Indicative turnaround times for course applications

This page provides indicative turnaround times and important tips to ensure the swift processing of direct course applications to the University of Melbourne.

If you have applied through VTAC or another application system, please refer to their specific timelines.

You may also want to refer to the Applying section on our frequently asked questions page.

Once you’ve received an outcome, here’s what you need to do next:

  • Accepting an offer: If you’ve received an offer, log in to your application portal to accept it and complete any outstanding tasks (such as enrolment forms or payment). Your offer letter will include a lapse date. This is the date by which you will need to accept your offer via Get Started at Melbourne - Accept your offer and enrol (unimelb.edu.au).
  • Reconsideration requests: If you would like to request reconsideration, you can submit a formal request through your application portal. Be sure to provide a clear reason for the request, and include any supporting documents that may strengthen your case.

These are the most common factors that may cause your application to take longer than the indicative turnaround times:

  • Incomplete applications: Missing required documents or information will delay processing. Examples include missing academic transcripts, identification documents, or recommendation letters. Check the email account you provided for a notification about any outstanding requirements (you may need to check your spam folder).
  • Additional information or documents required: If the admissions team requests more details or documents, the turnaround time will be extended until all materials are received. If we require further information/documents to assess your application, we will contact you via the email address you provided. Please review your emails regularly throughout the application process for any updates. Requested documents should be provided no later than the application close date or they may not be considered.
  • Courses with specific additional processes: Some courses require additional steps such as interviews, auditions, or test results (e.g., GMAT, LSAT, GAMSAT/MCAT). Your turnaround time may depend on when these are scheduled or when results are released.
  • Courses with fixed selection rounds: Some courses make selection decisions at specific times during the year. Check the 'How to apply' section of the relevant course page to see if it follows a fixed selection process.

Addressing these common factors can help you avoid a delay in your application outcome.

Follow these tips to help ensure that your application is complete so that it can be processed as quickly as possible:

  • Submit all required documents: Ensure you submit required documents such as academic transcripts, personal statements, proof of identity, and any additional materials specific to your course (e.g., portfolio, recommendation letters). Missing documents will result in delays. Check the 'How to apply' section of the relevant course page to ensure you understand the required documents.
  • Check course requirements: Some courses require extra steps like submitting test results, completing interviews, or attending auditions. Make sure you understand these requirements and meet all deadlines to avoid delays.
  • Respond quickly to requests: If we ask for additional documents or clarification, submit these as soon as possible. The faster we receive the required information, the sooner we can process your application.

Your application will likely be assessed more promptly if you apply for one intake and provide all the required information at the time of application. If your application is put on hold to request missing information or documents, the turnaround times listed on this page will not apply.

Current intakes

"Current intake" refers to the next available start date for the course you are applying to. For example, if you apply in October for a course starting in March, you are applying for the March intake. To ensure timely processing, submit all required documents when applying and respond promptly to any requests for additional information.

Some courses have fixed selection rounds, see Common exceptions to turnaround times above.

Type of course applied for Indicative turnaround time (time to receive an outcome)
Undergraduate 4 - 8 weeks
Graduate coursework 4 - 8 weeks
Graduate Research 8 - 12 weeks

Future intakes

If you’ve applied for a future intake (any intake further into the future than the "current intake"), your application will not be assessed immediately. Instead, assessment will begin closer to the start of that intake. This means the turnaround time for your application should be calculated from the date when application assessment begins, not when you submit your application.

Intake Application assessment begins
Start year intake (February/March start date) May/June of the preceding year
Mid-year intake (July/August start date) November of the preceding year