#1
University in Australia
QS World University Rankings 2026
#1
in Australia for graduate employability
Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026
#19
University in the world
QS World University Rankings 2026
1600+
enrolled rural health students from over 400 rural towns across the country
60+
regional and rural placement partners
Advance health at Melbourne
Choosing to study health at the University of Melbourne will help you advance health, turn your ambition into achievement, and address the most important health challenges for a changing world.
Students from regional and rural areas who study with us can choose to undertake rural placements, benefiting from accelerated skill development and hands-on training in smaller working teams. At the same time, the city-based training offers the latest knowledge and exposure to leading experts and industry practices—you really do get the best of both worlds.
Regionally, we have clinical sites across Shepparton, Echuca, Wangaratta and Ballarat. In Melbourne, our Parkville campus is adjacent to the Melbourne Biomedical Precinct - an ecosystem of health services, research institutes, commercial organisations and community groups. It’s also one of the most concentrated in the world and the largest in the southern hemisphere.
Why study with us?
- Gain valuable city-based experiences and access opportunities within the world-leading Melbourne Biomedical Precinct
- Join an inclusive and welcoming environment with a diverse cohort of students, and explore the array of student clubs
- Access support for rural students including Graduate Access Melbourne to help you settle in
- Access metropolitan and rural placement opportunities through our industry partners with tailored support including placement matching, subsidised accommodation and financial assistance for eligible students on rural placement
- Learn from leading academics across top research-informed courses in Australia; #1 in Dentistry, #1 in Medicine, #2 in Anatomy & Physiology, #2 in Social policy and administration and #4 in Nursing*
*QS World University Rankings (by subject) 2024
Supporting rural students
Making the move to Melbourne is a big step. We're here to offer support to students from regional, rural and remote areas. If you have a question about studying or applying with us, you can find help and our FAQs at the support centre.
Access Melbourne (for undergraduate students)
Access Melbourne is our Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) available for eligible students when applying for undergraduate courses. It's designed to support students who have faced unique circumstances throughout their schooling to gain entry into their preferred undergraduate degree at Melbourne.
Rural placement support
The University of Melbourne's Going Rural Health initiative offers eligible domestic students support services like subsidised accommodation and financial aid for rural placements. This not only alleviates costs but also addresses healthcare access issues in rural communities by providing vital services under supervision.
Our regional and rural partnerships
At the University of Melbourne, we are deeply committed to making a significant impact on rural and regional communities across Victoria and Australia. Our students' learning experience is enriched by our extensive partnerships in our key regional locations including: Goulburn Valley Health, Northeast Health Wangaratta and Echuca Regional Health, among many others. Through these partnerships we aim to increase healthcare access, provide educational opportunities, and address the unique health challenges faced by rural populations.
Student and alumni stories
When it comes to choosing graduate study, it's important to understand the journey you're about to start. Get inspired by Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Science stories, shared by alumni and current students from rural backgrounds.
Meet Reegan, Master of Clinical Audiology
Reegan is a Master of Clinical Audiology student from rural North Queensland who saw firsthand the gaps in access to healthcare. Now, she's mastering her skills in Melbourne, driven to make a difference in rural communities.
Meet Tim, Doctor of Medicine (Rural Pathway)
For Tim, there’s nowhere he would rather grow up and study than in the country. Having the ability to go four-wheel driving, hiking, or dining in Shepparton’s town centre while serving the community as a doctor is ideal for Tim.
Doctor of Physiotherapy
The Doctor of Physiotherapy draws on the University of Melbourne's reputation for excellence in teaching and research to inspire and enable students to become outstanding physiotherapists ready to excel as world-class leaders in their chosen field.
Master of Nursing Science
Work locally, nationally or internationally with this portable qualification. Mixing clinical skills and theory concurrently, along with placements in the largest metropolitan teaching hospitals, this degree prepares you for a rewarding career in nursing.
Master of Social Work
This course is led by highly qualified, experienced, research-active and accessible experts in the field of social work. Gain specialist knowledge in particular fields of practice including: mental health, child and family practice, health, ageing and substance abuse.
Doctor of Dental Surgery
The Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) at University of Melbourne is the first Australian professional-entry, master’s-level dental degree. Based on advanced, evidenced-based clinical training, the degree leads to registration as a general dental practitioner with the Dental Practice Board in Australia and New Zealand.
Master of Clinical Audiology
Required for entry into the profession, this course provides the basic scientific background for audiology, an introduction to clinical work, comprehensive training in all aspects of clinical audiology, and an introduction to related research methods.
Doctor of Optometry
The Doctor of Optometry (OD) at the University of Melbourne is a master’s-level professional entry degree. The OD program is the first of its kind in the southern hemisphere, creating a new benchmark in optometric education. The course has full accreditation from the Optometry Council of Australia and New Zealand (OCANZ).
Doctor of Medicine (Rural Pathway)
Interested in rural medicine? Designed for rural students, we deliver the leading Melbourne Medical curriculum in a rural setting through the Doctor of Medicine (Rural Pathway).
Student accommodation
Take the stress out of securing safe, welcoming, and educationally enriching student housing by joining our residential communities. From fun social events to study support, you’ll connect with a network of students as you experience the best of campus life and beyond. Our trusted accommodation is exclusively for University of Melbourne students. As a rural origin student, you may be eligible for subsidised accommodation options.