Summer in Melbourne
New for Summer 2025!
Unique Experiences
Visit Queen Victoria market
to indulge in a diverse array of fresh produce, gourmet foods, and unique artisan goods
Experience the heart of Melbourne's sports culture
with a visit to the MCG – Australia's largest sports stadium where historic cricket and football matches are played, and global music stars perform to sellout crowds. It’s an unforgettable atmosphere
Wander through laneways adorned with breathtaking murals
and explore prestigious art galleries like the National Gallery of Victoria in a city where the worlds of fine arts and street art collide spectacularly
1ST
BEST STUDENT CITY IN AUSTRALIA ACCORDING TO "QS BEST STUDENT CITIES 2025” RANKING AND 5TH IN THE WORLD
1ST
LARGEST CITY IN AUSTRALIA, WITH MORE THAN FIVE MILLION INHABITANTS
100,000
SPECTATORS CAN WATCH A GAME AT ONE OF THE WORLD’S LARGEST STADIUMS: MELBOURNE CRICKET GROUND (MCG)
Your Destination
Melbourne, Australia’s cultural capital, is a dynamic metropolis renowned for its diverse arts scene, bustling laneways, and rich history. With more than five million residents, it is Australia’s largest city and one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world, with more than 140 nationalities represented. Nearly one-third of its residents were born overseas, contributing to a vibrant mix of cultures, languages, and cuisines.
Melbourne is also home to a wealth of iconic landmarks that offer a glimpse into the city’s rich history and vibrant culture. The Royal Botanic Gardens provides a serene escape with its stunning landscapes and diverse plant collections, while the Melbourne Cricket Ground is a must-visit for sports enthusiasts, showcasing the city’s deep love for cricket and Australian Rules Football. Federation Square, with its distinctive architecture, serves as a cultural hub featuring galleries, museums, and public events. The historic Queen Victoria Market offers a lively atmosphere with a variety of fresh produce, unique goods, and delicious street food. Additionally, the Skydeck on the 88th floor of the Eureka Tower offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city skyline and beyond, making it an unforgettable experience for students. Not to mention the multiple day trips you can take just a couple of hours away from the city!
Moreover, Melbourne boasts a vibrant lifestyle that appeals to visitors from all over the world. The city is famous for its café culture, with countless coffee shops and eateries offering delicious cuisine from every corner of the globe. Melbourne’s calendar is packed with exciting events, like hosting the Australian Open Tennis every January, huge lunar new year (and other multicultural festivals across the year), and a thriving live music scene, with numerous venues offering performances across various genres. The city has produced many famous bands and artists, and it continues to be a hotspot for emerging talent. What’s more, winters offer a variety of cozy and adventurous activities. Enjoying a game of Aussie Rules Football at the MCG in winter is a must ice skating at Docklands or take a day trip to the snow-capped Mt. Donna Buang for skiing and snowboarding. The stunning rugged shipwreck coast is a blustery and beautiful backdrop for coastal walks. Average temperatures between June and August range from 42.8°F to 57.2°F, creating the perfect brisk atmosphere for outdoor fun and indoor relaxation. There's always something to do.
The Culture
Excursions & Activities
Excursions and activities may include:
- Taking a day trip to the stunning Great Ocean Road, renowned for its breathtaking coastal scenery and iconic landmarks, ranging from rainforest to pristine beaches
- Getting up close and personal with a koala and kangaroo at Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary
- Visiting the Yarra Valley, a renowned wine region located just an hour away from the city, where you can sample a variety of award-winning wines while enjoying some fresh local produce and gourmet delights, especially the award winning Chocolaterie
- Taking a self guided walking tour of Melbourne’s ionic laneways with some of the best street art Australia has to offer
- Visiting the Old Melbourne Gaol for a glimpse into Australia's convict history and the harsh realities of the colonial justice system
- Learning about Melbourne’s rich indigenous history and culture with a guided walk of the Birrarung Marr by an experienced Cultural Experiences Guide to understand how the land on which Melbourne stands has changed over time and its significance to the local Kulin peoples
- Visiting the Immigration Museum to enrich your perspective on the importance of cultural diversity and inclusivity in shaping Melbourne's identity
- Visiting the delightful fairy penguin parade at Phillip Island and learning about how to protect this endangered species
- Delving into Melbourne's maritime history with a visit to the Polly Woodside, a restored tall ship that offers a glimpse into Australia's seafaring past
- Attending an Aussie Rules Football match at the iconic MCG
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 to the best of the city. Set in vibrant neighborhoods, students will experience a comfortable lifestyle in a cosmopolitan environment. Everything they need is within walking distance from their home, including various restaurants, supermarkets, pharmacies, and easily accessible public transport.
Standard Housing:
- Residence Hall/Shared apartment: Includes a single room in a shared apartment or residence hall with other students. Apartments are within 45 minutes of Melbourne’s downtown and public transport. Stay connected with unlimited Wi-Fi access and enjoy hassle-free living with all utilities included.
- Homestays provide students with the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in Melbourne's diverse culture. Melbourne is a multicultural city, and students will stay with families of various nationalities. These homes are located within a 45-minute to 1-hour public transport commute from CIEE. The homestay experience includes breakfast and dinner (typically) 7 days a week. Students will have the freedom to come and go as they please while spending quality time with their host families, gaining firsthand insight into everyday life in Melbourne.
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.
Meals
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!
Melbourne is famous for its’ fabulous food precincts, and fresh produce markets including South Melbourne market, Queen Victoria Market, Preston Market, Footscray Market, China Town in the city. Little Vietnam in Richmond, little India in Dandenong, and the Middle East mile on Sydney Road in Coburg.
Homestays: Students who live with host families receive two meals daily (usually breakfast and dinner) from Monday to Sunday. Other meals and/or any snacks are the responsibility of the student. Students can make use of the kitchen space at the homestay.
Academics
Students participating in the Summer in Melbourne program enroll in one 3-credit course per summer session, blending classroom instruction with enriching co-curricular excursions to Melbourne’s cultural institutions and organizations. Designed for students of all majors, the program offers an immersive opportunity to experience Melbourne’s cultural attractions while earning credits toward their degree. All courses are taught by CIEE instructors. CIEE faculty are familiar with the U.S. academic system and culture.
Course Information
Summer Session II 2025
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
- CIEE STEM Scholarship
- 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 Summer Session II 2025 4 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * | Fees & Housing $4,950 |
*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 = $2,750**
Housing = $1,700***
Insurance = $200
Total Fees = $4,950Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
Meals not included in program fee = $91†
International Airfare = $1,500††
Local Transportation = $220
Books & Supplies = $10
Personal expenses = $146
Total Costs = $1,967Financial 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
**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.
†For students in homestays, families provide 2 meals a day. For students in residence halls, you should budget approx. $375 per month for groceries if you plan on making your own meals, and more if you plan on eating out regularly.
††round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure
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...
Thais Oso
Regional Director of Operations South Pacific Rim
Thais is currently serving as the Center Director in Sydney and the Interim Center Director of Auckland and Melbourne
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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