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Study Abroad in Melbourne

College Study Abroad

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Explore Melbourne, Australia

Get ready to study abroad in Melbourne, widely considered Australia’s most livable city and the country’s top destination for students. Renowned for its vibrant cultural scene, world-class education institutions, and diverse population, Melbourne offers a unique blend of academic excellence and cosmopolitan living. The city’s multicultural heritage is reflected in its top-rated dining scene, with cuisines from every corner of the globe, and its calendar is packed with events, from music festivals to international sports tournaments. The city is also home to a thriving arts scene, making it a beacon for creative exploration.

When you study abroad in Melbourne, you’ll be exposed to top-tier academic programs in a setting that allows you to engage with a rich tapestry of cultures, fostering global perspectives and cross-cultural understanding. From exploring the city’s iconic laneways adorned with street art to attending music festivals and sporting events, Melbourne study abroad offers a dynamic environment that encourages personal growth, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a transformative study abroad experience.  

While abroad, students may complete a full- or part-time internship in Melbourne, gaining real-world international work experience and developing valuable professional skills. Internships are available across diverse industries, including business, marketing, arts, sustainability, and more, providing a well-rounded perspective of today's global job market and enriching the overall study abroad experience. Become a well-rounded individual ready to thrive in today’s increasingly interconnected world when you study abroad in Melbourne, Australia!  

SEARCH MELBOURNE PROGRAMS

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Study Tours & Cultural Excursions in Melbourne

Every CIEE semester program has frequent cultural excursions uniquely designed to complement the program’s academics and enhance students’ cultural immersion. In Melbourne, study tours and cultural excursions may include:  

  • Visits to beaches, gardens, and distant Mount Dandenong from the 88th floor of the Melbourne Skydeck, the southern hemisphere’s highest observation tower (more than 975 feet tall
  • Winding your way along Australia’s most iconic coastal road, the Great Ocean Road, and seeing the towering Twelve Apostles, lush rainforests, and quaint seaside towns
  • Discovering the heart of Melbourne’s rich Aboriginal heritage with the Birrarung Wilam (River Camp) Walk – an immersive cultural experience with a local indigenous guide.  
  • Meeting Australia’s unique wildlife up close at Healesville Sanctuary to learn about conservation efforts, watch captivating animal feedings, and connect with the natural world in the heart of the Yarra Valley    
  • Enjoying a game of Aussie Rules football or cricket at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (known by locals simply as “The G”), the largest sports and music stadium in the southern hemisphere    
  • Diving into Australian history, indigenous culture, and natural sciences at Melbourne Museum and enjoying stunning views of the Melbourne skyline and gardens from the historic Dome promenade

If you’re a student looking for an authentic study abroad experience in Melbourne, our cultural excursions and tours allow you to do just that! Whether you want to immerse yourself in the local culture, visit famous sites, or make new friends, Melbourne study abroad offers something for everyone.  

Study Abroad Programs in Melbourne

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  • Melbourne, Australia
New for Summer '25
  • Study Program

Spend your summer in Melbourne, the cultural heartbeat of Australia, where an electrifying metropolis will dazzle you with its rich tapestry of arts, culinary delights, and winding laneways.

Features
  • Big City
melbourne downtown skyline
  • Melbourne, Australia
New for Summer '25
  • Study Program
  • Full-Time Internship

Spend your summer enriching your global outlook and gaining real-world professional skills through an internship in Melbourne, the cultural heart of Australia.

Features
  • Big City
Melbourne
  • Melbourne, Australia
New for Fall '25
  • Study Program

Known for its excellence in teaching and research, the University of Melbourne offers an outstanding academic experience across a wide range of disciplines.

Features
  • Big City
  • Dorm/Residence hall
  • Homestay
Melbourne Australia beach huts
  • Melbourne, Australia
New for Fall '25
  • Study Program
  • Part-Time Internship

Designed for all academic majors, this program allows you to combine CIEE classes with those offered by the prestigious Monash University,

Melbourne library
  • Melbourne, Australia
New for Fall '25
  • Study Program

Experience life studying at Monash University, one of Australia’s leading institutions, known for its innovative teaching and global outlook.

Features
  • Big City
  • Dorm/Residence hall
  • Homestay
melbourne-webb-bridge-night
  • Melbourne, Australia
New for Fall '25
  • Study Program
  • Part-Time Internship

Embark on an unforgettable STEM journey in the heart of Melbourne! The Engineering, Technology, and Sciences program offers students a unique chance to immerse themselves in an enriching academic experience while enjoying the culture and natural beauty of one of Australia’s largest cities.

Features
  • ASU Courses
  • Big City
  • Host Institution
Pocket Guide to Melbourne

Currency 
Australian Dollars (AUD)

Spoken Languages In Melbourne
English, Mandarin, Vietnamese, Greek, Arabic

Available Transportation 
Train, tram, bus

Famous Local 
Liam and Chris Hemsworth – Australian actors

Climate 
Temperate oceanic climate with warm summers and crisp winters

Places to Explore 
Melbourne Cricket Ground (“The G”) – the largest sports and music stadium in the southern hemisphere. Home to Taylor Swift’s biggest crowd on her global Eras tour. 

Airport 
Melbourne Airport (MEL)

Social Norms 
Sports, music, and the arts are all big deals in Melbourne; locals are crazy about cricket, soccer, and especially Aussie rules football

What to Pack 
Swimwear, rain jacket, comfy shoes, water bottle

Frequently Asked Questions

Melbourne study abroad offers an unparalleled opportunity for personal and academic growth. Renowned for its world-class universities, vibrant cultural scene, and diverse population, Melbourne provides students with a dynamic learning environment.  Melbourne's bustling laneways, eclectic neighborhoods, and thriving arts and music scenes offer endless opportunities for exploration and enrichment. Studying in Melbourne not only expands academic horizons but also fosters cross-cultural understanding, global perspectives, and lifelong memories, making it an unforgettable and transformative experience for students.

While both Melbourne and Sydney are excellent cities to study abroad, Melbourne emerges as a top choice for its student-friendly environment and strong academic infrastructure, with a plethora of universities and colleges ranked among the best globally. While Sydney boasts picturesque beaches and a bustling harbor, Melbourne's emphasis on education and cultural diversity sets it apart. 

Moreover, Melbourne's reputation as Australia's cultural capital ensures a wide range of extracurricular activities, from attending theater performances at the Arts Centre Melbourne to exploring the vibrant food scene in the city's eclectic neighborhoods.

Read more: Sydney vs. Melbourne Study Abroad: Which is Better for You?

Melbourne is an exceptional destination for college students to study abroad. The city’s unique blend of academic rigor, cultural richness, and quality of life makes it an ideal choice for students seeking a transformative and enriching study abroad experience. Home to globally recognized universities, Melbourne offers a wide array of academic disciplines and cutting-edge facilities, fostering academic excellence and intellectual growth. Additionally, students benefit from the city's multicultural environment, where they can engage with diverse communities, explore unique cuisines, and participate in a myriad of cultural events and festivals.

The cost of studying abroad in Melbourne varies depending on the specific program that you choose and how long you plan to study abroad for. For detailed cost information, we recommend researching each individual Melbourne study abroad program page.

For costs not included in your program’s outlined fees, it’s important to consider factors surrounding your individual journey while abroad.  

Read more: How Much Does it Cost to Study Abroad?

Yes, you can absolutely complete an internship abroad in Melbourne with CIEE. Our international internship programs allow college students to choose from a variety of full- and part-time internships abroad in a variety of fields, including manufacturing, finance, hospitality, healthcare, public policy, and more!

Search our internship opportunities to get started!

Study Abroad Scholarships & Grants

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Apply in 1,2,3!

CIEE offers scholarships and grants for study abroad programs in Melbourne to students with demonstrated financial need, proven academic merit, and for specific CIEE programs. Students can apply for scholarships through three simple steps: 

  1. Search for and apply to your dream program 
  2. Review all available funding opportunities 
  3. Complete the Scholarship & Grants portion of your application
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Study Abroad Scholarships

NEED-BASED SCHOLARSHIPS

Based on students' Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) from their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and enrolled institution. Complete the Scholarships & Grants portion of your program application to be considered for all awards to which you are eligible.

MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS

Based on academic achievement. Complete the Scholarships & Grants portion of your program application, along with an essay, to be considered for all awards to which you are eligible.

OTHER SCHOLARSHIPS

Other scholarship awards are based on program or alumni status.

VIEW OUR SCHOLARSHIPS & GRANTS

Talk to a Student Who's Lived it...

Ask an Ambassador

Reach out to one of our Student Ambassadors to learn what CIEE Study Abroad is really like from alums who've lived it! Address any questions you may have about Melbourne, from your academic interests and travel planning to housing and cultural differences.