Melbourne University Welcomes International Students: What You Need To Know

The University of Melbourne welcomes international students and offers degrees in more than 100 major fields of study. The university provides a vibrant, multicultural experience in the heart of Australia's cultural capital, Melbourne. The city has been voted one of the world's most liveable cities for a decade and is known for its art, sports, cuisine, and efficient public transport. International students at the University of Melbourne can expect a rich academic and cultural experience, with access to various support services and resources. The university has specific application processes and requirements for international students, including minimum entry scores, course prerequisites, and English language proficiency.

Entry requirements

The University of Melbourne welcomes international students, and there are multiple pathways to apply for an undergraduate degree. The main intake period is Semester 1 (February/March), with select courses open for Semester 2 (July) applications.

Minimum Entry Requirements

To apply for an undergraduate degree at the University of Melbourne, international students must meet the following minimum eligibility criteria:

• Complete the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or an equivalent qualification.
• Meet any additional academic requirements for your preferred undergraduate degree, such as prerequisite subjects, tests, portfolio submissions, interviews, or auditions.
• Satisfy the English language requirement.

Meeting these minimum entry requirements does not guarantee selection. The University of Melbourne will assess your application and make a selection decision.

English Language Proficiency

International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency by completing an approved English language test or through previous study in English. The University of Melbourne offers English language programs, such as the University of Melbourne English Language Bridging Program (UMELBP), to help international students meet this requirement.

Academic Requirements

In addition to the minimum entry requirements, international students must meet specific academic requirements for their chosen undergraduate degree. These requirements may include subject prerequisites, prerequisite tests, and minimum entry scores.

Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC)

International students currently completing an Australian Year 12 in Australia or an International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma in Australia and New Zealand must apply through the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC) for the start-year intake. For the mid-year intake, international students completing an Australian Year 12 in Australia must also apply via VTAC. All other international students must apply directly to the University of Melbourne.

Application Fee

All new direct international applicants are required to pay an application fee of AUD$130, increasing to AUD$150 from January 1, 2025.

Supporting Documentation

When submitting your application, you will need to provide supporting documentation, including academic results. Verified digital copies of your academic records can help fast-track your application. If you are in your final year of secondary school, you can apply by providing your most recent results and your expected final outcome date. The University of Melbourne may then make a conditional offer, which you can accept provided you meet the entry requirements upon finalising your results.

Student Visa

Most international students require a student visa to study in Australia. The type of student visa depends on the course you will be taking. Additionally, if you are under 18 years of age, you must have appropriate accommodation, support, and welfare arrangements in place for your student visa to be approved.

English language requirements

The University of Melbourne does accept international students. As an international student, you can apply for an undergraduate degree at the University of Melbourne, which is usually your first degree. The University of Melbourne offers degrees in more than 100 major fields of study.

To apply for an undergraduate degree at the University of Melbourne as an international student, you must meet the University's English language requirement to be eligible for a study offer. There are several ways to satisfy the English language requirements, including additional tests and intensive programs.

You can meet the English language requirement by completing an approved English language proficiency test or through previous study in English. One such option is the Hawthorn-Melbourne's University of Melbourne English Language Bridging Program (UMELBP). This is a 10-week course that will develop your English language and study skills.

If you are an international student currently studying an Australian Year 12 or the International Baccalaureate (IB) in Australia, you may qualify for a Graduate Degree Package depending on your entry score. Additionally, the Trinity College Foundation Studies program can help you meet the academic and English language requirements for undergraduate entry to the University. It is the only foundation program with guaranteed entry into the University's undergraduate degrees for students who achieve the required scores.

It is important to note that the University of Melbourne considers you an international student based on your citizenship, even if you are currently studying in Australia.

Application process

The University of Melbourne welcomes international students, and the application process varies depending on the qualification you are completing and which intake you are applying for. Here is a detailed guide on the application process for international students:

Choose Your Degree:

Before applying, decide on the undergraduate degree you want to pursue. The University of Melbourne offers degrees in over 100 major fields of study. Each degree has unique entry requirements, so ensure you meet the minimum eligibility criteria, including subject prerequisites, English language requirements, and visa conditions.

Check Eligibility and Fees:

Review the entry requirements for your chosen degree to ensure you meet the minimum eligibility criteria. This includes completing the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or an equivalent qualification, meeting any additional academic requirements, and satisfying the English language requirement. Check the estimated tuition fees and other expenses, such as course materials, accommodation, and living costs.

Application Methods:

There are two main methods to apply, depending on your circumstances:

• Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC): Undergraduate international students currently completing an Australian Year 12 (in Australia or outside Australia) or an International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma in Australia and New Zealand must apply through VTAC for the start-year intake. For the mid-year intake, students completing an Australian Year 12 in Australia also apply via VTAC.
• Direct Application to the University of Melbourne: All other international students must apply directly to the University of Melbourne for both start-year and mid-year intakes. A direct international application incurs an application fee of AUD$130, increasing to AUD$150 from January 1, 2025.

Gather Supporting Documentation:

You will need to provide supporting documents, including academic results, as part of your online application. Verified digital copies of your academic records can expedite the process. If you haven't received your final secondary school results, you can still apply by providing your most recent results and expected final outcome date.

Submit Your Application:

Complete and submit your application, ensuring you meet the application deadlines. The main intake period is Semester 1 (February/March), with select courses open for Semester 2 (July) applications.

Assessment and Offer:

The University will assess your application, which typically takes 2-4 weeks. If accepted, you may receive a conditional or unconditional offer. A conditional offer may be made if you are awaiting final results or need to meet specific conditions.

Accept Offer and Enrol:

Once you receive an offer, you will need to accept it and enrol at the University of Melbourne. With your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), you can apply for your student visa and start planning your move to Melbourne.

Plan Your Arrival:

Before relocating to Melbourne, organise your overseas health cover, visa, and accommodation. Explore the University's support services for transitioning students, including advice on fees, accommodation, and student life.

Scholarships

The University of Melbourne offers a range of scholarships, grants, and bursaries for international students. The university provides more than 1200 scholarships and prizes, including bursaries and grants, for current and commencing students. These scholarships are offered for purposes such as recognising achievements, increasing access and participation, and providing financial assistance to realise academic and personal success.

The Melbourne International Undergraduate Scholarship is offered to high-achieving international students enrolling in a bachelor's degree. This scholarship is for citizens of countries where international educational opportunities are limited by financial disadvantage. The scholarship provides a 25% fee sponsorship for the duration of the course. To be eligible, students must be citizens of a country with a Gross Domestic Product per capita of US$10,000 or less, meet the entry requirements for an Overseas Fee place in a bachelor's degree, and have completed secondary school outside Australia or a foundation program in Australia.

The Melbourne Chancellor's Scholarship is awarded to high-achieving international students who have completed secondary school in Australia. Recipients receive a 50% tuition fee remission for a full-time bachelor's degree, a Global Scholars Award of up to $2,500 for approved overseas study, and a guaranteed International Full Fee place in one of the professional graduate degrees.

The Research Training Program Scholarship is provided by the Australian Commonwealth Government and the University of Melbourne and is offered to high-achieving domestic and international research students.

The Melbourne Research Scholarship and the Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships are offered to high-achieving international and domestic students enrolling in a graduate research degree. These scholarships provide a full fee offset for up to two years for students undertaking a Master's by Research degree or up to four years for students pursuing a doctoral degree. Additionally, they offer a living allowance of $38,500 per year, a relocation grant, and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) Single Membership for international students requiring a student visa.

The Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship is awarded to two exceptional individuals per year to support postgraduate study at the University of Melbourne.

Student visas

The University of Melbourne does accept international students. The process of applying for a student visa will depend on the type of course you will be studying.

To study at the University of Melbourne, international students will need to apply for a student visa. The type of student visa will depend on the course being studied. Students can apply for a student visa once they have received their Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). To obtain a CoE, students must first accept their offer and enrol at the University.

It is important to note that with an Australian student visa, students can only undertake full-time study in a CRICOS-registered course. Students are also required to have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) before arriving in Australia. Additional character and health tests may also be required.

For international applicants under 18 years of age, additional requirements must be met for the student visa to be approved. These include having appropriate accommodation, support, and welfare arrangements in place. The University of Melbourne offers additional support and guidance to international students under 18 to ensure a smooth transition to university life and academic success.

To help with the student visa application process, the University of Melbourne suggests contacting a University of Melbourne authorised education agent. These agents are located worldwide and can assist with finding the right course, lodging the application, accepting the offer, and providing information on living in Australia and visa requirements.

Frequently asked questions