The University of Melbourne

The University of Melbourne is a truly unique learning environment, with a range of sustainable facilities and precincts specially designed to enable ground-breaking discoveries. Research and education at the university seeks to address real-world social concerns in the present, with a focus on critical global issues.

The university's research network supports cutting-edge discovery in both Australia and on the international stage. Melbourne's historic Parkville campus is at the heart of three globally recognised innovation precincts and the university's eight specialist campuses provide immersive education in life sciences and agriculture. Students are well prepared by Melbourne for future career success in both industry and academia.

There is so much to experience in Melbourne. Students moving to the city can be sure that they will make memories that last a lifetime in Australia's cultural, culinary, and sporting capital. Melbourne is consistently ranked by the Economist Intelligence Unit as one of the world's most liveable cities. There are more cafes, bars, and restaurants per person than any other city in the world. This means students have a wide range of places to meet with friends, unwind and soak up the unique culture of Melbourne.

The University of Melbourne ensures that students settle quickly in the city. The university offers tailor-made assistance for students travelling to Australia for the first time. There is a specialised Student Life programme in place to make sure international students feel welcome, engaged, and thrive within the local culture and university community. The university boasts one of the world's most culturally diverse student bodies, welcoming international students from over 160 countries world-wide. Melbourne's excellent support services assist students throughout their time at the university and remain available to all students, even after they graduate.

The Melbourne curriculum is a distinctive approach to education that sets it apart from most other Australian universities.

Undergraduate

Students can start with either a foundational degree in one of seven disciplines – Arts, Biomedicine, Commerce, Design, Fine arts, Music or Science – or a focused specialist degree in Agriculture or Oral Health.

The learning experience at Melbourne is aligned with many of the leading universities in North America, Europe and Asia, meaning students will be well placed to make an impact on a global scale.

Students can create a degree that's uniquely theirs, from a choice of over 100 study areas.

Graduate

Once an undergraduate degree is completed, students can enter the workforce with career-ready skills, or continue to build their expertise and qualifications in one of more than 200 specialised graduate or research higher degrees.

Masters by coursework allows students to graduate into industry with an internationally recognised, professional masters degree or a graduate certificate. Students can make an impact with the graduate research programs, including the ones that lead to the award of the Doctor of Philosophy.

The following are the entry requirements for undergraduate study, and the entry requirements for graduate study 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

Graduate degrees

A graduate coursework degree typically comes after undergraduate studies. The process includes selecting a graduate coursework degree, meeting entry requirements, understanding tuition fees, applying with Melbourne, receiving an offer, and enrolling as a student.

Those wishing to do a doctorate need to have undertaken study at the honours and master's 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 for undergraduate or for graduate study to be considered for entry.

Students can meet the English language requirement in a number of ways, depending on their circumstances. 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).

The University of Melbourne offers more than 1,200 scholarships for new and current students. The scholarships range from those awarded on merit, to others which assist with living expenses or enable students to travel the globe.

Some support the whole course or allow students to explore a specific interest. The many prizes, grants and bursaries on offer help students get the most out of their time at the university. These are awarded to continuing students at different points in their studies. There are prizes for academic achievement, grants to undertake volunteering or leadership activities and bursaries to ease financial pressure so students can focus on their studies.

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 high-achieving students who are enrolling in a bachelor degree and are citizens of countries where international educational opportunities are limited by financial disadvantage.

Graduate Scholarships

These are offered to high-achieving international students with a variety of awards dependant on the scholarship the student receives.

Gautam's experience

Gautam is an international student from Thailand, studying a Bachelor of Science. As a recipient of an International Undergraduate Scholarship, he says that "it has not only been an immense financial help for my family, but it has also provided me with the ease of mind to pursue my Bachelor of Science to the best of my abilities."

The University of Melbourne was ranked number 8 in the world for graduate employability by the QS Graduate Employability Rankings for 2022.

From the 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 absorbing knowledge and honing their skills, which will be sought after by organisations and employers the world over.

Students benefit from strong industry connections, hands-on professional experience and practical learning. Backed up by a vibrant alumni network, students at the university often end up in the top one percent for graduate employability at a global level.

The university 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 paths. As part of this, the university's competitive Students@Work program offers professional employment opportunities on campus to current students.

Career support

Developing sustainable employability skills is embedded in both the University of Melbourne's curriculum and in its comprehensive careers and employability service. Throughout their time on campus, students can make use of available career support that will help them identify job opportunities, build connections, further develop employability skills and gain experience.

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 campuses to recruit students. Positions are also advertised on Careers Online, the job noticeboard for recent graduates and current students.

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.

Student accommodation at the University of Melbourne has become a home away from home for countless students from all around Australia and the world. Student accommodation in the university's residential communities is safe, welcoming and educationally enriching residential communities. From fun social events to study support, students will connect with a network of peers as they experience the best of campus life and beyond.

Professor Richard Robson wins Nobel Prize in Chemistry

University of Melbourne Professor Richard Robson is one of three scientists awarded the 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. Professor Robson, Professor Susumu Kitagawa from Kyoto University and Professor Omar M. Yaghi from the University of California were recognised by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences for their development of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs).

Professor Robson has been a lecturer and researcher at the University of Melbourne since 1966. He produced the first MOFs in the early 1990s and has continued to explore how different forms can be developed into gas and energy storage devices, catalytic reactors, and other potentially revolutionary products.

State-of-the-art Parkville Train Station to open soon

Built at the heart of the University of Melbourne's Parkville campus, the new station will provide a direct rail connection to Parkville, relieving pressure on local trams and roads, and enhancing access to the University of Melbourne and facilities such as the Royal Melbourne Hospital, the Royal Women's Hospital, the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and the Royal Children's Hospital.

The University of Melbourne receives 60 prestigious Australian research grants

University of Melbourne researchers have received more than AUD 47 million to fund 60 world class Discovery projects to expand the boundaries of knowledge through fundamental research.

Student Precinct

The Student Precinct is a stunning example of a once-in-a-generation infrastructure project – one that has had a transformative impact on the student experience. The project is among the biggest at the iconic Parkville campus and is the first fully co-created major project in the 170-year history of the university. It signals the university's commitment to delivering a world-class, campus experience for students.

The Student Precinct is set in the heart of the Parkville campus, and provides new indoor and outdoor spaces for learning and socialising.