forms with the remainder of your program application.
If you have already started an application to the University of Melbourne program, you can check the status of your application using the student portal.
Meet Your IFSA-Butler Team
IFSA-Butler has a dedicated team of staff who are here to help students prepare for their program in Australia:
 Senior Program Advisor Laura Wallman assists with the application process and is here to answer program, cultural, and academic questions before departure. Laura can be reached at the email link above or at 800-858-0229, ext. 4224. Laura studied abroad in both high school and college and has been with the Institute for Study Abroad since 2006. She currently acts as a senior program advisor for English-speaking programs and focuses on advising students studying in the United Kingdom and Australia.
 Student Accounts Coordinator Becki Niccum assists with the financial side of study abroad and processes payments and invoices. Becki can be reached at the email link above or at 317-940-3077.
 Student & Parent Services Manager Donnetta Spears is available to both students and parents for travel questions and information. Donnetta has worked with IFSA-Butler since 2000, and she has traveled through parts of Europe, Latin America, Australia and New Zealand. As the mother of 4 college students (including one who studied abroad on an IFSA-Butler program), she has a deep understanding of the ins-and-outs of study abroad from a parent perspective. Donnetta can be reached at the email link above or at 317-940-4252.
 Once abroad, our students are in the capable hands of our on-site office, including our student services coordinator Yogini Patel. Click here to read more about Yogini.
 Upon return from your study abroad program, Academic Affairs Coordinator Paige Ward processes your Butler University transcript and assists with any academic record queries. Paige graduated from Butler University, and she studied abroad for a semester in Paris, Belfast, London and the English Lake District. Studying abroad for Paige was an eye-opening and knowledge-gaining experience, and she is excited to work with students who are looking for the same. Paige can be reached at the email link above or at 800-858-0229 ext. 4254.
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