Exchange Program (Undergraduate) (CRICOS course code 041631G) is a Non AQF Award delivered by The University of Melbourne (UniMelb) over 1 year. This course is designed for international students who wish to spend a semester or full academic year at one of Australia's leading universities, immersing themselves in a new academic and cultural environment while earning credit towards their home degree. As a CRICOS-registered program (provider code 00116K), it meets Australian Government standards for international education under the ESOS Act, ensuring your rights and tuition protection. On this page, you'll find comprehensive information about tuition fees, entry requirements, visa obligations, and practical steps to apply. HeadStart Academy is a free resource drawing directly from the official CRICOS register (April 2026) — no commissions, just reliable data to help you plan your study in Australia.
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Exchange Program (Undergraduate) (CRICOS course code 041631G) is a Non AQF Award delivered by The University of Melbourne (UniMelb) over 1 year. It falls under the broad field of Mixed Field Programmes (Field of Education 129999), encompassing interdisciplinary studies that combine elements from multiple disciplines. While not leading to an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) award, this program allows students to gain international academic experience, improve English proficiency, and build cross-cultural competencies — highly valued in today's globalised workforce. The University of Melbourne is a public research university consistently ranked among the world's top 50, with a reputation for academic excellence and a vibrant campus life in Melbourne, Victoria.
As a Non AQF Award within Mixed Field Programmes (n.e.c.), the curriculum is customised through an agreement between your home university and The University of Melbourne. You will typically enroll in undergraduate-level electives across faculties such as Arts, Science, Engineering, Commerce, or Fine Arts, depending on your study plan and prior approval. The program emphasises experiential learning, cultural adaptation, and intellectual exploration rather than a fixed syllabus. Graduates of such exchanges often gain a broader worldview, enhanced problem-solving skills, and a network of international contacts — assets for any career.
The CRICOS register lists this course as 1 year (52 weeks) of full-time study. The language of instruction is English. It is a single qualification (not a dual award) and is not a foundation studies program. The University of Melbourne delivers the course on-campus at its Parkville campus in Melbourne, Victoria. Students are expected to attend classes, tutorials, and assessments as per the university's academic calendar.
Tuition fees for Exchange Program (Undergraduate) are indicative and sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026. The indicative tuition fee is A$28,332 for the full 1-year program. Non-tuition fees are listed as A$0, but you should budget for compulsory Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), which costs approximately A$650–A$1,200 per year depending on provider and policy. Living costs in Melbourne are around A$25,000–A$30,000 per year (including rent, food, transport, and personal expenses). The Student visa (Subclass 500) application charge is currently A$1,600. Always confirm current fees directly with The University of Melbourne at unimelb.edu.au, as amounts may change.
English language requirements vary by provider — typically IELTS 5.5–7.0 overall depending on course level. For undergraduate exchange at The University of Melbourne, you must have a minimum GPA as specified by your home institution and meet the university's English proficiency standards (e.g., IELTS 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0). You should also be enrolled in an undergraduate degree at a partner university. Foundation or pathway programs are not offered for this course; instead, you apply through your home university's exchange office. Contact The University of Melbourne for specific criteria.
No work component. This course does not include a mandatory work component. However, as a Student visa holder, you may work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions.
The course is delivered at The University of Melbourne — PARKVILLE, VIC. Parkville is the main campus, located just north of Melbourne's central business district. Melbourne is Victoria's capital, home to over 200,000 international students and more than 150 CRICOS-registered providers. Public transport (trams, trains, buses) provides easy access to the campus. Living costs in Melbourne: indicative weekly rent A$350–A$600 for a one-bedroom apartment, groceries A$80–A$150, and a myki transport pass A$50–A$70. The city offers a multicultural environment, world-class food and arts scenes, and proximity to beaches and national parks.
To study Exchange Program (Undergraduate) on a CRICOS-registered course, you will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa requires you to meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion, maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), and demonstrate sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and travel. Visa holders can work 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. The ESOS Act protects your tuition fees through the Tuition Protection Service. Always check visa conditions on the Department of Home Affairs website (homeaffairs.gov.au) and consider consulting a registered MARA agent for personalised advice.
Melbourne consistently ranks as one of the world's most liveable cities. With a diverse population, excellent public transport, and a strong economy, it's an ideal destination for international students. The city has a large student community; over 200,000 international students from 170 countries study in Melbourne. For exchange students, the city offers a vibrant social scene, numerous cultural festivals, and outdoor activities. However, the cost of living is higher than in regional areas — budget accordingly. If you prefer a smaller city or different climate, explore other CRICOS-registered providers across Australia's six states and two territories.
Follow these three steps to apply for Exchange Program (Undergraduate) at The University of Melbourne:
1. Research CRICOS-registered providers — Use HeadStart Academy to search for courses. Filter by course level (Non AQF Award), field (Mixed Field Programmes), and city (Melbourne). Ensure your home university has an exchange agreement with UniMelb.
2. Apply directly to your chosen institution — Submit your application through your home university's exchange office. Provide academic transcripts, English test scores (if required), and a study plan approved by your home faculty. Deadlines vary — check with The University of Melbourne's Global Mobility team.
3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa — Once accepted, UniMelb will issue a CoE. Use this to lodge your Student visa (Subclass 500) application online. Include all required documents: CoE, OSHC evidence, financial statements, GTE statement, and passport. Processing times vary — apply well in advance.
Ready to apply? Start your search on HeadStart Academy and find CRICOS-registered courses that match your goals.
View the full The University of Melbourne (UniMelb) profile →
Exchange Program (Undergraduate) is a CRICOS-registered programme at The University of Melbourne (UniMelb). 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.