University of Melbourne in Australia

Fall – 20 weeks (mid July to late November)
Spring – 20 weeks (late February to late June)
Academic Year

Sponsored by the Eli Broad College of Business, the College of Natural Science, and the College of Social Science

Arranged through the Office of Study Abroad (OSA)

What's this program about?

The University of Melbourne (UniMelbourne) has helped shape Melbourne and Australia’s social, cultural and scientific life for more than 150 years.  Now is an exciting time to study for a semester or a year at UniMelbourne, because it  has implemented an entirely new “Melbourne Model” of teaching and learning. The curriculum reform means a variety of new subject options are available, including university-wide “Breadth Subjects” designed to expose all students to different ways of understanding through cross-disciplinary learning and teaching. Students will find opportunities for meaningful undergraduate research, cultural and creative programs, volunteer work, and many extracurricular options. Modeled after Oxford University, the campus is a blend of well-kept traditional buildings and gardens with contemporary architecture. Outstanding student support services and the engaging presence of 100 nationalities are proud features of UniMelbourne. The Parkland (main) campus is where the action is – in Carlton district near City Centre and connected by easy tram or walk. Melbourne is one of the world’s most livable cities. You will feel confident and relaxed as you walk or ride a bike on established lanes through diverse neighborhoods, business districts, parks and cultural venues.

Where does it take place?

Approximately the same size as the continental United States, Australia has a population of over 21 million people - most of who live in the large coastal cities of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth.

Melbourne is the home of the University and has an approximate population of 3.9 million and is the second largest city.  Melbourne is the capital city of Victoria and a great world city – noted for its diversity, vitality, sophistication, and is famous for its multiculturalism. Melbourne is considered by many to be the “Arts Capital of Australia” and is home of the Australian Tennis Open, the Melbourne Cup (horse race), the motorcycle and Formula One Grand Prix, and Aussie Rules Football. .  During October, Melbourne hosts the renowned International Festival of Arts, where painting, sculpture, ballet, theater and opera thrive.  January brings the Australian Open, one of the four “grand slam” tennis tournaments.  With a very active restaurant and coffee culture, it is said that in Melbourne you can eat in any language.  Melbourne has many good beaches just out of the city. 

There is a lot to see in Melbourne including the many parks and gardens, museums, exhibitions and galleries and for the more relaxed traveler, the pubs, cafes and restaurants. Some of the main attractions include The Immigration Museum, Gold Treasury Museum, Old Melbourne Gaol (Jail), National Gallery of Victoria, Scienceworks, Royal Botanic Gardens, Fitzroy Gardens, Treasury Gardens and Melbourne Aquarium.

What can I study?

This program is designed for students from a variety of disciplines and is open to all majors.  Courses offered in this program are regular Australian courses which students will be required to enroll for a minimum of sixteen (16) semester credits (at the University of Melbourne this is four courses).

Students can also choose to enroll in courses specially designed for international students, such as Melbourne University's “Australia NOW!” (introducing non-Australian students to the culture, government, natural history, economics, and history of Australia) or in additional short-term courses offered prior to each semester.  These short-term courses generally focus on environmental science and Australian culture and are included at an additional cost.

Coursework at the University of Melbourne is available in the following colleges:

For more detailed information about the University log-on to their Web site.

This is a co-sponsored program. Credit may be awarded for certain courses as regular MSU credit rather than transfer credit.  These courses will be listed on your official MSU transcript and will include the title of the course abroad, the number of credits and the grade earned. For further details see co-sponsored programs.

To find out what courses other students have taken on the program and what MSU courses they might replace, visit Transfer MSU and Office of the Registrar - Co-Sponsored Study Abroad Programs. Courses listed may not be offered every semester, and additional courses may be available during the semester you plan to participate.

Course prerequisites may apply; see Course Descriptions (on the MSU Website) or program leader for details.

What are the requirements?

MSU students from all academic majors are welcome to apply; however, priority will be given to students from the Colleges of Business, Natural Science and Social Science. 

All students must have at least sophomore status and be in good academic standing, with a grade point average of at least 3.0 at the time of application.  Meeting this minimum grade point average does not, however, guarantee admission.

Additionally, students must submit an essay with their application stating why they wish to participate in this program.

Applicants’ participation may be denied or their participation approval may be revoked if their conduct before departure raises doubts as to their suitability for program participation.

Where will I live?

Students have several housing options including residence halls, apartment-style accommodations, or homestays.  Students may also arrange their own accommodations.

For further information about housing options visit:

• Student Housing Services
• College Square Apartments

Who can tell me more about this program?

Natural Science majors:
Karen Lienhart
College of Natural Science
110 Natural Science Bldg.
Phone:  (517) 432-9260

Eli Broad College of Business majors:
Jayne Braverman
Eli Broad College of Business
Undergraduate Academic Services
402A Eppley Center
Phone: (517) 355-7605

Dwight Handspike
Eli Broad College of Business
Undergraduate Academic Services
402A Eppley Center
Phone: (517) 355-7605

Social Science majors:
Oumatie Marajh
College of Social Science
201C Berkey Hall
Phone: (517) 353-9202

Other majors or on site issues:
Sandy Tupper
Office of Study Abroad
109 International Center
Phone: (517) 432-4341

Do I need a passport or visa?

U.S. and non-U.S. citizens need a valid passport both to enter other countries and to return to the United States.  If you already have a passport, make sure it is valid until at least six months after your return date.  If you must apply for or renew a passport, APPLY EARLY, since a minimum of eight to ten weeks is usually required for processing.  During peak travel seasons, more processing time is required.  Passport forms are available at many federal and state courts, probate courts, some county/municipal offices and some post offices.  They can also be downloaded from the Web.

A visa is official permission granted by the authorities of a country where you will study or travel that allows you to enter and remain in that country for a specific purpose.  The visa itself is frequently a stamp in your passport, not a separate document. You will need a passport before applying for a visa and the passport plus visa process may take several months, so start early.   It is your responsibility to inquire about visa requirements for all countries you plan to visit while abroad; this includes countries that you plan to visit before or after your study abroad program.  If you are not a U.S. citizen, consult the embassy or consulate of the countries you will visit to learn their document requirements.

Australia requires a student visa.  Students can obtain their visa by applying directly to the Australian consulate with instructions from the Office of Study Abroad. During the first pre-departure orientation, students will be informed of all requirements needed to obtain this visa. 

For more information about visas visit the web page.

If you will be staying in Europe for longer than 90 days, you will need to contact the consulate(s) of your host country(ies) for advice on visas.

Are there special health issues?

As part of your acceptance you will complete a Student Health/Emergency Treatment Authorization. It is your responsibility to ensure that your routine immunizations are up-to-date; inquire whether there are recommended and/or required immunizations or medications for the country/countries you will visit (including any countries you will visit that are not part of the study abroad program’s itinerary); and review educational issues relevant to your personal health and safety.

How much does it cost?

The program fee for fall 2009 is $8,759 and includes the following:

Amounts not included in the program fee for which participants will need to budget include:

These additional costs are estimated at $11,490 (FS09).  Students may request a cost sheet which lists both the program fee and an estimate of additional expenses by contacting the Office of Study Abroad at (517) 353-8920.

NOTE:  With an Australian student visa, students can work part-time up to 20 hours per week.

Approximately two months before the program’s departure date, students will receive an e-bill from the MSU Student Accounts Office for the study abroad program fee. 

How can I get help to pay for it?

Financial assistance is available to students who make appropriate arrangements with the Office of Study Abroad (OSA) and MSU’s Office of Financial Aid. 

If you are an MSU student and indicate on your application that you plan to use financial aid to pay for your study abroad experience, OSA will forward an estimated cost sheet to the MSU Office of Financial Aid for processing.  This form will include all anticipated costs associated with the program, including airfare.

If you are a non-MSU student, please request financial aid from your home university.  If your university is unable to award you financial aid, contact the MSU Office of Study Abroad to apply for loans only and you will be provided with instructions on how to proceed.

Additionally, MSU students applying to any credit-bearing study abroad program are eligible for OSA Scholarships.   Some scholarships are based exclusively on academic performance; others are based on a combination of academic performance and financial need.  Requirements are listed in the scholarship application.  The deadlines to apply for these scholarships are March 1st for summer, academic year and fall semester programs, and October 15th for spring semester programs.  

A generous endowment from the MSU Federal Credit Union, as well as additional resources provided through the Forest Akers Endowment, MSU Alumni Association, the Australia-Pacific Council, Eleanor and Charles Greenleaf Sr., Brigitte and Thomas Huff, the Georges Jules Joyaux Memorial Fund, the Kellogg Foundation, Charles and Marjorie Gliozzo, and contributors to the Overseas Study Endowment provide funding for these OSA scholarships.

How do I apply?

Applications must be received in the Office of Study Abroad by October 15th for winter break and spring semester programs and by March 1st for summer, fall and academic year programs.  We strongly recommend that you apply early as this program may fill to capacity prior to these deadlines. 

Selection of applicants is done on a rolling admission basis - that is, applications are accepted and students are evaluated and considered for admission throughout the academic year.  Please remember that applying early and meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee admission.

A $100 application fee is required.  Students will receive an e-bill for the application fee that is applied to the cost of the program and is non-refundable once a student has accepted admission into the program.  Students who have accepted admission may also be billed for a non-refundable and non-transferable $200 deposit, also applied to the cost of the program.

Students who wish to withdraw their application are required to notify the Office of Study Abroad, in writing, that they no longer intend to participate.

Acceptance to all programs is based, minimally, on a faculty review of your transcript and a review of the Judicial Affairs Office records (MSU students) or Dean of Students Reference (non-MSU students).

What's next?
Come to a study abroad fair
Talk with a Peer Adviser
Read program evaluations
Attend an info meeting
Apply online
Additional Resources...
Office of Financial Aid	252 Student Services http://www.finaid.msu.edu
MSU Travel Clinic	East Circle Drive http://travelclinic.msu.edu
Academic Advisers	http://www.msu.edu/common/academic/units.html
Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities	120 Bessey Hall http://www.rcpd.msu.edu
Area Studies Centers	International Center http://www.isp.msu.edu
MSU Global Access	Information about the world -- its regions and peoples and important international issues International Center http://www.msuglobalaccess.net/
OSA contact info:	Office of Study Abroad Michigan State University 109 International Center East Lansing, MI 48824-1035 Phone: (517) 353-8920 Fax: (517) 432-2082 Email: studyabroad@osa.msu.edu

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