Getting started at Monash University

There are a few important things you need to do before you start at Monash University:

1. Make sure you’ve completed all the enrolment steps on the Get Started page.
2. Confirm your IAP enrolment (you’ll be emailed a link).
3. Check your Monash email account regularly – this is how we’ll contact you. You’ll receive information on pre-arrival sessions, AAS orientation, enrolments, events, and more.

Get ready for life at Monash

The Introductory Academic Program

The Introductory Academic Program (IAP) is a compulsory program for all Australia Awards Scholarships (AAS) awardees who are beginning at Monash University or Monash College. It runs for five weeks and is currently held at Monash College, in the Docklands.

The IAP is designed to assist you with the transition from your home country to Australia, and it helps to prepare you for tertiary education in an Australian setting by introducing you to the self-directed study style that students at Monash University adopt.

For more information about the IAP, see Annex A of the AAS Policy, and visit the Introductory Academic Program page.

Key dates

The census date for your teaching period is important – this is the last day you can withdraw from units without incurring the unit fees (which may not be covered by your scholarship), and without Withdrawn showing on your academic record. These dates apply to you even though you’re an Australia Awards Scholarship student.

To find all the dates you need to be aware of, check our important dates page.

Summer and winter semesters

Australia Awards students can enrol in summer or winter units. This can help you to make up for a failed unit or lighten your course load during semesters, but you’ll still have to enrol in at least 18 credit points per semester to meet your student visa conditions.

DFAT will only approve your enrolment in summer or winter units if:

• the only cost associated with the enrolment is tuition fees
• the units can be completed within your current AAS duration
• the units are credited towards your degree, and
• it doesn't extend the duration of your course and your scholarship.

You’ll need to get approval from your faculty and email your Student Contact Officer at australia.awards@monash.edu before enrolling in any winter or summer units.

Student services

We offer a range of free services and resources, including ones for international students, wellbeing and mental health, childcare, and accommodation.

You can also send any specific queries to a Student Contact Officer (SCO) by sending an email to australia.awards@monash.edu.

Monash College is a separate institution which is owned by Monash University. Monash College provides programs and services to equip students with skills and qualifications they need to begin their studies at the University, including the five week Introductory Academic Program (IAP).

For more information about Monash College, visit their Get Ready page for new international students.

Alternative pathways

If you haven’t met Monash University’s English and/or academic requirements, you may be required to take an alternative pathway to Monash University through Monash College by doing the Monash English course, a Foundation Year, or a diploma. These can be completed either before or after your IAP.