Program terms:
Restrictions: Vanderbilt applicants only
Type of Program: Direct University Enrollment
Costs: Budget Sheets
Academic Calendar: Extends into Summer Months
Key Dates:

Term	Application Deadline	Program Dates

Overview

In this exchange program, students enroll directly at the University of Melbourne, one of Vanderbilt's partner institutions. This program is a good option for students who are independent, proactive, and self-motivated.
 

Location

Melbourne is the capital of Victoria, Australia and often ranks as the most livable city in the world. It’s known for its diverse and artsy culture, filled with cool cafes, hidden laneways, and amazing cuisine. Along with the vibrant urban culture, students also have access to beaches and sporting matches at ‘The G’, Melbourne’s giant cricket ground.

University of Melbourne (UniMelb as it’s known) is located within walking distance of downtown-  a.k.a. the CBD- as well as the hip neighborhood of Fitzroy. There is a robust student life on campus to entertain all 40,000+ students, and because of the amazing campus location, everything Melbourne has to offer is also just a few steps away so students can really maximize their time in this great city.
 

Academics

All VU students must take between 12-18 VU credit hours while abroad. A full course load at UniMelb is 4 classes (called ‘subjects’ at Melbourne) per semester. Students are advised to have back-up subjects in case their top choice subjects are full and to review course restrictions set by UniMelb.

Academic environment, teaching style, course structure and grading scale at UniMelb is influenced by the British education system, where class sessions are lecture-based, and grades are distributed on a bell curve with heavy weight placed on midterms and finals. Students should be prepared to make learning style adjustments accordingly. Much of the learning in study abroad takes place outside of the classroom. Students should balance academics with community engagement, social/cultural activities, travel, and fully take advantage of what a semester in Melbourne has to offer.
 

Housing

Students can choose from on-campus residential colleges with meal plans or student apartments while abroad. These options are a short walk from the university center. Rooms in residential colleges fill up quickly; interested students should fill out the housing application as soon as they’ve completed the exchange application.
 

Visa

Students will apply for an Australian visa after being accepted from the University. Do not begin this process until after you receive specific instructions and the necessary paperwork from the University of Melbourne Mobility office. The application process takes place entirely online and has an associated fee. For more information, visit https://students.unimelb.edu.au/get-started/undergraduate-international/visa.   

Application

Students must complete an Exchange application with GEO and the University of Melbourne by the GEO application deadline. Students should email their GEO advisor with the Melbourne application ID number prior to the GEO deadline. Eligible applicants will be reviewed by GEO for nomination. Once nominated to UniMelb, students will hear final admissions decisions from UniMelb.

For more information, visit program homepage.

Fact Sheet

Housing: Student responsibility
Minimum GPA: 3
Language of Instruction: English
Language prerequisite: No
Additional prerequisites: N/A
Costs: Budget Sheets
Student contacts: Peer alumni

Photo: Melbourne Skyline, courtesy of Lauren Barnett