Duration
2 years full time / 4 years part time
Mode (Location)
On campus (Parkville)
Intake
March
Key dates
Key dates
Fees
Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) available
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Learn more
Entry schemes
Access Melbourne is available
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Learn more
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
To be considered for entry into this course, you must have:
- an undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in a directly related discipline with a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of at least 65% (or equivalent) in the best 50 points of appropriate discipline studies at third year, AND
- Successfully completed the subject MAST10005 Calculus 1 (or equivalent).
Disciplines relevant to this course include biology and biomedicine, mathematics and statistics, or computer science.
Other appropriate discipline studies may include Applied Mathematics, Computational Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Evolutionary Biology, Genetics, Information Systems, Information Technology, Mathematical Physics, Pharmacology, Physiology, Plant Science, Software Systems, Veterinary Science, Zoology, or equivalents.
Entry into the Master of Science (Bioinformatics) is subject to the capacity of the relevant school to provide adequate supervision in the research project.
Where degree levels are referenced, levels align with the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). Applications are assessed against these standards.
Where our admission criteria includes a minimum Weighted Average Mark (WAM) and/or specific subject criteria, these are based on University of Melbourne grades and subjects. If you've studied elsewhere, we'll assess your relevant prior studies and equivalent grades. Your final WAM may be adjusted depending on your previous institution's accreditation, subject grading, and pass marks.
Don't meet the prerequisite subject requirements?
You may have the option to enrol in specific single subjects through the University's Community Access Program, even if you are not enrolled in a course. Completing these prerequisite subjects may qualify you for entry into this course. This option is not available to student visa holders or applicants. Learn more about single subject study.
You can use our graduate coursework grade conversion eligibility calculator to get an indication of whether you are eligible for this course based on your previous studies and Weighted Average Mark (WAM).
English language requirements
All applicants to the University of Melbourne must satisfy the English language requirements. This may be achieved in a number of ways, including recognised previous study taught and assessed entirely in English or an approved English language test. If you are from a non-English speaking background, the required standard of English for this degree is one of the following English proficiency test scores:
- English language test score requirements
If you need to undertake an English language test, you must meet one of the scores* below:
*Accepted tests: IELTS (Academic English only); TOEFL Internet-based test; Pearson Test of English Academic; Cambridge English: Advanced/Certificate of Advanced English (CAE); LanguageCert Academic; Michigan English Test. If a test displays N/A, it is not accepted for this course.IELTS
6.5
with writing 6.0; speaking 6.0; reading 6.0; listening 6.0TOEFL
81
with writing 19; speaking 19; reading 16; listening 16PEARSON
64
with writing 60; speaking 60; reading 60; listening 60CAMBRIDGE
169
with writing 170; speaking 179; reading 163; listening 163LANGUAGECERT ACADEMIC
67
with writing 64; speaking 70; reading 60; listening 57MET
58
with writing 57; speaking 48; reading 55; listening 56
About selection
When assessing (and where relevant, ranking) applications, the Selection Committee will consider:
- Prior academic performance
Best 50 WAM Calculation
The Weighted Average Mark (WAM) for this course is calculated using the Best 50 points of the most relevant subjects completed at the third-year level or in the final two years of study.
- If you have an undergraduate degree with a course duration of 3 years (full-time), your Best 50 WAM will be calculated using the most relevant discipline-specific subjects completed at third-year level of your course, typically 4 to 6 subjects, depending on the total credit point value of the degree.
- If you have an undergraduate degree with a course duration of 4 to 5 years (full-time), your Best 50 WAM will be calculated using the most relevant discipline-specific subjects completed in the final two years of your course, typically 12 to 14 subjects, depending on the total credit point value of the degree.
For applicants with diverse higher education backgrounds, different comprehensive and appropriate evaluation methods may be used for the Best 50 calculation, as determined by the Selection Committee.
The Selection Committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Selection and Admission Policy.
Meeting the minimum entry requirements for this course does not guarantee selection.
Additional information
If you do not meet the prerequisite subject requirements, you have the option to undertake an approved single subject via Coursera Online.
The below-listed course is approved to satisfy the prerequisite requirements for the Master of Science (Bioinformatics).
You must undertake the course as Certificate Mode.
MAST10005 Calculus 1:
These subjects may not be approved to meet the same prerequisite requirements for other courses at the University, please refer to the study page for information relevant to other courses.
Graduate Access Melbourne (GAM)
We encourage domestic students to explore eligibility for Graduate Access Melbourne (GAM). GAM offers an opportunity for admission to this course even if your tertiary marks are below the standard entry requirements. GAM applicants may also be considered for financial bursaries and Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) where available.
GAM categories include coming from a rural area, being an Indigenous Australian, experiencing financial hardship or personal difficulties, having refugee status, or living with a disability or medical condition. In assessing applications, we look to balance opportunity and your capacity to succeed.
Advanced Standing
Prior studies may be credited towards your degree and potentially reduce the duration of your course. This is known as Advanced Standing (also known as credit or recognition of prior learning).
Master of Science (Bioinformatics) has two entry point programs: 200 point stream and 150 point stream. Exemptions will be granted for students who have completed equivalent subjects in their undergraduate studies.
If you have completed a combination of relevant studies in your undergraduate degree, you may be eligible for the 150 point stream.
For additional, in-depth details on entry requirements and admissions for this course, refer to the University Handbook.