January in Melbourne
Unique Experiences
Experience an iconic Aussie beach druing Australia's summer
complete with surfing lessons, ice cream on the sand, and an Aussie BBQ
Take a selfie with a koala and kangaroo
at one of Melbourne's incredible wildlife parks
Wanter the myriads of laneways
lined with street art and cafes
Your Destination
Melbourne is Australia’s cosmopolitan hub, known for its warm summer weather and vibrant cultural scene. January is the perfect time to experience the city’s energy, with long sunny days ideal for exploring iconic laneways, enjoying outdoor festivals, and relaxing in scenic parks and along the waterfront. Whether you're majoring in business, science, engineering, technology, communications, psychology, health sciences, liberal arts, language, or fine arts, Melbourne is the perfect place to study abroad on winter break.
Program Highlights
- Academic Course: Take one CIEE course delivered in-person at the CIEE Center.
- 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.
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:
- • Take a day trip along the Great Ocean Road, also known as Australian shipwreck coast, and marvel at the historic and awe-inspiring rock formations
- • Enjoy Australia’s stunning bushland and get up close and personal with native Australian animals including penguins at sunset on Philip Island
- • Wander Melbourne’s iconic laneways adorned with colorful street art
Please note: Activities are based on past programs and subject to change at CIEE's discretion to adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when arranging activities is always to enhance your experience.
Program Blogs
Australia vs. New Zealand Study Abroad: Which is Better for You?
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
The Ultimate Guide to Studying Abroad in Australia
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
Why Study Abroad in Melbourne, Australia: Top 5 Reasons
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 & Meals
Housing
CIEE Melbourne housing ensures students are always well-connected to the best of the city. Set in vibrant neighborhoods, students will experience a comfortable lifestyle in a cosmopolitan environment. Everything they need is within walking distance from their home, including various restaurants, supermarkets, pharmacies, and easily accessible public transport.
Standard Housing: Includes a room in a shared apartment or student house.
- Shared Apartments: Double occupancy rooms in shared apartments/residence halls feature a fully equipped kitchen, shared living rooms and bathrooms, and coin-operated shared laundry facilities onsite. All apartments are located within a 45-minute commute of CIEE Melbourne via public transportation.
Meals
Shared Apartments/Residence Halls: While meals are not included, students can prepare their own meals in the fully furnished kitchen. Melbourne has a dynamic food scene with fresh food markets providing an array of local fruit, vegetables, meats, spices, and more. Students can also explore restaurants and cafes in surrounding areas. You’ll find Melbourne’s food is influenced from all corners of the globe!
Academics
CIEE Melbourne: Located in the heart of the city, the CIEE Center has easy access to all this great city has to offer. As part of a co-working enterprise, CIEE Melbourne shares space with dynamic small businesses and startups with full access to modern and welcoming classrooms and meeting rooms, breakout areas, quiet rooms, Wi-Fi, study booths, printers, and more.
Course Information
History, Philosophy, Religion
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.
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 January 2026 3 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * | Fees & Housing $4,350 |
*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 | $2,520 ** |
| Housing | $1,450 |
| Insurance | $80 |
| Total Fees | $4,350 |
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.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
| Meals not included in program fee | $293 † |
| International Airfare | $1,500 †† |
| Local Transportation | $150 |
| Books & Supplies | $10 |
| Personal expenses | $150 ††† |
| Total Costs | $2,103 |
*non-refundable fee
**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students
†For groceries if you plan on making your own meals, budget more money if you plan on eating out regularly.
††round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure
†††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries
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
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
1
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.
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