Exchange and study abroad research program

Undertake a period of supervised research at the University of Melbourne as part of your research degree at your home institution.

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About the research program

An exchange or study abroad research program allows you to complete a period of supervised research at the University of Melbourne as part of your research degree at your home institution.

  • Duration: 3 to 12 months (up to 2 years with special approval)
  • Start dates: Flexible throughout the year; allow for visa processing time. You can arrive in Australia up to three weeks prior to, or three weeks after, your official start date
  • Study type: Research-only (limited or no coursework, depending on your plan).

You must arrange a University of Melbourne academic to supervise your research before applying.

What’s the difference between a study abroad and an exchange research program?

If you attend a university which is a current exchange partner of the University of Melbourne, you should first check with your home institution's exchange office to see if your program can be considered under the exchange. If it is not supported, you can apply for the study abroad research program.

Eligibility

To be eligible for a research degree, you must:

  • Be enrolled in a research degree at an overseas institution recognised by the University of Melbourne
  • Undertake research that is relevant to and contributes to your home degree
  • Meet the University’s English language requirements
  • Have written agreement from a University of Melbourne academic to act as your temporary supervisor
  • Plan a research period of at least 3 months with a maximum of 12 months (with the potential to be extended to 2 years with special permission).

Additional criteria for exchange students

Finding a temporary supervisor

You must secure a University of Melbourne academic supervisor before submitting your application.

Your supervisor will provide guidance and support throughout the duration of your stay.

When identifying a prospective supervisor:

  • Look for an academic with expertise in your research area
  • Ensure they have capacity to support your project
  • Contact them directly to discuss your proposal.

If you don’t have an existing contact, you can search for academics by research area using the University’s Find an expert directory.

Having confirmation from a supervisor does not guarantee you'll be offered a place on the research program, as the graduate research office also needs to ensure there is space with the faculty to host you.

How to apply

Follow these steps to apply for a research placement as part of an exchange or study abroad.

1. Prepare your documents

Documents for application include:

  • Academic transcripts
  • Proof of English language proficiency (if required)
  • A research proposal (approximately one page outlining your project and how it contributes to your degree)
  • Proposed dates of your research period
  • A letter from your temporary supervisor (see 2. Confirm your supervisor for more details).
2. Confirm your supervisor
You must provide written confirmation that a University of Melbourne academic has agreed to act as your temporary research supervisor, provided either as a letter on University of Melbourne letterhead or via their official University email account.
3. Allow time for application/visa processing
To study in Australia, you'll need to arrange a visa. Review the appropriate Australian visa for your research program. You should check Australian visa processing times and apply early enough to ensure your visa is processed before your planned arrival date.
4. Submit your application

Follow the Online application guide (PDF) and submit all required documents.

We’ll contact you if further information is required during assessment.

Need help with your application?

If you need help with your study abroad research application, contact gr-admissions@unimelb.edu.au.

If you need help with your exchange research application, contact the Global Learning team.

To submit your application, you’ll still need to follow the application steps and provide all required information for assessment. We are unable to assist with finding a supervisor.

Fees and payments

All students need a valid student visa and must pay for Overseas Student Health Cover and any related visa costs.

Fees for study abroad research students

Tuition fees are typically waived by the University of Melbourne's host faculty.

Fees for exchange research students

You won’t pay tuition fees to the University of Melbourne. Your home institution must nominate you for exchange as part of your application.

Next steps – before you arrive

If your application is accepted, you can start preparing for your time at the University of Melbourne.

This may include:

  • Applying for your visa
  • Organising accommodation
  • Planning your arrival and start date

You can usually arrive in Australia up to three weeks before or after your program start date.

More information on Preparing for Melbourne.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to find a supervisor before applying for research on exchange or study abroad?
Yes. You must have written confirmation from a University of Melbourne academic who agrees to supervise your research before you submit your application.
Can I do exchange or study abroad as a research student?
Yes. You can undertake a period of research at University of Melbourne as part of your research degree at your home institution, either through exchange (if your university is a partner) or study abroad.
When can I start a research program at Melbourne?
Research programs have flexible start dates and can begin at any time of year. You should apply at least 12 weeks before your intended start date to allow time for your application to be processed.
Do I need a visa for a research exchange or study abroad program?

Most students will need a student visa. You’ll receive a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) after accepting your offer, which you’ll use to apply. You will need to allow sufficient time for a student visa application to be processed.

As part of your visa application, you may need to provide evidence of meeting the Department of Home Affairs English language requirements, which are not the same as the University requirements.

Will I pay tuition fees for a research program?

No. Tuition fees are typically waived for both exchange and study abroad research students.

You may still need to pay for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), visa-related costs and other expenses.

How long can I do research at Melbourne?
Research programs are usually between 3 and 12 months. In some cases, they may be extended up to two years with special approval.