Founded in 1853, the University of Melbourne is a public research institution in Australia. It offers affiliation to numerous institutions and research centers alongside its eleven colleges. The university's main campus, located in Parkville, Melbourne, is adjacent to shopping malls, cafes, sports arenas, and housing for students. Back in 1853, the University of Melbourne started with merely four professors and sixteen students. Today, it employs over 8,000 academic and professional staff members and has 48,000 students, 52,000 of whom are international students representing 140 countries.
If you want to gain admission to one of the top graduate schools at the University of Melbourne, you have landed on the right page! In 2023 alone, Yocket has assisted 1,400+ students to get into the top 20 worldwide universities, and helped them gain scholarships worth USD 20 million! With 100% personalized counseling and end-to-end assistance, Yocket Premium Services is your one-stop solution for everything studying abroad.
In this blog, we will discuss the University of Melbourne's admissions data, explain some challenges international students encounter, and offer professional advice to increase your chances of getting accepted at Melbourne, amongst other relevant topics. Read to learn more!
Why Study at the University of Melbourne?
The University of Melbourne consistently ranks among the best universities in the world, currently holding the #1 ranking in Australia. At UM, you will have the opportunity to learn from leading academic minds, including Nobel Laureates such as Professor Elizabeth Blackburn and Sir John Eccles, distinguished scholars, and renowned researchers. The university is also known for its commitment to innovation and is home to many world-leading research institutes and centers. Wondering why the University of Melbourne is an ideal place to study for Indian students?
- The University of Melbourne is home to 52,000+ students, out of which 51% of the student body comprises international students hailing from 140 countries. The student populace comprises 13,000+ Indian students. This implies its diversity and acceptance for Indian students.
- The Melbourne curriculum allows students to combine 100+ areas of study, enabling them to create a unique degree tailored to their passions and future aspirations. You could, for example, combine psychology with artificial intelligence, music with biomedicine, or wine-making with international communications.
- A degree from Melbourne is valued by employers worldwide, with the university ranking 8th globally for graduate employability according to the 2022 QS Graduate Employability Rankings. This means that you can utilize the degree to work anywhere in the world! Moreover, the university produces 14,000+ scholarly outputs each year, and 98% of graduates get employed within 3 - 5 years of graduating.
Melbourne is ranked 1st in Australia, and 14th by QS World University Rankings 2024. Given its popularity, it is no surprise that you are considering pursuing higher education at the University of Melbourne!
How to Get into the University of Melbourne?
Getting into any university abroad consists of almost identical steps. Create an effective SOP, take standardized exams, submit other required paperwork, and meet specific requirements regarding English language tests to improve your chances of being admitted as an international student. Consequently, if you want to be admitted to one of the most prestigious colleges in Australia - the University of Melbourne, here are the things you must consider.
Eligibility Criteria
International students applying to the Graduate School of the University of Melbourne must meet the following criteria before applying:
- To be eligible for a master's program, a candidate must have completed their bachelor's degree from an Australian or foreign university, meet the English language proficiency standards, and be eligible for an international graduate program.
- You need to have both a master's and an honors degree in the relevant field to apply for a doctorate (graduate coursework degree). Experience and other certifications are also considered. There are particular prerequisites for each program, including portfolios, additional examinations, and interviews.
- Program-specific criteria also vary for graduate research degrees, such as Doctor of Philosophy, Doctor by Research, MPhil, Master by Research, etc. For this, selecting a study topic and finding a supervisor are necessary.
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In the next section, explore some tips for getting into the University of Melbourne, that will help you stay on track and be more confident with your application.
Tips to Get into the University of Melbourne
The University of Melbourne's acceptance rate of 70% should not fool you. Although getting in is less competitive than other leading universities, it does have its set of challenges. Without a good academic record, strong personal statements, test scores, and other additional documents, your application will not be considered. So, here are some tips to increase your chances of securing a place in Melbourne:
Tip 1: Apply Early: Applications for the University of Melbourne open well in advance of the start of the academic year. Applying early can give you a slight edge in the admissions process.
Tip 2: Research Thoroughly: The University of Melbourne has different academic requirements for different graduate courses, so it is important to check the specific requirements for the course you are interested in. Consider taking higher-level courses or additional subjects relevant to your preferred program. This demonstrates your academic rigor and commitment to the field.
Tip 3: Build A Strong Overall Profile: Participate in activities, competitions, or volunteer work related to your chosen field. This showcases your genuine interest and initiative. Hone your writing and communication skills, as this is crucial for academic success and demonstrating your abilities in applications and interviews.
Sonu Patel is a Premium Yocketeer, who made it to the University of Melbourne for a program in MS in Civil Engineering in 2023. To know more about such Yocket Premium profiles and their achievements, click here.
There is no guaranteed formula for getting into any college, but by following these tips and demonstrating your academic excellence, well-roundedness, and genuine passion for the University of Melbourne, you can increase your chances of joining the university.
Challenges of Getting into the University of Melbourne
As an international student, you might face a certain set of challenges in your pursuit of study at the University of Melbourne. Read on to familiarize yourself with these difficulties, so that you can prepare better and ahead of time. Some obstacles faced by international students when applying to Melbourne include:
- Melbourne attracts a large pool of international applicants, making the competition for places fierce. This means that even students with strong academic records may not be guaranteed admission.
- Studying abroad can be expensive, and international students need to consider the costs of tuition, living expenses, and health insurance. Melbourne offers scholarships and financial aid, but these may not be enough to cover all the costs, especially for students from countries with lower per capita income.
- Alongside academic transcripts and language test scores, international students may need to submit additional documents, such as standardized test scores specific to their country, personal statements, and letters of recommendation. Gathering and preparing these materials can be time-consuming and complex.
- Even if admitted, international students need to be prepared to adjust to a new learning environment and culture. This can involve adapting to different teaching styles, unfamiliar social norms, and potentially living far away from family and friends.
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To combat these challenges, the University of Melbourne offers dedicated resources and support services to help international students navigate the application process and adjust to life in Australia. Careful planning, research, and utilizing available resources can help you overcome these challenges and increase your chance of success in Melbourne.
Costs of Studying at the University of Melbourne
The University of Melbourne is a world-renowned university, and studying there can be a great investment in your future. However, it's important to be aware of the costs involved before you apply.
- Tuition Fees:
Tuition fees for international students at the University of Melbourne vary depending on the program you choose. As a general guide, you can expect to pay between AUD 22,000 - 50,000 / INR 11,85,260 - 26,93,770 per year for a master's degree, and AUD 28,000 - 60,000 / INR 15,08,510 - 32,32,530 per year for a Ph.D.
- Living Costs:
Alongside the tuition fees, you will also need to factor in the cost of living in Melbourne. The Australian Department of Home Affairs estimates that the annual cost of living for international students in Melbourne is around AUD 20,290 / INR 10,93,130. However, this is just a baseline figure, and your actual costs may be higher or lower depending on your lifestyle.
- Other Costs:
There are several other costs that you may need to consider, such as:
- Overseas health insurance
- Airfare
- Visa application fees
- Textbooks and other course materials
- Accommodation
To know the specific tuition fees as per your program, click here.
In the last section, we will discuss the unburdening factor of tuition and living costs for international students. Read on to learn about some scholarships and funding options available in and outside the University of Melbourne that can help you fund your education!
Scholarships for Studying at the University of Melbourne
The University of Melbourne scholarships aren't just for high achievers but they also recognize individual circumstances. These scholarships can help with tuition fees, living costs, accommodation, and travel expenses. Here are some of the scholarships available for international students at Melbourne:
- University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships (MGS): This scholarship is open to high-achieving domestic and international students undertaking a Master's by research or Doctoral degree. It covers full tuition fees, a living allowance of USD 37,000 / INR 30,67,580 per year (pro rata), and a relocation grant.
- Melbourne Global Graduate Scholarship (India): This scholarship is specifically for Indian students undertaking a Master's degree by coursework or research in any discipline offered by the university. It covers full tuition fees and a living allowance.
- Melbourne Overseas Internship Grant: This scholarship is open to international students enrolled in a coursework Master's degree who are undertaking an internship overseas as part of their program. It provides a grant of up to USD 6,000 / INR 4,97,450 to assist with the costs of the internship.
Apart from the in-house scholarships at Melbourne, many external scholarships are also available to Indian students who want to study abroad. These scholarships can be awarded by government agencies, private foundations, or non-profit organisations. Some popular scholarships for Indian students include the following:
- CSIRO Scholarship Program is offered by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) to support postgraduate research students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.
- GyanDhan Scholarship is an Indian education consultancy that offers scholarships to Indian students who are pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate studies in Australia.
- Aga Khan Foundation's International Scholarship Program provides funding for Indian students to pursue postgraduate programs at top universities across the world.
Admission Deadlines at the University of Melbourne
The application deadlines for international students applying to postgraduate programs at the University of Melbourne are:
- Timely application closing dates for start-year 2024 intake: 30 November 2023
- Timely application closing dates for mid-year 2024 intake: 31 May 2024
These dates reflect most course closing dates within the faculties; however, some courses may have earlier/alternate application deadlines. Please confirm the application closing date on the 'How to apply' tab for the relevant course page.
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From the Desk of Yocket
At the University of Melbourne, you'll be empowered to solve tomorrow's problems through bold, creative thinking. You'll join a collaborative network of students and academics and contribute to the University's 170-year history of shaping positive change across the globe. If Melbourne is on your list of universities to apply to, hopefully, this guide has given you the knowledge you need to smoothen the application process.
If you aspire to pursue your higher education abroad, you must have access to the best services and consultants who take care of the admission and visa process, while you focus on preparing yourself to get into your dream university. Do you know who can assist you with the same? Our Yocket experts. With end-to-end, tech-enabled services, applying to prestigious universities overseas will be easier for you. Book A FREE Consultation Call Today!