Student mobility program planning guidance

The University continues to support student mobility programs for the remainder of 2026, however, faculties may need to consider changes or consolidating global study tour offerings to prioritise student welfare, safety, experience and equity of participation. This is due to the rising cost and complexity of international travel following the tension in the Middle East.

This page provides guidance to support decisions about which student mobility programs should proceed, be adapted, or be consolidated.

Programs should be prioritised where they:

  • do not involve travel to or via DFAT Level 3 or 4 destinations, including transit through the Middle East
  • are credit-bearing or support course progression
  • are based at a Monash campus or delivered with a trusted strategic partner
  • have had safety and financial risks assessed and mitigated.

If you are considering significant changes to previous program offerings, contact Monash Abroad for advice.

Current travel settings for student mobility

All student mobility planning must reflect current University travel requirements.

Programs must not include:

  • travel to or through the Middle East
  • travel to or through DFAT Smartraveller Level 3 or 4 destinations
  • itineraries reliant on disrupted transit hubs or unstable routing

Students must be clearly informed of these requirements at the time of application.

Supporting student learning and progression

Prioritise programs contribute to course progression:

  • Does the program meet a core unit or degree requirement (e.g. Bachelor of Global Studies)?
  • Are there suitable alternative units if the program does not proceed?
  • Can the program be adapted to ensure students stay on track to graduate?

Credit-bearing or high impact co-curricular programs should be prioritised, particularly where they are required for progression. Where needed, consider flexible delivery options to preserve these experiences.

Enhancing the student experience

Consider the value of the program for students:

  • Does the program support student engagement, participation, and sense of belonging?
  • Is there strong student demand?
  • Does the program provide unique or high-impact learning opportunities?

Programs that offer meaningful experiences and strong engagement outcomes are worth maintaining, even if adjustments are required.

Delivering programs safely and reliably

Design programs that are simple, stable, and well-supported:

  • Is the destination accessible and operationally stable (e.g. not reliant on disrupted transit hubs, has a fuel reserve)?
  • Can the itinerary be streamlined (e.g. fewer internal movements)?
  • Is the program based at a Monash campus or with a trusted partner?
  • Is the program established, or can it build on existing delivery models?

Programs delivered at Monash campuses or with established partners are generally easier to support and manage.

  • Booking and tracking flights

    We recommend encouraging students to book flights via an approved travel management company and, at a minimum, faculties must collect student flight details before departure.

Ensuring financial sustainability

Plan for programs that are viable and accessible:

  • What is the minimum number of enrolments required to make the program viable?
  • What is the Faculty’s exposure to additional costs (e.g. insufficient enrolments, local surcharges, specified amount)?
  • What are the student’s exposure to non-insurable costs (e.g. non-refundable airfares)?
  • Can the program be adjusted to improve affordability (e.g. location, duration)?
  • Are there financial risks that need to be reduced (e.g. non-refundable costs)?

Where needed, consider consolidating programs or using lower-cost locations to maintain access and participation.

  • New travel insurance restrictions

    From 13 March 2026, Monash’s travel insurer will only cover the costs of flights booked to or via the Middle East that have been cancelled by the airline. In addition, the cost of re-booking flights that are on permissible routes is the responsibility of the traveller.

  • Managing mobility program costs

    In the event that significant increases in delivery costs will prevent your faculty/portfolio from delivering student mobility programs, please contact your Faculty Finance Manager and Monash Abroad to discuss options.

Support and advice