Prospectus and course guides
Take a look at and download the University's publications for future students and parents
As a parent or guardian, we know you play a vital role in helping your child understand their options so they can make informed choices about their future at Melbourne.
There are lots of avenues to explore the University and discover what study area is right for your child. This page contains information to help you navigate everything you need to know before applying to Melbourne.
University glossary
We use a lot of acronyms. Here are definitions of common terms that you may come across
Register for updates
Stay up to date on latest news, events and information about studying at Melbourne
Experience uni while still at school
Start talking about the future with your child – their study plans and career goals – as early as possible. Get involved in University outreach and engagement opportunities while they’re still in school.
If you want to see the campus, we have public tours delivered by our student ambassadors that run from February to mid-December or access our virtual tours anytime.
Our major event for future students is Open Day, but our staff and students are always on the move. Wherever you are there is sure to be an event happening near you. Sign-up to our communications to be the first to hear about events and information sessions about our degrees and programs near your home, as well as online sessions that you and your family can join from anywhere.
Programs for high school students
The Melbourne undergraduate degree difference
We offer flexible, progressive degree opportunities that aren’t like most others you’ll find in Australia; they’re aligned with those offered by many other top universities worldwide.
Your child will start with an undergraduate degree in Arts, Biomedicine, Commerce, Design, Fine Arts, Music or Science, or one of our specialist degrees co-designed with industry like Agriculture or Oral Health. They'll then choose a major(s) and breadth subjects that align with their career goals and passions. Through the Melbourne curriculum, they’ll develop expertise while building networks, foundational knowledge and shared experiences from which to launch a successful future.
A major, minor or a specialisation refers to a concentration of subjects that provides specialised knowledge in a chosen field of study. We offer 100 majors across our undergraduate degrees.
Breadth subjects give our undergraduate students the opportunity to take subjects outside of their main area of study; tailoring their course to fit individual ambitions as well as developing knowledge and skills to complement career goals. They can add value to a major or be used to explore passions. Breadth subjects can be taken standalone or in a sequence of three or more subjects called a breadth track.
Your child can study a diploma alongside their undergraduate degree (adding a further year of study), or cross-credit up to 50 points (four subjects) of study to complete the degree and diploma within 3.5 years. Adding a diploma can enhance employability in developing detailed knowledge to complement their main area of study. Learn more about each of our diplomas:
Undergraduate to graduate degree pathways
Does your child have a specific career in mind, such as becoming an engineer, dentist, physiotherapist, lawyer or architect? Professional pathways require a bachelors degree plus additional masters level study. Professional masters degrees provide accredited world-leading qualifications.
Students can secure their place in selected undergraduate and graduate degrees straight from secondary school and become professionally qualified with our Graduate Degree Packages. They’ll graduate with a higher level of qualification than a traditional double degree. Applications for Graduate Degree Packages are made through VTAC. Please note that if your child doesn’t meet ATAR requirements for a Graduate Degree Package they’re not automatically considered for the undergraduate degree only – they’ll need to apply for this additionally in their VTAC preferences.
High achieving students who’d like to study an undergraduate and graduate degree at the University but aren’t yet sure what area they’d like to specialise in can still secure their place as a future graduate studies student with guaranteed graduate-entry pathways.
The application process
Students studying high school in Australia, studying an Australian high school qualification (e.g. VCE and HSC) in their own country or are Australian citizens studying overseas apply through the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC). Students studying outside of Australia who are not Australian citizens, and all graduate course applications are made directly to the University.
You can find specific details on how to apply for your child’s circumstances on every course page. To browse our courses use our Find a course search.
If you have questions about the process or what's required, you can speak to our future student advisors in Stop 1, or visit the application and admission FAQ page.
Special entry access schemes
Domestic student applying for an undergraduate degree at Melbourne can have their personal circumstances taken into account when their application is assessed through our Access Melbourne special entry scheme. Applications for Access Melbourne are made by submitting a Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) application through VTAC.
There are eight categories and students are encouraged to apply for all that reflect their personal circumstances as benefits are cumulative.
- Disadvantaged financial background
- Resident of a regional or remote area
- Recognition as an Indigenous Australian
- First in family
- Graduate of an under-represented school
- Difficult circumstances
- Disability or medical conditions
- Non-English speaking background
- Non-school leaver entry pathway (nature-age consideration)
This is our equity program for domestic graduate students to gain entry into our competitive graduate degrees even if their tertiary marks are below entry requirements.
If your child is recognised as an elite athlete or performing artist, they may be eligible for our Elite Athletes and Artistic Performers Entry Scheme. We know this level of commitment can impact on your child’s studies, so we’ve developed this scheme to encourage international, national and state representation in sports and artistic performance.
Scholarships and grants
The Melbourne Scholarships program is designed to help our students get the most out of their time at the University. We offer more than 1200 different types of scholarships for new and current students. Some are awarded on academic merit or personal circumstances; others help with living expenses in Melbourne. There are scholarships that provide academic enrichment and opportunities to travel abroad, as well as grants and prizes that reward volunteering and leadership.
No matter your child’s ambitions or where they come from, it’s quite likely that they’ll pick up a scholarship, bursary, prize or travel grant during their time with us. See some of our top scholarships below, or use the search function on our dedicated scholarships website.
Paying tution fees
Course fees will vary depending on the degree and the type of enrolment or place your child is offered. For example, a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP). Additional expenses you'll need to consider include course materials, accommodation and living costs.
Have a question?
Contact our student support team at Stop 1. You can get in touch by email, web chat or phone.
Contact Stop 1Student accommodation
Student accommodation
There are a range of student accommodation types available, including University-owned and partnered accommodation, known as University Accommodation, and traditional residential colleges.
Explore optionsGetting ready for study
Once your child has applied for their dream degree at Melbourne, they’ll need to keep an eye on their inbox as information about accepting their offer and enrolling will be emailed to them in the first instance. Once they’ve been accepted the fun part begins – planning their new life living and studying at Melbourne.