University of Melbourne
Melbourne, Australia

 

About the Program
The prestigious University of Melbourne, cited by the Times Higher Education Supplement as one of the top 20 universities in the world, was founded in 1853, making it the second-oldest university in Australia. Today, more than 6,000 international students join the university population to total 40,000 students who are enrolled in the 13 University of Melbourne colleges, known locally as “faculties.” The university prides itself on excellence in both teaching and research, boasting four Nobel Prize-winners among its internationally recognized faculty.
 
Tulane students who study abroad in the direct enrollment program at the University of Melbourne will take their courses alongside local, degree-seeking students, gaining an insider’s perspective on life in Australia. As one returned student said, doing a direct enrollment program meant, “I really immersed myself into the Australian uni lifestyle. I was able to befriend native Melbournians and learn about the city and uni from them.” 

Melbourne, Australia
Known for its exciting cultural life, passion for sports, beautiful parks and charming Victorian neighborhoods, Melbourne is the cosmopolitan, multi-cultural capital of Victoria. Over three million people representing more than 140 different nationalities live in Melbourne, making it Australia’s second largest city. Wide, ordered streets and a well-preserved 19^th-century architectural legacy contribute to the city’s old-world charm, which is enhanced by areas of ultra-modern development. Melbourne is widely considered to be one of Australia’s most livable cities. 

Eligibility

• 3.0 cumulative GPA
• Prior coursework in the intended field of study at the University of Melbourne

Fields of Study
As a leading research university, the University of Melbourne offers a wide variety of courses within the fields of Liberal Arts and the Sciences. Tulane students can browse the programs of study at University of Melbourne at this link. Students are able to study in the following disciplines:

Anthropology, Architecture, Art History, Biology, Chemistry, Classics, Communication, Creative Arts, Creative Writing, Economics, Engineering, English, Evolutionary Biology, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, History, International Development, Jewish Studies, Linguistics, Mathematics, Music, Neuroscience, Physics, Politics and International Relations, Psychology, Social Policy and Practice, Sociology, Urban Studies. 

A past Tulane Melbourne student commented that the “program required that I take one class about Australia. I ended up taking two and I feel that I learned a lot about the history and political culture of the country.” Students can select courses from University of Melbourne’s Australian and Indigenous Studies Department in such fields as Australian and Aboriginal art and history, Conservation and Australian wildlife, Indigenous education and culture, and many others.
 
Students who intend on enrolling in studio art, graphic, art media production, drama, dancing or music courses, will need to submit a portfolio or audition tape. 8-12 samples of work are recommended. 
 
Students studying at the University of Melbourne are unable to take courses in fields for which there is no undergraduate counterpart at Tulane or in the following departments: Education, Business, Marketing, Finance, Accounting, Physical Education, Social Work, Culinary Arts or Computer Applications. 

Academic Culture
On this Direct Enrollment program, students take the same courses undertaken by Australian students who are studying for their degrees. All courses are taught by University of Melbourne faculty. U.S. study abroad students may find that they spend less time inside the classroom and more time doing directed reading outside of class while in Australia than they would at Tulane. Courses may be comprised of a lecture session and a smaller tutorial class, in which students will be expected to participate in active discussion.
 
Past students have indicated that the in many classes, much of the work consists of “reading, and studying for tests and exams, so most of study time is highly self-directed. The professors expect students to thoroughly read the course material before class.” Pre-departure and onsite orientation programming can help students become acclimated to the different aspects of Australian academic culture.

Although professors may have different expectations of students, they are still helpful and available to visiting study abroad students. A past Tulane student who spent a semester in Melbourne had this to say about the classroom experience: “My professors at UniMelb were a huge help when I needed to play catch-up in some of my classes. I knew that I would not know all of the subject material going in because I wasn't following the exact path as other University of Melbourne students (because I was coming in as a third year student having taken no classes with the university beforehand). My professors were always available by email or through office hours and I felt comfortable going to them with questions about the class. The help from my professor at UniMelb allowed me to be flexible in the classroom setting and achieve my study abroad goals.”
 
Tulane students take a full course load (50 points) including one course with Australian content. Students received 4 US credits for each course.

Grading Scale

Student Life
As a visiting student directly enrolled at University of Melbourne, you can participate in the various on-campus student organizations and associations, just like you would at Tulane. Your initiation into Melbourne student life will start with an on-site orientation, the Melbourne Welcome program, which will introduce you to the programs and associations you can join. One student, after returning, wrote, “The Melbourne Welcome program was the best decision I made in the abroad process. It set me up with friends and a loose understanding of the city and uni that helped me transition into my semester. I would say the Melbourne Welcome program is a must do for anyone who chooses to do this program.”
 
Participating in a residential college at UM is another way to integrate into life at the university.

Overall, the program at University of Melbourne allows Tulane students to become completely immersed in Australian culture.

Housing
Students arrange housing with the University of Melbourne directly.  Students are highly encouraged to seek housing in one of UM’s Residential Colleges; as an application is required and selection can be competitive, students are encouraged to apply early.  Students also may choose to live in the College Square apartments, which is not owned by UM and primarily houses international students.

Residential colleges are private foundations affiliated with the university and are more than just traditional dormitories in the American sense. They are small, self-contained communities with their own staffs, traditions, and character. Administrative and academic staffs offer more support and supervision than in most U.S. dorms. Students have praised the sense of community instilled by this group cohesiveness, seeing it as a major advantage in assimilating fully into university life and befriending their Australian counterparts. Living “in college” is a great way to meet Australians and is sure to be unlike any experience at a U.S. college or university. When a student is assigned to full-service housing, such as a residential college, there is a supplemental charge incorporating the following additional costs: higher accommodation fee typically charged for full service facilities; various miscellaneous charges such as housing application or registration fees, telephone or computer links; student activity fees; and mandatory board programs. Listed estimated charges are estimates based on previous years’ costs and are subject to change.

Please be aware that on-campus life in Australia differs from campus life in the U.S. Some residential colleges require students to occasionally assist in housekeeping duties or participate in tutorials. Amenities such as telephones and computers in student rooms vary from college to college. Most have computer and phone access from student rooms for a fee. Most have communal computer lab and library facilities on site. Though residential colleges are considered on-campus housing, most colleges require anywhere from a five to fifteen-minute walk to the campus.

Helpful Links
University of Melbourne Study Abroad Page
Browse UM Academic Departments
UM Residential Colleges and Other Housing Options
UM Melbourne Welcome Program
About Melbourne

Contact Past Participants
Click HERE to contact recent study abroad alumni in this region.