University of Melbourne
Melbourne, AUSTRALIA
University Info | School of Engineering Info | Exchange Student Info
Fast Facts
- #1 university in Australia, #31 in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2021)
- Our Engineering and IT degrees are tailored to enable our students to obtain professional accreditation upon graduation, recognized in Europe and the USA. Exchange students can be confident that they’re receiving high-quality engineering instruction.
- The main University of Melbourne campus is close to the city, allowing for easy access to shopping, restaurants and bars.
- The city of Melbourne was deemed the world’s most livable city for seven years running from 2011 – 2017 based on stability, healthcare, culture, environment, education and infrastructure. There’s always something new and exciting to experience. You can see what’s coming up here: https://whatson.melbourne.vic.gov.au/
- With nearly 20 engineering and IT clubs (and 200 special interest clubs university-wide), there are lots of ways to get involved and make friends both within your course and in the wider student community. https://umsu.unimelb.edu.au/getinvolved/clubs/listing/
Introduction
The University of Melbourne is a vibrant institution with a reputation for excellence built over 150 years. Our success has been achieved by insisting on international excellence and among our many scholars of international standing are three winners of the Nobel Prize. Our researchers are at the forefront of international scholarship in fields as diverse as human rights, art conservation and nanotechnology.
In a dynamic academic environment students will learn to study effectively in groups and to communicate knowledge in new ways and forms. They also have the flexibility of choosing their subjects from a broad range of disciplines allowing them to diversify and fully explore their interests.
The main Parkville campus is a unique blend of traditional and contemporary culture. It offers students a range of galleries, theatre and entertainment venues, bookshops, retail stores, cafes and restaurants all within walking distance from Melbourne’s city centre.
They will find themselves mixing with students from over 100 countries and our student clubs offer something for everyone. There is also an extensive range of sport and recreational activities.
The University has developed an award-winning student support facility encompassing arrival, housing, counselling and learning support and careers and health related services. Exchange and Study Abroad students will also have access to the Melbourne Welcome and orientation programs.
Terms of Exchange
Study Level
- Undergraduate students: Accepted
- Graduate students: Accepted
- Computer Science majors: Accepted
Eligibility Requirements
- Students should have the equivalent of a 3.0 on a 4.0 GPA grade scale. Borderline students may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
- Students need to have completed two semesters of full-time tertiary study outside Australia at the time of entry to the University of Melbourne.
English Proficiency Requirements
- Minimum TOEFL iBT score – 79 with writing 21, speaking 18, reading 13, listening 13
- Minimum IELTS score – 6.5 (no band less than 6.0)
More information on language requirements can be found on the admissions website.
Study Period
Fall, Spring, or Academic Year
Academic Calendar | Semester Dates (including exam period)
- Fall (Semester 2): mid-July to late November
- Spring (Semester 1): late February to late June
Academic Information
Disciplines Available
- Biomedical Engineering
- Chemical, Biochemical, Materials & Biomolecular Engineering
- Computer Science & Software Engineering
- Computing, IT & Information Systems
- Electrical & Electronic Engineering
- Infrastructure (Civil, Environmental, Geomatic, Structural) Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
Restricted Disciplines and Courses
The engineering subjects below are not available for exchange and study abroad students:
- ENGM90015 Management and leadership for Engineers
- ENGM90026 Engineering entrepreneurship
- COMP60001 Computer science research project
- ENGR90034 Creating Innovative Engineering
- ENGM90033 Internship
Course Contents
Course Descriptions | Schedule of Classes
Selecting Your Subjects
Enrollment Requirements
All exchange students are required to complete at least 50% of their classes in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
Undergraduate students are only permitted to take a maximum of two graduate subjects. Graduate subjects are designated by the first numeral of the subject code being 9 e.g. ELEN90032.
Workload per Semester
Students should take a full subject load of 50 points (usually 12.5 points x 4 subjects) for one semester. The minimum enrollment for student visa purposes is 37.5 points for one semester. Students are not permitted to take more than 50 points per semester. Exceptions to this limitation will be considered by the Faculty of Engineering and IT in situations where the student’s course requirements necessitate the taking of more advanced subjects.
Additional Application Materials
Recommendation letter from a professor or academic staff:
Students nominated by IIE to Melbourne will also need to complete the Melbourne application form.
Applications will be processed in the order they were received after the April 1st and November 1st deadlines. Students will have two weeks to accept their offer, after which their Confirmation of Enrollment (eCoE) will be emailed through to them.
Housing
It is imperative that students organise their housing early. As soon as the admissions application has been submitted students should begin to organise housing. They will need their Application ID (Student Number) and can begin as soon as they have received this number. Students who wish to receive assistance to find housing should contact student-accommodation@unimelb.edu.au as the University of Melbourne has a staff member dedicated to helping study abroad and exchange students.
The vacancy rate in Melbourne’s rental market is currently very low and students are encouraged to research and secure housing early to ensure they get the option that bests suits their needs. Housing for students can be broadly categorised into residential college housing and “off-campus” housing which is student housing, in some cases across the road from the campus, or private rental accommodation in surrounding suburbs. It is best that they begin their research on the Housing website, which will have the most up-to-date information on housing options, including application deadlines.
Residential Colleges
The twelve colleges and halls of residence at the University of Melbourne are based on the Oxford/Cambridge tradition. Most colleges offer a single furnished room including a bed, desk, cupboard, telephone, and computer connection. Bathroom facilities, common room and computer facilities are provided on a communal basis. The colleges do not offer self-catering facilities, but provide most meals, including vegetarian.
Students interested in residential college accommodation are advised to research individual colleges carefully as each has its own unique character and atmosphere. Places for Exchange/Study Abroad students in residential colleges are, however, highly competitive. Students must lodge their application through the Melbourne Global Mobility Office by the prescribed deadline.
Student Housing
The University maintains a list of student apartments and hostels off-campus but nearby (some are as close as across the road). For Exchange and Study Abroad students who are in Melbourne for one semester this may be a convenient choice as they are generally furnished, self-catering and student focused. They are generally a cheaper option than the residential colleges.
Private Accommodation
This is housing that is available on the private rental market. It is usually houses or flats (apartments) in the suburbs surrounding the University. They are often unfurnished and may only be available with a twelve-month lease. Sometimes students arrange to join share houses with other students, and can purchase furniture second hand also from other students finishing their studies and leaving.
Estimated Cost of Living
Costs of Living
International students are required to take out compulsory health insurance as part of their visa obligations.
The Melbourne Welcome is an optional introductory program for incoming Study Abroad and Exchange students. A fee is charged for participation in this program.
Contact
Office Responsible for International Exchange Students
Global Learning
Building 199, Level 3, 757 Swanston Street
The University of Melbourne
Victoria, 3010
AUSTRALIA
Tel.: +61-3-8344-7452
Fax.: +61-3-9348-2054
Email: studyabroad-exchange@unimelb.edu.au
City Info
Melbourne is the capital of Victoria and home to nearly four million people. It is the second-largest and most cosmopolitan city in Australia.
- Melbourne was voted the most liveable city in the world in 2013 by the Economist Intelligence Unit
- Melbourne has been recognised as a UNESCO City of Literature — we have more bookshops per head of population than anywhere else in Australia and more people borrow more books from libraries in Melbourne than anywhere else in Australia!
- Over 100 languages are spoken by the city’s residents.
In Melbourne everything is within easy reach. We have a comprehensive public transport system that is being continually improved and extended, lots of bike lanes and a public bike hire system. For the walkers, a short stroll down a laneway in the city can turn into a whole afternoon of discovery. Our city laneways host local designers, public art, cafés and restaurants.
And for the sports fans among us, Melbourne hosts many national and international sporting events, from tennis, cricket, horseracing and of course, Australian Rules Football.
Melbourne is a truly multicultural city and home to people from 140 different cultures (31% of Melbourne’s population were born overseas). You will find small multicultural ‘hubs’ all over the city and its suburbs where you can sample a variety of international flavours.
Even if you’re already a local, you’ll find there is always something new to discover, such as food and wine, coffee, sport, parks, exhibitions at museums and libraries, shopping, markets and of course Federation Square, across the road from Flinders Street Station, so it’s easy to get to, but best of all, it has the biggest free Wi-Fi site in Australia.
If you're moving to Melbourne for the first time, see Life in Melbourne for more information on the weather, banks, your safety and adjusting to Australian culture.
About Victoria
Melbourne is located in the state of Victoria, which offers a wealth of diverse regional areas and attractions, from sweeping coastline and pristine beaches to national parks and forests teeming with wildlife to wineries, lakes and mountains offering skiing, climbing and hiking.
Further Afield
Melbourne is also a great spot from which to see the rest of Australia — you can take a ferry to Tasmania, fly up to the amazing Great Barrier Reef in Queensland, head to gorgeous Sydney to check out the Opera House or take in the stunning Northern Territory, including Uluru and Kakadu National Park.
Info for University of Rochester Students
This program is currently only available to Engineering and Computer Science majors. If you are interested in this program please contact Rohan Palma or a CEA adviser.
CONTACT
Name: Rohan Palma
Position: Global E3 Program Coordinator
Email: rohan.palma@rochester.edu
Telephone: 585-275-7532
APPLICATION
In addition to creating your profile in the University of Rochester Portal, you must also apply directly to the program here.
