About eligibility
Every graduate-level course has minimum entry requirements you need to meet to be eligible to apply. They help ensure you’re academically prepared to succeed and are published on each course page. Meeting the requirements doesn't guarantee selection.
Graduate certificates and graduate diplomas
For graduate certificates and graduate diplomas, minimum entry requirements differ by faculty and course. For many courses at this level, you'll need to have completed undergraduate study, while other courses may base entry on professional experience in a related field.
Masters by Coursework
To apply for a masters degree you must have completed an undergraduate degree (or equivalent) from a recognised institution. Most applications also require a minimum Weighted Average Mark (WAM) based on your previous studies. The graduate coursework grade conversion eligibility calculator can provide an indication of whether you’re eligible for a specific masters degree.
Depending on your previous studies and experience, you could also be eligible for advanced standing (credit).
For information about applying for graduate research degrees, visit Graduate research study.
English language requirements
Each graduate-level course has a specific English language standard you must meet. The required scores are published on each course page.
As a domestic graduate coursework applicant, you'll generally meet the English language requirement if you're from an English-speaking background or have completed tertiary study within the last two years that was taught and assessed entirely in English.
If you're required to show additional evidence of your English proficiency, there are additional English programs and tests you can take.
How you're selected
The selection panel will consider a range of factors when assessing your application, including eligibility, prior academic performance and sometimes work experience or other criteria.
For highly competitive programs, eligible applicants are ranked based on the published selection criteria. Offers are made to the highest-ranked applicants until all available places are filled. Some courses may place applicants on a waitlist if all places are filled. If this happens, you'll be notified.
Other courses may use a rolling assessment process, issuing offers to applicants as they meet the published selection criteria.
Selection tasks
Some graduate courses require additional selection tasks as part of the admissions process. Depending on the course, these may include submitting a portfolio, providing referee details, sitting an aptitude test, demonstrating relevant work experience through a CV, or completing an interview or audition. You can find the specific requirements for each course on the Entry requirements tab of each course page.
Other requirements
Some graduate degrees also have additional requirements you’ll need to meet to undertake the course. These may include a valid Working With Children Check, a police check, or up-to-date immunisations. You may not need to provide this documentation at the time of application, but you might need to meet these requirements before certain subjects, placements, or course activities. Check the course page for details.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants
If you're an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicant, you can access graduate programs and support through Murrup Barrak – Melbourne Institute for Indigenous Development. They can help you access mentoring, support and links to special entry programs, scholarships and graduate degrees suited to your needs.
Undergraduate to graduate degree pathways
If you’re completing your undergraduate degree at the University of Melbourne, you may be eligible for a secure pathway into one of our professional graduate degrees.
Graduate entry guarantees give you certainty about your future study while still allowing flexibility to refine your interests during your undergraduate degree.
There are three types of guaranteed entry: Graduate Degree Packages, ATAR-based guarantee, and Graduate entry guarantee.
Graduate Degree Packages
If you were offered a Graduate Degree Package with your undergraduate Melbourne offer, you'll still need to successfully complete your undergraduate degree to secure your guaranteed place in a graduate degree. Some graduate courses also require specific subjects or majors during your undergraduate studies or a certain overall minimum Weighted Average Mark (WAM). It’s important to understand these requirements to ensure you can progress to your next degree.
ATAR-based guarantee
If you’re in your final year of high school and know you want to complete both your undergraduate and graduate studies at the University of Melbourne, but aren’t yet sure which area to specialise in, you can still secure a place based on your ATAR. With guaranteed entry, you’ll have the flexibility to choose your graduate specialisation later, using your ATAR and your undergraduate performance to confirm your spot.
Graduate entry guarantee
If you weren't eligible for a Graduate Degree Package or ATAR-based Guarantee determined by your Year 12 results, and you've commenced your undergraduate degree at the University of Melbourne, you can work towards a Graduate entry guarantee by meeting the required Weighted Average Mark (WAM) and any additional criteria for your chosen graduate degree.
Need help?
If you need help understanding your eligibility for an undergraduate to graduate degree pathway, contact us.
Don’t meet the entry requirements?
If personal circumstances have impacted your results, you may also be eligible to apply for special entry access to courses with Graduate Access Melbourne (GAM). GAM offers admission even if your marks are below the standard entry requirements. GAM applicants may also be considered for a Melbourne Graduate Access Bursary or a Commonwealth Supported Place, where available.
To check your eligibility and apply, see Graduate Access Melbourne.
Frequently asked questions
Minimum entry requirements vary by course but usually include completion of an undergraduate degree and meeting any specified academic thresholds (such as a minimum WAM). Some courses also require prerequisite subjects or professional experience.
No. Meeting the minimum requirements makes you eligible for consideration, but entry is competitive. Applicants are ranked against the published selection criteria and places are offered to the highest-ranked candidates.
If your results have been affected by personal circumstances, you may be eligible for Graduate Access Melbourne, which provides additional consideration for admission. Learn more at Graduate Access Melbourne.
Yes. Domestic applicants must meet the University’s English language requirements. Many students qualify automatically based on previous study taught and assessed in English. Full details are available on the English language requirements page.
Some courses require additional selection tasks – such as a portfolio, CV, referee reports, interview or audition – as part of the selection process. Course-specific requirements are listed on the Entry requirements tab of each course page.
Selection committees may consider additional factors such as relevant professional experience or further study. Some courses also require recent study in prerequisite subjects. Refer to the course page for any recency requirements.
Yes. For some programs, relevant professional experience can help meet entry thresholds or form part of the selection criteria. Each course outlines what type and duration of experience is required.