Study Abroad Program (One Semester) (CRICOS course code 028919M) is a Non AQF Award delivered by La Trobe University (La Trobe) over 26 weeks (~6 months). This course is perfect for international students seeking a short-term academic experience in Australia without committing to a full degree. You'll study at one of six campuses across Victoria, including Melbourne's Bundoora campus, Bendigo, Albury-Wodonga, and more. The program is designed to immerse you in Australian university life, with English as the language of instruction. As a CRICOS-registered course, it meets Australian Government standards for international education. Tuition fees are indicative at A$11,800 for the full duration, with no additional non-tuition fees listed. However, remember to budget for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, and visa application fees separately. This page provides a detailed breakdown of the course, including entry requirements, delivery locations, and student visa essentials, to help you plan your study abroad journey with confidence.
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Study Abroad Program (One Semester) is classified under the broad field of Mixed Field Programmes (field of education 12) and specifically under 'Mixed Field Programmes, n.e.c.' (129999). This means the course content is flexible and not tied to a single academic discipline. Instead, it allows you to select subjects from various fields to create a personalised study plan. Typically, students in such programs choose electives from arts, business, sciences, or social sciences, depending on availability at the campus. The Non AQF Award level indicates that this course does not lead to a formal Australian qualification like a diploma or degree, but it provides valuable academic credits that may be transferable to your home institution. You'll gain exposure to Australian teaching methods, develop cross-cultural communication skills, and enhance your global perspective. The exact subjects available depend on La Trobe's offerings each semester and your academic background.
The course is delivered over 26 weeks (~6 months) as per the CRICOS register. This full-time program is taught in English only. It is a single qualification course, meaning you will not earn a dual award. The study mode is on-campus at one of La Trobe's six Victorian campuses. La Trobe University (CRICOS 00115M) is a government-funded public university with a strong reputation for research and teaching. As this is a short-term program, it's ideal for students who want to experience Australian education without a long-term commitment. The academic calendar typically follows two semesters per year, so you can start in either February or July, depending on your preferred intake. Always confirm exact start dates with La Trobe.
According to the CRICOS register (April 2026), the indicative tuition fee for the Study Abroad Program (One Semester) is A$11,800 for the full 26-week duration. Non-tuition fees are listed as A$0, meaning no mandatory additional institutional charges are recorded. However, you must budget for: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) – approximately A$500–A$700 for 6 months; living costs – around A$1,200–A$2,000 per month depending on city and lifestyle; and the Student visa (Subclass 500) application fee (currently A$710). These estimates are not included in the CRICOS fee. Always check the latest fees directly on La Trobe's international website: http://www.latrobe.edu.au/international. Fees are subject to change by the institution.
Entry requirements for this Non AQF Award vary by provider. La Trobe University typically expects applicants to have completed secondary education equivalent to Australian Year 12. English language proficiency is required – common minimum scores are IELTS 6.0 overall (with no band below 5.5) or equivalent, though some programs may require higher. Since this is a short-term study abroad program, you may also need to be enrolled in a degree at your home institution. Some campuses may have additional prerequisite subjects. Foundation or pathway options are not applicable for this level, but if you lack the required English score, consider La Trobe's English language programs. Always verify specific requirements with La Trobe directly.
This course has no mandatory work component. However, as an international student on a Student visa (Subclass 500), you are permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks (subject to visa conditions). This can help offset living costs. The work component listed as 'No work component' on the CRICOS register means you are not required to undertake any work as part of the curriculum. You can still seek part-time employment independently.
The Study Abroad Program (One Semester) is delivered at six La Trobe University campuses across Victoria: Albury-Wodonga Campus (Wodonga, VIC), Bendigo Campus (Flora Hill, VIC), City Campus (Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC), Melbourne (Bundoora) Campus (Bundoora, VIC), Mildura Campus (Mildura, VIC), and Shepparton Campus (Shepparton, VIC). Each location offers a unique lifestyle. Melbourne (Bundoora) is in a vibrant northern suburb with easy access to the city. Bendigo and Ballarat are regional centres with lower living costs. Albury-Wodonga is on the border with NSW. Mildura is a riverside city in the northwest. Shepparton is a regional hub in the Goulburn Valley. All campuses are serviced by public transport. Victoria has over 200 CRICOS-registered providers and is home to many international students, particularly in Melbourne.
To study this course in Australia, you need a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key requirements: Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criteria – you must demonstrate genuine intention to stay temporarily for study; enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course (like this one); sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and dependants; and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the visa duration. As a student visa holder, you can work 48 hours per fortnight while studying and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. The visa application charge is currently A$710 (subject to change). Remember, HeadStart Academy is not a registered migration agent. For personalised advice, consult a MARA-registered agent or visit the Department of Home Affairs website.
Follow these three steps to apply for the Study Abroad Program (One Semester) at La Trobe University: Step 1: Research CRICOS-registered providers. Use HeadStart Academy to filter courses by study level, field, and location. Confirm that La Trobe University (CRICOS 00115M) meets your needs. Step 2: Apply directly to La Trobe University. Check entry requirements, prepare your academic transcripts, English test scores (e.g., IELTS), and meet application deadlines. Submit your application via La Trobe's international application portal. Step 3: Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500). Once La Trobe issues your CoE, lodge your visa application online through the Department of Home Affairs, attaching the CoE, OSHC evidence, financial documents, and GTE statement. Await visa grant and plan your travel to Australia.
A short-term study abroad program like this Non AQF Award offers flexibility but also requires careful planning. Consider your academic goals – will credits transfer to your home degree? Check with both La Trobe and your home institution. Location matters: each campus offers a different lifestyle, from bustling Melbourne to quieter regional towns. Living costs vary: Melbourne's weekly rent averages A$300–A$500, while regional areas may be A$200–A$350. Public transport is generally good, but regional campuses may require a car. The ESOS Act protects your rights as an international student, including tuition fee refund policies. Also, plan for OSHC and visa expenses. Finally, think about how this experience fits into your long-term education or career plans. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers and 26,000+ courses, so you have many options.
Ready to start your study abroad journey? Explore more courses on HeadStart Academy, or contact La Trobe University directly for the latest application details.
Study Abroad Program (One Semester) is a CRICOS-registered programme at La Trobe University (La Trobe). Use this register extract [CRICOS register, Apr 2026] to cross-check codes, duration and indicative fees before you apply.
This page is general information only and not migration advice. Confirm Student visa (Subclass 500) requirements with the Department of Home Affairs.