How to Get into the University of Melbourne - A Complete Guide

The University of Melbourne is one of the best universities in Australia as it offers high-quality education, strong research, and excellent career opportunities. Here are the main reasons to study at the University of Melbourne: 

• World-Ranked University: The university is ranked #19 in QS World Rankings 2026 and #1 in Australia. It also ranks as #18 in graduate employability worldwide. The University of Melbourne is ranked #38 in the ARWU 2025 and #39 in the World University Rankings 2025.
• High Academic Reputation: It has an academic reputation score of 99.7 and 94.8 citations per faculty, showing strong recognition for research worldwide. Students benefit from learning at an institution known for high-quality teaching and research output.
• Large International Student Community: Around 45% of its 53,000 students are international, representing 150+ countries. This creates a diverse and multicultural environment where students can learn from peers around the world.
• Specialised Programs and Colleges: the university has 11 colleges and faculties, offering recognised programs in medicine, law, business, arts, and engineering. Students can choose from unique programs that are highly valued globally.

The University of Melbourne looks for academic excellence and engagement in extracurricular activities. Below are the crucial aspects the university considers when evaluating applicants:

• Academic Performance: A strong academic record shows your ability to succeed in rigorous coursework. This includes high grades and meeting specific subject prerequisites for your chosen program.
• Leadership Skills: Active participation in leadership roles showcases your initiative and ability to inspire others. This can be through school clubs, sports teams, or community organizations.
• Community Involvement: Engagement in community service reflects your commitment to social responsibility. Universities value students who contribute positively to society.
• Personal Qualities: Attributes like resilience, adaptability, and a growth mindset are essential. These qualities help you navigate challenges and thrive in diverse environments.

The acceptance Rate at the University of Melbourne is approximately 50 to 55%, meaning that out of every 100 applicants, about 50-55 are offered admission. 

For international students, the acceptance rate is around 45%, which means roughly 45 out of every 100 applicants are accepted.

The best way to get into the University of Melbourne is to meet the academic and English requirements, prepare strong application documents, and apply through the official portal. Let’s break down the steps for clarity:

Step 1: Meet the Academic Requirements

High grades in your previous studies is important for undergraduate programs, sometimes with specific subjects as prerequisites, depending on the course. A bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 65% or higher is usually required for postgraduate programs. 

Step 2: Meet the English Language Requirements

You must prove your English proficiency. Accepted tests include IELTS (minimum 6.5 overall, 6.0 in each band), TOEFL, or other approved exams. 

Step 3: Prepare Your Application Documents

Key documents include academic transcripts, statement of purpose, letter of recommendations, and a valid passport. these papers are something you need to have beforehand.

Step 4: Apply Online

International students apply through the University of Melbourne’s online portal. Using an authorised country-specific agent can help with the process and visa guidance. Domestic students apply through the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC).

The admission requirements are similar for undergrad and postgrad, except for a few things like score numbers, documents needed, and work experience.

Let’s take a look at both UG and PG admission criteria for the University of Melbourne: 

The two most important tips to succeed in an interview at the University of Melbourne are preparation and confidence. The following are the key strategies to excel in your interview for the University of Melbourne:

Understand the Interview Format

Familiarise yourself with the type of interview you'll be attending. The University of Melbourne conducts various interview formats, including:

• Behavioural Interviews: Assess past experiences to predict future performance.
• Phone Interviews: Initial screenings conducted over the phone.
• Video Interviews: Live or recorded sessions assessing your responses.
• Assessment Centres: Involve multiple candidates in group tasks and individual assessments.
• Psychometric Testing: Evaluate your cognitive abilities and personality traits.

Practice Common Interview Questions

Rehearse answers to frequently asked questions, such as:

• Tell me about yourself.
• Why did you choose to study in Australia?
• Why do you want to study at the University of Melbourne?
• What are your strengths and weaknesses?

Use the STAR Method

Frame answers using Situation, Task, Action, and Result to give clear and structured responses. This method ensures your responses are structured and impactful.

Ask Insightful Questions

Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer, such as:

• What opportunities for research are available in this program?
• How does the University support international students?
• Asking questions shows your interest and engagement.

The University of Melbourne has two main intakes, and they are Semester 1 (February/March) and Semester 2 (July). Meeting the following deadlines is important to secure admission and scholarship opportunities: 

Undergraduate Applications Deadlines

These deadlines apply to most undergraduate programs, but some courses may have earlier or alternate closing dates: 

Graduate Applications Deadlines

Late applications may be accepted if places remain. Submitting by the timely deadline mentioned below increases chances for admission:

The tuition fees for undergraduate courses at Melbourne University range from AUD 34,464 to 64,032 (INR 17.2 to 31.9 Lakhs), and for postgraduate courses, the fees range from AUD 46,976 to 122,976 (INR 23.4 to 61.2 Lakhs). Below, we have divided the sections and listed the top courses with their respective annual tuition fees:

Undergraduate Tuition Fee 

The undergraduate tuition fees for the top courses at Melbourne University start from AUD 38,004 (INR 18.9 L) for the Bachelor of Arts. Below is the tuition fee range for the best undergraduate courses at Melbourne University: 

Graduate Tuition Fee 

The postgraduate tuition fees for the top courses at Melbourne University start from AUD 46,976 (INR 23.4 L) for the Master of Fine Arts. Below is the tuition fee range for top postgraduate courses at Melbourne University:

A few scholarships offered in Australia at the University of Melbourne, like the Melbourne International Undergraduate Scholarship and Melbourne Graduate Scholarship, offer partial or full tuition coverage, living allowances, and other benefits. 

Below are the top scholarships for the University of Melbourne, their eligibility criteria, and the benefits:

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.

Tip 4: Seek Strong Recommendations

Obtain letters of recommendation from teachers, professors, or professionals who know your abilities well. Strong, specific references can significantly strengthen your application by highlighting your skills, achievements, and potential.

Applying to the University of Melbourne can feel overwhelming with so many documents, deadlines, and eligibility requirements to track. From a student’s perspective, staying organized and starting your preparation early is key to reducing stress and improving your chances of acceptance. One helpful tip is to maintain a checklist of all required documents and deadlines to ensure nothing is missed.

Yocket Premium offers tools to track deadlines, connect with peers, and access expert guidance customised to top universities like Melbourne for students looking to simplify the application process.