Global

Global Immersion Guarantee

Learn how local leaders and communities are addressing the human impact on the environment and discover how you can help.

2026/2027 GIG Program Applications

Applications for the 2026/2027 Global Immersion Guarantee program are now closed.

The Global Immersion Guarantee (GIG) is your chance to learn from local leaders about how they’re working to address the human impact on the environment. See first-hand how to balance environmental protection and sustainability with economic and social development - and discover how you can contribute and make a difference.

GIG is a funded 12-credit point fieldwork unit (MON2100) that takes you to one of nine countries at the end of your first year.

You could travel to one of the following countries (depending on what's available):

India
Indonesia
Fiji
Samoa
Vanuatu
Malaysia
Italy
China
Vietnam

Take this unique opportunity to put your degree into practice and respond to some of the world’s biggest challenges. You'll gain a deeper understanding of the complexities and challenges involved in implementing sustainable and innovative solutions - skills that employers hold in high esteem.

Flights, accommodation, visas and all program costs are paid for while you’re abroad – you just need to cover the tuition fees, some food and spending money!

View the GIG unit (MON2100) in the Handbook

Key dates

The in-country program runs from November to February each year. Applications for GIG will open on Tuesday 24 March 2026. Eligible students will receive dedicated communications closer to the date.

Travel dates	Block 1: 21 November – 5 December 2026 Block 2: 5 December – 19 December 2026 Block 3: 2 January – 16 January 2027 Block 4: 16 January – 30 January 2027 These dates are indicative and there may be slight differences in departure dates based on airline schedules. Exact dates will be provided at the final offer stage for each destination.

You could travel to one of nine countries - India, Indonesia, Fiji, Samoa, Vanuatu, Malaysia, Italy, China or Vietnam.

You’ll visit our partner universities and local field sites, and learn from local businesses, government, non-government organisations (NGOs), social enterprises and youth groups about how to respond to the human impact on the environment.

GIG destinations present a multitude of resources and experiences for you to conduct fieldwork, work with locals and experience first-hand the unique environmental, social and economic issues relevant to the country.

While every eligible first-year student who applies is guaranteed an overseas GIG experience, each of the eight study locations has limited spots available - please note not all countries are available each year. Make sure you're enrolled in an eligible degree before applying.

The delivery of all Monash mobility programs is subject to the advice and requirements of the Australian government and the requirements of the destination country. Monash may need to cancel or defer planned mobility programs based on these requirements.

Travel in	Summer A
Apply in	Semester one

Not all countries are available each year or across all travel time blocks. If you're unable to go to one of the countries, we'll place you in another country.

India View

Indonesia View

Fiji View

Samoa View

Vanuatu View

Malaysia View

Italy View

China View

Vietnam View

View our frequently asked questions below or contact Monash Connect for more information.

A key feature of the GIG unit is that the cost of airfares, accommodation, travel insurance and required local travel associated with the intensive overseas based field trip component of the units are covered! You will just need to pay for some food and any other personal expenses whilst you are away.
You do, however, have to pay for the unit in the same way you would for other units in your degree. The two-week immersive international learning experience provided through the Global Immersion Guarantee is equivalent to a 12 point academic unit. The unit is a Band 2 unit, which is explained in the Handbook. The fees are calculated and charged at the same level as any other Band 2, 12 point unit.
The unit fee for GIG does not include the cost of travel and accommodation over the two weeks as these costs are covered.
You will be responsible for covering the costs of the following:
- MON2100 tuition fee for a Band 2, 12 credit point unit;
- the cost of a passport;
- meals and drinks not included in the program;
- medical expenses (which may be claimable via the insurance policy);
- vaccinations;
- transportation to and from Melbourne’s Tullamarine Airport;
- personal expenses and spending money; and
- personal travel outside of the program activities.
You will complete a field-work centred unit exploring the inter linkage of the environment, society and technology. Drawing on and experiencing in-country case studies as examples, you will look at the human impact on the environment and develop a deep understanding of the context of solving real world problems in sustainable development.

You will be required to complete work prior to, during and after your time overseas, which combines online and face-to-face learning and engagement. Before you go, you will undertake online lessons that will help prepare you for your time abroad, including intercultural competency, and engage with key theoretical concepts you will then have to apply in the country you are visiting. While in-country, you will attend a series of lectures and seminars, and visit a range of field sites. You will be expected to draw on these classroom and field work experiences to complete assessment tasks. After your immersion, you will be required to complete your major assessment tasks that will prompt you to reflect on your overall experience and apply the theoretical frameworks you have discussed to real world situations.

This is a 12-point unit so there is a heavy assessment load. You are required to complete all pre-departure, in-country and post-immersion assessments to pass the unit. While we want you to have fun and explore the country and all it has to offer, this is not a holiday!
The Global Immersion Guarantee is available to all students in the first year of their studies at Monash and are enrolled in one of the following eligible degrees. Students must be in their first 12 months of their first degree at Monash University Australia at the time of application. For example, applications for GIG 2026 will open 24 March 2026. As there are typically two intakes each year, some students may begin (commence) their studies mid-year (semester 2). Eligible students for this round of application, are those who commenced their course in Semester 2, 2025 or Semester 1, 2026, meaning they are still within the first year of their first degree. Students who commenced their course in Semester 1, 2025 would not be eligible, as they would be outside the 12-month eligibility period at the time of application.
In addition, you need to have a minimum WAM of 50 at the end of your first semester and be 18 years old at the time of departure. Please note that your participation in the unit may also be subject to a check of your general misconduct history. Where you have been found to have committed general misconduct or have general misconduct allegations pending against you, you may be removed from the unit
All students in the degrees listed above will be notified when applications opens on Tuesday 24 March 2026 at 9am.

There are two parts to the application. The first will assess your eligibility and collect your preferences for the country and time block. The second will occur after exam results are released in July and you will need to provide additional information to support your travel, such as your passport details.
Eligible students go on the GIG program at the end of their first year of enrolment at Monash, and applications open at the beginning of the year. You must be enrolled in an eligible degree at the time of travel.
Some students in an ineligible degree upon commencement at Monash University may transfer into an eligible course after the Semester 1 census date has passed, and hence, they need to wait to transfer to a different degree until in Semester 2. If you intend to transfer, email gigenquiries@monash.edu before GIG applications close and advise us of your intention to transfer into an eligible degree so we can add your name to the list of eligible students.
No changes to your country ranking or available blocks can be made post submission as that would be unfair to other students. This is because country and block allocations are done on a first come, first served basis.
It is your responsibility to ensure that your country rankings and block availability is correct prior to submitting the form.
You will have an opportunity to submit a country and/or block appeal during the conditional offer period. Appeals will only be considered if you can demonstrate extenuating circumstances. Appeals based on, but not limited to, the following examples will not be considered extenuating:
- you change of mind;
- you want to complete the program with your friend(s);
- you have volunteering or personal event or personal holiday or travel commitments; or
- you have food allergies which you think limits your choice of country (note that we will ensure suitable food is available).
Students who are participating in GIG should be aware that laws and social attitudes towards LGBTIQA+ people around the world can be very different from those in Australia. We work closely with each of our country partners to prioritise the safety and security of all our students whilst on the GIG program.
Leading up to departure, we provide students with a detailed briefing on local culture, customs, and laws. We also encourage all of our GIG students to prepare well and read up about their GIG destination before departure. With careful planning and research, LGBTIQA+ students can have a very successful and rewarding overseas study experience in all GIG locations.
If you have any questions or concerns and would like to speak to someone, please contact either gigenquiries@monash.edu or Respectful Communities.
Countries are allocated on a first in, first served basis. The earlier you submit your application, the more likely you are to get the preferred country and block.
As part of the application you will be asked to rank the countries in order of preference, but we can’t promise that you will get your first preference. The more blocks you are available for, the more likely we are to be able to accommodate your preferred location. If there are reasons why you are unable to go to any of the countries or at particular times, there is a space in the application for you to explain that.
The GIG unit runs in two-week intensive mode blocks each year.
The Summer in-country program runs from November to February.
Summer Blocks
These dates are indicative and there may be slight differences in departure dates based on airline schedules. Exact dates will be provided at the conditional offer stage for each destination.
Block 1: 21 November – 5 December 2026
Block 2: 5 December – 19 December 2026
Block 3: 2 January – 16 January 2027
Block 4: 16 January – 30 January 2027
Depending on which country you travel to, you may be staying in a hotel or on a campus and you are required to stay with the group for the duration of the program.
You will be manually enrolled into MON2100 after your first semester results have been released, this is referred to as the final offer phase. As per any standard Monash unit, students can withdraw from GIG without any financial penalty prior to census.
Please refer to Units with non-standard dates page for relevant census date information: https://www.monash.edu/students/admin/enrolments/dates/non-standard
The Global Immersion Guarantee unit (MON2100) is a 12 point, SCA Band 2 academic unit. The tuition fees are calculated and charged at the same level as any other SCA Band 2, 12 point humanities unit. Refer to the Course Fees website for more information.
Start-year intake students complete the program over the summer break and are enrolled into the Summer A study period.
Only a faculty course advisor can provide you with course advice. If you are unsure about how GIG will fit into your degree, we encourage you to submit a Course Advice Request Form so that a faculty course advisor can provide this advice to you.
Students who commence studies mid-year are still eligible to apply for GIG at the beginning of the following year.
Whether you are part-time or full-time the eligibility requirements are the same.
Students who complete GIG are enrolled into the Summer Semester A (SSA-02) study period of the year the program commences. For example, if you are completing the 2026/2027 GIG program, you will be enrolled into the Summer Semester A (SSA-02) 2026 student period.
Refer to the Principal Date website for the exact results release date associated to your GIG unit (MON2100) enrolment.

Yes, providing you are in your first year of study at Monash University and enrolled in an eligible degree at the commencement of GIG.
Our goal is to provide a global experience available to as many students as possible. We will work with you on a case-by-case basis in liaison with the University’s Disability Support Services to assess what reasonable adjustments we can make to enable you to be included in the program. In many cases we can do this, but due to the nature of the immersive experiences we may not be able to accommodate all cases.
We encourage you to take time to complete onward travel through the region, however you will be responsible for arranging and paying for your own travel, insurance and any other personal expenses. It is important that you confirm any visa conditions before you make any personal travel arrangements. You should also be aware that you will have assessments due one week and two weeks after the program concludes. You will not be eligible to receive an extension because you are travelling.
If you choose to travel outside the program, you will be required to submit a flight change request form during the final offer acceptance period and can only work with the Monash Travel Management Provider to book your flights. If you do not submit a flight change request form, you will be required to depart and return to Melbourne on the group flight.
It is important to note the following when planning your personal travel:
- Under no circumstances are you permitted to book your own flights. This can only be done by Monash’s approved Travel Management Provider.
- Under no circumstances will you be able to leave for personal travel before the program finishes. As you will be required to complete work prior to, during and after your time abroad, which combines online and face-to-face learning and engagement, you must take this into account when planning personal travel around the program.
- All flights must depart and return to Melbourne which is due to airline policy.
It is your responsibility to be aware:
- of any visa conditions before you make any arrangements.
- any immunisation or vaccination requirements of the country/ies you will be travelling to.
- If you fail to board your flight for reasons other than those accepted as exceptional circumstances you may be liable for airline penalty charges. Exceptional circumstances are defined as any event that is unavoidable, unforeseen or outside the control of the student. Refer to the Special Consideration website for more information.
No, you will be required to stay in the accommodation provided for the duration of the program.
Yes, GIG is available to international and domestic students who meet the eligibility criteria. As an international student on a student visa, you must study a full-time study load of 48 credit points (8 units) each year.
The GIG is a funded study abroad experience, but still incurs tuition fees. The Global Immersion Guarantee unit (MON2100) is a 12 point academic unit. The tuition fees are calculated and charged at the same level as any other 12 point humanities unit. Start-year intake students complete the program over the summer break and are enrolled into Summer A study period. Refer to the Managing your Student Visa website for more information. Contact Monash Connect if you have any questions.
The delivery of all Monash mobility programs are subject to the advice and requirements of the Australian government and the requirements of the destination country. Monash may need to cancel or defer planned mobility programs based on these requirements. We will do our best to allocate you to a different country if there are travel restrictions into the country you’ve been allocated to, however this is subject to availability and other considerations.
No, you cannot travel to your home country / country of birth for the GIG unit. GIG is designed to provide you with hands-on experience in a country and culture that is different from your own.
If your home country / country of birth is a GIG destination, you will be allocated to a different country destination.
GIG Digital Badge - ‘Interdisciplinary and Intercultural Leadership’
Demonstrate outstanding performance through an integration of exemplary interdisciplinary teamwork skills, individual intercultural awareness, and perspective taking.
To earn a GIG digital badge:
1. Your interdisciplinary team presentation must have the highest score of its in-country cohort.
2. Your submission statement mark must be 70% or above.
3. Your mark for pre-departure intercultural reflection must be 70% or above.
Digital badges for these programs commence in November 2023. Badges cannot be issued for achievements before this date.
Students who defer their studies after their first semester at Monash can still participate in the 2026/2027 Summer program if they re-enrol at the end of Semester 2, providing they have met the other eligibility requirements.
If you withdraw from the GIG unit after census date, you will, as per normal processes, incur the tuition fee for the unit. It is your responsibility to apply for remission of debt if you believe you are eligible to do so.
If you fail to board your flight for reasons other than those accepted as exceptional circumstances (see below) you will be required to pay for your own return airfare if you still wish to participate in the GIG program as your original return flight is cancelled when you do not board.
Exceptional circumstances are defined as any event that is: unavoidable; unforeseen; outside your control.
Yes, you will be asked to disclose any dietary requirements you have during the conditional offer phase. This is to ensure that we can make the necessary adjustments to accommodate your requirements while you are participating in the program in your allocated country.

GIG Alumni Network

The GIG alumni network supports students who've completed GIG to continue accessing international opportunities throughout their degree and into their career, while also building their professional networks both at Monash and beyond.

Get endorsed with a digital badge

Demonstrate exceptional skills by going above and beyond the usual completion of the GIG unit requirements. Once you’ve successfully met the criteria, you’ll receive a Monash digital badge. You can share your badge on your CV, LinkedIn or social media to showcase your achievement. Learn more about digital badge criteria in our FAQs.

Flagship Rich Educational Experiences

Flagship Rich Educational Experiences

Global

Global Immersion Guarantee

Global Immersion Guarantee

Learn how local leaders and communities are addressing the human impact on the environment and discover how you can help.

2026/2027 GIG Program Applications

Key dates

India View

Indonesia View

Fiji View

Samoa View

Vanuatu View

Malaysia View

Italy View

Cinque Terre

Venice

Siena

Biella and Milan

China View

Vietnam View

View our frequently asked questions below or contact Monash Connect for more information.

GIG Digital Badge - ‘Interdisciplinary and Intercultural Leadership’

GIG Alumni Network

Get endorsed with a digital badge

Meet our team