Entry points (advanced entry) for graduate study
Some masters degrees offer multiple entry points. Depending on your previous study, you may be eligible to complete a shorter version of your graduate degree by entering the program at a later stage.
What is an advanced entry point?
Advanced entry is a form of advanced standing (credit for prior learning) that allows students to begin a graduate course with approved credit based on prior study.
If advanced entry is approved, you will:
- enter the course at a later stage in the program
- study for a shorter period of time and graduate sooner
- complete fewer subjects overall
- follow a modified study plan based on the entry point offered
- have a reduced total course tuition fee.
Your offer letter will confirm the entry point and total credit points required to complete the course.
Not all courses offer multiple entry points. Check the course page to see what options are available.
Why do courses offer multiple entry points?
Graduate programs are designed to accommodate students with different academic backgrounds.
If you already hold a relevant or cognate degree, you may not need to complete the full program structure. Advanced entry allows you to receive credit for relevant prior learning and therefore complete your course in a shorter timeframe. This ensures that you won't repeat studies you've already completed, and that you won't pay unnecessarily for subjects you have prior knowledge of.
What do the different entry points mean?
Many graduate programs are offered at multiple lengths – for example, a 300-point, 200-point or 150-point version of the same degree. These are not separate courses. They are different entry points into the same program, based on how much advanced standing (credit for prior learning) is recognised at the point of application.
General information about subjects and credit point value
Every course and every student’s course plan can be different. The information below is intended to be a general guide to understanding how credit points and entry points work.
University of Melbourne subjects are given a credit point value; often, this is 12.5 credit points per subject. Generally, students undertake four subjects for a full-time study load, meaning each semester you will study 50 credit points (4 x 12.5) and two semesters per year (2 x 50), so one year of study is equivalent to 100 points. The overall point value refers to the total credit required to complete your whole degree.
Each course has specific entry points determined by the faculty. Some courses may only have a single entry point.
| This information is a general guide only. | ||
| Overall point value (entry points) | Typical course duration (full-time equivalent) | Who it may suit |
|---|---|---|
| 300 points | 3 years | Foundation entry for applicants with limited prior study in this discipline |
| 200 points | 2 years | Standard entry for applicants with an undergraduate degree in an approved or related discipline |
| 150 points | 1.5 years | Advanced entry for applicants with an undergraduate degree in an approved cognate (related) discipline |
| 100 points | 1 year | Advanced entry for applicants with prior study that is considered substantially equivalent to the program, or higher level study with a significant research component, or extensive relevant professional experience. |
Finding entry points for your course
To find out if a graduate course offers advanced entry:
- Go to the course page
- Check the Entry requirements section of the course page
- Look for available program entry points (for example, 300-point, 200-point or 150-point options)
If you’re unsure which entry point to select, choose the standard entry point when applying. The admissions team will assess your eligibility and adjust your entry level if appropriate.
Approved advanced entry for current University of Melbourne students
The Melbourne curriculum is built around a three-year bachelors degree followed by a two-year specialised graduate degree. For many graduate programs, this means students with a University of Melbourne undergraduate degree enter with advanced standing already built in.
Not all University of Melbourne graduate degrees offer advanced entry.
If you completed a relevant bachelors degree at Melbourne, you will typically be admitted to a graduate course at the 200-point entry point – completing your masters degree in two years (full-time) rather than three. Your undergraduate major, breadth subjects, and any graduate-level subjects are all taken into account.
Each course has distinct entry points – you must check the course page for information about duration, entry points and advanced standing.
What this means for you:
- Eligibility is assessed as part of your course application – no separate advanced standing application required.
- Your entry point is confirmed in your offer letter.
- Check your course entry requirements to confirm whether the agreed advanced entry applies to your program, or contact Stop 1 before you apply.
Do I need to apply for advanced entry?
If you’re seeking advanced entry, our admissions team will assess your eligibility at the same time we’re assessing your course application. If the course offers multiple entry points, you will usually be asked to select your preferred entry point when submitting your application. You do not need to submit a separate advanced standing application.
However, if you wish to request additional credit beyond the entry point offered, you will need to submit an advanced standing application after receiving your offer.
What previous study may be considered?
Eligibility for advanced entry is usually based on previous study in a related discipline.
Examples may include:
- a bachelors degree in a cognate (relevant) field
- a relevant honours or postgraduate qualification
- equivalent academic preparation required by the course.
Some programs may also consider relevant professional experience, where specified in the course entry requirements.
Eligibility criteria vary by course and faculty. Check your course page for details.
How is advanced entry assessed?
The admissions team will then assess your previous study and determine whether you're eligible for the entry point you have nominated.
Assessment is based on whether your previous study:
- covers similar topics to subjects in the program
- is at a comparable academic level
- is from a recognised institution
- is approved by the relevant selection committee or course coordinator.
Eligibility criteria vary by program and faculty. The amount of credit that can be awarded may also be subject to faculty limits.
The outcome will be included in your course offer letter.
Need help?
If you have questions about advanced entry or entry points for your course, contact the future students team for advice before submitting your application.
Frequently asked questions
Advanced entry is a type of advanced standing offered by some graduate coursework degrees at the University of Melbourne. It means you are admitted to a graduate course at a later entry point based on your previous studies. This is assessed during the admissions process. Other types of advanced standing may allow credit for specific subjects to be granted after admission.
No. Entry points such as 300-point, 200-point or 150-point represent different starting points within the same degree. The entry point offered reflects the amount of prior learning recognised when you are admitted to the course.
If a course offers multiple entry points, you'll usually be asked to select one when submitting your application. It's important to nominate your preferred entry point during the application process.
If you're not eligible for your preferred option, admissions staff will assess your previous study and confirm the appropriate entry point when your application is reviewed.
Advanced entry is usually based on previous study in a related or cognate discipline, such as a bachelors degree in a relevant field. Eligibility requirements vary by course. Check the course entry requirements for details.
In some cases, you may request a review if you believe your previous study qualifies you for a different entry point. You may need to provide additional documentation, and approval is subject to faculty assessment.
The points refer to the total credit (subjects) required to complete the degree.
For example:
- 300-point program – typically three years of full-time study
- 200-point program – typically two years
- 150 or 100-point program – shorter pathways for students with relevant prior study
These are different entry points within the same course, based on recognised prior learning.
In most cases, yes – if you receive advanced entry (credit for some subjects), you will complete fewer subjects, and your course duration will be shorter. This also means lower overall tuition fees.
This is different from some other types of credit (such as a non-credit exemption), which may waive a subject without reducing your total number of subjects. Advanced entry directly reduces the length of your course.