Lori Meadows
Melbourne is Australia's biggest student city and the most popular destination for international university students. The University of Melbourne is one of the top five Melbourne-based universities with the highest proportion of international students. The university offers accommodation guarantees, scholarships, grants, and bursaries to international students. The city of Melbourne is known for its rich and varied culture, with a busy artistic, sports, and dining scene.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of international students | 33,810 (second-highest in Australia) |
| Percentage of international students | 38% (highest in Australia) |
| International students at business school | 66.9% |
| Average annual expense of living | AUD $20,000 |
| Additional expenses | Overseas Student Health Cover, course materials, accommodation, and other living costs |
| English language requirement | International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 5.5 or higher |
| Visa requirement | Student visa |
| Accommodation | University Accommodation Guarantee for eligible international students |
| Scholarships and bursaries | Available for international students |
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What You'll Learn
Melbourne University's international student population
Melbourne is Australia's biggest student city and the most popular destination for international university students. The city is known for its rich and dynamic culture, with a busy artistic, sports, and dining scene. It is also rated as Australia's best and most livable city for students.
The University of Melbourne is one of eight universities in Melbourne and has the second-highest number of international students in Australia, with 33,810 international students enrolled. The university offers a range of scholarships, grants, and bursaries for international students, as well as guaranteed accommodation for all commencing students who are new to Melbourne. International students at the University of Melbourne are required to meet certain entry requirements, including completing the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or an equivalent qualification, meeting additional academic requirements, and demonstrating English language proficiency.
According to federal Department of Education enrolment figures, Melbourne universities have the highest proportion of international students in Australia. RMIT University topped the national table in 2017 with 44.7% of its students being international, followed by the University of Wollongong with 43.5%. Three other Melbourne-based universities were in the top five: Monash University with 42.9%, Victoria University with 37%, and the University of Melbourne with an unspecified percentage.
The University of Melbourne's business school has a particularly high percentage of international students, with 66.9% of enrolments in this faculty being international students, according to a 2019 report. This has led to some concerns about segregation along international lines and language barriers within the classroom. However, the university maintains that it has high standards for admission, including English language requirements.
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English language requirements
The University of Melbourne offers a range of English language programs to help international students meet the English language requirement for undergraduate degrees. All undergraduate degrees at Melbourne are taught and assessed in English, so it is important that international students understand the English language requirements they need to meet.
One way to meet the English language requirement is by completing an approved English language proficiency test and achieving the required score. The University of Melbourne accepts the following English language tests:
- IELTS (Academic): A total score of at least 7.0, with no bands less than 7.0.
- Pearson Test of English Academic: An overall score of at least 72, a written communicative skill score of at least 75, and no other PTE communicative skills score below 72.
- TOEFL Internet-based test (not the revised TOEFL Paper-delivered Test or ITP).
- Cambridge English, Advanced/Certificate in Advanced English (CAE).
These tests must be taken in the student's country of citizenship, their last country of education, or their current country of residence or employment. Students located in China may take the test in Hong Kong or Macao. If one of these tests is not offered in the student's country, the University will consider a test taken in a bordering country.
Another way to meet the English language requirement is by completing a foundation program. Foundation programs can help students meet the academic requirements for their chosen degree, including subject prerequisites and the English language requirement. The University of Melbourne endorses Hawthorn-Melbourne, one of Australia's oldest and largest English language centres, as the sole external provider of its English language bridging programs:
- University of Melbourne English Language Bridging Program (UMELBP)
- University of Melbourne English Language Bridging Program Preparation (UMELBP Prep)
These programs provide a direct English language pathway for international students to many undergraduate courses at Melbourne. Hawthorn-Melbourne also offers the Intensive Academic Preparation (IAP) Program, which is available as a packaged offer for students applying for Australian visas. The packaged offer requires students to complete a 10 or 20-week course at Hawthorn-Melbourne before commencing their undergraduate degree at Melbourne.
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Student visas
International students at the University of Melbourne will likely need a student visa to study in Australia. The type of student visa required depends on the course being studied. Students can apply for a student visa after receiving a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). Before arriving in Australia, students must also obtain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) from a provider like Bupa, the University of Melbourne's preferred provider.
Students should be aware of the various conditions and restrictions associated with their student visas. For example, students must enrol in a CRICOS-registered course and comply with ESOS legislation and visa conditions. Any changes to enrolment may impact compliance with visa conditions. Additionally, students are responsible for updating their visa details and ensuring they comply with any study restrictions, such as those related to online study or leave of absence.
While student visas cannot be renewed, students can apply for a new visa if their current one will expire before completing their course. Changes in visa status or passport details should be addressed before or during their time at the University. After completing their studies, students with a student visa may be able to extend their stay in Australia for various purposes, including holidays, work, or further study.
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Scholarships and bursaries
The University of Melbourne offers over 600 scholarships, grants, and bursaries that recognise achievement, increase access and participation, and provide financial assistance to current and commencing students.
One such scholarship is the Melbourne International Undergraduate Scholarship, which is offered to high-achieving students enrolling in a bachelor's degree but facing financial disadvantages that limit their international educational opportunities. This scholarship provides a 25% fee sponsorship for the duration of the course. To be eligible, students must be citizens of countries with a Gross Domestic Product per capita of US$10,000 or less, have applied for and met the entry requirements for an Overseas Fee place, and have completed secondary school outside Australia or a foundation program in Australia.
Another scholarship is the Narrm Scholarship Program, which provides financial, academic, and wellbeing support to eligible undergraduate students who apply through the Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) or Access Melbourne. This scholarship is jointly provided by the Australian Commonwealth Government and the University of Melbourne and is offered to high-achieving domestic and international research students.
The University of Melbourne also offers the prestigious Melbourne Chancellor's Scholarship, which is open to high-achieving students from Australia and overseas.
In addition to scholarships, the university provides an Accommodation Guarantee, which includes an offer of university-owned or approved accommodation for commencing students who are new to Melbourne, subject to availability. This guarantee takes the hassle out of finding student accommodation, offering eligible international students a bed close to campus.
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Accommodation
The University of Melbourne offers a range of accommodation options for international students. The University Accommodation guarantee ensures that eligible international students can access University-owned or approved accommodation close to the Parkville campus, in the heart of Melbourne's vibrant innovation precinct. The University prioritises convenience, with all residencies located within walking distance of the campus.
The University offers a variety of accommodation styles, including independent apartment-style living and residential colleges with catered meals. Little Hall, for instance, is a premium apartment-style building with impressive rooms, abundant shared facilities, and a robust academic and enrichment program. Residential colleges offer comprehensive academic support, freshly prepared meals, and a diverse range of cultural, social, and extracurricular activities. Wilam Hall, housed in a heritage manor, provides a friendly environment for 74 students.
The University of Melbourne also has an Accommodation Offer for all commencing students new to the city, subject to availability. This offer allows students to book their preferred accommodation early, with the flexibility to cancel if circumstances change. Additionally, the University provides a year-round calendar of social, academic, and career events to foster a sense of community.
For those who prefer private rental options, Melbourne's private accommodation network includes providers, hostels, and share houses. UniLodge, for example, offers studio and share apartments near major universities in the city, including the University of Melbourne. They cater to various university enrolment durations and provide properties in Melbourne City, Footscray, Hawthorn, Bundoora, and Caulfield, among other locations.
The average annual expense of living in Melbourne is AUD $20,000, but this can vary depending on individual lifestyle choices. International students should also be mindful of the requirements for student visas, which include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) and, in some cases, additional character and health tests.
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Frequently asked questions
As of 2019, there were 33,810 international students at Melbourne University, making it the second-highest in Australia.
International students must meet the minimum eligibility criteria, which include completing the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or an equivalent qualification, meeting additional academic requirements, and satisfying English language requirements.
International students are considered full-fee-paying students and are charged tuition fees based on the number of subjects they study each year. There are also additional expenses, including Overseas Student Health Cover, course materials, accommodation, and living costs.
Melbourne University offers a range of scholarships, grants, and bursaries to support international students with tuition and living costs. The university also provides accommodation guarantees and additional support for international students under 18 to ensure a smooth transition to university life.
