Monash University

Monash University is located in Melbourne, Australia, and was founded in 1961. Today, it is ranked in the illustrious Group of Eight (the top eight universities in Australia) and is also the largest University in Australia with over 60,000 students. Monash University also has a strong international presence, and is ranked 73th by Times Higher Education.

Monash University’s Main Website | International/Exchange Student Website

International Student Enquiries: +61 3 9903 4788 

https://register.monash.edu/enquiry/GeneralIntEnquiry.aspx

The list of Universities that has exchange agreements with Monash University can be found here.

GPA requirement:

Information on minimum entry requirements for individual countries can be found here.

For exchange students, the required GPA can be found here

Language of instruction:

English

Courses:

You can find out more information on the courses available here: https://www.study.monash/courses?international=true

English Language Courses:

Students can attend one of three English language courses at the University if help is needed in meeting the English language requirements. They are:

• Monash English program
• Monash English bridging program
• An Introductory Academic program

You will be placed in a course that is most appropriate for your current English proficiency. If you prefer to take courses at a private institution, you can definitely find one easily! The city of Melbourne has many language schools, due to the multicultural nature of the city.

Flying Chalks’ tip: Monash has a large array of support services available for International Students interested in picking up the English language. These include English learning plans, online learning materials and academic workshops. They aim to cement what you’ve learnt from your English courses. IELTS exam preparation is also available.

Course registration process:

To apply for courses at Monash university, you will be required to submit documents to prove that you satisfy the course requirements. These documents include your high school results slip and a certificate validating your level of English proficiency. All these documents should be in English. You will also need to submit a certified copy of your passport.

There is a S$104 application fee and students will receive login details after making payment. These login details will give you access to the application portal, and you can save, edit or submit your application any time before the application deadline. Students can either apply for a full year or mid-year entry to their chosen course if they’re offered a place at Monash (some courses only offer February entry).

After applying, a student will be offered either an offer or a conditional offer. A full offer means you have been accepted and can now enrol in your course of choice. A conditional offer means you have been accepted, on the basis you submit other required information.

To proceed, a prospective student must accept their offer. This can be done online, and a deposit should be paid to the university (outlined in the offer letter). Payment methods include:

• Mastercard/Visa credit or debit
• Cheque
• Bank Transfer

Proof of payment should be sent to: mu.documents@monash.edu

Thereafter, submit a completed and signed copy of the International Student Course Agreement. Monash will outline instructions on how to access and send this agreement after you are offered a place. It must be sent prior to the offer cut-off date, which will be stated on the offer letter.

Once you have completed the above steps, you will receive a Confirmation of Enrolment, by email and snail mail. This document will be required for your VISA application. During the orientation week, an advisor will advise you on the subjects you should enrol in. He/she will also pass you an enrolment sheet. Simply fill it up with your desired subjects and submit it!

Attendance Policy:

Monash University has varying attendance policies across faculties. This ranges from having no attendance policy to meeting a 75% attendance rate to pass the course. You will need to check the individual course guide for your intended faculty. 

For more information, click here. 

Campus map:

Clayton Campus 

Caulfield Campus 

Selected facilities:

• There is a library at every campus and the libraries are open to all students. Students must respect the library’s terms of borrowing. Students who violate the terms may be fined.
• Computer labs also exist on every campus. Respective computer labs have varying opening hours. You can find out more here. 
• Tennis, Basketball, Badminton, Squash and other sports courts are available across all campuses. Sometimes, students can play casual games for free. Otherwise, students can arrange a group and then pay a fee to hire the court.
• Gym memberships are available at any of the campus gyms. A one-week free trial is available for students who aren’t sure if they want to commit. A one-month gym membership for students cost $80/month. The membership will grant you access for both the aquatics and fitness centre.

Flying Chalks’ tip: While the cost of living on campus varies, it is generally quite expensive. Students on a budget will get more for their money living off campus, as the areas around the campuses are generally catered for students’ budget.

Food on campus:

You do not need to leave the campus vicinity to be well fed! The Clayton campus offers a huge array of food options that cater to all tastebuds. There is a wholefood café that has a vegetarian menu. This café encourages sustainability and aims to reduce environmental impact and food wastage. Other options include Chinese and Japanese cuisine, and a refectory for sandwiches and coffee.

The Caulfield campus has a café on site. You can find a KFC, a Subway, an Italian and a Chinese restaurant just 5 minutes outside of the campus. There is also a 7/11 and a Coles supermarket right outside the campus.

Campus transportation:

A free shuttle bus operates in between all campuses and connects students to the Frankston railway station. These buses are air-conditioned and has free Wi-Fi. Do ensure that you have your student ID with you, as you may be refused entry if you cannot present a card. Buses operate at regular intervals and operate on a ‘first come first serve’ basis. You can find the bus schedule here. 

Student life at Monash University is anything but dull – the university association regularly organises events to get students to socialise and become a part of the community. The university centre also hosts performances, exhibitions, and activities regularly. Anyone can participate in these events.

Class time is never boring, as lecturers ensure that all lesson materials are presented in the most engaging way possible. Lectures are often supplemented with tutorial sessions, so that students can master the subject matter and clarify any questions they may have.

Orientation program:

Orientation week occurs the week before the start of each semester. Some events will be compulsory for incoming students, while others are not. These events help students settle into life at Monash University. Orientation helps an incoming student become familiar with Monash University’s campus, facilities, and academic requirements. Orientation is also a great chance to make new friends! Generally, an activity is prepared for the students to complete in groups. Orientation schedules will be available online about one month before the start of classes. 

Buddy program:

Monash has a Peer Mentoring Program that offers new students a chance to be paired with a third-year student, known as a mentor. Mentors can help the new students adjust to university life. You can apply for the program online or during orientation week.

Flying Chalks’ tip: While orientation is compulsory, you can always inform the university if you are unable to attend. The university can then organise alternative arrangements for you.

Student clubs:

You can find a wide range of student clubs at Monash, from academic and performing arts, to cultural and spiritual groups. You can find out more information on the student clubs here.

Here are some examples:

International Affairs Society – This society aims to promote an interest in global affairs and engage their members by getting them to think of solutions to pressing international conflicts. The annual membership costs S$7.30.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MonashIAS

Overseas and Exchange Club (MOVE) – This club provides information on studying in Australia and overseas and brings together all people of all cultures. The annual membership costs S$10.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/monashoverseasandexchangeclub

University events:

Monash regularly hosts world class events, including talks from notable speakers on such as climate change, careers and new scientific discoveries. You can find out more on what’s going on in the semester here.

The Monash Student Association also regularly organises events and they are open to all Monash students. These include an end-of-exams party at the campus bar, barbeques, and moonlight cinemas for students to relax and mingle. This is a great way to meet new people and make friends!

You won’t find a better city to spend your university years. Melbourne has consistently been ranked the world’s most liveable city for the past 6 years! The only disadvantage about living in Melbourne is the high cost of living. However, don’t let this dissuade you from coming to this wonderful city as it is still very possible to live on a budget here. Melbourne also has one of the most extensive modern tram networks in the world.

Melbourne is well known for its grid-like layout. It was carefully designed by Robert Hoddle in 1837. Small laneways are everywhere across the city, and they are filled with artwork, bars, restaurants, cafes, and shops. There is so much to explore and see here, you will never have time to see it all!

Flying Chalks’ tip: You will find some of the best bars and food hidden away in Melbourne’s laneways.

For food:

Melbourne is Australia’s premier city for food and culture, where its vibrant food scene reflects this very spirit.

For a start, Melbourne has its very own China Town, which is an entire section of the city filled with Asian restaurants. There are also many young and trendy restaurants in the city centre. Even though eating out can be expensive, Melbourne offers excellent cuisine on a budget, due to the high density of restaurants. Do explore eateries that are not located on the main streets (Swanston, Bourke and Collins) if you want to get a good deal.

Vegan cafés are widely popular there, so you will be spoilt for choice if you don’t eat meat.

Flying Chalks’ recommendations:

• Check out the suburb of Fitzroy, the Vegie Bar offers delicious vegan food!
• If you’re looking for something on a budget, Soi 38 is a small noodle restaurant located near Bourke street in the CBD. You can get a bowl of Thai cuisine for under $10. Great taste and price!
• Another cheap eat is the Shanghai dumplings in both Chapel Street and China Town. You will get large portions for a wallet-friendly price-tag.
• A top pick in Melbourne is Chin Chin, a restaurant on Flinders lane. Expect to pay $25-30 for a meal, but a good quality one at that.

Flying Chalks’ tip: Location matters when you’re eating out in Melbourne. Don’t eat anywhere along the South Bank if you are on a budget, as these restaurants are known for their high prices and substandard quality. 

For nightlife and entertainment:

Melbourne has so much offer at night that you will never be bored in this city! Chapel street and Brunswick street offer plenty of bars and nightclubs, and they’re mostly opened until 5am. Borsch Vodka and Tears is a great bar located on Chapel street and they offer unique vodka cocktails! The bar has over 100 different types of vodka, and you can sample its Polish food.

Flying Chalks’ tip: Alcohol is quite expensive in Australia. A standard drink can cost up to $8. You can get cheaper drinks at the university bar on student nights.

For entertainment, go to the Arts centre at the Southbank for a theatre show, or to the ACMI in federation square for one of its many exhibitions. There will be regular outdoor theatres in federation square during the summer, and you can enjoy a movie under the stars.

Flying Chalks’ tip: The arts centre regularly hosts internationally acclaimed productions such as Wicked. You can go to the ticket booth on the day of the performance and get a half-priced ticket if the show isn’t sold out!

For daily necessities and groceries

The main supermarkets are Woolworths and Coles, sufficient to satisfy all your grocery needs with reasonably priced items. There are also large Chemist chains which sell discounted prescriptions and toiletries. In addition, 7/11 convenience stores exist on nearly every high street in Melbourne. You can top up your Myki (public transport) card at the 7/11s.

Melbourne also has many fresh fruit and vegetable markets. Prahran market in Chapel street has vendors that sell fresh flowers, seafood, meat, fresh bread, a deli and food stalls. The Queen Victoria Market in West Melbourne is one of the largest in the city and they sell homewares, clothing, food products and other miscellaneous items. 

For shopping:

Melbourne is also the shopping capital of Australia – you can choose to shop at the high streets, in the city laneways, or inside a shopping mall.

The largest shopping mall in the Southern Hemisphere is Chadstone shopping centre, located in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne. A total of 530 stores are situated here, including David Jones, H&M, Zara and Aldi. You can take Bus 802 from the Clayton campus to Chadstone. Fountain Gate shopping centre is located nearer to Frankston, and it has many specialty stores, food outlets and a cinema.

Melbourne Central is a shopping mall located near the Parkville campus. It is located right in the CBD and has an iconic tower. Along with specialty stores, there is a vintage clothing market, as well as a cinema. There is also an underground train station in the mall.

Melbourne’s laneways are home to many independent boutiques. There are shops catered to all tastes in the CBD. Retro star is a large warehouse filled with vintage clothing, and they’re all reasonably priced and is in excellent quality. 

Getting from Airport to the Melboune City:

Skybus

The Skybus brings you from the Airport to Melbourne city and vice versa. It costs S$36 for a return journey, and S$18.70 for a single trip. You can spot the bus terminal by following the signs, it is located in front of the Arrivals area at the airport. The bus will travel to Southern cross station, the largest in Melbourne city. Thereafter, students can then take the overground train to the university.

• Clayton & Caulfield: From Southern Cross station, you can reach Caulfield campus with either the Cranbourne or Pakenham lines. It is a 23-minute journey. The same lines can be used to reach the Clayton campus. Alternatively, you can exit at Huntingdale station and take bus 601, 630 or 900 to the Clayton campus.
• Berwick: Berwick Campus can only be accessed via the Pakenham line, and the campus is a 4-minute walk from the station.
• Parkville: Parkville campus, located in the CBD, can be reached by tram. First, take any line to Flinders street station or Melbourne central, and take tram number 19 and alight at the stop named “Elizabeth St. Parkville campus”.
• Peninsula: You can reach Peninsula campus by travelling to Frankston station and then take the free campus shuttle to the campus.

Click here for more information!

Flying Chalks’ tip: The Public transport association of Victoria has a handy app which suggests the best route you can take to your desired destination. Download the PTV app from the apple store, or go online to access the service! 

Getting from Melbourne airport to Monash:

Monash Pick up service:

Monash offers a complimentary airport pick up service for every international student new to the university! You must make a booking at least three working days in advance. A driver will meet you at the international terminal and take you to your accommodation.

Taxi

There is a taxi stand available at the exit of Melbourne airport’s international terminal. The cost of taking a taxi to the city centre varies but estimates show that it costs around S$62.50. This will be the most expensive option.

Flying Chalks’ recommendation: The free pick up service offered by Monash is the best option for incoming international students. Once you book your flight, book the pick-up service straight away to ensure that you do not miss out on it!