CASA-Melbourne is the Consortium for Advanced Studies Abroad program at the University of Melbourne. CASA is a nonprofit consortium of leading universities, including Dartmouth, that administers academically rigorous study-abroad programs with strong on-site support. At Melbourne, CASA provides local advising, orientation, cultural programming, admissions logistics, and student support throughout the term. https://casa.education/melbourne

Students must be in good academic standing with a minimum overall GPA of 3.0. The program is designed primarily for prospective and current Psychology and Neuroscience majors and minors, though students from other Dartmouth departments may also be considered on a limited basis.

PBS students should normally complete PSYC 01 and/or PSYC 06, PSYC 10, and at least one PBS course at the 20s- or 50s-level before participating in the program. Some University of Melbourne subjects may have additional prerequisites.

The program is expected to focus initially on University of Melbourne Semester 2, which runs approximately from late July through mid-November. CASA-Melbourne includes a pre-semester orientation period before University of Melbourne classes begin.

Because the University of Melbourne follows a semester calendar, Dartmouth students who participate in CASA-Melbourne must pair one Dartmouth exchange term with a leave term. Students should plan carefully with their D-Plan and consult with Guarini and PBS when considering when to participate.

The program is expected to support up to 15 Dartmouth students per year.

Students enroll in four University of Melbourne courses. Typically, PBS students take two courses in psychology and/or neuroscience and two courses outside their Dartmouth major. Students choose from available courses for which they are qualified.

Yes. Students may take up to two pre-approved University of Melbourne psychology or neuroscience courses for PBS transfer credit (see Transferring Course Credit). These courses may count toward the Psychology major/minor or Neuroscience major/minor, depending on the course.

No. Melbourne psychology and neuroscience courses taken through the exchange do not count toward Dartmouth advanced-level major requirements.

No. Students must complete the culminating experience requirement in residence at Dartmouth.

Yes. Students typically take two courses outside psychology and neuroscience. Courses outside PBS require prior approval from the relevant Dartmouth department and final review by the Registrar’s Office.

CASA-Melbourne students live in Student Village housing near the University of Melbourne campus and the city center. Students typically have a private bedroom in a shared apartment with other CASA students, giving them both independence and a cohort-based residential experience.

CASA-Melbourne provides on-site academic advising, orientation, cultural programming, and emergency support. Students also have access to University of Melbourne student services, including health services, counseling and psychological services, accessibility services, and academic support. https://casa.education/melbourne

Students pay Dartmouth tuition and applicable fees to Dartmouth for the exchange term. Students are responsible for room and board, airfare, Australian student medical insurance, visa fees, local transportation, and personal expenses. The Guarini Institute publishes an annual program cost sheet for the PBS-CASA-Melbourne Exchange.

Yes. Because CASA-Melbourne is structured as an exchange program, Dartmouth financial aid applies in full for eligible students. Tuition and expected family contribution remain the same as they would for an on-campus term. The Financial Aid Office considers the full cost of the off-campus program, including airfare, housing, meals, and other expected expenses, when calculating aid. Students receiving financial aid should consult the Financial Aid Office early in the planning process.

Yes. All students must obtain a valid Australian visa before departing for the program. CASA-Melbourne provides the Confirmation of Enrolment document required for the visa application after admission is finalized. Students should apply for their visa as early as possible, since visa processing times can vary. The current cost is approximately 1600 AUD (about 1000 USD), with possible additional charges for medical examinations. Financial aid packages cover visa costs.

The program initially focuses on University of Melbourne Semester 2, which typically runs from late July through mid-November. Because this overlaps with Dartmouth’s summer and fall terms, students should plan carefully with their D-Plan. Participation may fit some academic pathways more naturally than others, and students should consult with Guarini and PBS early when considering when to participate.

After nomination, students complete a University of Melbourne application to register their details. CASA-Melbourne then issues an offer letter. After students accept the offer, CASA-Melbourne provides the Confirmation of Enrolment required for the visa process.

For academic questions about PBS course credit and major/minor planning, students should contact the PBS faculty contact, Caroline Robertson. For application procedures, deadlines, costs, financial aid, and program logistics, students should contact the Frank J. Guarini Institute for International Education.