Study Abroad - Research (Fee Band 1) (CRICOS course code 094124K) is a Non AQF Award delivered by The University of Melbourne (UniMelb) over 2 years. This program is designed for international students enrolled in a degree at their home institution who wish to undertake a research project in Australia under the supervision of University of Melbourne academics. It falls under the broader field of Mixed Field Programmes, specifically in the category 'Mixed Field Programmes, n.e.c.', making it a flexible option for students from diverse academic backgrounds. As a Non AQF Award, it does not lead to a formal Australian qualification but provides valuable research experience and cultural immersion. The University of Melbourne, ranked among the top universities globally, offers a vibrant research environment at its Parkville campus. This page provides comprehensive information on fees, entry requirements, student visa guidance, and how to apply. All data is sourced from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026. HeadStart Academy is a free resource to help you navigate the CRICOS system and find the right course and provider for your study abroad journey in Australia.
| Metric | Value |
|---|
This course is a unique offering for international students seeking to experience research at an Australian Group of Eight university without committing to a full degree. It is part of The University of Melbourne's study abroad portfolio, which welcomes students from partner institutions worldwide. With CRICOS registration (code 094124K), it meets all requirements for international student enrolment and visa application. The University of Melbourne is a government-funded public university with a long history of academic excellence and research output. Its Parkville campus is located just north of Melbourne's central business district, providing access to world-class libraries, laboratories, and cultural institutions. Students benefit from protections under the ESOS Act, ensuring tuition assurance and consumer rights. As a study abroad program, it allows you to earn credit toward your home degree while gaining international research experience.
As a Mixed Field Programme classified under 'Other Mixed Field Programmes' (n.e.c.), this course allows you to design a research project aligned with your home degree discipline. Typical learning outcomes include developing advanced research skills such as literature review, data collection (qualitative or quantitative), analysis, and academic writing. You will work closely with a University of Melbourne supervisor to produce a research report or thesis equivalent to a substantial body of work. The 'n.e.c.' designation means the content is tailored to your specific field, making it highly individualised. This is ideal for students who want to enhance their academic profile, gain international research experience, and explore potential pathways to further study (e.g., a master's by research or PhD) in Australia. Graduates typically return to their home institutions with a deeper understanding of their discipline and a global perspective.
According to the CRICOS register, this course has a duration of 2 years (104 weeks) of full-time study. All instruction is delivered in English. It is a single qualification (not a dual award). Students must maintain full-time enrolment to comply with Student visa (Subclass 500) conditions. The course may be structured as a series of research units over four semesters, but the exact structure is set by The University of Melbourne. You should confirm the course breakdown directly with the university. Part-time study is generally not permitted for international students on a Student visa, so plan to commit full-time.
The indicative tuition fee for this course is A$34,556, with no additional non-tuition fees listed on the CRICOS register, giving an estimated total of A$34,556. Please note that this does not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), which is mandatory for international students and typically costs A$500–A$700 per year. Living expenses in Melbourne are estimated by the Department of Home Affairs at A$21,041 per year (2026 figure). You should also budget for the Student visa application fee (currently A$1,600) and travel costs. Fees are set by The University of Melbourne and subject to change. Always check the current fees on the official university website before applying.
Entry requirements are determined by The University of Melbourne. For this Non AQF Award, applicants typically must be currently enrolled in a degree at a recognised tertiary institution overseas. English language proficiency is required; common accepted tests include IELTS (typically 6.5 overall, no band below 6.0), TOEFL, or PTE Academic. Specific score thresholds depend on the research area and level of the project. No foundation or pathway programs are listed for this course, as it is designed for students already pursuing a degree. You should contact The University of Melbourne directly for detailed entry criteria and to discuss potential research topics and supervisor availability.
This course has no mandatory work component. However, as an international student holding a Student visa (Subclass 500), you are allowed to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during scheduled university breaks, subject to visa conditions. This can help you gain local experience and supplement your living costs. Always check your visa conditions regarding work rights.
The course is delivered at The University of Melbourne's main campus in Parkville, Victoria. Melbourne is Australia's second-largest city and a major hub for international students, with over 200,000 international students across its institutions. The city offers excellent public transport, including trams and trains from Parkville to the city centre. Indicative weekly living costs in Melbourne: rent A$300–A$500 for shared accommodation, groceries A$80–A$150, and public transport A$30–A$50. Victoria is home to over 50 CRICOS-registered providers, offering a wide range of courses. The Parkville campus is also close to the Melbourne Central Business District, providing access to cafes, libraries, and cultural attractions.
International students need a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study this course. Key requirements include: a genuine temporary entrant (GTE) statement demonstrating your intention to stay temporarily for study, sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and dependants, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay, and evidence of English language proficiency. Work rights: up to 48 hours per fortnight during term, unlimited during scheduled breaks. Dependants may also have work rights. Visa conditions are subject to change; always consult the Department of Home Affairs or a registered MARA agent for personalised advice.
Follow these three steps to apply for this course:
1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to filter courses by level (Non AQF Award), field (Mixed Field Programmes), and location (Victoria). Confirm The University of Melbourne's CRICOS registration (00116K).
2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Visit The University of Melbourne's official website to check entry requirements, prepare your English test scores, and submit your application before the deadline. You may need to nominate a research topic and secure a supervisor.
3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa: Once accepted, the university will issue a CoE. Use it to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500) online through the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you meet all GTE, OSHC, and financial capacity requirements.
Ready to apply for Study Abroad - Research at The University of Melbourne? Start your journey by exploring CRICOS-registered providers on HeadStart Academy and contact the university for application details.
View the full The University of Melbourne (UniMelb) profile →
Study Abroad - Research (Fee Band 1) 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.