Study Abroad in Melbourne
College Study Abroad
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. Unlike its bustling counterpart Sydney, Melbourne provides a more laid-back atmosphere conducive to immersive learning experiences.
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 exploration and 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!
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:
- A trip to Phillip Island, a breathtaking wildlife destination only 90 minutes from Melbourne, home to koalas, pelicans, migrating whales, kangaroos, and more
- A visit to Melbourne Cricket Ground (locally known as “The G”), an Australian sports stadium and the largest stadium in the southern hemisphere
- A tour of Melbourne Skydeck, the southern hemisphere’s highest observation deck (more than 975 feet tall)
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.
New Programs Coming Soon!
- Engineering, Technology, and Science – Coming Fall 2025
Study Abroad Programs in Melbourne
- 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.
- Big City
- 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.
- Big City
- 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.
- Big City
- Dorm/Residence hall
- Homestay
- 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,
- Study Program
Experience life studying at Monash University, one of Australia’s leading institutions, known for its innovative teaching and global outlook.
- Big City
- Dorm/Residence hall
- Homestay
Currency
Australian Dollars (AUD)
Spoken Languages In Sydney
English, Mandarin, Punjabi, Filipino/Tagalog, and Arabic
Available Transportation
Train, tram, bus
Famous Local
Liam Hemsworth – Australian actor
Climate
Temperate oceanic climate with warm summers and crisp winters
Places to Explore
Melbourne Cricket Ground (“The G”) – an Australian sports stadium
Airport
Melbourne Airport (MEL)
Social Norms
It is considered rude to try to mimic the Australian accent, especially in Melbourne
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
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:
- Search for and apply to your dream program
- Review all available funding opportunities
- Complete the Scholarship & Grants portion of your application
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.
Talk to a Student Who's Lived it...
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.
Melbourne Study Abroad Blog
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