Arts + Sciences (Monash University)
New for Fall 2025!
Unique Experiences
Marvel at iconic street art
in Melbourne’s famous laneways, where vibrant murals and hidden gems turn every corner into an urban gallery
Catch an AFL match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)
and experience Australia’s favorite sport alongside 100,000 passionate fans
Explore the quirky cafés in the iconic laneways
And discover Melbourne’s obsession with coffee in one of the world’s most famous café cultures
2,000+
cafés and restaurants serve up world-class cuisine across the city
150+
nationalities call Melbourne home, making it one of the most multicultural cities in the world
60,000+
international students choose Melbourne each year, drawn by its top-ranked universities and vibrant city life
Your Destination
Welcome to Melbourne, Australia’s cultural capital and one of the most vibrant, exciting cities in the world. Known for its eclectic mix of art, music, and food, Melbourne offers a perfect balance of cosmopolitan life and natural beauty. The city is a melting pot of cultures, with influences from around the globe, making it a hotspot for culinary adventures, live performances, and creative expression.
Explore Melbourne’s famous laneways, where street art, hidden cafés, and boutique shops create a unique, buzzing atmosphere. Wander through the Queen Victoria Market, one of the largest open-air markets in the Southern Hemisphere, where you can sample international flavors or pick up handmade crafts and local souvenirs. Melbourne’s dynamic festival scene offers something for everyone, from the Melbourne International Comedy Festival to the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival.
For nature lovers, the city is a gateway to some of Australia’s most iconic landscapes. Take a day trip along the breathtaking Great Ocean Road, home to the world-famous shipwreck coast, visit the penguins on Phillip Island, or relax in the serene Royal Botanic Gardens. Melbourne’s vibrant bayside areas like St Kilda, are perfect for unwinding, while the nearby Yarra Valley offers world-renowned wineries and gourmet experiences.
Whether you’re a foodie, an art lover, or an adventurer, Melbourne invites you to explore its hidden gems and make the most of its unparalleled mix of urban energy and outdoor escapades.
CIEE wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. Local CIEE staff have provided details about conditions and cultural attitudes that students with specific identities might encounter in Melbourne.
Excursions & Activities
Ample activities and daytrips will be offered to immerse yourself in Australia’s culture and historical heritage. Examples of activities for Melbourne include:
- Wind your way along Australia's most iconic coastal road, the Great Ocean Road. The towering Twelve Apostles, lush rainforests, and quaint seaside towns await. Along the way, uncover the secrets of ancient geological formations and maritime history.
- Discover the heart of Melbourne’s rich Aboriginal heritage with the Birrarung Wilam (River Camp) Walk—an immersive cultural experience with a local indigenous guide.
- Experience an unforgettable journey through time and space at the historic Melbourne Observatory and its iconic telescopes.
- Dive into Australian history, indigenous culture, and natural sciences at Melbourne Museum. Right next door, the grand Royal Exhibition Building, a UNESCO World Heritage site, will leave you awestruck with its’ Victorian architecture and fascinating past. Enjoy stunning view of Melbourne’s skyline and gardens from the historic Dome promenade.
- Marvel at the stunning architecture of the State Library of Victoria while you wander through endless collections of rare books and manuscripts that tell the story of Australia’s rich literary and cultural history.)
Program Blogs
Australia vs. New Zealand Study Abroad: Which is Better for You?
You’ve decided to study abroad in the Oceania region. Congrats! You’ve taken the first big step in your study abroad journey. Next up? Choosing between Australia vs. New Zealand study... keep reading
The Ultimate Guide to Studying Abroad in Australia
Known as the Land Down Under, studying abroad in Australia is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. From the country’s stunning coastline and its indigenous history to its modern, multicultural vibe, Australia has... keep reading
Why Study Abroad in Melbourne, Australia: Top 5 Reasons
As the cultural epicenter of Australia, and one of the country’s most vibrant and cosmopolitan cities, Melbourne is an incredible place for a study abroad adventure! From its world-class arts... keep reading
Housing & Meals
Housing
Our housing ensures students are always well-connected. Set in welcoming neighborhoods, students will enjoy a peaceful and secure living environment. Everything you need is within walking distance from their home, including various restaurants, supermarkets, a pharmacy, and easily accessible public transport options.
Standard Housing: Includes a room in a shared apartment/residence hall or homestay.
- Shared Apartment/Residence Hall: Live with other international students in a shared apartment or residence hall located at Monash University’s main campus. You’ll have access to Wi-Fi and all utilities, as well as a fully equipped kitchen, laundry facilities, and comfortable lounge spaces. This option gives you the independence to manage your daily routine while still enjoying the social aspect of living with fellow students.
- Homestay: Immerse yourself in Melbourne’s diverse culture by living with a local family. Melbourne is a multicultural city, and students will stay with families of various nationalities. Homestays are located within a 45-minute to 1-hour commute by public transportation from Monash University main campus. Two meals are included (typically, breakfast and dinner). This is a great opportunity to gain firsthand insight into the local culture, all while having the freedom to explore the city on your own.
A note: The default criterion to assign housing is first-come, first-served; however, other factors may also be considered. If we cannot accommodate your first housing choice, we'll let you know before you arrive. Non-standard housing options require an additional fee that can be found in the program Dates and Fees.
Meals
Standard Housing: Includes a room in a shared apartment/residence hall or homestay.
- Shared Apartment/Residence Hall: While meals are not included, students can prepare their own meals in the fully furnished kitchen. Melbourne has a vibrant food scene with fresh food markets providing an array of local fruit, vegetables, meats, spices and more. Students can also explore restaurants and cafes in surrounding areas. You’ll find Melbourne’s food is influenced from all corners of the globe!
- Homestay: Students who live with homestay families receive two meals daily (usually breakfast and dinner). Other meals and/or any snacks are on the student. Students can make use of the kitchen space at the homestay.
Academics
Monash University, one of Australia's most prestigious institutions, is recognized globally for its excellence in education, research, and innovation. Established in 1958, Monash has grown into a global university with a student population exceeding 80,000, with representation from more than 170 countries. The university offers a wide array of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across ten faculties, including arts, business, engineering, law, and the sciences. Monash ranks among the top universities worldwide (QS World University Rankings 2024: 37th; Times Higher Education World University: 32nd), providing students with a future-focused education in a rapidly changing global landscape.
CIEE students can choose to enroll in 3-4 courses across a diverse range of fields. Students also have the opportunity to add a CIEE elective course.
Course Information
Monash University
Monash University offers a broad selection of courses each semester, covering a wide range of academic disciplines. Students can explore the course offerings by faculty in the Monash University Handbook and choose from an easily approved list of study abroad courses by department here.
When searching for courses in the Monash University Handbook, please note that a Monash “unit” is equivalent to a U.S. “course”, and that “course” refers to a major or program of study.
Students can opt to take courses across a wide range of academic fields, including:
Business
Accounting
Banking and Finance
Business Law and Taxation
Actuarial Studies, Econometrics, Analytics and Statistics
Economics
Global Business
Management
Marketing
Sustainability
Engineering
Aerospace engineering
Biomedical engineering
Chemical and Biological Engineering
Civil Engineering
Electrical and Computer Systems Engineering
Materials Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Environmental engineering
Robotics and mechatronics engineering
Software engineering
Information Technology
Information Technology
Computer Science
Software Engineering
Sciences
Biological Sciences
Chemistry
Earth, Atmosphere & Environment
Mathematics
Physics & Astronomy
Art, Design and Architecture*
Architectural Design
Fine Art
Art History and Curating
Collaborative Design
Communication Design
Industrial Design
Spatial Design
*May require additional approvals.
Arts
Arts
Criminology
Criminology and Policing
Global Studies
International Relations
Media Communication
Music*
Politics, Philosophy and Economics
*Music – one-on-one performance classes are not available to study abroad students.
Law**
**Law courses are only available to students who are currently studying law at their home institution.
Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences***
***Only available to students who are majoring in the relevant subject at their home institutions.
Psychology****
****Courses beyond the first year may require additional approvals.
Note: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party. The courses, as described, may be subject to change as a result of ongoing curricular revisions, assignment of lecturers and teaching staff, and program development. Courses may be canceled due to insufficient enrollment.
"(GI)" denotes courses that originated at CIEE's Global Institutes and that are offered at multiple CIEE sites.
Scholarships & Grants
CIEE offers scholarships and grants annually to help students like you make your study abroad dream a reality.
Students who apply to this program are eligible for the following scholarships and grants:
- Ping Scholarships for Academic Excellence
- CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
- MSI Grant
- Trailblazer Grant
To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application.
Dates & Fees
You get more for every dollar when you study abroad with CIEE, because our high-quality programs include everything from excursions to insurance. There are no hidden charges, and no disappointing surprises when you arrive.
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Fees & Housing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Program Fall 2025 19 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * | Fees & Housing $21,850 |
*Dates for this program are provided as tentative dates. Please consult with your study abroad advisor to confirm dates before purchasing your flights.
To help you budget, keep in mind that students are responsible for the cost of international airfare, local transportation, books and supplies, visas, and personal expenses. In addition, your college or university may charge additional fees for study abroad, or may require you to receive a transcript via CIEE's School of Record, which carries an additional fee of $500.
Program Fees
CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.
Participation Confirmation = $300*
Educational Costs = $15,506**
Housing = $5,850***
Insurance = $194
Total Fees = $21,850Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
Financial Aid
CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.
*non-refundable fee
**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students
***Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.
What's Included
Tuition
Housing
Pre-departure Advising
Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions
Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet
Orientation
Introduction to your program plus practical information about living in your host city
On-site Staff
Full-time program leadership and support in your city
Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities
Excursions and/or Study Tours
Travel Protection
CIEE iNext travel protection
24/7 emergency on-site support
Our Staff
Joanna Shaw
Center Director
Jo has lived in Melbourne since she was a child and loves everything about this dynamic and cool city. She has a Masters of International Relations from La Trobe University...
Dr. Lesley Turnbull
Academic Director
Dr. Turnbull holds a Ph.D. in Anthropology from Cornell University and has overseen a diverse array of academic programs in CIEE’s Pacific Rim region.
Maria Paz Montes Monsalve
Program Coordinator
María Paz Montes-Monsalve is an experienced professional in the international education field, with a background on translation and research.
Get Started
1
2
Connect With Your Campus Study Abroad Office
Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad.
3
Contact Us
Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.
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