melbourne-docklands-yara-river-sunset
Melbourne, Australia

Arts + Sciences (RMIT)

Study Program

Tentative Dates

-

19 weeks

Costs

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Tentative Dates

-

18 weeks

Credit

12 - 16 semester hours

18 - 24 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Overview

Your Arts + Sciences program in Melbourne lasts a full semester and is designed for students from all academic backgrounds. You will enroll in a combination of CIEE courses, host institution courses, and courses taught online through CIEE's global academic partner, ASU. Enhance your experience with co-curricular and extracurricular activities while immersing yourself in Australian culture. Live and learn in Melbourne!

Unique Experiences

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Experience Melbourne’s dynamic art, culture, and tech scene

through public talks, site visits, festivals, and expos

Enjoy touring the Great Ocean Road

to see natural landmarks like the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and the Otway Rainforest

Immerse yourself in Melbourne laneway culture

a vibrant tapestry of art, food, and history waiting to be explored

Experience
  • melbourne-students-bridge-sunset

Your Destination

Melbourne is Australia’s creative and multicultural hub, celebrated for its thriving arts scene, world-class universities, and strong focus on innovation and research. The city offers a unique blend of historic architecture, cutting-edge design, and diverse cultural influences, making it a dynamic setting for both academic and personal growth. Whether you’re studying the arts, sciences, IT, technology, or engineering, Melbourne provides top-tier education, opportunities for hands-on learning, and access to a network of global thinkers. With its lively café culture, outdoor festivals, coastal escapes, and reputation as a center for creativity and discovery, Melbourne is the perfect place to study abroad while experiencing one of the Southern Hemisphere’s most vibrant and forward-thinking cities. 

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Program Highlights 

  • Academic Courses: Choose courses from host institution courses, CIEE and online courses delivered by CIEE’s global partner, ASU, that align with your academic major.
  • Immersive Experiences: Participate in activities, excursions, study tours, and more that showcase your host city's culture, values, and local art, film, music, cuisine, and sports scenes.
  • Cultural Projects: Volunteer with members of the local community, join university clubs to socialize with your peers, and attend local workshops and events to get to know your host city. 
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Excursions & Activities

CIEE’s excursions and cultural activities in Melbourne will open doors for you to explore Australia’s rich diversity, language, culture, history, and timeless beauty in ways that will enhance your time abroad.    

Samples of excursions and activities: 

  • Visit one of Victoria’s stunning wildlife sanctuaries such as Healesville or the Koala Conservation Reserve on Phillip Island and get a selfie with kangaroos, koalas, wombats, or echidnas  
  • Discover Melbourne’s hidden bars and multicultural dining scene as you weave through laneways and rooftops to uncover craft cocktails and gourmet bites 
  • Indulge your creative streak in the cultural capital of Australia and experience the best festivals, live music, comedy, theater, dance, and more  

Program Blogs

From CIEE

Australia vs. New Zealand Study Abroad: Which is Better for You?

By College Study Abroad at CIEE

You’ve decided to study abroad in the Oceania region. Congrats! You’ve taken the first big step in your study abroad journey. Next up? Choosing between Australia vs. New Zealand study... keep reading

From CIEE

The Ultimate Guide to Studying Abroad in Australia

By College Study Abroad at CIEE

Known as the Land Down Under, studying abroad in Australia is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. From the country’s stunning coastline and its indigenous history to its modern, multicultural vibe, Australia has... keep reading

From CIEE

Why Study Abroad in Melbourne, Australia: Top 5 Reasons

By College Study Abroad at CIEE

As the cultural epicenter of Australia, and one of the country’s most vibrant and cosmopolitan cities, Melbourne is an incredible place for a study abroad adventure! From its world-class arts... keep reading

Housing
Academics

Academics

CIEE Melbourne: Study in the heart of Melbourne, Australia's vibrant cultural capital, with easy access to cafés, beautiful gardens, and iconic laneways brimming with street art. CIEE Melbourne boasts contemporary teaching and learning spaces, outstanding student support, and onsite staff available for guidance and academic advising.

The Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT): Located in the heart of Melbourne, RMIT is renowned for its strengths in technology, design, and enterprise. Established in 1887, RMIT delivers practical education, training, and research, designed in collaboration with industry partners to ensure graduates are highly employable. According to the QS World University Rankings, RMIT is recognized among the world's top 100 universities in Art and Design, as well as in various Engineering disciplines, including Civil and Structural, Electrical and Electronic, and Mechanical, Aeronautical, and Manufacturing.

Arizona State University (ASU): Brought to you by CIEE in partnership with ASU, enhance your international coursework with online classes that align with your degree requirements. ASU offers thousands of online courses in asynchronous 7.5-week sessions that fit within the CIEE academic calendar.    

GPA

2.5

Language Requirements

There are no specific language requirements for this program.

Additional Requirements

To be eligible for this program, students must have: 

  • Completed at least one full year of studies at their home institution 
  • Be 18 years of age or over at the time of application 

Please refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria. 

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Requirements

All students enroll in 4-5 courses for a total of 12-16 credits per semester choosing from: 

  • 3-4 courses at RMIT 
  • Up to 1 CIEE course 
  • Up to 1 ASU online course (max 4 credits) 
    • In the spring term, students will be limited to ASU session B 

Program Credit

Total Credit: 12-16 U.S. semester credits/18-24 quarter credits.    

Course Credit

  • RMIT Courses: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45-54 contact hours 
  • CIEE Courses: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours 
  • ASU Online Courses: Typically, 3-4 U.S. semester/4.5-6 quarter credits; 45-60 contact hours    

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Academic Culture

CIEE courses are designed to follow U.S. academic culture and standards. The class environment typically features a combination of traditional lecture and discussion with co-curricular excursions and activities. Heavy emphasis is placed on student engagement. Similar to classes at U.S. institutions, students should expect to spend an average of two hours of preparation and study for each hour in CIEE classes.    

CIEE courses typically run from Monday through Thursday, providing students with a concentrated schedule that allows for intensive study and exploration. This condensed format encourages students to fully engage with the material and make the most of their time. Attendance is mandatory for CIEE courses. 

RMIT: The academic culture at RMIT University is characterized by a strong emphasis on practical, industry-connected learning and innovation. Students benefit from a hands-on approach that integrates real-world experiences with academic studies, fostering a dynamic and engaging learning environment. Additionally, RMIT values promoting a supportive and collaborative atmosphere where students from various backgrounds can thrive and contribute to the university's vibrant community. 

ASU Courses: Most ASU online courses are asynchronous. You may find yourself in classes with students from ASU, other American universities, and students from around the world. You’ll receive direct and individualized support from faculty, 100% online.  

Class Format

CIEE classes are for CIEE students only. Classes are small, typically with up to 15 students per class, and emphasize communication and work in small groups. Instruction is supported and augmented online with our learning management system, Canvas.  

RMIT classes are a mixture of seminars, lectures, workshops, labs, group work, presentations, and hands-on practical learning. There will be a combination of face-to-face and on-campus learning, asynchronous, and online components. 

ASU online courses meet in “sessions” that are 7.5-weeks long in the semester, and all work must be completed within the session dates regardless of when your other CIEE courses begin or end.  

Grading

The U.S. grading scale of A-F is used. In CIEE courses, students are graded on the basis of attendance, class engagement, homework, project work, presentations, and mid-term and final examinations. Learning outcomes assessment is continuous through personal reflections, evaluation feedback, self-assessment, and requirements as set out in course syllabi.     

RMIT University uses a standard grading system for study abroad programs, similar to its domestic students. Grades are typically awarded as Distinction (70-79%), Credit (60-69%), and Pass (50-59%). A grade of NN indicates a fail (0-49%). CIEE reports final grades for host institution courses using recommended U.S. letter grade equivalencies, following a predetermined grade conversion scale. 

ASU grading follows the same format and standards as ASU courses taught in-person. “Pass/fail” or “Audit” is not allowed for CIEE students. 

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Language of Instruction

English

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Courses

Course Information

Course info:

RMIT course codes are designed to provide specific information about each course and range from 1000-4000. In Australia, undergraduate degrees are usually three years with the fourth year being an honors year. It is important to check if there are any prerequisites for your selected courses. 

Detailed information about specific courses, their codes and any prerequisites are available on the RMIT course guides page

Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology

RMIT course search

Students may design their own study broad program by selecting courses from across any of RMIT University’s disciplines, as long as they meet the necessary prerequisites. Alternatively, they can choose to study one of the of pre-selected Study Abroad Packages: 

  • Social Change
  • Sustainability and Urban Planning
  • Legal and Justice Studies
  • Fashion and Textiles Merchandising
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Business, IT and Logistics
  • Blockchain and Behavioural Business
  • Aviation

Spotlight on RMIT’s unique courses:

GRAP2593: Animation & Interactive Media
Develop your animation and design skills exploring 2D and 3D animation, stop-motion, character design, and the fundamentals of cinematography, from both a practical and theoretical aspect.  

MKTG1442: Introduction to Fashion Retailing 
This course introduces you to the fashion retailing sector with an overview of local and global brands, whilst examining retail formats and ownership models and the role of visual merchandising within the changing retail experience.

ECON1340: Strategic Games for Business  
This course introduces students to how to use game theory to recognize and understand strategic situations, to predict others’ behaviors and to design appropriate strategic and tactical responses for business success.  

PHYS2183: Rocket Science
Get a close-up into the world of orbital mechanics and astrodynamics, calculating orbits and trajectories, orbit matching, gravity assists, docking and berthing. And design and build your own rocket! 

SOCU2316: Sport, Equity & Social Change
Look deeply into how sport can change the world, as a central dimension to social life, threading relations between people across generations via the casual play at local parks, organised competitions at ovals, all the way through to the mega-events and massive stadiums of the global sport industry. Sport as an everyday barometer of social and cultural priorities, identity and social participation.  

GRAP3029: Storytelling for Advertising
Develop your own skills in writing and crafting compelling headlines, persuasive texts and engaging scripts and scenarios, to develop your storytelling and communication skills for diverse media platforms.

COMM1081: Music & Popular Culture
This course examines the role, significance and influence of music in popular culture, engaging with contemporary issues, historical events and key genres in music within diverse cultural forms, such as television, the media, and online. 

CIEE proudly partners with ASU to deliver asynchronous, 100% online coursework that aligns with your degree requirements from anywhere you study abroad.

CIEE and ASU offer courses online per program eligibility, at no additional charge. Be sure to review online courses with your home school advisor.

Check the CIEE Program Dates and ASU start dates below to maximize course options within your program! 

Search ASU Online Courses BROWSE FAQs for more INFO

 

Program Options
Program Options

Note: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party. The courses, as described, may be subject to change as a result of ongoing curricular revisions, assignment of lecturers and teaching staff, and program development. Courses may be canceled due to insufficient enrollment.
"(GI)" denotes courses that originated at CIEE's Global Institutes and that are offered at multiple CIEE sites.

Scholarships

Scholarships & Grants

CIEE offers scholarships and grants annually to help students like you make your study abroad dream a reality.

Students who apply to this program are eligible for the following scholarships and grants:

  • Ping Scholarships for Academic Excellence
  • CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
  • MSI Grant
  • Trailblazer Grant

To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application.

Learn more about scholarships

Dates & Fees

Dates & Fees

You get more for every dollar when you study abroad with CIEE, because our high-quality programs include everything from excursions to insurance. There are no hidden charges, and no disappointing surprises when you arrive.

Program

Application Due

Start Date

End Date

Fees & Housing

Program Spring 2026 19 weeks Start Date * End Date * Fees & Housing $23,950
Program Fall 2026 18 weeks Start Date * End Date *

*Dates for this program are provided as tentative dates. Please consult with your study abroad advisor to confirm dates before purchasing your flights.

To help you budget, keep in mind that students are responsible for the cost of international airfare, local transportation, books and supplies, visas, and personal expenses. In addition, your college or university may charge additional fees for study abroad, or may require you to receive a transcript via CIEE's School of Record, which carries an additional fee of $500.

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.

Participation Confirmation $300 *
Educational Costs $15,456 **
Housing $8,000 ***
Insurance $194
Total Fees $23,950

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

*non-refundable fee

**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

***Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

What's Included

Tuition

Housing

Pre-departure Advising

Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions

Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet

Orientation

Introduction to your program plus practical information about living in your host city

On-site Staff

Full-time program leadership and support in your city

Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities

Excursions and/or Study Tours

Travel Protection

CIEE iNext travel protection

24/7 emergency on-site support

Staff

Our Staff

Joanna Shaw

Center Director

Jo has lived in Melbourne since she was a child and loves everything about this dynamic and cool city. She has a Masters of International Relations from La Trobe University...

Andrés Bayer Echeverri

Program Coordinator

Originally from the coffee region (Pereira) in Colombia Andres has been living in Australia since arriving as an exchange student 22 years ago. He has worked in education his entire...

Get Started Steps

Get Started

Here’s what you need to do to take the next steps:

1

Start an Application

You're one step closer to an amazing study abroad experience!

2

Connect With Your Campus Study Abroad Office

Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad.

3

Contact Us

Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.

Request Info