University of Melbourne
A world-leading research university known for academic excellence and innovation. Consistently ranked among the top institutions globally, offering cutting-edge programs across multiple disciplines with strong industry connections.
- Acceptance Rate
- 14.0%
- SAT Range
- N/A
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.75
- Size
- Large (46,168 students)
- Type
- N/A
- Student:Faculty
- 1:10
- Setting
- urban
- Graduation Rate
- 93.0%
- Retention Rate
- 93.0%
- Tuition (In-State)
- $12,000
- Tuition (Int'l)
- $50,000
Academic Programs
STEM
Business
Social Sciences
Humanities
Health
Arts
English Proficiency Requirements
Student Life & Environment
Student life at the University of Melbourne combines the intensity of a world-class research environment with the cultural richness and livability that make Melbourne one of the world's most desirable cities for young people. The residential college system houses significant numbers of students in communities that foster academic support, personal development, and the formation of lifelong friendships, with colleges offering distinctive traditions, tutorial programs, and social activities that create intimate communities within the larger university. Student organizations number in the hundreds, spanning academic societies, cultural groups, political organizations, sports clubs, and creative ensembles that provide opportunities for leadership, service, and connection with peers who share similar interests. Melbourne's position as Australia's cultural capital means that students have access to world-class museums, galleries, theaters, and music venues that enrich their educational experience while providing entertainment and inspiration. The university's sporting culture reflects Australian enthusiasm for athletics, with clubs competing in Australian university sport and facilities supporting everything from Australian rules football to rowing to lesser-known pursuits. Coffee culture thrives in Melbourne perhaps more than anywhere else in the Southern Hemisphere, and the university's location near cafes and restaurants along Lygon Street and other nearby precincts provides spaces for study, socializing, and caffeine consumption. International students comprising a substantial portion of enrollment create a cosmopolitan environment where students encounter perspectives from around the world, preparing them for careers in an increasingly interconnected global economy. Student support services address academic, personal, and career development needs, recognizing that student success depends on wellbeing across multiple dimensions.
Location & Surroundings
The University of Melbourne's Parkville campus occupies a privileged position less than two kilometers north of Melbourne's central business district, connected to the city center by reliable tram services that make navigating the metropolis straightforward. The campus itself blends historic architecture with contemporary buildings set amid landscaped grounds, mature trees, and green spaces that provide respite from urban intensity while maintaining connection to the dynamic city surrounding. Carlton, the neighborhood immediately adjacent to the main campus, offers Italian restaurants, bookshops, and cafes that have served university communities for generations, creating a distinctive academic precinct with its own character and traditions. Melbourne's cultural institutions rank among Australia's finest, from the National Gallery of Victoria and Australian Centre for the Moving Image to the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and countless smaller galleries and performance venues that support a vibrant creative economy. The city's sporting culture centers on the Melbourne Cricket Ground and surrounding sports precinct, where major events in cricket, Australian rules football, tennis, and motorsports draw national and international attention. Climate in Melbourne offers four distinct seasons with temperate conditions that allow outdoor activity throughout the year, though the city's reputation for experiencing four seasons in a single day reflects the changeable weather that keeps residents on their toes. Beaches along Port Phillip Bay and the Mornington Peninsula provide escape from the city, while the Yarra Valley, Dandenong Ranges, and Great Ocean Road offer natural beauty within easy reach for weekend excursions. Melbourne's food scene rivals any city's, with diverse cuisines reflecting waves of immigration that have shaped Australian society.
Costs & Career Outcomes
Investment in a University of Melbourne education represents significant financial commitment, with costs varying substantially based on Australian citizen versus international student status, chosen program of study, and individual lifestyle choices in a city whose livability comes at premium prices. Australian domestic students benefit from government-supported places and access to the HECS-HELP loan scheme that allows deferral of tuition payments until income reaches threshold levels, making elite education accessible regardless of family financial circumstances. International students pay full tuition rates that, while substantial, reflect the quality of education and the opportunities that a Melbourne degree opens in Australia and worldwide. Living costs in Melbourne exceed those in other Australian cities except Sydney, with housing, transportation, and entertainment requiring careful budgeting, though the city's excellent public transportation reduces the need for automobile ownership. Graduate students may find funding through teaching positions, research assistantships, and competitive scholarships that reduce financial burden while providing professional development opportunities. Career outcomes for Melbourne graduates demonstrate the value of the university's reputation, with employers across Australia and internationally recognizing the quality of graduates and actively recruiting from the institution. Professional programs produce graduates who pass licensing examinations at high rates and secure positions at leading firms and organizations. The alumni network spanning more than 500,000 graduates worldwide creates professional connections that facilitate career entry and advancement, with Melbourne alumni particularly prominent in Australian business, government, and academia. Research opportunities, industry partnerships, and the entrepreneurship ecosystem provide pathways for graduates interested in innovation and venture creation.
Campus Location
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