Choose the right program

Key things to think about

• Are you eligible?

  Generally speaking, most students are eligible for some form of overseas study. To be eligible, you must have the ability to maintain acceptable academic progress, have a satisfactory academic status that is not ‘at risk’, and you must not have been suspended in the past or be currently subject to an undischarged misconduct penalty.

  You'll also need to receive approval to transfer your credits to your University of Melbourne degree. This is done via the overseas study plan - more information is provided in the Step-by-step guides.

  Each program will then have individual criteria that you will need to meet in order to apply, however these are very straightforward. You can learn about eligibility requirements for each program under the Explore study programs section.

• When do you have to apply?

  Each program has different timelines and due dates, so it’s a good idea to know these dates while you are considering your options. Finding the right destination and program for you can take a bit of research, so we recommend you start exploring at least 6 months before you want to apply to give yourself enough time.

  For more information on dates and application deadlines, see When and where to travel.

• What is your budget?

  The cost of your overseas study experience will depend on a number of factors, including the program you choose, the destination you travel to, and how much personal travel you intend to do. While we cannot provide an exact cost, we can help you develop a budget estimate that is right for you.

  What do you have to pay for?

  Generally, if you are studying overseas you will need to take the following costs into account:

  • Subject tuition fees (Note: Exchange students do not pay tuition to the host institution)
  • Travel insurance fees (Note: The University offers free travel insurance to students travelling on approved University programs)
  • Passport and visa fees, including travel to another city for an interview if necessary
  • Flights and in-country transport costs
  • Accommodation (on or off-campus) fees
  • Health insurance fees
  • Daily living expenses
  • Spending money.

  Of course, the actual price of each of these will vary based on your circumstances and personal preferences. For example, if you are studying through an exchange program your tuition costs will be covered by your usual tuition fees at the University of Melbourne (including Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) students). Or, if you have family overseas who you intend to stay with, your accommodation costs will be lower than someone staying who needs private rental.

  If you are planning to incorporate personal travel before or after your program, you will need to take this into consideration as well.

  Don't forget: As you are planning your budget, remember to take into account the currency exchange rate for your destination.

  What financial help is available?

  To make overseas study a viable option for everyone, there are a number of scholarships, grants and loans available through the University of Melbourne and other bodies.

  You can learn more about finance options on our Financing travel page.

• What are your goals?

  The right program for you will depend on your motivations for overseas study and what you are hoping to get out of the experience. Look at the examples below to gain an idea of how programs provide different experiences.

  Immerse yourself in another country and culture

  In order to give yourself the opportunity to truly immerse yourself in another culture and explore a country, you may want to choose one of our semester or year-long programs. Alternatively, you could select another program and add personal travel before or after.

  Do subjects that are unavailable in Melbourne

  Many of our programs give you the opportunity to study subjects that are unavailable at home. This will require some research to see which institutions are offering exactly what you are looking for.

  Get a sample of what it is like in another country

  If you are unsure whether a longer stint like semester or year-long programs are for you, there are shorter options available. Short-term programs or a University of Melbourne Overseas Subject (UMOS) could be a perfect compromise that will still see you exploring exciting places without the long-term commitment.

  Explore countries you are interested in

  If exploring other countries is your main goal, any of the programs available are going to suit your needs. The next step is picking how long you would like to go for, and which regions of the world.

  Gain more experience in your field

  If you are interested in gaining experience rather than completing study overseas, non-credit opportunities including internships, work experience and volunteering may be a great option for you.

  Make use of your time in between semesters

  If your study plan or life situation lends itself more to a shorter stint, consider studying overseas in your summer or winter break. You can experience a new culture and meet new friends instead of staying home.

• How long do you want to go for?

  Our options to study overseas span from around three weeks all the way up to a full year. For those undertaking a semester or year overseas, there is the opportunity to extend or reduce the duration of your program if required.

• Where do you want to go?

  The University of Melbourne has more than 200 exchange partners in countries all over the world. If you travel to these partner universities, you will continue paying your tuition fees to the University of Melbourne using your current arrangement (either up-front fees or HELP). For those who wish to study outside of these partner instituions, we also offer non-partner programs where fees are paid direct to the host university. Therefore, where you choose to study may influence which program you undertake.

  Depending on your motivations, you may choose an institution that is world-renowned for your discipline. Alternatively, you may select a destination that will tie in well with your travel plans or a place you have always wanted to visit.