The Complete Guide To University Of Melbourne

1. Introduction

1.1 Background

Established in 1853, the University of Melbourne is Australia’s second oldest university. It has played a significant role in higher education, leading the way in gender equality by admitting women in 1872. The university has expanded its research focus and made notable contributions to fields such as medicine and humanities. 

Here are some key statistics about University of Melbourne:

Total Student Population	Approximately 52,000 students
Percentage of International Students	47%
Teaching Faculty to Student Ratio	1:25
Graduate Employability Rate	93.3%

1.2 University of Melbourne Rankings 2025

Currently, the University of Melbourne sees itself among the big players in the world, ranking 13th in the QS World University Rankings.

Along with this prestige, the university also has many of its subjects ranked in the Top 50 of the QS Subject Rankings seen below:

QS Subject Category	Ranking For 2025
Sports-Related Subjects	#6
Law and Legal Studies	#13
Life Sciences and Medicine	#15
Education and Training	#16
Psychology	#21
Arts and Humanities	#23
Environmental Sciences	#24
Engineering – Mineral and Mining	#25
Medicine	#25
Nursing	#25
Veterinary Science	#25
Architecture and Built Environment	#26
Accounting and Finance	#27
Social Sciences and Management	#27
Earth and Marine Sciences	#29
Anatomy and Physiology	#30
Engineering – Civil and Structural	#31
Marketing	#31
Agriculture and Forestry	#33
Data Science and Artificial Intelligence	#33
Biological Sciences	#34
Dentistry	#34
Sociology	#34
Communication and Media Studies	#39
Social Policy and Administration	#43
Economics and Econometrics	#45
Computer Science and Information Systems	#46
Natural Sciences	#49

2. Student Life & Living Cost

2.1 University of Melbourne Campuses

The University of Melbourne has 7 campuses around Victoria, with the majority centred around Melbourne. Each of its campuses, apart from the Parkville and Southbank campuses, have specific functions and revolve heavily around research in agriculture and rural development.

Parkville Campus

Key Highlights

• Main University of Melbourne Campus
• Faculty of Science operates all over the Parkville Campus
• Houses state of the art facilities, and research services
• Adjacent to the city’s knowledge hub

How To Get Around?
🗺️A short ride from the Melbourne CBD.

• Tram stations are minutes away from the campus
• Easily accessible walking paths and bicycle lanes

Southbank Campus

Key Highlights

• Located at the heart of the Melbourne Arts Precinct
• University of Melbourne’s creative hub
• Home to Faculty of Fine Arts and Music, and majority of University of Melbourne’s programmes
• Houses Melbourne’s Art Precinct landmarks, such as the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music 

How To Get Around?
🗺️A short ride from the Melbourne CBD.

• Nearest train station is 10 minutes away
• Walk and bike through numerous galleries, theatres and cultural landmarks.

Burnley Campus

Key Highlights

• Founded in 1891 by the Victorian Department of Agriculture
• First horticultural college in the southern hemisphere
• Internationally recognised for teaching and research in horticultural processes
• Expanded profile in green infrastructure focusing on sustainability and climate change

How To Get Around?

• Accessible via tram, nearest station less than 10 minutes away

Creswick Campus

Key Highlights

• Australia’s only dedicated forest science and research campus
• Features heritage listed buildings and state-of-the-art laboratories
• Home to the Mathematical Research Institute (MATRIX) 
• Has flexible spaces within campus for teaching, training meetings, and workshops

How To Get Around?
🗺️A 15-minute walk from the Creswick Railway Station.

• Campus is within walking distance from Creswick town centre

Dookie Campus

Key Highlights

• Plays a key role in Australia’s agricultural development since 1886
• Victoria’s oldest agricultural college, Australia’s second oldest
• Comprehensive learning environment for agriculture and viticulture students.
• Campus landscape includes farming enterprises, commercial winery and the Dookie Bushland Reserve
• Campus farms are managed as commercial ventures, incorporates research and educational programs

How To Get Around?
🗺️A short drive away from Dookie town.

• Nearest train station is in Shepparton, a 20 minute drive away
• Shuttle bus is available for students at Shepparton (only at 3:19PM)

Werribee Campus

Key Highlights

• Hub for University of Melbourne’s veterinary programs
• Hosts the Werribee Equine Centre and Greencross Veterinary Hospital
• Houses organisations offering diverse veterinary services to the local community.

How To Get Around?
🗺️Melbourne CBD is an hour’s train ride away.

• Accessible via the Werribee station, 25 minutes bus ride away

Shepparton Campus

Key Highlights

• University of Melbourne’s Sports and Rural Health hub
• The Department of Rural Health boosts Australia’s rural health research and clinical prowess.
• Academy of Sport Health is an indigenous community which provides pathways through sports.

How To Get Around?
🗺️A 20-minute train ride from Shepparton town.

• The campus is easily accessible via public transport

For a more detailed look at the campuses that the University of Melbourne has you can view their virtual tour here.

Security on Campus

The campus security operates 24/7 and includes regular patrols on foot, bike and in vehicles, a security escort service, and emergency blue help phones (present in Parkville, Southbank, Burnley and Werribee campuses).

Extra safety measures in place are such as CCTV cameras and well-lit pathways, as well as the SafeZone mobile app, an app that is highly encouraged for students to download.  The app quickly shares their location to the University Security team in case of an emergency.

Student Diversity

The University of Melbourne boasts a diverse student population, with individuals hailing from numerous socio-cultural backgrounds and nationalities. The international student community is particularly substantial, constituting around 41% of the total student population from over 150 nationalities.

2.2 Learning Resources at the University of Melbourne

The University of Melbourne offers a variety of learning and research resources to its students, which greatly enhance the educational experience.

2.3 University of Melbourne Recreational Facilities

The University of Melbourne also hosts several recreational and sports facilities to ensure a balanced lifestyle for its students:

2.4 Student Activities at the University of Melbourne

The University of Melbourne boasts a vibrant range of clubs and societies that cater to diverse interests and hobbies. Governed by the University of Melbourne’s Student Union (UMSU), the university has over 200 affiliated clubs and societies. Through this variety, students can find activities to do, regardless if it is a subject-based club or society of preferred interests.

2.5 Student Services Provided By the University of Melbourne

To ensure that students have their needs tended to, they can find these services readily accessible to them: 

• Health Services
• Counselling and Psychological Services
• Academic Skills Unit
• Careers and Employability
• Disability Support
• Financial Aid

2.6 University of Melbourne Student Accommodation and Cost

Parkville & Southbank

On-campus	Off-campus
Lisa Bellear House (AUD 404 – 563 /week)	Private rentals (AUD 250 – 500/week) Nearby towns – Fitzroy, East Melbourne, Cremorne, Richmond, Docklands
Little Hall (AUD 411- 636/week)
The Lofts (AUD 405 – 669/week)
International House (AUD 689 – 810/week)
Medley Hall (AUD 761 – 807/week)
Residential Colleges (from AUD 27,300/year)

Burnley

On-campus	Off-campus
–	Private rentals (from AUD450/week) Nearby towns – Hawthorn, Richmond, Cremorne, South Yarra, Toorak

Creswick

On-campus	Off-campus
AVG House (from AUD112/week)	Private rentals (from AUD380/week) Nearby towns – Creswick, Broomfield, Allendale
Semmens Hall*
The Lodge*

Dookie

On-campus	Off-campus
Campus Dormitory (AUD 271/week)	–
Pudney, Thompson Units (AUD 200/week)
Single Quarter Units (AUD 190/week)

Werribee

On-campus	Off-campus
–	Nearby towns – Hoppers Crossing, South Werribee, Point Cook, Seabrook

Shepparton

On-campus	Off-campus
MD1 Student Accommodation*	Private rentals (from AUD 240/week) Nearby towns – Ardmona, Mooropna, Orrvale, Grahamvale, Lemnos, Shepparton North, Shepparton East
Graham Street*
Kilpatrick Avenue*

* Prices are not set for the following accommodations, speak to our education consultants to assist you on the updated listing price.

Cost of Living in Melbourne

The general cost of living for students in Melbourne, excluding accommodation, ranges from AUD 425 to 800 weekly. This estimate includes expenses such as food, transportation, textbooks, personal vehicles and items, as well as entertainment.

Take note! These costs can change based on individual lifestyle and spending habits.

3. Courses, Fees & Scholarships

3.1 Courses You Can Study At University Of Melbourne

Agriculture	Agricultural Economics, Plant & Soil Science, Production Animal Science
Arts	Anthropology, Criminology, Economics, Media & Communications, Psychology
Biomedicine	Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Human Nutrition, Immunology, Pharmacology, Psychology
Commerce	Accounting, Actuarial Studies, Economics, Finance, Management, Marketing
Design	Architecture, Graphic Design, Landscape Architecture, User Experience Design
Engineering & IT	Engineering Chemical Engineering, Civil & Structural Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering IT IT & Software Engineering, Information Technology, Information Systems, Software Engineering, Computer Science
Fine Arts	Acting, Animation, Film & Television, Production, Screenwriting, Visual Art
Music	Performance, Music Studies, Composition, Musicology & Ethnomusicology
Oral Health	Oral Health
Science	Science Agricultural Science, Animal Science & Management, Chemistry, Data Science, Environmental Science, Food Science, Psychology Maths Mathematical Physics, Mathematics & Statistics, Physics

Of course, that’s not all the subjects that are offered here at University of Melbourne; there’s actually over 200-300 majors and minors to choose from (we can’t fit them all here, of course)! If you want to learn more about your preferred major, you can always speak to an education consultant, like the ones we have!

3.2 Course Fees At The University Of Melbourne

We have also saved you the hassle and compiled the full list of the university’s detailed course fees into one article below. Check it out and share it!

Coming Soon!

3.3 University Of Melbourne Scholarships

These are some of the scholarships offered by the University of Melbourne to international students. Check out the full list here. (Coming Soon)

Melbourne International Undergraduate Scholarship

AUD 10,000 tuition fee remission in the first year of an undergraduate degree 50% remission for the three year duration of an undergraduate degree, or 100% fee remission for the three year duration of an undergraduate degree

While this is one of the most prominent scholarships offered by the University of Melbourne for international students, there are actually plenty more available offered by the faculties. Here’s where an education consultant can also help you to look for an opportunity to apply to one that is offered! 

3.4 Popular Courses At The University Of Melbourne

With the University of Melbourne being a top dog in Australia’s higher institution rankings, we’ve picked popular subjects offered in the university that are also ranked # 1 in Australia:

Psychology Studies

At the University of Melbourne, Psychology students have three exciting Bachelors to choose from: the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, or Bachelor of Biomedicine. These degrees are accredited by the Australia Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC), ensuring a top-notch curriculum tailored to the field of Psychology.

Recently, the University launched the General Psychology Registration Pathway program, offering students the chance to pursue a Masters in Professional Psychology, extending their study by two years. This program includes a year of supervised general practice to prepare students for the National Psychology Exam. Upon graduation, students can register as a Psychologist with the Australian Psychological Society and the Psychology Board of Australia.

Studying Psychology at the University of Melbourne comes with unique advantages. Situated within the Melbourne Biomedical Precinct, students have access to over 40 hospitals and research institutes, providing abundant opportunities for practical experience and potential employment. With the University’s strong Psychology program and affiliations with hospitals and institutes, students are well-prepared to thrive in their careers.

Business and Management Subjects

The University of Melbourne offers top-ranked Business and Management subjects, recognized as #1 in Australia for teaching quality by the Times Higher World University Rankings. Students pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce with a marketing major also become Associate Members of the Australian Marketing Institute (AMI), setting a strong foundation for their future marketing careers.

In the final year of the degree, students have the opportunity to undertake the Business Judgment capstone subject, designed to hone practical business skills. This hands-on experience includes participation in simulation tasks and case analyses, further enhancing students’ understanding of the business landscape, giving them a competitive edge in future employment.

80% of Bachelor of Commerce graduates from the University of Melbourne secure full-time employment within 4 months of graduating, with 34% finding jobs in the Big 4. Proximity to Melbourne’s Central Business District offers students valuable opportunities for industrial projects and employment, bolstered by strong industry connections with leading firms and organisations.

Architecture Studies

The Architecture programme at the University of Melbourne enjoys professional accreditation with the esteemed Australian Institute of Architects and the Commonwealth Association of Architects. This accreditation endorses the high standard of education provided and sets students on a globally recognized path in the field of architecture.

Studying Architecture at the University of Melbourne is distinguished by its studio setting classrooms that nurtures constant collaboration among students, with feedback from tutors readily available. Students also have the privilege to study in the Melbourne School of Design Building, a hub housing key architecture research arms.

The curriculum not only covers the rudimentary architecture principles but places a significant emphasis on sustainability. With the University of Melbourne going for a greener approach, this is to prime students to build sustainable buildings in the future. Students will also work closely with field experts who are at the forefront of research on built environments.

Computer Science and Information Systems

The Computer Science and Information Systems program at the University of Melbourne provides an immersive exploration of key areas in the field, such as artificial intelligence, human-computer interaction, and information systems. Students actively engage in cutting-edge research, aligning theoretical learning with practical application. The program enables in-depth study and independent projects, fostering a comprehensive understanding of the subjects.

The curriculum goes beyond the traditional computer science education. It offers students valuable experiences in system development and research methodology. Here, students get to learn from cutting-edge researchers who work on diverse projects like predicting epileptic seizures, protecting coral reefs, and creating robots with human-like touch.

Students also get amazing industry exposure and plenty of opportunities to dive into exciting projects and challenges. They receive guidance from industry mentors and collaborate with awesome entities like Melbourne Centre For Data Science (MCDS) and Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Ethics (CAIDE).

Biomedicine Subjects

The Biomedicine program at the University of Melbourne opens doors to a wide range of careers in health and research. It’s a great place for those who want to make a real impact in medicine and science. Students dive into a diverse curriculum covering genetics, neuroscience, and pharmacology, giving them a strong foundation in health-related subjects. This broad approach allows students to explore different aspects of biomedicine and choose a major that matches their specific interests and career goals.

Graduates also have opportunities to pursue advanced courses like the Doctor of Medicine (MD), Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS), or Doctor of Physiotherapy (DPT). This seamless pathway reflects the institution’s holistic educational philosophy, blending undergraduate learning with advanced professional training.

Moreover, Biomedicine students benefit from studying in the Melbourne Biomedical Precinct, Australia’s largest biomedical research hub. With access to over 85 esteemed research groups, students engage in groundbreaking research efforts. In this vibrant environment of intellectual rigour and discovery, students can actively contribute to the advancement of human health, embodying the University of Melbourne’s commitment to an academic experience that goes beyond the classroom.

3.5 Industry Partners

The University of Melbourne has the privilege to work with various prominent industry partners as part of the initiative to ensure that students get an exposure to real-life experiences to prepare them for their future careers. Some of the industry partners include:

4. Entry Requirements & Intake Dates

4.1 University of Melbourne Entry Requirements 

Minimum entry requirements for Foundation:

• SPM:  5 credits
• IGCSE: 5 credits

Minimum entry requirements for Diploma:

• Apply for a degree under University of Melbourne*

Minimum entry requirements for Degree:

• UEC: B4
• STPM: CGPA 2.7
• A-Level: CDD
• SACE / WACE : ATAR 72
• IB Diploma: 25 points
• Foundation: Completion of Foundation
• Diploma: Completion of Diploma

Minimum language proficiency requirements (IELTS):

• Foundation: 6.0
• Diploma: 6.5*
• Undergraduate: 7.0
• Postgraduate: 7.0

Some courses may require you to earn higher entry requirements and additional qualifications.

4.2 University of Melbourne Intake Periods For 2025

The intake periods for courses are as follows:

• Foundation: January, April, June, July, August, September
• Diploma: February, July
• Degree: February, July
• Postgraduate: February, July

Please note that the intake periods may vary depending on the courses. For specific intake periods and dates, click here (Coming Soon!).

4.3 Admission Process For Studying In Australia

While you are here, you may find these guides helpful to further your knowledge of universities in Australia and prepare yourself better for your study abroad journey: 

• Your Essential Study In Australia Guide For Malaysian Students
• Get A Study Abroad Consultant Early To Avoid 7 Big Mistakes 
• How To Plan Your Study Abroad Budget In 5 Effective Steps 

5. Student Testimonials & Alumni

You’re reaching the tail end of the guide, and you still need an extra nudge to choose the University of Melbourne, despite the fact that its track record is far exceeding your expectations? 

Then, hear what students at the university have to say about their time there:

Ryan, Malaysian Student who obtained the International Undergraduate Scholarship

Bachelor of Commerce

6. Conclusion

The University of Melbourne offers a premier educational experience with diverse courses, industry exposure, and a vibrant campus life. Armed with the prestige of being the best university in Australia, you too can be a part of the best!

SEE OTHER UNI GUIDES

We took the liberty to compile all our University Guides and Course Fees Guides so you don’t have to go anywhere else!

And if you’re still not sure what to study, we have many Course Guide articles that will shed more light on the subject matter. Share with your friends!

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