University of Melbourne, Australia Facts
Language of instruction: English Number of students currently enrolled: 35,000 Semester 1: July – end of October Semester 2: February – end of May Important information: In Australia, the academic year runs from January to December. In order to allow you to start and finish your studies abroad on time, you will reverse the academic year at your host university (i.e. your semester 1 will be their semester 2 and vice versa). Important info: http://www.mobility.unimelb.edu.au/inbound/study/index.html
About the University
The University of Melbourne was founded in 1853 and has approx. 26,000 undergraduate and 9,000 postgraduate students. The University is like a self-contained village, with its own theatres, art galleries, book shop, sports facilities, sushi bar, coffee lounges, shops, banks, post office, travel agents etc. The inner-city suburb of Carlton, full of shops, cafes and restaurants, is right next door to the main campus. A five minute tram ride will take you to the heart of downtown Melbourne. Website: http://www.mobility.unimelb.edu.au/inbound/ http://www.mobility.unimelb.edu.au/resources/2018_brochure.pdf
What to expect
Application process If you are allocated for an exchange at Melbourne, you will be officially nominated by the Go Abroad Office and will then be provided with your detailed application instructions. You can ONLY apply if officially nominated. Type of Application: The Melbourne application is straightforward. The full application is completed online. Notes of Guidance for Exchange students University of Melbourne
Academics
Course/ credit load For information on credits please consult our credit guidance sheet: https://www.ed.ac.uk/global/exchanges/before-you- go/academic-matters
Courses available Exchange (EX) and Study Abroad (SA) students should only apply for the course codes: EX-UG/EX-PG or SA-UG/SA- PG. Do NOT apply for courses such as B-COM or B-ARTS as they are only for full-degree applicants and attract an application fee of A$100. Course list: https://handbook.unimelb.edu.au/faces/htdocs/user/sear ch/SimpleSearch.jsp Information on course selection : http://mobility.unimelb.edu.au/inbound/study/your- studies.html http://www.mobility.unimelb.edu.au/inbound/before- applying/selecting-subjects.html
Course enrolment Students will pre-select subjects on an online application.
Academic restrictions Students are welcome to take any subjects from any area as long as the subject is open and the student meets pre- requisites. However some subjects (e.g. biomedical sciences) might have quotas. More information on restricted courses is available here: http://www.mobility.unimelb.edu.au/inbound/before- applying/faculty-requirements.html
Your final course selection must be agreed and approved with your Exchange Coordinator and any course changes made whilst you are away must have their approval.
Accommodation
University University accommodation is available but limited. One in four accommodation study abroad/exchange students who apply are successful in gaining a place. Due to the competition you should apply for accommodation as soon as your exchange application to Melbourne has been submitted. You will need to use your Melbourne ID. http://www.mobility.unimelb.edu.au/inbound/life/housing.html
2 These guidance notes were correct at the time of publishing, 30 August 2018. Help us keep this information accurate by sending any feedback to the Go Abroad team [email protected] Notes of Guidance for Exchange students University of Melbourne
Application process The accommodation application is done as part of the application process. Students who wish to receive assistance to find housing should contact [email protected] as there is a University staff member dedicated to helping exchange students with this matter. Please note that if you want to apply for Melbourne’s residential colleges these all have separate costs and application procedures. You will need to supply academic references/cover letters and other documents in some cases.
Private For students who want to organise their own accommodation, the accommodation university can arrange temporary accommodation and provide them with access to share house, rental property and home-stay listing upon arrival. More information on the accommodation link above.
Costs
Estimated cost of living You should ensure you can cover the costs of your exchange before putting yourself forward for a place at your host institution. Melbourne can be an expensive destination. Estimated $20,000 - $30,000 AU per year. More information here: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/finaid/planning/cost_of_liv ing
Insurance Compulsory Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) provided by Worldcare Health Assistance must be paid before visa papers can be issued. More information - www.services.unimelb.edu.au/international/visas/oshc.ht ml
Other
Employment Students should not depend on earnings from part-time work to meet their living expenses while in Australia. However, it is possible to work for 20 hrs per week, although Melbourne recommends that you do not work more than 8 hours per week. During vacation times you can work full time.
Orientation Melbourne run a mandatory orientation programme: www.mobility.unimelb.edu.au/inbound/life/enrolment- orientation.html https://orientation.unimelb.edu.au/ Further information from previous orientations is available here: http://students.unimelb.edu.au/orientation
3 These guidance notes were correct at the time of publishing, 30 August 2018. Help us keep this information accurate by sending any feedback to the Go Abroad team [email protected] Notes of Guidance for Exchange students University of Melbourne
Melbourne has a ‘Melbourne Welcome’ which commences 5 days prior to general university orientation and is entirely optional. It is however competitive so best to apply early for a place. There is a cost for this, but it has been highly recommended by previous exchange students.
Visas Arrange this as early as possible. Students coming from overseas to study at the University of Melbourne must have a student visa unless they are an Australian or New Zealand citizen. Students on exchange apply for the Student Visa (sub-class 500). They can do this once they are issues with a document called a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). Melbourne don’t issue this until students have accepted their offers and met any conditions required. Students must obtain their Student Visa before arriving in Australia. Futher information: http://www.border.gov.au Student Visa Application (subclass 500): http://www.border.gov.au/Trav/Visa-1/500- http://services.unimelb.edu.au/international/visas/apply In addition, the Australian Government has recently introduced a new visa processing arrangement which enables visas to be issued more quickly. In order to do that, students may be required to provide more information to Melbourne before they can issue the CoE. The information can be regarding: their health; their capacity to support themselves financially while studying in Australia; their ties to their home country, or country of residence, in order to demonstrate that they will be returning to there at the end of their time in Australia; and whether they have ever been refused an entry visa to a country. Melbourne will contact students and/or their agents/representatives if they feel they need to ask these questions. If you are a Chinese national, you are required to obtain Pre- Visa Assessment (PVA) before you can apply for your visa. Your host institution needs to receive proof of your PVA before they can process your assessment and issue you with your Confirmation of Enrolment (COE) which is what you need to apply for your visa. Pre-visa assessment can take up to 6 weeks. It is very important you apply for it as soon as you receive your letter of offer. To apply for pre-visa assessment contact your nearest Australian Diplomatic mission.
Disability Statement Some destinations may be more accessible than others for disabled students. If you require any adjustments due to disability or specific learning difficulty and you wish to study abroad please contact Thomas Ozers in the Go Abroad team ([email protected]). We will work together with you
4 These guidance notes were correct at the time of publishing, 30 August 2018. Help us keep this information accurate by sending any feedback to the Go Abroad team [email protected] Notes of Guidance for Exchange students University of Melbourne
to explore the help available at your host institution. It may also be helpful if you discuss this with your Personal Tutor and the Disability Office as well.
What other students had to say about the University
The best part?
2017/18
Meeting people from different areas of the world and with different backgrounds and experiences. Being able to visit new places and try new activities. Being welcomed into people's lives and homes.”
2016/17
Travelling in the summer!”
Meeting people from all over the world, the opportunity to travel with likeminded students, experiencing a different way of life.”
Everything, it was the best year!”
Travelling and being able to experience countries and landscapes as diverse as Australia, Indonesia, New Zealand and Japan. Also the friendships formed with people from all over the world, many of whom possess such positive attitudes and enabled me to experience so much so frequently... and the Melbourne brunch scene.”
Meeting people (most on exchange) who have different interests but who all want to try each other’s interests. I learnt a lot. And did many new things. Made amazing friends!”
Volunteering in the community and through this meeting a diverse range of intelligent and engaged people.”
Having a new start in a new place, discovering uni life in a completely different country. Travelling. A whole new world of opportunities.”
5 These guidance notes were correct at the time of publishing, 30 August 2018. Help us keep this information accurate by sending any feedback to the Go Abroad team [email protected] Notes of Guidance for Exchange students University of Melbourne
2015/16
Meeting everyone I met and going travelling around New Zealand and the East Coast of Australia.”
Getting to meet so many other exchange students. The cultural aspect of exchange is definitely the most important priority.”
I had a fantastic year in every regard, academically and non- academically. The best part was feeling home in a city I’ve never been to before.”
College life whilst in Melbourne, travelling over the summer!”
Advice for future exchange students
Accommodation
2017/18
Start looking early - Melbourne is extremely competitive and also expensive. If you want to live close to the university (walking distance) then be prepared to pay a lot per month or have to share a room. Most Australian students live slightly further from the university (around 30-40 mins by bike or public transport) in cheaper and better-quality accommodation.”
2016/17
Secure accommodation before arrival, there are lots of people searching for flats at the start of each semester.”
Check Facebook websites that advertise available rooms.”
Stay at a college for at least one semester as this was an amazing experience which enhanced my time spent in Melbourne.”
Be aware of how saturated the Melbourne housing market is, and respond to offers from current students looking to sign over leases etc., as otherwise can be a very stressful and lonely experience.”
If non-English speaking, go into a university halls - they are more sociable. If English speaking, perhaps first semester in halls of residence (to meet people) and in your second semester find a house (cheaper and fun).
6 These guidance notes were correct at the time of publishing, 30 August 2018. Help us keep this information accurate by sending any feedback to the Go Abroad team [email protected] Notes of Guidance for Exchange students University of Melbourne
However, I had a house all year and loved it. Waited until flying to Melbourne, found other international students and we found a house together.”
Move into private accommodation if you want to meet locals. Research Facebook groups for housing e.g. Fairy Floss Real Estate in Melbourne.”
2015/16
Don’t go to halls.”
Although it is very expensive, without doubt going to college (Ormond College for myself) was the best decision I made about my exchange. It gave me an unbelievable experience and I would expect all types of people would benefit as they are so diverse. So if you can afford college, I would definitely do that, especially if you think that university fees are less anyway and you don’t pay for food.”
Many other exchange students would live in hostels for a few weeks and then, having found friends, move in together in flatshares. I definitely wish that I had a flat, particularly after being used to one in Edinburgh.”
College is relatively expensive in Australia, but worth it if going on exchange there for a year. It’s a great place to immerse oneself in a student community that is both local and international and a lot more cohesive than any student living in the UK/Europe, felt very at home and part of a student bubble. College or private housing are a more authentic experience.”
Spend a lot of time researching the best options as it makes a huge difference.”
Living at the university halls is very expensive. Private halls are cheaper and probably the best option.”
General advice
2017/18
Australian students are generally very open and friendly, so don't be afraid to start a conversation. The workload is probably similar to UoE, so you should have plenty of time for travelling and outside activities.”
7 These guidance notes were correct at the time of publishing, 30 August 2018. Help us keep this information accurate by sending any feedback to the Go Abroad team [email protected] Notes of Guidance for Exchange students University of Melbourne
Prepare to get a job or spend a lot of money on rent and living costs. When you get there just try and meet as many people as you can - most are lovely and you could make some great friends
2016/17
It is an expensive country. You are expected to work by yourself. Join the outdoors club.”
Attend the Melbourne Welcome week as it was during that week that I made lifelong friends.”
It is EXPENSIVE. Get a job. But worth it. Amazing experience.”
Find local supermarkets which are cheap. Get a job! The pound lost most of its value whilst I was in Australia, which effectively cost me an entire month's rent each semester.”
2015/16
Take warm clothes!”
Academically and in terms of lectures, tutorials and assessments, Melbourne University is similar to Edinburgh. Melbourne city itself is great and there is lots to do. Take full advantage of the summer holidays, I went travelling with friends and it was great. Going to college made it really easy to settle in and met people and take full advantage of everything on offer.”
You’re going to love it – but be prepared for a bit of disconnect between the courses. You will be expected to know some things you won’t have covered in Edinburgh and be repeating some things that you have already done. Make the most of Melbourne, but be prepared for relatively long commutes around the city compared to the walkability of Edinburgh.”
Talk to as many previous exchange students as you can and try to organise everything before leaving, it really helps to be well prepared, after all you’re going to the other end of the world for a year. Use the summer for travelling, there is so much to explore – countryside Victoria, Sydney, Queensland, the Outback, Tasmania, New Zealand, even South East Asia. During the semester I’d recommend staying in Melbourne, it’s such a vibrant city and you’ll really feel at home after a year.”
8 These guidance notes were correct at the time of publishing, 30 August 2018. Help us keep this information accurate by sending any feedback to the Go Abroad team [email protected] Notes of Guidance for Exchange students University of Melbourne
Travelling costs lots of money! So be prepared to spend it if you already go to Australia. Students here usually take 2-3 core subjects and one breath subject (which is unrelated to your field of study). Quite a few students only take two or three subjects per semester because four is a lot of work.”
9 These guidance notes were correct at the time of publishing, 30 August 2018. Help us keep this information accurate by sending any feedback to the Go Abroad team [email protected]