Australian academic culture
Depending on where you come from, you may find some differences when studying in Australia.
In Melbourne degrees, you'll find there is:
- less scheduled class time
- the need to be a more self-directed learner
- less individualised attention from professors/lecturers
- more active discussion in tutorial classes
- an argumentative, not descriptive, style of writing in essays and exams
- few, but heavily weighted, pieces of assessment late in the semester
- a different approach to grading assignments
Academic support services
Although you may be very familiar with and successful in your home study environment there will be many academic differences in another country — even though the same language may be spoken.
We provide a wide range of academic support if you need help during your studies.
Visit the Academic Skills for advice.
Translation of grades
On completion of your semester abroad you will receive a University of Melbourne Statement of Results.
Not all home institutions will translate your University of Melbourne grades to their precise equivalents. It is the role of the home institution to do this.
Below is a suggested translation scale for the conversion to US or Canadian and European grades. Translation of results for grading scales in other countries will vary but could be determined by comparison with these scales.
| University of Melbourne Grade | Percentage Grade | USA/Canada | European Credit Transfer System | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Class Honours | H1 | 80–100 | A+ | A |
| A | ||||
| Second Class Honours – Division A | H2A | 75–79 | A- | B |
| Second Class Honours – Division B | H2B | 70–74 | B+ | |
| Third Class Honours | H3 | 65–69 | B | C |
| Pass | P | 60–64 | B- | D |
| 55–59 | C+ | |||
| 50–54 | C | E | ||
| Fail | N | 45–49 | C- | FX |
| 0–44 | F | F | ||