Loading…

AUSTRALIA · MELBOURNE

University of Melbourne

public · Founded 1853 · Languages: en

In short

The University of Melbourne is a prestigious public research university in Australia, offering diverse programs and a vibrant campus life. It is highly ranked globally and provides excellent graduate employability opportunities.

Key facts

Type: Public
Founded: 1853
Students: 49,000
International students: 22,000
Acceptance rate: 70%
Tuition (intl): €24–31k/yr
Languages: EN
Location: Melbourne, Australia

The University of Melbourne is a leading public research university located in Melbourne, Australia. Established in 1853, it is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Australia. The university is renowned globally for its academic excellence, pioneering research, and significant contributions to society. Students at the University of Melbourne benefit from a flexible curriculum, a wide array of disciplines, and strong global networks. The institution focuses on transforming ideas into practical solutions and offers state-of-the-art facilities across its main Parkville campus and seven specialist campuses throughout Greater Melbourne and regional Victoria. The university is committed to fostering an inclusive community of thinkers and problem-solvers, aiming to unlock student potential through world-class education and research. It offers diverse study options, including undergraduate, graduate coursework, and graduate research programs, along with professional development opportunities.

Why study here

Access a flexible curriculum and diverse disciplines.
Join a university ranked #1 in Australia and #19 globally.
Benefit from strong graduate employability, ranked #8 worldwide.
Engage with world-leading research and tackle global challenges.
Utilize state-of-the-art facilities across multiple campuses.

Student life

The University of Melbourne offers a vibrant campus life with over 15 museums and galleries, and more than 30 individual collections that support teaching, learning, and student engagement. Students are encouraged to explore diverse interests through breadth subjects, which allow study outside their major. The university also supports entrepreneurial initiatives through the Melbourne Entrepreneurial Centre (MEC), empowering innovators to launch ventures and connect with industry leaders and investors. Student well-being and development are prioritized, aiming to create an inclusive environment where individuals can thrive and make a global impact.

Fees

InternationalTuition fees for international students vary by course and study load. For example, a Master of Science (Bioinformatics) in 2026 at the Parkville campus is 200 credit points over 24 months full-time, with specific subject fees detailed on the university's fee pages. General tuition ranges from AUD 39,000 to AUD 50,000 per year.

HomeDomestic students may be eligible for a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP), paying a student contribution typically between AUD 4,000 and AUD 16,000 per year depending on the field of study, with HECS-HELP loans available.

LivingInternational students should budget approximately AUD 25,000-30,000 per year for living costs in Melbourne, covering accommodation, food, transport and personal expenses.

Information on specific subject EFTSL, level, discipline, and census dates is available via the student portal. Prospective students should consult the university's official fees pages for detailed and up-to-date cost breakdowns.

Admissions

Undergraduate entryCompletion of secondary schooling equivalent to the Victorian Certificate of Education with a competitive ATAR or international equivalent.

Graduate entryA recognised bachelor's degree with a strong academic record; some programs require relevant prerequisites or work experience.

Cambridge Pre-U DiplomaP2 or higher in Literature in English, OR satisfactory completion of both Global Perspectives and Independent Research Report

GCE A LevelsGrade of at least C in AS or A Level General Paper, General Studies, English Language, English Literature, or English Language and Literature. GCSE English with a grade of at least B is also accepted for UK-based applicants.

International Baccalaureate DiplomaAt least grade 4 in English A or English B at SL or HL

Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE)A study score of at least 25 in English/English Language/Literature or at least 30 in EAL

Rankings

QS World University Rankings 2026#1 in Australia

QS World University Rankings 2026#19 in the world

QS Graduate Employability 2022#8 worldwide

University scholarships

Wesley Michel Wright PrizeNot specified (Prize, not a scholarship for tuition)

Melbourne International Undergraduate ScholarshipFee remission of 10% to 100% of tuition

Graduate Research ScholarshipsFull fee offset plus living stipend

Accreditation

The University of Melbourne is an accredited Disability Confident Recruiter, demonstrating commitment to barrier-free recruitment processes and providing reasonable adjustments for candidates.

For international students

Australia

Student visa & funds

International students need the Student visa (subclass 500), which requires a Confirmation of Enrolment from a CRICOS-registered provider, Overseas Student Health Cover, and a health and character check. Since May 2024 applicants must show financial capacity of at least AUD 29,710 for one year of living costs, plus first-year tuition and around AUD 2,500 for travel. Since March 2024 all applicants must also satisfy the Genuine Student (GS) requirement, which replaced the former Genuine Temporary Entrant test.

Working while you study

Student visa holders may work a maximum of 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session — a cap re-introduced in July 2023 — and unlimited hours during official scheduled course breaks. Students enrolled in a master’s by research or a doctoral degree have no work-hour limit at any time. Work must not begin before the course start date.

After you graduate

Eligible graduates may apply for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) within six months of completing their studies. In the Post-Higher Education Work stream, bachelor’s and master’s (coursework) holders receive up to two years and master’s (research) or doctoral holders up to three years; regional study and the Australia–India trade agreement can add further time. The general age limit is under 35 at the time of application, rising to under 50 for research-degree holders.

English tests

IELTSUG 6.0–6.5; PG 6.5–7.0; Group of Eight typically 6.5–7.0 with no band below 6.0
TOEFL iBT79–100; UG 79–90, PG 90–100
PTE Academic50–65; UG 58+, PG 65+

Main intakes

FebruaryJuly

Typical living cost

€1,600/month

Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.

SourcesDepartment of Home Affairs — Student visa (subclass 500) · Study Australia — Student visa (subclass 500) work rights · Study Australia — Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) · IDP IELTS — Minimum IELTS scores for Australian universities · AECC — Cost of living in Australia for international students

Programs

a selection

View top programs →

University of Melbourne · Australia

Doctor of Philosophy - Arts

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Arts is the highest-level Arts degree offered at the University of Melbourne. This program focuses on independent research, culminating in a substantial thesis (80,000–100,000 words) that makes an original contribution to knowledge in your chosen field. Throughout your research, you will have access to specialist support services for higher research degree students, including lectures, seminars, and research development programs. You can specialise within the Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences (GSHSS) or the Asia Institute. This degree is designed for individuals who have completed an honours year or a Master's degree and have secured the sponsorship and approval of a supervisor before applying. It's an ideal pathway to deepen your expertise and theoretical understanding within your specific area of study.

University of Melbourne · Australia

Graduate Diploma in Arts (Advanced)

The Graduate Diploma in Arts (Advanced) is designed for students seeking to develop advanced analytical and critical thinking skills within a chosen field of study. The program focuses on applying conceptual frameworks to contemporary issues, equipping students with practical abilities that can be enhanced through internships and placements. This diploma can serve as a pathway to further postgraduate study, including Master of Arts programs or a Doctor of Philosophy in Arts.

University of Melbourne · Australia

Master of Arts (Advanced Seminar & Shorter Thesis)

The Master of Arts (Advanced Seminar and Shorter Thesis) is designed for students who wish to deepen their knowledge in a specific area of humanities and social sciences, currently limited to Philosophy. This program allows you to explore your interests through advanced coursework and a shorter, original research thesis (20,000-22,000 words). It aims to enhance your research and writing skills, providing an advanced understanding of key issues in your chosen field. Successful completion can serve as a pathway to a Doctor of Philosophy (Arts).

University of Melbourne · Australia

Master of Arts (Thesis only)

The Master of Arts (Thesis Only) is a research-focused degree designed to deepen your expertise in a chosen area of humanities and social sciences. You will conduct independent research culminating in a substantial thesis of 30,000 words, making an original contribution to scholarship. This program is ideal for students seeking to develop specialized knowledge and advanced research and writing skills. Successful completion can serve as a pathway to a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Arts.

University of Melbourne · Australia

Master of Banking and Finance Law

The Master of Banking and Finance Law program offers a comprehensive understanding of the legal and regulatory landscape governing the Australian and international financial sectors. This program is suitable for both law and non-law graduates, including professionals seeking to deepen their expertise in banking and finance law. You can tailor your studies by selecting subjects across areas such as banking, funds management, finance transactions, superannuation, financial services, and capital markets. This master's degree is part of the esteemed Melbourne Law Masters program.

University of Melbourne · Australia

Master of Science (Bioinformatics)

The Master of Science (Bioinformatics) is a coursework master's degree designed to equip students with the skills to analyze and interpret complex biological data. By integrating principles from genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry, and physiology with computer science and statistics, this program provides the tools to unlock biological secrets. The curriculum is structured to offer a broad education in bioinformatics, with strong foundational knowledge in computer science and statistics, catering to students with diverse academic backgrounds in biology, biomedicine, mathematics, statistics, or computer science. The program includes a significant research project component, allowing students to apply bioinformatics tools to real-world problems under expert guidance.

Scholarships

for Australia

Browse all scholarships →

full funding

Australian Government - Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Australia Awards)

ASEAN-Australia Awards Scholarships

Open to citizens of eligible ASEAN countries (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and Timor-Leste) applying for a master's degree by coursework or research at an Australian university. Applicants need a strong academic record, leadership potential, relevant work experience and English proficiency, and must meet Australian visa and health requirements. Exact terms are set each cycle by the Australian Government.

Forrest Research Foundation (Minderoo Foundation)

Forrest Research Foundation Post-doctoral Fellowships

Open to early-career post-doctoral researchers of any nationality and from all academic disciplines. Applicants must be in the final year of their PhD or no more than two years past PhD completion at the time of taking up the fellowship, be proficient in English, and meet the employment-eligibility conditions of the host Western Australian university. Fellows must reside at Forrest Hall in Perth for the full term and commit to mentoring Forrest Scholars, undertaking ambassadorial duties and providing leadership within Forrest Hall.

University of Melbourne

Hansen Scholarship at the University of Melbourne

Australian citizens, permanent residents or holders of an Australian temporary or permanent protection visa who are enrolled in an Australian Year 12 or IB programme, aged 16-20 at application, with a predicted ATAR of 90+ (or IB equivalent) and demonstrated financial hardship (e.g. a family receiving Centrelink benefits). Asylum seekers are eligible for full fee remission.

Australian Government (Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade)

Australia Awards Scholarships

Open to citizens of ~30+ eligible developing countries (mostly the Indo-Pacific), who are not married to/engaged to an Australian or NZ citizen, meet academic and English requirements, and commit to returning home for at least 2 years after study. Fields must align with the partner country's development priorities.

University of Sydney International Research Scholarship (USydIS)

For international students undertaking a postgraduate research degree (a master's by research or a PhD) at the University of Sydney. It covers tuition fees and a living-allowance stipend; applicants need a strong research background and a confirmed place and supervisor for their research project.

University of Melbourne (School of Computing and Information Systems)

University of Melbourne CIS PhD Scholarship

Open to domestic and international students of all nationalities. Applicants must hold a Master of Computer Science from the University of Melbourne, apply for the Doctor of Philosophy – Engineering and IT (Computing and Information Systems) programme (DR-PHILEIT), and demonstrate strong academic performance, leadership, and research potential. A research proposal, a personal statement, and a letter of support from the proposed PhD supervisor are required.

Frequently asked questions

What are the tuition fees for international students at the University of Melbourne?

Tuition fees for international students vary by course and study load, generally ranging from AUD 39,000 to AUD 50,000 per year. Detailed breakdowns are available on the university's official fees pages.

What are the estimated living costs for international students in Melbourne?

International students should budget approximately AUD 25,000-30,000 per year for living costs in Melbourne. This estimate covers accommodation, food, transport, and personal expenses.

What are the University of Melbourne's rankings?

The University of Melbourne is ranked #1 in Australia and #19 in the world by QS World University Rankings 2026. It is also ranked #8 worldwide for graduate employability by QS Graduate Employability 2022.

What are the general admission requirements for undergraduate and graduate programs?

Undergraduate entry requires completion of secondary schooling equivalent to the Victorian Certificate of Education with a competitive ATAR or international equivalent. Graduate entry typically requires a recognized bachelor's degree with a strong academic record, and some programs may have prerequisites or work experience requirements.

Does the University of Melbourne offer scholarships for international students?

Yes, the university offers scholarships such as the Melbourne International Undergraduate Scholarship, which provides a fee remission of 10% to 100% of tuition. Graduate Research Scholarships are also available, offering a full fee offset plus a living stipend.

Last updated 3 July 2026