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Australia - Melbourne

Deakin University

University Overview

Australia MapDeakin University was founded in 1974 and is now home to some 60,000 students across four campuses in the Victoria region of Australia.  Boasting well over 6,000 international students, the university has a global mindset and will offer plenty of interaction between Australians and international students. 

Deakin offers an extensive variety of fields to visiting students, winning awards in the fields of biotechnology, information technology, political science and global studies, nutrition and exercise science, and social and mental health.  Beyond these disciplines, students can likewise find myriad options in the humanities and social sciences.

City Overview

Melbourne is the capital of the Victoria region of Australia and an exciting suburban mecca.  City streets are lined with both modern and Victorian architecture, trendy shops, sidewalk cafes and great nightlife.  Along the Southbank district lining the Yarra River, you will find Federation Square, considered "Melbourne's meeting place" and a hub of culture and energy.  A short distance south by light rail brings you to St. Kilda, Melbourne's most famous beach and home to many events and festivals year-round.  Further south, you can find some of the best surfing beaches in Australia.  Truly there is something for everyone in Melbourne!

Program Highlightsbrighton beach houses

Academic Calendar

Fall Trimester 2 Early July to Late October 

Spring Trimester 1 Late February to Late June

Academic Year students cannot be accommodated at this time.

Please see the 2021-22 Academic Calendar for specific dates

Academic Focus

  • Exchange students can enroll in any class, provided they meet the prerequisites.  Certain fields may be reserved for continuing Deakin students and unavailable for visiting students. 
    • Selection preference will be given to students seeking courses in their academic majors. 
  • Generally study abroad students can expect Level 1 classes to be introductions to the field, and as such, lower-division.  Most upper-division, study abroad students could hope to enroll in Level 2 or 3 classes, having prior knowledge of the subject under study.  
    • Australian transcript review is very strict. If you cannot show how you meet course pre-requisites, it is not likely you will be admitted to the course.
    • Be prepared to take alternative classes when requested.
  • Teaching will usually resemble a composite of both lecture and discussion sections.  Emphasis will be placed on course readings and outside research, therefore it is imperative that students bring with them a solid foundation of academic writing and research methods.
    • Roughly 70% of final grades are generally based upon a comprehensive exam.
    • Additional course work might also include research papers or projects. For this, keeping up with assigned and supplemental reading becomes critically important.
  • All work transfers back to San Marcos and can be used to fulfill all graduation requirements.
  • Deakin University Grading Scale

Langauage of Instruction

English

Requirements

  • Class Level: Upper-division status (completion of 60 units)
  • GPA of 2.75 or above and good academic standing to departure
  • Prerequisites: Level 2 & 3 classes generally require significant experience in the field. Check the course description for course prerequisites. If, based upon transcript review, you do not have the necessary prerequisites, you will be asked to consider an alternative course.
  • Special Note to Business Majors: In order to receive credit for upper-division courses abroad, you must have already completed your Pre-Core course work at CSUSM

Units

12-16 semester units.  Typically this equates to 4 courses/semester.  Deakin courses are worth 1 credit each, the equivalent of 4 CSU units.

Housing

On-campus accommodation is available at the Geelong Waurn Ponds, Geelong Waterfront, Warrnambool, and Melbourne Burwood campus (Deakin's main campus).  All rooms are furnished, single rooms with phone and computer access.  Bathrooms, kitchens, laundry and recreational areas are shared with other residents.  Each residence has a large common area for special events so you can easily get to know others in your hall.  A brand-new 400 room residence facility was completed in 2013 at the Burwood Campus and proves to be state of the art. 

Off-campus accommodation is available in furnished apartments near campus, but will require your arrival in Australia a minimum of two weeks in advance of your orientation program.  Please be sure to read their suggestions on making good housing decisions.  I would suggest using their HouseMe service, if at all possible, as it protects you while searching for the right off-campus accommodation for you.  Remember to consider the time and expense of commuting to campus each day!

An Australian homestay can also be arranged should you wish to get an insider view of the culture by living with an Australian family.  This can be a great way to truly get to know your host country!

Estimated Expense

  • Students pay their normal State University Fee to CSU San Marcos, currently $3,858/semester.  No tuition or fees due at Deakin University except for additional course fees for certain disciplines.
  • On-campus residence:  On average, $960/month (Burwood Studio Apartments), no meal plan.  There are a wide-range of more affordable, shared on-campus housing also available.  Off-campus and homestays vary based on location and type.
  • Health Insurance:  Australian Compulsory Overseas Health Cover is around $260 a semester.  Supplemental travel medical insurance (accidental death, medical evacuation coverage) is required for our office and comes at a rate of $69.
  • Cost of meals and personal expenses will vary, but average $500 per month.
  • Australian Visa:  $463/630 AUD (entitles you to work up to 20 hours/week)
  • Sample 2021-22 Budget
  • Students on approved study abroad programs are entitled to apply Title IV federal financial aid to their program costs.

Application Deadlines

For Fall Semester Study:  March 15

For Spring Semester Study:  October 1

How to Apply

  1. Visit the Deakin University website and the Exchange page to learn about the university and their exchange program.  For life in and around Melbourne, visit a good tourism site such as Visit Melbourne.
  2. Meet with the CSUSM Study Abroad Advisor in ELB 588 to determine if you are eligible for this program.
  3. Obtain course descriptions from the Deakin University Course Catalogue.  Be sure to read through important course prerequisite information.
  4. Consult with a faculty advisor in you major/minor department to determine if Deakin courses will count toward your major/minor.  If so, complete a Study Abroad Credit Approval Form.  At this time, we are unable to send students abroad to take GE specific course work.
  5. Order an official transcript from CSUSM and any other college from which you have taken a semester or more in classes (even if you have already transferred credit to CSUSM).  Please pick up official, paper transcripts in person and deliver them to Global Education.  Keep in mind that transcripts are now taking 7-10 business days to process.  Plan accordingly.
  6. Read about student accommodations.  You will note your preference in your online application.  All housing is first come, first served.
  7. Submit additional application details to Global Education:  CSUSM General Study Abroad Application
  8. Request the Online Deakin University Application and print a copy to submit with all supplemental documents to the Study Abroad Advisor.
    • Note: Please do not  submit the Deakin Univeristy application without consulting the Study Abroad advisor first.
  9. Submit your flight details to Global Education:  Flight Information Form
  10. Attend the pre-departure orientation and consult with the Study Abroad Advisor as necessary regarding the Student Visa process after acceptance.

Catch a glimpse of Deakin University

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Take a look at Melbourne HDR Timelapse video courtesy of exchange student, Filip Laureys and YouTube: