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

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 2024 2/1/2024 Late July Late November
Academic Year 2024-25 2/1/2024 Late July Late June
Calendar Year 2025 2/1/2024 Mid-February Late November
Spring Semester 2025 2/1/2024 Mid-February Late June

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.

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 academic year at La Trobe is divided in two semesters. The first semester starts at the end of February and finishes at the end of June and the second semester runs from Late July to Late November. The curriculum at La Trobe is organized in subjects (similar to UO courses). Exchange students are able to choose subjects from all the major areas of study the University offers. For a full list of subjects offered, please see La Trobe's list of subjects available on the sidebar menu.

La Trobe University (Bundoora campus) features course offerings in the following disciplines: Arts and communications, Business and economics, Education, Health Sciences, IT and engineering, Law, Sciences and psychology. Most areas of study are available for exchange and study abroad students – unless otherwise stated on the description in the La Trobe Handbook.

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.

Most subjects at La Trobe are worth 15 unit points, which is equal to 6 UO quarter credits. A course load of four subjects 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.

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

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. There is no fee to apply for on-campus housing.