The University of Melbourne: Ranking, Courses, Admission & Fees

The University of Melbourne’s position as #13 in the QS World University Rankings 2025 showcases its academic excellence. The university’s acceptance rate of 70-80% upholds high standards while remaining available to driven students worldwide.

Our complete analysis shows why this institution excels among global universities. The university manages over 54,000 students across seven campuses and maintains a remarkable 97% graduate employment rate. Students can choose from 684 courses in 89 disciplines. The university’s network includes 470,000 alumni and nine Nobel Laureates. Let’s explore the admissions process, fees, and academic opportunities at this prestigious institution.

Why the University of Melbourne stands out globally

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The 170-year-old University of Melbourne has built an impressive legacy that reaches well beyond Australian shores. The world’s brightest minds continue to choose this university because of its outstanding performance across international metrics, even though its acceptance rate remains more available than other top-tier institutions.

QS and Times Higher Education rankings

The University of Melbourne stands at an exceptional #13 in the 2025 QS World University Rankings [link_1]—moving up from #14. This achievement follows a remarkable jump from 33rd place last year, with higher scores in Sustainability, Employment Outcomes, Academic Reputation, and Employer Reputation.

The university shows remarkable consistency across other prestigious ranking systems. It ranks #39 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025, #37 in the Academic Ranking of World Universities 2024, and #27 in US News Best Global Universities. The university also holds the 47th spot in the 2025 Times Higher Education World Reputation Rankings.

The University of Melbourne stands as the highest-ranked Australian institution across all three major global rankings systems, which makes it the clear leader in Australian higher education.

Reputation in Australia and worldwide

The University of Melbourne has led Australian institutions for 15 straight years. Academics surveyed by Times Higher Education recognize its excellence in research and teaching specifically. The university’s research spending ranks second only to CSIRO in Australia.

The university excels in every academic field. All fifty-three subjects rank in the global top 100 according to QS subject rankings—more than any other Australian university. Twenty subjects place in the top 25 worldwide. The institution also ranks in the top 50 globally across all five broad subject areas.

Melbourne’s graduates rank #8 worldwide in employability according to QS Graduate Employability rankings. This statistic reflects how well the university prepares its graduates to lead globally.

More than 53,000 students study at Melbourne, with international students coming from over 150 countries. This diversity creates a vibrant educational environment where students learn from a mixture of viewpoints and experiences.

Notable alumni and global impact

More than 470,000 alumni live and work across 160 countries, creating a worldwide community that spreads the university’s influence globally. Many distinguished individuals from this impressive alumni base have made vital contributions to their fields.

The university’s celebrated graduates include Nobel Laureates like Professor Elizabeth Blackburn (Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, 2009), Sir James Mirrlees (Nobel Prize in Economic Science, 1996), and Sir Frank Macfarlane Burnet (Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, 1960). These pioneering minds show the quality of research and state-of-the-art work at the institution.

The university’s research has changed lives beyond individual awards. Researchers developed the cochlear implant in the 1970s, a breakthrough that continues to restore hearing to people with severe hearing loss.

The University of Melbourne aims to become a knowledge hub for the Asia-Pacific region. The university tackles global challenges through international collaborations and partnerships to address major social, economic, and environmental issues.

The university launched fully-funded climate-action scholarships for Pacific Island students. These initiatives show how the university uses its global position to create positive change worldwide.

Understanding the acceptance rate of Melbourne University

The University of Melbourne’s acceptance rate of 70-80% might raise questions among prospective students about what these numbers mean. Let’s understand how competitive admissions really are at this prestigious institution.

What does a 70–80% acceptance rate mean?

A university’s acceptance rate shows the percentage of applicants who get admission offers. The University of Melbourne accepts 70-80 students from every 100 applications. This puts Melbourne University in the “moderately competitive” category.

These numbers need context. The average acceptance rate at four-year not-for-profit colleges stood at 73% in 2022. Public institutions averaged 78% while private colleges hovered around 70%. The University of Melbourne’s numbers match well with other quality institutions worldwide.

Acceptance rates don’t tell the whole story about educational quality. They reflect the number of applications, available seats, and the selection process. Many top universities have lower rates because they get way more applications than they have spots.

Competition at Melbourne University remains tough despite what the numbers suggest. The number of Commonwealth Supported Places largely determines who gets in, and students earn their spots based on academic merit. Undergraduates need strong ATAR scores or similar qualifications, while graduate programs want a completed undergraduate degree.

Students who meet the basic ATAR requirements might still face competition. The standard needed to get an offer often rises above the minimum based on the applicant pool and available places. Meeting requirements doesn’t guarantee you’ll get in, especially in popular programs.

How competitive is it for international students?

International students face a different scenario. While official numbers aren’t public, estimates show a more selective process:

Overall international acceptance rate: About 20-30%
Undergraduate programs: Better odds at 30-40%
Graduate programs: Tougher at 15-25%
Highly competitive fields (Medicine, Law): Only 5-10%

Several things affect these acceptance rates:

Program popularity: Popular programs accept fewer students
Available spots: Limited seats make some programs more competitive
Applicant pool quality: Better applicants mean tougher competition
University policies: Admission criteria and international quotas can change

The University of Melbourne boasts a rich mix of students. International students make up 41% of total enrollment, coming from more than 150 countries. This shows that qualified international students have real opportunities here.

The 70-80% acceptance rate can be misleading. Getting in might look easier than at other top universities, but Melbourne draws many international applicants. This creates fierce competition for places. Even students with impressive academic records might not make the cut.

The University of Melbourne maintains high standards while making quality education available. Success in getting admitted depends on meeting program requirements, submitting a strong application, and knowing that some fields naturally attract more competition than others.

Courses and programs offered across disciplines

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Melbourne University’s academic programs span from basic undergraduate degrees to advanced research programs and innovative short courses. Students can choose their path based on their career stage and professional goals.

Undergraduate degrees and majors

Melbourne University has created a unique model for undergraduate education that blends broad learning with specialized focus. The university offers seven main Bachelor degrees that lead to many specialized fields:

Bachelor of Agriculture
Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Biomedicine
Bachelor of Commerce
Bachelor of Design
Bachelor of Fine Arts (with specializations in Acting, Dance, Music Theater, Production, Screenwriting, Theater, and Visual Art)
Bachelor of Science

This model lets students explore different subjects before choosing their specialty. First-year students can try various fields along with their core subjects. They pick their major in second year. By third year, students become experts in their chosen field and take part in “capstone” experiences that prepare them for their careers.

Students who want extra qualifications can take an Honors Degree. This extra year builds research and analytical skills and can cut down the time needed for some Masters degrees by up to a year.

The university also offers special programs like the Diploma in General Studies. This program gives students a taste of Bachelor-level study. Concurrent Diplomas let students build expertise outside their main field.

Postgraduate and research programs

Melbourne University has over 340 graduate programs in various disciplines. These include:

Graduate Certificates are six-month courses perfect for those returning to study. Graduate Diplomas work like undergraduate majors and help with career growth. Masters by Coursework programs take one to two years and provide advanced specialist training.

The university stands out in research education and calls itself “Australia’s leading research-intensive university”. Research options include:

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD): A four-year full-time research project ending with an 80,000-100,000 word thesis that adds new knowledge to the field
Master of Philosophy (MPhil): A two-year research degree needing a 30,000-40,000 word thesis[144]
Masters by Research: A two-year program where at least two-thirds is research, ending with a major thesis[144]

Research students can access over 700 scholarships that cover fees, living costs, and research expenses. The university considers all applicants for these scholarships during the application process.

Short courses and micro-credentials

The university has created many micro-credentials and short courses for busy professionals who need to learn new skills quickly.

Micro-credentials need about 42 hours of study over four to eight weeks. This setup helps professionals balance work and learning. These courses cover many areas including:

Health (Clinical Trial Protocol Design, Foundations of AI in Healthcare)
Leadership and Management (Effective Leadership Communication, Leading Teams)
Creative Media
Data and Digital Transformation
Sustainability
Government

Unlike regular short courses, micro-credentials come with a “digital badge.” This badge shows what you learned and how you were tested, and you can display it on LinkedIn. These credentials stack up, meaning you can combine them toward bigger qualifications.

Leading academics and industry experts create and teach these courses. This mix of theory and practical skills helps professionals gain specific abilities without taking a full degree program.

Step-by-step guide to the admission process

Getting into the University of Melbourne needs good planning and attention to detail. The university has many programs and a competitive selection process. Your chances of getting an offer will improve by a lot when you understand each step. Let’s break this process down into stages that will help you prepare a strong application.

Choosing the right course

You need to find a program that lines up with your academic interests and career goals from Melbourne’s extensive offerings. Here’s what the university suggests:

Explore available programs – Look through undergraduate degrees, graduate coursework programs, or research opportunities based on your background and goals.
Check detailed course information – Each course page on the university website shows entry requirements and prerequisites you need to meet.
Think over planning strategies – Start with an exploratory first year if you’re not sure about your end goal. If you know your major or graduate course, work backwards to identify required subjects.
Review course structure – Know how your program works. Undergraduate students can explore different subjects in first year before picking a major in second year.

Before making your final choice, look into whether your program gives you access to Graduate Degree Packages. These can secure your graduate spot before you start your undergraduate studies.

Meeting academic and English requirements

After picking your course, make sure you meet both academic and English language requirements. These requirements change based on whether you’re a domestic or international student.

Academic requirements:

For undergraduate study: You need something equal to the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) and must meet subject prerequisites.
For graduate coursework: You need an undergraduate degree from a recognized institution, usually with a minimum Weighted Average Mark (WAM).
For research degrees: Most programs need a four-year Australian Bachelor degree or equivalent with final year grades above 75%.

English language proficiency: English is vital since it’s the language of instruction at Melbourne. You can meet this requirement through:

Approved English language tests (IELTS, TOEFL, Pearson, Cambridge) taken in the last 24 months before your start date.
Completing secondary school English subjects listed in the university’s guidelines.
Finishing at least one year of a tertiary course taught in English in the last two years.

Graduate applicants who completed their degree in English in the last two years might not need to prove their English skills. Those who finished 2-5 years ago might need to show they’ve worked in an English-speaking environment.

Submitting your application online

The final step is to prepare and submit your application through Melbourne’s online portal:

Gather supporting documentation – Get your academic transcripts for all tertiary study, final secondary studies transcripts for undergraduate applications, and English language proof.
Create an online application – Use the university’s application portal and fill in all details. You can pick up to three courses in one application, ranked by preference.
Pay application fees – International students must pay a non-refundable fee of AUD 229.35 for each application.
Submit and track your application – You’ll get a confirmation email with your student ID and application reference number. The Application Portal lets you check your application status.

Most applications take 4-8 weeks to assess after receiving all documents. Successful applicants get an email offer, which might be conditional if some requirements are still pending.

Note that meeting minimum entry requirements makes you eligible but doesn’t guarantee selection. The university accepts 70-80% of applicants, but most courses remain competitive.

University of Melbourne fees and cost breakdown

Financial planning is a vital part of your university experience at Melbourne. The fee structure knowledge will help you create a budget that works for your studies at this prestigious institution.

Tuition fees for undergraduate programs

The University of Melbourne bases international undergraduate student fees on your chosen subjects rather than the overall course. This subject-based system means your degree costs can vary:

Each subject’s cost depends on its discipline fee band and study load
The cost calculation works like this: Subject study load (as fraction) × Subject fee ($ per study load) = Cost of subject

Most undergraduate students take subjects from different discipline fee bands. They complete 100 credit points (1 Equivalent Full Time Study Load) each year. The good news is that international students don’t pay the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) because the University covers it.

Postgraduate tuition range

Postgraduate tuition for international students works differently from undergraduate studies:

Your course choice and study load determine the fees, not individual subjects
The yearly study load sets your total annual fees
Students who started before 2025 in Office of Environmental Programs courses still pay based on subject selection

Melbourne’s postgraduate programs come with different price tags. The annual fee structure sets the baseline for your specific course costs. Subject costs are calculated using:

EFTSL value (subject’s study load)
Annual course fee
Calculation: EFTSL × annual course fee

Melbourne University’s postgraduate tuition ranges from AUD 56,572 to AUD 107,590 based on your program. The Master of Management costs AUD 56,560 for the first year, with a total course fee around AUD 118,778.

Application and deposit fees

Starting January 2025, new international applicants must pay AUD 229.35 per application. This non-refundable fee applies when you submit your online application through credit card payment [93, 94].

Some students don’t need to pay this application fee:

Current University of Melbourne students
Research Higher Degree program applicants
Fully sponsored students (with supporting evidence)
Study abroad or exchange students

Your offer letter will specify a deadline to pay a minimum deposit of AUD 25,992.83. This deposit shows you accept the offer and goes toward your first tuition payment. Once enrolled, you’ll get an invoice for your remaining semester fees that needs payment by the invoice deadline.

International students need Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for their visa. Other costs to think about include:

Textbooks and course materials
Equipment and technology
Special projects and excursions
Accommodation and living costs

Missing fee payments leads to enrollment cancelation. You’ll need to reapply to the course and still pay any outstanding debts.

Scholarships and financial aid options

Financial constraints shouldn’t stop you from pursuing academic excellence at Melbourne. The university makes education available to talented students worldwide through over 1,200 scholarships in a variety of disciplines. These financial aid opportunities range from merit-based awards to research funding.

Merit-based scholarships for international students

International undergraduates can benefit from several prestigious scholarships that reward exceptional academic achievement. The Melbourne International Undergraduate Scholarship covers 25% of your fees throughout your course duration. You’ll need to be from a country with a GDP per capita of AUD 15,289.90 or less and meet admission requirements for an Overseas Fee place.

The Commerce Undergraduate International Merit Scholarship provides significant support by covering 50% of fees for Bachelor of Commerce students. About 10 students receive this scholarship each year.

Science students get great opportunities too. The Science Graduate Scholarships give a one-off tuition fee remission worth AUD 15,289.90 to high-achieving international students in eligible programs. Each year, 50-100 students receive these scholarships.

Students can also tap into many college-specific scholarships with varying amounts:

Newman College Scholarship (up to AUD 10,000)
Queen’s College Scholarship (up to AUD 15,000)
Trinity College Scholarship (up to AUD 30,000)
Ormond College Scholarship (AUD 5,000 – 36,000)

Research and postgraduate funding

Graduate researchers at Melbourne have access to strong financial support options. The life-blood Melbourne Research Scholarship and Research Training Program Scholarship cover all tuition fees. Master’s by Research students get coverage for up to two years, while doctoral candidates receive support for four years.

These scholarships also provide a living allowance of AUD 58,866.12 per year (2025 rate). Master’s students receive this for up to two years, and doctoral students for 3.5 years. Students can also get a relocation grant – AUD 305.80 for interstate moves or AUD 458.70 for international relocations.

NHMRC Postgraduate Scholarships offer extra support with a stipend of AUD 79,583.94 per year for health and medical research. The university secured over AUD 9.17 million in Australian Research Council funding recently.

How to apply for scholarships

The scholarship application process at Melbourne is straightforward. Most scholarships don’t need separate applications. Your course application automatically puts you in the running for these opportunities. Just make sure you complete your course application properly and early. Incomplete applications don’t qualify for scholarship consideration.

Some scholarships need specific application forms submitted before deadlines. You might need these documents depending on the scholarship:

Personal statements addressing selection criteria
Your resume
Supervisor recommendation letters
Financial information (for need-based bursaries)

Melbourne’s steadfast dedication to supporting academic talent shows in its extensive scholarship offerings. This support, combined with a 70-80% overall acceptance rate, helps the university attract and nurture bright minds from around the world.

Living in Melbourne as a student

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Melbourne offers students more than just academic excellence. The city’s lifestyle enriches students with varied housing choices and cultural experiences that add value to their educational experience.

Cost of living estimates

Smart budgeting helps students make the most of their Melbourne experience. Weekly rental costs vary based on property types and locations:

Metropolitan Melbourne: One-bedroom flats average AUD 649.82 per week, while two-bedroom flats cost around AUD 802.72 weekly
Food and dining: Students spend between AUD 214.06 to AUD 428.12 weekly
Utilities: Gas and electricity bills range from AUD 15.29 to AUD 30.58 weekly
Public transport: Students pay between AUD 45.87 to AUD 91.74 per week

Regional Victoria presents more budget-friendly options. One-bedroom flats average AUD 397.54 weekly for students at regional campuses.

On-campus vs. off-campus housing

The University’s accommodation options sit within walking distance of the Parkville campus. Students can choose from several on-campus choices:

The University’s apartment-style units feature self-contained studios and shared spaces. These come with utilities, internet, amenities access, and round-the-clock staff support.

Residential colleges create an immersive campus atmosphere with academic support and fresh meals. Students can access over AUD 12.69 million in scholarships and bursaries.

The Off-Campus Housing Network serves as a free platform where students connect to find or list private accommodation. Recent listings show private bedrooms from AUD 336.38 to AUD 802.72 weekly.

Student life and cultural diversity

The University of Melbourne’s steadfast dedication creates a space where students feel valued and respected. Several programs showcase this commitment:

The Anti-Racism Action Plan tackles both historical and current racism. The LGBTIQA+ Inclusion Action Plan supports students of diverse gender and sexual identities.

Students build social connections through more than 200 clubs and societies. These groups offer leadership roles that boost resumes while nurturing personal interests.

The university’s strong culture of diversity shines through programs like Murrup Barak for Indigenous Australians. The campus welcomes international students from more than 150 countries.

Career outcomes and graduate success

A degree from the University of Melbourne opens doors to exceptional career prospects and lifelong professional support. The institution’s outstanding employment outcomes showcase its success in preparing students for their professional journey beyond academics.

Graduate employability rate

Melbourne stands among the world’s top institutions for graduate employability, securing the #8 position globally in the QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022. Employers highly value Melbourne’s graduates, which shows in the numbers. The results speak for themselves – 97% of undergraduates find employment within 3-5 years after finishing their courses. The numbers look even better for postgraduate degree holders, with 98% securing jobs in the same timeframe.

The university’s reputation with employers worldwide continues to grow stronger. Between 2017 and 2019, Melbourne climbed from 11th to 6th place in employability rankings. This rise comes in part from the university’s focus on developing graduates with a “highly desirable and employable blend” of technical and interpersonal skills. Students learn valuable workplace skills here – 87% of graduates say they developed strong analytical problem-solving capabilities during their studies.

Support from Careers Online and alumni network

The university’s career support system revolves around Careers Online, a complete platform that serves more than 10,000 students, recent graduates, and alumni each month. This digital hub connects students with various job opportunities and provides specialized tools such as:

A Career Checklist that helps plan career development
Smart Resume feedback powered by AI to improve job applications
Interview 360 that helps students prepare for actual interviews

Melbourne’s graduates join a thriving global community of over 500,000 alumni across 160 countries. The network offers more than just social connections through alumni groups based on location, discipline, and professional interests. Melbourne graduates earn around AUD 95,800 on average, proving the value of their University of Melbourne education.

Conclusion

The University of Melbourne shines as a top academic institution, climbing to #13 in QS World Rankings 2025. Students from around the globe choose this prestigious university that offers 684 programs across 89 disciplines. The acceptance rate hovers between 70-80%, but competition gets tough especially when you have international students applying to popular programs.

Money shouldn’t stop talented students from pursuing their dreams at Melbourne. Over 1,200 scholarships help deserving students achieve their goals. The university’s steadfast dedication to student success shows in its 97% graduate employment rate. The lively Melbourne lifestyle combines with various housing choices and cultural experiences to create a perfect setting for students to grow both academically and personally.

Melbourne University gives students more than just an education – it shapes tomorrow’s leaders through life-changing experiences. World-class teaching pairs with research opportunities and career support to prepare graduates who excel in their fields. The university’s global network of 470,000 alumni, including nine Nobel Laureates, proves the lasting impact of a Melbourne education.

FAQs

Q1. What is the application fee for international students at the University of Melbourne? From January 1, 2025, new international applicants must pay a non-refundable application fee of AUD 229.35 for each application submitted. This fee is paid online at the end of the application process.

Q2. How much are the tuition fees at the University of Melbourne? Tuition fees vary depending on the program and level of study. For international undergraduate students, fees are calculated based on individual subjects taken. Postgraduate programs typically range from AUD 56,572 to AUD 107,590 per year, depending on the specific course.

Q3. What is the estimated cost of living for students in Melbourne? Living costs in Melbourne vary, but students should budget for weekly expenses including rent (AUD 650-800 for a one-bedroom flat), food (AUD 214-428), utilities (AUD 15-30), and public transport (AUD 45-92). On-campus accommodation options are also available at different price points.

Q4. What are some of the top-ranked courses at the University of Melbourne? The University of Melbourne excels in various disciplines. Some of its highest-ranked programs include Law, Psychology, Arts and Humanities, Geography, and Medicine. These courses are consistently ranked among the best in Australia and globally.

Q5. What is the graduate employment rate for University of Melbourne students? The University of Melbourne boasts an impressive graduate employment rate, with 97% of undergraduates finding employment within 3-5 years after completing their courses. For postgraduate degree holders, this figure rises to 98% over the same timeframe.