University of Melbourne

Founded in 1853, the University of Melbourne is a public-spirited institution that makes distinctive contributions to society in research, learning and teaching and engagement. It is consistently ranked among the leading universities in the world.   

The university is like a self-contained village, with its own theatres, art galleries, bookshop, 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.  

With 38% of the population born overseas and 140 cultures represented, Melbourne is extremely multicultural and welcoming of people from all backgrounds. With almost all food cuisines catered for, Melbourne’s food scene is world-class, and it boasts more coffee shops per capita than any other city in the world!

Available exchanges

The University of Melbourne hosts the University-wide exchange and subject-specific exchanges in the following subject areas:

Architecture
Business
Chemistry
Physics with a Year Abroad

Restricted subject areas

Some faculties have subject restrictions. Please take a look through to see the restrictions for your subject area:

University of Melbourne academic restrictions

Some subject areas may also have quotas which you will need to check:

University of Melbourne academic quotas

Melbourne has been identified by the School of Economics as a possible institution for consideration.

Your responsibilities

The information provided here serves as a guide.
It is your responsibility to research whether the partner provides appropriate courses for your degree programme.
Even if there are no restrictions on your degree subject, this does not mean that there are appropriate courses for you.

The University of Melbourne has provided information on its academic offerings for exchange students.

You can search for all subjects using the handbook:

University of Melbourne online handbook

You can find guidance on how to choose your courses below:

How to select your academic courses

There are over that have been preapproved for incoming exchange students. Explore them below:

500 undergraduate subjects

Undergraduate students are only permitted to enroll in a maximum of one postgraduate subject.

Guaranteed accommodation?

University accommodation

Housing should be applied for as early as possible. Once the Study Abroad/Exchange application has been submitted, students can begin applying for housing using their UniMelb Student Number.

All housing information can be found at the link below:

Housing information

There are a range of options including residential colleges.

Private accommodation

There are also private and off-campus accommodation options which you can explore.

See more about off-campus accommodation

How much it will cost to go on exchange to Melbourne?

From 10 May 2024, the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs announced that student visa applicants will need to show they have a minimum of $29,710 AUD to cover the cost of living for a year in Australia. This figure may change at short notice, and students are advised to review the Department of Home Affairs for the latest financial evidence you must demonstrate when applying for a visa.

Department of Home Affairs

The visa processing cost for a Student Visa (Subclass 500) has recently increased. For an up-to-date indication of the cost and other requirements, please see:

Department of Home Affairs’ Student visa webpage

In addition to this amount, you'll also need to consider establishment costs such as buying furniture, paying a rental bond and setting up electricity, gas and mobile phone accounts, as well as other expenses such as visa and medical fees, tuition fees, return airfares, and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). Remember that exchange rate variations may also affect your budget.

Estimated Cost of Living at the University of Melbourne

You may also wish to refer to the Study Australia Cost of Living Calculator to get an estimate on how much it could cost to have the lifestyle you choose in Australia.

Study Australia Cost of Living Calculator

Health insurance

The Australian Government requires all international students (though students from Belgium, Norway, and Sweden may be exempt) studying on a student visa to have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), from an approved Australian provider. Home country/institution insurance will not be accepted.

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

At the University of Melbourne, Welcome Day for incoming students is compulsory, more information is available below:

Welcome Day Website

University of Melbourne Academic Calendar

Students are required to remain in Melbourne until all assessment items are completed. Return airfares should be booked for dates after the end of the exam period.