Subject selection for the Study Abroad or Exchange program
- Glossary of terms
- How many subjects do I take?
- When do I select subjects?
- How do I select subjects?
- Can I change subjects?
- Contact
Glossary of terms
You may find that Australian university terminology is different from what you use at home. For a comprehensive list of commonly used terms see our dictionary.
Terms which we find Study Abroad and Exchange students need to know include:
- Course: The degree or program a student is studying - for example, Bachelor of Science, Master of Arts, etc. Courses vary in length from three to seven years.
- Program: Academic program of study, consisting usually of four subjects for study abroad and exchange students.
- Subject: A unit within a course or program. If you are enrolling in Contemporary Aboriginal Art, Money and banking, or Organic Chemistry, for example, you are enrolling in a subject that forms part of a course.
- Department: A teaching unit within a faculty.
- Faculty: An organisational structure within the University which coordinates the work of the departments where the teaching and research take place.
- Student Centres: Each student is assigned to a student centre which provides a 'one-stop shop' for administrative information and advice on issues such as subject selection/changes, student cards, assignment submission, timetabling, teaching materials, referral to other services, etc.
Handbook: Available on-line, this is the complete list of all subjects offered by the University (you may know it as a "catalog").
How many subjects do I take?
- You should take a full subject load of 50 points (12.5 points x 4 subjects) for one semester.
- You are not permitted to overload and take more than 50 points in a semester.
- Study Abroad students are welcome to take subjects from any faculty.
- Exchange students may take subjects from several faculties at once also. If, however, the agreement between your home institution and the University of Melbourne is restricted to one faculty, it may be necessary to get permission to take subjects outside that faculty.
While you are allowed to enrol in a minimum of 37.5 points to meet the conditions on your student visa, your home institution may not grant you full credit. You will need to ensure that your subject load is acceptable to your home institution. It is your responsibility to make sure you maintain the correct number of points.
When do I select subjects?
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You should begin selecting your subjects as soon as possible to ensure that your required choices are available.
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You must list the subjects you wish to take on your application (see also Faculty Specific Requirements). Subsequently, advisors will advise you if your chosen subjects are available and appropriate. In some cases they will request subject outlines (syllabi) or other information on classes you have already taken.
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Please note that there are quotas on some subjects in the biomedical sciences.
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If you wish to study engineering subjects it is strongly recommended that you nominate six subjects when you apply to avoid potential timetabling problems when you enrol.
How do I select subjects?
- Use the online University of Melbourne Handbook.
- If it is your first time using the handbook read our short Online Handbook Guide for easier subject searching.
- University Faculty websites which have been specially developed for Study Abroad and Exchange students can also assist in subject selection.
Can I change subjects?
You may change your subject selection during the orientation
and enrolment period or in the first
two weeks of semester (see: Key
University dates).
Contact
- If you still have questions, we are happy to put you in touch with
an appropriate advisor. Send us an email to admissions-studyabroad@unimelb.edu.au