
Summer in Melbourne
Unique Experiences
Visit Queen Victoria Market
to indulge in a diverse array of fresh produce, gourmet foods, and unique artisan goods
Experience the Heart of Melbourne's Sports Culture
with a visit to the MCG, Australia's largest sports stadium where historic cricket and football matches are played
Wander through Laneways Adorned with Murals
and explore art galleries like the National Gallery of Victoria in a city where fine arts and street art collide spectacularly
Your Destination
Melbourne is Australia’s eco-friendly capital, celebrated for its long summer days, scenic waterfronts, and lively cultural scene. The city comes to life in the summer with open-air festivals, bustling outdoor cafés, and opportunities to explore its world-famous biking culture and iconic landmarks like Federation Square. Whether you are majoring in business, science, engineering, technology, communications, psychology, health sciences, liberal arts, language, or fine arts, Melbourne is the perfect place to study abroad.

Program Highlights
- Academic Courses: Choose from CIEE courses 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 student clubs to socialize with your peers, and attend local workshops and events to get to know your host city.

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 past excursions and activities:
- Get up close and personal with a koala and kangaroo at Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary
- Visit the Old Melbourne Gaol for a glimpse into Australia's convict history and the harsh realities of the colonial justice system
- Delve into Melbourne's maritime history with a visit to the Polly Woodside, a restored tall ship that offers a glimpse into Australia's seafaring past
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
Our 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:
- Residence Hall/Shared apartment: Includes a single room in a shared apartment or residence hall with other students. Apartments are within 45 minutes of Melbourne’s downtown and public transport. Stay connected with unlimited Wi-Fi access and enjoy hassle-free living with all utilities included.
- Homestays provide students with the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in Melbourne's diverse culture. Melbourne is a multicultural city, and students will stay with families of various nationalities. These homes are located within a 45-minute to 1-hour public transport commute from CIEE. The homestay experience includes breakfast and dinner (typically) 7 days a week. Students will have the freedom to come and go as they please while spending quality time with their host families, gaining firsthand insight into everyday life in Melbourne.
A note: The default criterion to assign housing is first-come, first-served; however, other factors may also be considered. If we cannot accommodate your first housing choice, we'll let you know before you arrive. Non-standard housing options require an additional fee that can be found in the program Dates and Fees.
Meals
Shared Apartment/Residence Hall: While meals are not included, students can prepare their own meals in the fully furnished kitchen. Melbourne has a vibrant 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!
Melbourne is famous for its’ fabulous food precincts, and fresh produce markets including South Melbourne market, Queen Victoria Market, Preston Market, Footscray Market, China Town in the city. Little Vietnam in Richmond, little India in Dandenong, and the Middle East mile on Sydney Road in Coburg.
Homestays: Students who live with host families receive two meals daily (usually breakfast and dinner) from Monday to Sunday. Other meals and/or any snacks are the responsibility of the student. Students can make use of the kitchen space at the homestay.
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
Summer Session II 2025
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 & 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
- CIEE STEM Scholarship
- Trailblazer Grant
To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application.
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.
*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 | $3,275 ** |
Housing | $1,775 *** |
Insurance | $200 |
Total Fees | $5,550 |
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.
*non-refundable
**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.
Participation Confirmation | $300 * |
Educational Costs | $2,750 ** |
Housing | $1,700 *** |
Insurance | $200 |
Total Fees | $4,950 |
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.
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 | $91 † |
International Airfare | $1,500 †† |
Local Transportation | $220 |
Books & Supplies | $10 |
Visa Fees | $400 |
Personal expenses | $146 |
Total Costs | $2,367 |
*non-refundable
**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.
†For students in homestays, families provide 2 meals a day. For students in residence halls, you should budget approx. $375 per month for groceries if you plan on making your own meals, and more if you plan on eating out regularly.
††round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure
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
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Connect With Your Campus Study Abroad Office
Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad.
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Contact Us
Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.