What will study look like in 2021 at Melbourne?
We’re looking forward to increasing our campus-based in-person teaching and learning, study and social activities throughout 2021, and most importantly, welcoming you back to our campuses across Victoria. Our Virtual Campus Community, including all University Services for students, will remain running online.
In the first half of 2021 (including Semester 1 2021 and Summer Term), there will be three delivery modes for your subjects:
- Dual-Delivery: blend of online and on-campus delivery; all students can enrol in these subjects
- Online: delivered solely online with no on-campus or in-person activity; all students can enrol in these subjects
- Campus-based (in person): these subjects have a requirement for campus-based or in-person activities; only students who can attend campus can enrol in these subjects.
You can find the delivery mode for your subjects in the subject listing of the Handbook which is the source of truth for your course and subject information.
You’ll need to meet the participation and attendance requirements of your classes set out in the subject entry in the Handbook.
Studying online or remotely
The University has a wide range of digital tools, services and resources to help you study remotely if you cannot commence classes in Melbourne. The Student IT team is here to help get you set up and connected, ready for online study.
See how our students have embraced change to build a stronger community, adapted to distanced learning and thrived.
Return to campus
Plans are underway for a phased approach to returning our students and staff to the physical campus. We'll continue to deliver online teaching, assessment and support services as necessary for students who are overseas or otherwise unable to return to campus as a result of the pandemic.
The number of activities which can take place on campus in Summer Term and Semester 1 2021 will be managed carefully to ensure compliance with relevant guidelines to enable a COVIDSafe campus.
Our return to campus is informed by government and public health advice. Learn more about our return to campus on the dedicated website.
Keeping you safe
There will be enhanced infection control and cleaning measures in place across all of our campuses to ensure we are creating the safest environment and continuing to prioritise the health and safety for all of our staff, students and the local community. You’ll notice signage for room and lift limits, QR code scanning in teaching spaces; as well as sanitiser stations installed across our campuses.
International travel to Victoria
If you’re overseas and are unable to travel to Australia whilst there are international travel restrictions, you do not need to worry – you can commence your studies online until restrictions are lifted and you’re able to come to Melbourne. Continue to check our student advice and support page for updates.
The University is working closely with the Victorian Government to determine when we may be able to participate in a potential pilot program for some international students to travel to Melbourne when it is safe to do so. At this stage, the pilot has not yet been confirmed. We will publish further information when available.
The University continues to work closely with the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), the Australian Government, the Victorian Government and health experts. This information is subject to further updates.
2021 entry standards
The University has updated undergraduate entry requirements to offer guaranteed entry for school-leavers in 2021.
Updates for international student applications
Minimum 2020 ATARs and International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma scores have recently been introduced for international school-leaver applicants who apply for 2021 entry with an Australian Year 12 qualification or the IB Diploma.
These new minimum ATARs/scores will allow the University to provide consideration for international applicants whose learning has been impacted by COVID-19 this year.
International school-leaver applicants who satisfy course prerequisites and achieve:
- The new minimum ATAR/minimum IB score will now be considered for a place
- The guaranteed ATAR/IB score will still be certain of a place.
| UNDERGRADUATE COURSE | AUSTRALIAN YEAR 12 INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS | INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE (IB) INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guaranteed ATAR for 2021 | Minimum ATAR for 2021 | Guaranteed score for 2021 | Minimum score for 2021 | |
| Bachelor of Agriculture | 70.00 | 68.00 | 25 | 24 |
| Bachelor of Arts | 85.00 | 83.00 | 31 | 30 |
| Bachelor of Biomedicine | 95.00 | 93.00 | 37 | 36 |
| Bachelor of Commerce | 94.00 | 92.00 | 36 | 35 |
| Bachelor of Design | 85.00 | 83.00 | 31 | 30 |
| Bachelor of Science | 85.00 | 83.00 | 31 | 30 |
The guaranteed ATAR for international Bachelor of Biomedicine applicants has recently been updated from 96.00 to 95.00 (for 2021 and 2022 entry).
As Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) applications do not extend to international school-leavers (except for asylum seekers on certain visa subclasses), these new minimum ATARs/scores will allow the University to provide consideration for international applicants whose learning has been impacted by COVID-19 this year.
Updates for domestic student applications
Domestic students who complete an Australian Year 12 qualification or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma in 2020, preferenced their preferred undergraduate course appropriately in VTAC, satisfy course prerequisites and achieve:
- The Minimum ATAR/minimum IB score will be considered for a place
- The Guaranteed ATAR/IB score will still be certain of a place.
Scenarios we're working to resolve for prospective students
- The University is working closely with the Victorian Government to determine when we may be able to participate in a potential pilot program for some international students to travel to Melbourne when it is safe to do so. At this stage, the pilot has not yet been confirmed. We will publish further information when available
- What happens if your qualifying degree, associated prerequisites or other entry requirements for graduate coursework and research are impacted
- What happens if your final year secondary school qualification has been significantly disrupted
- What happens if you are unable to sit an entry exam for entry into a course, including an English language test
- The provision of conditional Confirmations of Enrolment (CoEs) for international students where final documentation might not be available
- What the course offer acceptance process for international students will be, including arrangements for fee deposits.