Melbourne Global Mobility

Frequently Answered Questions

INFORMATION SESSIONS|COURSE INFORMATION| GENERAL | APPLICATION PROCESS | MONEY | VISA | SCHOLARSHIPS | POSTGRADUATE EXCHANGE | ACCOMMODATION

INFORMATION SESSIONS

Are there information sessions that I can attend to learn more about exchange?

Yes! Information sessions are held each semester and you are encouraged to register for and attend as many sessions as possible. Some sessions explain the application process, whilst others relate to going on exchange through particular faculties, and to particular institutions and countries.

COURSE INFORMATION

Can I do the last semester of my degree overseas?

Yes, but you must have faculty approval as some faculties have specific guidelines/rules which you must meet to qualify for their degrees.

If I am in first year now can I apply for next year?

Yes. You need to have completed at least one year and 75 points at the University of Melbourne at the time of applying for an exchange. Keeping in mind closing dates, consult with your Faculty Exchange Adviser to plan your course structure from first year, to allow for your exchange period later.

If I am doing a double degree do I have to do courses from both faculties?

Studying double degrees is a common practice in Australia. However at some overseas institutions studying a double degree is very rare. Although this is possible, it is not recommended as it may complicate the processing of your application at the host institution. It is recommended that you only undertake subjects for one faculty whilst on exchange. Plan your course to free credits in one degree so you can do these on exchange. This means that you only need to get your study plan approved by one faculty. However it is advisable to notify the second faculty that you are planning to partake in the exchange program and to see if there would be any problems.

If I am doing a double degree do you look at the marks for both faculties?

Your Faculty Exchange Advisor takes into account results in the degree/s for which you are seeking credit whilst on exchange.

How do I find the subjects offered and how much they are worth?

You can find this information at any of the following areas:

How do I know what a normal course load for a semester is?

If not sure, select more subjects than is likely to be required and state "I intend to take full-time course load out of the following subjects....." Ask you faculty exchange adviser, as they know from past students, however be aware that all students are required to undertake the equivalent of at least a full-time load whilst overseas.

Can I do my Honours overseas?

Yes, however you must check with your faculty as specific regulations apply to doing part of an Honours year on exchange.

 

GENERAL

How does exchange work?

As the term implies, you exchange your place here at Melbourne University, with a student from a partner institution. Therefore you continue to enrol at Melbourne University as if you are physically here then you go to a partner institution where (theoretically) you take the place of a student who is coming to Melbourne/. You continue to pay fees/HECS and services & amenities to Melbourne and therefore do not pay such fees to your host institution. The studies to do must be for credit for your degree here at Melbourne.

Can I go to a destination not on the list?

No. If you plan to study at an Institution not on the list you will have to make your own arrangements to study there. This will mean that you will most likely have to pay fees. You will still need to seek faculty approval, if you want credit for these studies. See your faculty exchange adviser if you are planning independent studies overseas.

Where should I go?

People select their exchange destinations for a variety of reasons. If you are unsure of which destinations to choose, you should do some research.  Consider the following points:

We advise you to show the list of exchange institutions to those you approach for advice.

Please note the university involved must have an agreement with Melbourne University. If you choose an institution not on Partner List, you will need to organise your visit independently, in conjunction with your Faculty.

Can I go on exchange for a year?

Yes, as long as you have faculty approval and have the appropriate level of funding. Some faculties have quite strict rules regarding how much credit you can get for studies overseas, so you must check with your faculty exchange adviser before applying.

What happens if I go for a semester and want to stay longer?

If you are unsure how long you wish to study overseas for, it is advisable to apply for one year.  Therefore you can return earlier if need be. There is less stress involved in returning earlier than trying to extend your visit.

Can I go for longer than a year?

The maximum period for exchange studies is one year. You can go for longer to travel before or after your exchange period. You should check with your faculty to ensure you meet the requirements of your degree, as some specify a maximum amount of credit you are able to obtain from studies outside of the University of Melbourne.

Can I do exchange over the summer?

At this stage it is not recommended for course work programs. However if you are doing a research project you may apply for exchange over the summer period, so long as you have faculty approval, and pay Fees/HECS to Melbourne for this period.

Do I have to speak a language to go to a non-English speaking country?

You will get more out of your exchange experience if you have a basic understanding of the native language or your host country.

It depends on the destination and whether they teach your subjects in English. For example some destinations who teach some subjects in English may also expect you to take their language courses eg/ Technion (Israel), SELF program at Lyon (France).

Therefore, you need to carefully research your nominated exchange destinations to ensure you are able to study your subjects in English.

How much language study/what level should I be to go on a language exchange?

This depends on your destination. For example Japan have language tests (approx 2 yrs uni learning) and as does Lyon.

You will need to consult with your language department and may need written approval, stating your language ability is sufficient to cope with studies taught in the language. It is also wise to check the notes about language requirements on our Partner List.

Do I have to pay tuition to the Host University?

No, as you pay your tuition/ HECS fees at Melbourne University, there is no need to pay further fees to the host institution.

Please be aware that some international universities may charge a “bond” fee which covers any outstanding library fines etc. This money is refundable when you leave the institution. Other institutions may charge a small fee to obtain a student card.

Can I travel before my exchange?

Yes, as long as you have completed all the required application forms and your visa is in order, and you have attended a Melbourne Global Mobility Pre-Departure Session.

You need to keep Melbourne Global Mobility informed of a contact email whilst you are travelling, in case some information affecting your exchange is received from your host institution.

Can I travel after I have completed my studies?

Yes, so long as you inform the appropriate people at Melbourne University and complete the appropriate forms (leave of absence).

How many places are available?

Presently the Exchange Program has more places available than applicants. Therefore, if you meet the selection criteria and have support of your Faculty, you will be able to go somewhere. We can not guarantee you will get your first preference, but you will be able to go to one of our partner exchange institutions.

Every semester there are certain destinations where there are limited places. In cases where there are more applicants than places, the nominations will be based on academic ranking.

To avoid disappointment it is advisable to take a flexible approach when choosing your exchange preferences- the more flexible you are, the more likely you will have a positive and successful exchange experience

Food for thought: BE ADVENTUROUS! Consider destinations such as Mexico, Singapore, Sweden and Spain. For an idea of which destinations that are easier to get in to, ask Melbourne Global Mobility staff.

APPLICATION PROCESS

When in my application due ?

Due dates are listed on our website and in the application brochure which is available online or from the Melbourne Global Mobilty office and from Faculties offices.

Who do I submit by application to?

Submit your completed application to your Faculty Exchange Advisor by the due date. (Keep a photocopy for your own records).

How do I prepare a study plan?

Your detailed study plan needs to include as many of the following as possible:

You are responsible for submitting your study plan to the relevant departmental/discipline contacts for approval. The study plan, once it is approved by the departmental/discipline contacts is then submitted, by you, to your faculty exchange adviser along with the rest of your application, for final approval.

 

How do I find what subjects are offered overseas?

What kind of things do I need to include in my resume?

Education, Employment, interests, hobbies, details if you have travelled before, special achievements/ awards etc

Keep it brief, max 2 pages

What does the academic reference have to say?

You are required to obtain one written reference from an academic member of the faculty through which you are applying for exchange. This person should be able to comment on your academic ability and perhaps how the overseas experience will enhance your studies at Melbourne University.

Can I get a reference from my tutor?

If you are unable to obtain a reference from an academic member of your faculty, then you can get your tutor to write a reference. Note: your tutor must be either at Masters or PhD level, not Honours. Ensure they comment on your academic abilities.

What happens if I don't know any of the lecturers, so I can't get a reference?

Part of preparing an application for exchange requires planning well in advance. It is expected you would have met with and discussed you plans for exchange with an academic in the area of study you plan to undertake at a partner institution.

Is a telephone contact number enough for a reference?

No, we need an original written, signed and dated reference which may be also required by your host institution. The reference must be on university letterhead paper.

What should I write in my personal statement?

Basically detail why you want to go on exchange. You may wish outline the benefits to your study or if you have particular cultural interests in the country where you wish to study. Think about what you can put into the Melbourne Global Mobility exchange program as well as what you hope to get out of it. The essay length should be between 1-2 A4 pages, that is, about 500 words.

When do I find out if my application is successful?

About the second week of semester letters will be sent by Faculties stating whether your exchange application was successful or unsuccessful.

If successful, that is, if your application has been approved by your Faculty, you will be asked at a later date to collect an application form for the host institution, along with the Melbourne Global Mobility Student Agreement. You will then complete and return these documents to Melbourne Global Moblity. The host institution application will then be sent overseas for consideration. When the host institution advises us whether or not they are able to accept your application, we will let you know. This process can take quite a number of months, so it's important to be patient!

What happens if I don't get into my first preference?

If you are not given a place with your first preference, we will try to place you with your second or third preferences. This is dependent on number of available places for each exchange university and your ranking with the other exchange applicants. Therefore it is best to be flexible in your approach when choosing your exchange preferences.

 

MONEY

How much money do I need to go?

We suggest approximately $12,000 for one semester and $18,000 for one year, but this depends on where you intend to go. You will need to consider your finances as you should aim to have enough to not only cover living costs, but to be able to join in the social events, travel, go shopping etc. That is, aim to get as much out of your exchange experience as possible. If necessary, consider deferring for a semester/ year to work and save enough for a much better exchange experience.

 

VISA

Where do I get a visa? Do you know how much a visa costs?

You are best contacting the embassy or consulate for further details. Check here for some Helpful Links.

 

SCHOLARSHIPS

How do I apply for a scholarship?

Your application will automatically be considered for a Melbourne Global Mobility Scholarship, however you need to submit a separate application if you want to be considered for a School of Languages scholarship. Collect a language scholarship application from the School of Languages. PLEASE NOTE if you miss out on a language scholarship you are still considered for a Melbourne Global Mobility Scholarship.

How much is the scholarship?

The scholarship varies from between $750 to $2000 depending on where you are planning on studying. For further information please contact the Undergraduate Scholarships Office.

How many scholarships are offered?

The Scholarships Office aims to allocate scholarships to every student who is successful in obtaining a place in the Melbourne Gobal Mobility exchange program. The amount of the scholarship will vary depending on the amount of funding available, where you are going and the length of your exchange period.

Are there any other scholarships I can get?

If you are eligible you may also apply for the Language Scholarship. The application form is available from the School of Languages.If you miss out on a language scholarship you will still be considered for a Melbourne Global Mobility Scholarship but you will not be able to hold both.

For other suggestions for funding you may wish to contact the following:

POSTGRADUATE EXCHANGE

Can I do post grad on exchange?

Postgraduate students are eligible to apply for a place on the Exchange Program, but please keep the following points in mind

The Melbourne Global Mobility exchange program is aimed at Undergraduate students (including honours). Masters and PhD students tend to find it easier to arrange their own international study, with the help of their supervisor. Postgraduate students also need to visit School of Graduate Studies to ensure they follow the correct procedures for undertaking part of their degree overseas.

For postgraduates who wish to apply through the Melbourne Global Mobility exchange program you need to go through the same procedures as undergraduates.

What scholarships are available to postgraduate students on exchange?

Postgraduate students are eligible for Melbourne Global Mobility scholarships mentioned above.

ACCOMMODATION

How do I organise accommodation?

All partner exchange institutions are obliged to assist Melbourne students with finding accommodation, so rest assured you wouldn’t be homeless. Some institutions include accommodation forms with their applications. Others will wait until you have been accepted and then send you accommodation forms with your acceptance package. It is advisable you research your accommodation options before receiving forms from your host institution, so you are familiar with your options and costs. Consult with Melbourne students currently at your exchange institution, returned exchange students or students at Melbourne from that Institution. They are your best source of practical information about accommodation.

Do I have to live with a family?

No. Unlike secondary school exchanges, where you live is your decision. Most like to stay on campus (or nearby) accommodation.
If you want to live with a family, you will need to arrange this yourself, by contacting home stay organisations.

Does someone come and live with my family?

No. University exchange programs do not involve host family arrangements. Exchange students who come to Melbourne can apply for various accommodation options through the University directly. Information on housing can be viewed on the Study Abroad and Exchange website.

Can I stay off campus and rent a place by myself?

Yes, but you will need to make all the arrangements yourself. You should also inform your host institution of your accommodation arrangements so they know not to reserve accommodation for you.

 

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