Reading Time: 7 minutesWith a proud history of innovation and forward-thinking, the University of Melbourne is a contemporary, thriving, and dynamic community. Students can study at the university’s founding campus in Parkville, in the heart of Melbourne, or one of the university’s six specialist campuses across Victoria.
While the University of Melbourne has extensive library resources and modern tuition spaces, it also offers students over 100 research centres, galleries, museums, performance and exhibition spaces, creative studios, a 3D printing lab, a fully functioning veterinary clinic and even a vineyard. Best of all, students will learn and be inspired by true global leaders who write the textbooks and not just teach from them.
Overview
About this university
The university runs a Student Life program to make sure students feel welcome, engaged and part of the community so they can thrive during their time at Melbourne. Students can also make the most of the excellent support services throughout their studies and even when they graduate.
Students moving to Melbourne will make memories that last a lifetime in Australia’s cultural, restaurant and sports capital. Melbourne is consistently ranked by the Economist Intelligence Unit as one of the world’s most liveable cities, with a wealth of cultural, leisure and sporting facilities to enjoy, many of which offer discounts for students. There are more cafés, bars and restaurants per person than any other city in the world. This means students have lots of choice and places to meet with friends to unwind and experience Melbourne.
With students coming from over 160 different countries to study at Melbourne students will find themselves at the heart of one of the world’s most culturally diverse student bodies. The whole city is extremely welcoming and friendly, while the university offers tailored help for students travelling to Australia for the first time so they can quickly get comfortable and make sense of the local culture and the university lifestyle.
CRICOS: 00116K
University ranking
| Academic Ranking of World Universities |
QS World University Rankings |
Times Higher Education World University Rankings |
| 2022 |
2021 |
2020 |
2024 |
2023 |
2022 |
2023 |
2022 |
2021 |
| 32 |
33 |
35 |
14 |
33 |
37 |
34 |
33 |
31 |
| +1 |
+2 |
|
+19 |
+4 |
|
-1 |
-2 |
|
Study options
At the University of Melbourne, degrees are shaped differently to many other Australian universities. Much like many of the top institutions around the world, students begin with an undergraduate degree and can then opt for a specialised graduate professional or research degree. Students can map out their own path while being open to new options that come along, an increasingly important trait in today’s times when careers change rapidly and employers place a premium on independent thinking.
Undergraduate
Like US qualifications, students start with a broad undergraduate degree where they can develop a depth of expertise in one or two areas, depending on the program, and develop skills in a range of other interdisciplinary learning environments. Students can then follow this up with a specialised graduate professional or research degree. By taking this path, they’ll also achieve a higher level of qualification than a traditional Australian double degree, something that helps Melbourne graduates stand out to future employers.
Students can study almost anything they like at the undergraduate level and are able to combine over 100 areas of study.
Postgraduate
With 50 per cent of their students undertaking graduate study, more than any other university in Australia, the University of Melbourne are specialists in creating a supportive and rewarding graduate study environment and experience. Students can enrol in one of over 340 graduate programs ranging from graduate certificates, diplomas, masters by coursework right through to masters by research and PhD programs.
Masters by coursework can be studied for the purpose of professional accreditation, a career switch, to deepen your field of knowledge or it can serve as a pathway to doctorate specialisations. Professional doctorate students carry out advanced academic study that is directly related to a professional role. Completion of a doctorate requires carrying out coursework and undertaking a thesis.
Graduate outcomes
From their first day on campus right through to graduation and beyond, the University of Melbourne is ever ready to help students build their future as they go about assimilating the knowledge and honing the skills sought after by organisations and employers the world over.
Students benefit greatly from strong industry connections, hands-on professional experience, and practical learning. Backed up by a vibrant alumni network, students at the University of Melbourne often figure in the top one per cent for graduate employability at a global level.
University of Melbourne offers students plenty of opportunities to gain industry experience with acknowledged leaders in their respective fields. The university’s internship, placement and volunteer programs help students build lasting professional networks and identify suitable career path.
Career support
Developing sustainable employability skills is embedded in both the curriculum and in the university’s comprehensive careers and employability service. Throughout their time on campus, students can make use of career support to help them identify job opportunities, build connections, further develop employability skills and gain experience. The support provided includes one-on-one mentoring, free workshops, lessons on how to manage conflict at work or even prepare for an interview. Workshops providing one-on-one cover letter and resume checks with hiring experts are also available.
The University of Melbourne also runs EmployMe, a personal online career centre full of interactive tools and e-learning material specifically designed to help students navigate the current competitive job market.
Leading companies from around the world visit the University of Melbourne’s campus to recruit students. Positions are also advertised on Careers Online, the job noticeboard for recent graduates and current students. The university’s competitive Students@Work program offers professional employment opportunities on campus to current students.
What’s new
A state-of-the-art research lab for marsupial conservation and de-extinction is in development at the University of Melbourne, as a result of a A$5 million philanthropic gift.
The Thylacine Integrated Genetic Restoration Research (TIGRR) Lab will develop technologies that might make possible the de-extinction of the thylacine and also provide vital tools for the conservation of threatened species.
A marsupial carnivore unique to Australia, the thylacine also went by the name of the Tasmanian wolf and was once widespread in the country. By the time of the Europeans’ arrival, in the 18th century, the thylacine could only be found in the island of Tasmania and was soon driven to extinction.
This lab will be led by Professor Pask, who had this to say:
“Thanks to this generous funding we’re at a turning point where we can develop the technologies to potentially bring back a species from extinction and help safeguard other marsupials on the brink of extinction. The tools and methods that will be developed in the TIGRR Hub will have immediate conservation benefits for marsupials and provide a means to protect diversity and protect against the loss of species that are threatened or endangered”.
It is expected that the benefits of this research will be wide-ranging and varied.
Finances
How much will it cost?
| Average tuition fees per year |
Living costs |
| A$41,600 |
A$38,760 |
A$23,790 |
A$17,810 |
| Undergraduate |
Postgraduate |
Living costs |
To live on campus |
Scholarships
The University of Melbourne offers a range of scholarships and other forms of financial aid, and has recently increased the number of scholarships to support international students at the undergraduate and graduate levels in 2022. These are offered on academic merit.
As part of the university’s commitment to supporting the global student community, the number of international student scholarships has been increased.
The Melbourne International Undergraduate Scholarship is offered to all international students undertaking an undergraduate degree. All applicants will be automatically assessed for the scholarship and the scholarships provides either a:
- A$10,000 tuition fee remission in the first year of an undergraduate degree
- 50 per cent fee remission for the three-year duration of an undergraduate degree, or
- 100 per cent fee remission for the three-year duration of an undergraduate degree
Ryan’s experience
Ryan is an international student from Malaysia, studying a Bachelor of Science majoring in electrical systems. As a recipient of an International Undergraduate Scholarship, he hasn’t had to take a part-time job while studying due to the financial support provided by Melbourne.
The Melbourne Graduate Scholarship is awarded to committed undergraduates who are enrolled in the University of Melbourne’s graduate programs across a range of faculties. To qualify for this scholarship, students should be:
- commencing an eligible graduate coursework degree, or
- currently enrolled in an eligible coursework degree
Eligible students, chosen on academic merit, will be automatically considered for the Melbourne Graduate Scholarship which carries an award of A$5,000.
Eligibility
Entry requirements
The following are the entry requirements for international students to the University of Melbourne:
Undergraduate degrees
Students applying to undergraduate programs at the University of Melbourne need to have:
- completed the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or an equivalent overseas qualification
- met any additional requirements, such as prerequisite tests or subjects, portfolios and auditions for application to their preferred undergraduate degree
Postgraduate degrees
To be eligible for admission to postgraduate programs, students need to have successfully completed an undergraduate degree from a recognised institution overseas. Those wishing to do a doctorate need to have undertaken study at the honours and masters level in their chosen discipline. Other qualifications and work experience are also considered.
English requirements
International students from a non-English speaking background need to meet the University of Melbourne’s English language requirements to be considered for entry.
Tests that are deemed valid to determine English proficiency include the IELTS, TOEFL, Pearson Test of English (academic tests) or Cambridge English, Advanced/Certificate in Advanced English (CAE).
If, however, applicants have completed an undergraduate or a graduate degree, taught and assessed in English, of at least two years duration, then they may be exempted from submitting evidence of English proficiency, or may have to show evidence of having worked in an English-speaking environment, depending on how long it has been since their previous degree.
Campus and Facilities
Accommodation
At the University of Melbourne, students can explore a wide range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and lifestyles. Living in student accommodation allows students to be part of a vibrant community and savour the residential experience offered by the university, while being well-looked after by dedicated staff.
There are two categories to choose from: university accommodation, which is university-owned and partnered, and residential colleges. All options are close to campus, secure and have different amenities and recreational facilities. The university guarantees a place for all international students and if plans change beyond their control or they don’t receive an offer, students are not locked into an accommodation agreement.
Students can apply and indicate their preferences for multiple residences. The university recommends applying early to have the best chance of securing preferred accommodation – students don’t need to have an offer already or be enrolled to apply.
Student accommodation at the University of Melbourne has become a home-away-from-home for countless students from all around Australia and the world. The general set up varies depending upon students’ choice, from multiple bedroom and single bedroom apartments with private bathrooms in university accommodation to single bedroom (like a dorm) and common bathrooms and hangout spaces in the residential colleges. All student accommodation has a unique atmosphere, and they all offer a stimulating and encouraging environment to help students make lifelong friends, build enduring connections, and join a thriving global network.
