Language Requirement: None
Academic Standing by Program Start: Sophomore or above
Location: Oceania, Australia
GPA: 3.0

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Dates & Deadlines
Applications for Fall Semester close on 02/01/2026
Applications for Academic Year close on 02/01/2026
Applications for Spring Semester close on 02/01/2026
Applications for Calendar Year close on 02/01/2026

Program Overview

In this exchange program, you will enroll directly in classes at La Trobe University, one of Australia’s leading teaching and research universities. Along with many traditional classes, La Trobe offers several unique areas of study, such as aboriginal studies, Hellenic studies, zoology, and cinema studies. Students can participate in a variety of extra-curricular activities including sports, exploring the outdoors, and theater. Comprised of a campus network in locations throughout Australia, students live and take most of their courses at the main Bundoora campus, which is located approximately 8 miles from downtown Melbourne and is easily accessible by public transportation. The program is open to UO undergraduate and graduate students from any discipline for a semester or full academic year of study. See a 360 degree virtual tour of the La Trobe campus.

Opportunities for field excursions make La Trobe a great choice for students interested in the biological sciences, archaeology, or Australian studies. Even non-biology majors can sometimes join in field trips designed to give students an up-close encounter with Australian wildlife. Australian Studies is an interdisciplinary program that offers students an understanding of Australia society and culture in a global context. Students looking to enhance their Study Abroad experience are encouraged to take the Australia Studies unit 'Discover Australia.' Other recommended fields of study at the Melbourne campus are: politics, international development, international economics, tourism, viticulture (science of wine production), history, legal studies, chemical sciences, computer science, business, education, media, and journalism.
 
La Trobe’s International Office offers support academic, financial, accommodation, cultural and personal issues. You can engage in community activities and volunteer work opportunities. The office is also available to help you in critical incidents, understanding university policies and procedures and accessing career services.
 
Melbourne is the capital city of Victoria and has been ranked as one of the world's most livable cities. It is referred to as Australia's "cultural capital" and is the birthplace of Australian impressionism, Australian football, and a number of Australian film and television industries. Federation Square is the cultural center, with a number of cafes, restaurants, and performances. It is also very convenient to travel around the city, with Melbourne having one of the largest operating tram networks in the world.

Dates and Deadlines

Term Year Deadline Arrival Date Departure Date
Fall Semester 2026 02/01/2026 Mid-July Late November
Academic Year 2026-27 02/01/2026 Mid-July Late June
Spring Semester 2027 02/01/2026 Mid-February Late June
Calendar Year 2027 02/01/2026 Mid-February Late November

The application process for this program is competitive: GEO staff will review your application materials, and a decision about your enrollment will not be made until after the application deadline. In some cases, an interview is required. If your program requires an interview, you will be contacted with further details about this process after the application deadline. Early applications are encouraged.

Successful applicants will receive an exchange nomination from GEO. Selection will be based on a holistic review of your application. This includes a review of your GPA, transcripts (including courses taken and in-progress), any additional requirements or prerequisites (see section "Additional Requirements"), and written statements. 

Applying for an exchange program involves 2 steps. If you receive a nomination from GEO, you will also need to complete the host university's application, which is administered and reviewed by your host university directly. Instructions will be provided after acceptance by GEO. The host university makes the final decision regarding acceptance into the program.

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Hear from Our Students

Finding My Second Home In Melbourne

College-aged girl posing behind a kangaroo lying on its back in a park in Australia.
I have always wanted to visit Australia, so when I saw that GEO had a program that could make this dream a reality, I jumped on it! In the five months I spent there, I met lifelong friends from all… read more

Discount for Pell Recipients

To expand access to study abroad, GEO is offering a $500 discount for this program to UO students who currently have the Pell Grant as part of their federal financial aid (FAFSA).

Academic Details

The Australian academic year runs from February to December. Subjects are offered in different formats such as lectures, tutorials, labs, seminars, and workshops. During lectures, your teachers will present information to your entire class. Tutorials and seminars are smaller group sessions that are sometimes led by your teacher, another academic, or another student. Tutorials and seminars are meant to be interactive, and are your chance to get more information about lecture material and assignments. La Trobe uses three categories in their teaching approach: problem based learning, enquiry based learning, and flexible learning.

Course Availability:

At La Trobe, "Subjects" are the equivalent to classes/courses at the UO. Exchange students can choose from most subjects from all the major areas of study the University offers (unless otherwise stated in the subject's description in the La Trobe Handbook).

Please review the Subject offerings for exchange students on La Trobe University's website using the "Course Search" link on the sidebar menu. You may need to use the current academic year's subject list as a guide for what might be available for the term you want to study at La Trobe University. 

You need to be flexible with choosing subjects and have multiple back-up subjects in case you do not get into your top choices. You are responsible for ensuring you meet any pre-requisites for subjects at La Trobe University. 

Note: Students should consult with their UO academic advisor before submitting their course enrollment to La Trobe University. 

Credits:

Most subjects at La Trobe are worth 15 unit points, which transfer to the UO at the rate of 15 La Trobe unit points = 6 UO quarter credits. 

A course load of four subjects (60 unit points) per semester is generally considered full-time at La Trobe University. It is a formal requirement of the University and a condition of the student visa that all international students on student visas must maintain full-time enrolment at all times, unless formally permitted.

Additionally, to maintain full-time student status at the UO while on a university exchange program, UO students need to earn at least 12 UO credits per UO term abroad. 

 

Course Equivalencies

UO students: please refer to the UO Course Equivalency Process and the UO Office of the Registrar Course Equivalency Database.

Non-UO students: Actual credit awarded is determined by the relevant department at your university in consultation with the study abroad office. Check with your study abroad advisor for more information.

Additional Requirements

  • 3.25 GPA is required for graduate students
  • Completed UO WR 121 and 122 with grades of B- or higher 

 

Housing Description

You may choose to live in on- or off-campus housing. On campus, you will live in dormitories, known as “colleges” in Australia. You should expect living conditions to be similar to housing options at the UO with slightly higher costs.

The colleges at La Trobe University are modern and typically have single rooms and shared cooking facilities. Find information on the range of La Trobe’s accommodation options by visiting the link in the sidebar menu. You will have access to a kitchen to prepare your own meals easily and affordably, or you can also opt for the convenience of having some meals catered in the Glenn Dining Hall. 

It is recommended that you apply for housing as soon as possible after receiving your letter of offer from La Trobe. On-campus housing fills up very fast, so the earlier you apply the better.