Glossary for future students

This page explains some of the terms you may come across at the University of Melbourne.

A

Academic Advising at Melbourne - A service matching students with an academic member of staff in their first year of study. The academic adviser assists students throughout their degree, and takes an active interest in their wellbeing, progress and success.

Academic calendar - Important University dates, such as semester dates, deadlines and official University holidays during the academic year.

Academic dress - The official gowns worn by graduates.

Academic transcript - The official record of student grades and academic achievements attained during studies at the University of Melbourne.

Academics - University staff who teach and undertake research at the University. Examples of titles of academic staff are professor, associate professor or lecturer.

Access Melbourne - The University Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS). To apply, you must first meet all of the general eligibility requirements. Then, you can choose from nine categories for consideration as part of your SEAS application.

Adjustment factors - Additional points that may be used in combination with an applicant’s ATAR to derive a person’s course Selection Rank. Adjustments do not change applicants’ ATARs but change their Selection Rank for a particular course or courses. Common types of adjustment factors are:

  • Elite Athlete and Performer adjustments: Adjustments available on the basis of the applicant’s sporting or artistic prowess.
  • Equity adjustment: Adjustment available on the basis of characteristics associated with disadvantage.
  • Location adjustment: Adjustment available on the basis of the applicant’s proximity to the institution offering the course.
  • Subject adjustment: Adjustment available on the basis of the particular relevance of a secondary subject to the academic requirements of the higher education course.
  • Maximum adjustment: The maximum total adjustments possible to an applicant’s Selection Rank from the combination of all adjustments they are eligible for.

Admission pathway - Any one of the options available to a prospective higher education student that enable them to meet the entry requirements of their chosen course.

Admission(s) - The process through which students enter university. The Admissions team is responsible for this process.

Advanced standing - Credit points for prior studies completed at other tertiary institutions that can be credited towards your course at the University of Melbourne. See also Recognition of prior learning (RPL).

Alternative Exam Arrangements (AEA) - A special exam sitting offered to students who have been granted Special Consideration for ongoing support and require changes to the scheduled conditions or format of an examination.

Alumni - Graduates of the University. Learn more here.

Applicant background - A grouping of applicants to help prospective students, family and others easily find the admission information most relevant to their circumstances.

  • 1. Undergraduate applicants
    • Higher education study: Applicants whose highest level of study enrolment since leaving secondary education is a higher education course, whether at a university or non-university provider.
    • Vocational education and training (VET) study: Applicants whose highest level of study enrolment since leaving secondary education is a VET course.
    • Work and life experience (includes less recent secondary results): Applicants who left secondary education more than two years previously and have not undertaken VET or higher education study since then.
    • Recent secondary education: Applicants whose admission is based mostly on secondary education undertaken at school, TAFE or other VET or higher education provider (Australian or overseas equivalent) that was completed (or will be) in the current year or within the previous two years.
  • 2. Postgraduate applicants 
    • Completed Higher education study, bachelor degree level or above. Applicants who have completed a higher education degree at bachelor level or above.
    • Work, study and/or life experience: Those applying on the basis of professional experience, other study and/or skills.

Assessment - A piece of work which is graded.

Assessment criteria - A basis for deciding how marks are given for an assessment or subject.

Assessment level - The Department of Home Affairs classification assigned to each student visa application, determined by the student's passport and the education sector in which the student will study. Assessment levels are categorised as a low to high immigration risk.

ATAR - The Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) is a score that indicates how a student has performed in Year 12 compared to their peers, based on their VCE scores used to help select students at University.

ATAR-related indicators - These take account of all offers of places made to applicants with recent secondary education, regardless of whether ATAR will be a factor in assessing the applicant’s eligibility. Not all institutions use ATAR to determine eligibility. Different institutions may use only some of the following types of eligibility or reporting indicators.

  • Lowest ATAR to which an offer was made: The lowest unadjusted ATAR of an applicant to whom an offer of a place was made in the relevant year or year-to-date.
  • Lowest Selection Rank to which an offer was made: The lowest Selection Rank of an applicant to whom an offer of a place was made in the relevant year or year-to-date (including the consideration of any adjustments the applicant may have been eligible for).
  • Median ATAR or Selection Rank to which an offer was made: The middle ATAR or Selection Rank of all applicants to whom an offer of a place was made in the relevant year or year-to-date.
  • Highest ATAR or Selection Rank to which an offer was made: The highest ATAR or Selection Rank of an applicant to whom an offer of a place was made in the relevant year or year-to-date.
  • Minimum ATAR or Selection Rank required for consideration to enter in next intake: For use where a threshold minimum ATAR or Selection Rank must be achieved to be considered for admission to a course or institution.
  • Guaranteed Entry ATAR or Selection Rank: Where achievement of a specified ATAR or Selection Rank (as appropriate) will guarantee acceptance into a course or institution, subject to any non-ATAR criteria being met, such as prerequisite study or English language proficiency.

Australian fee-paying place (Domestic fee place) - A place in a course for domestic students where the student pays tuition fees to the University to maintain their enrolment. Loans such as FEE-HELP are available for eligible students to pay the cost of tuition fees direct to their University.

Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) place - The Australian government funds higher education institutions to support research training for eligible domestic students undertaking higher degrees by research. Through this scheme, students are entitled to a tuition fee exemption for the normal duration of their course.

Australian Higher Education Graduation Statement (AHEGS) - A record of all higher education qualifications, from all higher education institutions where students have completed a qualification.

Austudy - A Centrelink payment available to eligible students who are 25 years of age or older and studying full time in an approved course at an approved institution.


B

Bachelor degree - Undergraduate academic qualification awarded on completion of a university course lasting three to six years. Titles of bachelor degrees are often abbreviated; for example, BA stands for Bachelor of Arts, BSc means a Bachelor of Science, and BEng means a Bachelor of Engineering. (See also Undergraduate study.)

Booklist - The textbook or readings list for each class.

Breadth - A subject outside of your major, minor, or specialisation, usually a subject outside of your home faculty. Visit How to plan your course for more information about subject types.

Bridging course - A course designed to cover subject knowledge, which assists students to gain knowledge in specialist areas that are a core component of the course. If a course requires a prerequisite in an area that students have not studied or worked with before, a bridging course will help students to bridge the gap in that knowledge and gain admission.

C

Campus - The grounds in which the University is situated. The University of Melbourne has eight campuses in Melbourne and Victoria: Parkville, Southbank, Burnley, Dookie, Creswick, Werribee, Shepparton and Fisherman's Bend (opening in 2026).

Candidature period - The period from the date of commencement of a graduate research course until lodgment of thesis for examination or until the candidature is terminated or the candidate withdraws. The candidature period excludes leave of absence or periods where the candidature is lapsed.​

Canvas - The University learning management system for current students.

Capstone - A subject designed to allow a student to demonstrate the application of knowledge and skills to plan and execute a substantial research-based project, capstone experience or piece of scholarship. It is taken towards the end of the course. It requires students to consolidate and integrate the work undertaken in their major, specialisation or course.​ Find out more here.

Careers Online - Online jobs and careers-related events noticeboard for University of Melbourne staff and students.

Census date - The last day you can withdraw from a subject without being financially liable for its fees.

Chancellery - Chancellery develops the overall strategy for the University, setting policy directions, allocating capital, building capability and acting as custodian of the University’s brand.

Chancellor - Chair of University Council and ceremonial head of the University.​

Citation - Appropriately referencing and crediting other people's work where you use it in your own to avoid committing plagiarism.

Class - Face-to-face or online teaching sessions.

Class timetable (MyTimetable) - MyTimetable generates a class timetable based on the preferences entered. Used to create a student's class timetable prior to each study period.

Clubs and Societies - University clubs run by students for students. There are over 200 clubs at UniMelb to help students find a new interest or meet like-minded new friends.

Colleges - UniMelb has 10 residential colleges for student accommodation, ranging in size from 70-400 student residents.

Commencement Ceremony - The Melbourne Commencement Ceremony (MCC) is an official welcome for students to the University of Melbourne.

Commonwealth Higher Education Student Support Number (CHESSN) - A unique 10-digit number for students with a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) used by higher education providers to communicate with the Department of Education, Science and Training (DEST) to provide information about Student Learning Entitlement (SLE), HECS-HELP assistance and other forms of Commonwealth assistance for higher education students.

Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) - An Australian Government register that lists all Australian education providers and the courses that are available in Australia to people holding student visas.

Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) - Government subsidised enrolment at the University, where you pay a student contribution amount for your tuition fees, and the rest are paid for by the Commonwealth Government.

Community Access Program - Taking individual subjects (single subject study), not as part of a course. For example, to satisfy prerequisites or to expand your study.

Concession - Student discounts and deals, such as for public transport (PTV) fares eligible with a student ID card.

Concurrent diplomas - An additional qualification taken alongside a main qualification. For example, a Diploma of Languages with a Bachelor of Science.

Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) - An official document issued to international students by universities in Australia. The CoE is required by the Department of Home Affairs for the purpose of applying for a student visa. It confirms that a student has accepted a place in a course and paid tuition fees and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) or are enrolled in a course at a registered provider.

Copyright - A form of intellectual property law that grants exclusive rights to the copyright owner to enable them to determine how their work can be used. The University Copyright Office works with staff and students to maximise the permitted uses of copyright material for education and research.

Core subjects - Compulsory subjects you must complete to meet course requirements.  Visit How to plan your course for more information about subject types.

Counselling and Psychological Services (CAPS) - Free, confidential, short-term professional counselling to currently enrolled students at the University of Melbourne.

Course - A set of Units or a higher degree by research program approved by the Academic Board, and which when satisfactorily completed normally qualifies a student for an award of the University. Visit Find a course to browse our courses and requirements.

Course Academic Progress Committee (CAPC) - Committee that assesses your circumstances when you make unsatisfactory academic progress (e.g. repeated fail grades).

Course-based fee - A tuition fee for international and Australian fee-paying students calculated by course and overall study-load. Your fees in any one year decrease or increase with changes in your study-load. Course-based fees are relevant to most graduate courses.

Course planning - Setting the overall goals and direction, such as majors and graduate pathways, of your study at the University.

Credit point - Each subject is worth a certain number of credit points. A standard subject is 12.5 points; a year of full-time study is 100 credit points.

Credit transfer - A process that provides students with agreed and consistent credit outcomes for components of a qualification based on identified equivalence in content and learning outcomes between matched qualifications (Australian Qualifications Framework definition).

D

Dean - A Dean is an administrator in charge of a division of a university Faculty responsible for the leadership of the faculty's schools and centres. Find out more here.

Deferral - Keeping your entry offer to the university, but starting study at a later date (eg, to take a gap year). Read more here.

Degree - A set course of undergraduate or graduate study.

Direct application to provider - Application made directly to a higher education provider rather than through a tertiary admission centre.

Disability - The University of Melbourne recognises disability in accordance with the Disability Discrimination Act 1992. Under this Act, disability is defined as a physical, mental or medical condition or circumstance that requires ongoing support or study adjustments. This includes conditions that currently exist, previously existed or may exist in the future.  The Student Equity and Disability Support unit provide assistance to students in this category.

Discipline fee band - All subjects are classified by discipline area and are given a corresponding cost depending on which discipline fee band they are allocated to.

Discovery subjects - Core first-year subjects within each undergraduate degree that offer varying experiences and delivery modes. These subjects connect studies to outside the classroom, showing students how their degree can address real-world problems.

Domestic student - A student who is an Australian citizen, a New Zealand citizen or the holder of an Australian permanent resident visa.

Dual Delivery - subjects available to take either in person or online to enable students to learn in the delivery mode that suits them best.

E

Early-Career Researcher (ECR) - A researcher who is within five years of the award of their PhD or equivalent professional training.

Early exit award - Students admitted to a graduate degree who are unable or who choose not to continue with their studies may exit the course with the award for a lesser qualification, such as a Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate. Learn more here.

Early offer - Where an offer of enrolment is made to a recent secondary school student prior to release of ATARs. Such offers are usually conditional on other requirements being met, such as successful completion of a Senior Secondary Certificate of Education or achievement of a specified minimum ATAR.

Eduroam - A global initiative that allows you to access the WiFi of other educational and research institutions using your University of Melbourne login details.

Elective subject - Non-compulsory subjects, also known as optional subjects, usually related to your main area of study. Learn more here.

Eligibility - All undergraduate applicants must meet their chosen course academic entry requirements including subject prerequisites and English language requirements. Learn more here.

Enabling Course - A course designed to provide students with skills needed for success in further study, to assist in the transition to tertiary education – for example study techniques or English language skills. Successful completion helps prepare a person to be admitted to a course that leads to a higher education award.

English language requirements - Students for whom English is a second language must meet particular requirements before being admitting to a course.

Enrolment - Officially registered to attend and be assessed for a particular subject or course, where you are liable for its associated tuition fees.

Enrolment Assistance Form - Form used when students are unable to enrol in subjects through their Study Plan, for example if a requisite waiver or overload approval is needed. Learn more here.

Enrolment Lapse Date - The deadline to enrol in a new course and all subjects for the first year of study.

Entry requirements - Conditions needed to satisfy be offered a place in a course (eg grades, subject prerequisites, English language requirements, fees). Entry requirements for each course are displayed on its course page. To locate a course, visit Find a course.

Equivalent Full-Time Student Load (EFTSL) - A measure of a study load. One EFTSL represents a standard annual full-time load of study and is equivalent to 100 credit points of study. Every subject is given an EFTSL value and a corresponding credit point value. If a one-semester subject is 12.5 credit points, the EFTSL value is 0.125.

Examination (graduate research) - The process of review of a thesis, and usually a minimum of four months. Results are available when the Chair of Examiners has received and considered all reports.

Exam timetable - A personal exam timetable with the date, time and venue of all a students' exams for the study period.

Exchange - Incoming or outgoing students studying at any recognised exchange partner institution for one semester, or one full academic year are considered to be on exchange. Learn more here.

Exchange partner institution - A university or college that has an exchange agreement with the University of Melbourne. Learn more here.

Experience-based entry schemes - A selection method used by higher education providers to assess and select students who may not have educational qualifications sufficient for an offer of admission to a course, but who have other relevant work and life skills and experience that make them a suitable candidate. For example,


F

Faculty - The primary academic bodies of the University, often comprising multiple schools, academic departments, centres or institutes. There are nine faculties at the University of Melbourne:

FEE-HELP - Australian government tuition fee loan for eligible fee-paying students (not Commonwealth Supported Place).

Fees - University fees vary depending on the type of student (domestic or international, undergraduate or graduate) and the course being studied. Some students are charged fees for individual subjects – these costs vary from subject to subject – while others are charged fees according to the annual fee of the course (degree) and their study load.

Financial Aid - Student loans, grants and scholarships to help pay for study expenses.

Financial liability - A students' responsibility for paying tuition fees or student contributions, or to defer them via FEE-HELP or HECS-HELP.

Find an Expert (FAE) - The University's public-facing researcher profiling website, showcasing the research undertaken across the University.

Full fee-paying place - Places for which no government funding is received. International students pay full fees.

Full-time study - Studying at least 37.5 points (three standard subjects) per half-year period.

G

Graduate certificate - 50 credit points and six months expected full-time duration unless otherwise approved by the University Board. Learn more here.

Graduate Degree Packages - For school leavers to bundle their undergraduate degree offer with an offer for a place in one of our specialised, professional entry graduate programs. They can choose to enrol in a desired undergraduate degree and hold a place in a graduate program immediately after the final year of high school.

Graduate diploma - 100 credit points and one year expected full-time duration unless otherwise approved by the University Board. Learn more here.

Graduate researcher - Someone enrolled in a research degree such as a PhD or the Master of Philosophy (MPhil). Learn more here.

Graduate Student Association (GSA) - An independent association that provides all enrolled graduate students at the University of Melbourne with representation, events, training and support.

Graduation - A ceremony where students who have completed a course receive their degree.

Guaranteed entry/pathways - A scheme in which current undergraduate students at the University of Melbourne may be guaranteed a place in a graduate course if they meet eligibility criteria.

H

Handbook - The official and central source of information for all courses and subjects offered by the University.

HECS-HELP - Australian government tuition fee loan for eligible Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) students.

Higher Education Research Data Collection (HERDC) - A collection of research income data submitted by universities to the government annually, used to determine annual allocations to universities for the research block grants.

Higher degrees by research (HDR) - Masters or doctoral course in which at least two-thirds of the program is research-based.

Honours - An additional (fourth) year of specialised study after a Bachelor degree.

Honorary - Highly valued members of the University community who contribute to the teaching and research or general betterment of the University through voluntary activities.

Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences (HASS) - A way of describing research by broad disciplinary approach, and often applied in the context of data collection, evaluation and process support.

Human Ethics Advisory Groups (HEAG) - Human ethics approval is required for all research conducted with or about people, or their data.

Hurdle requirement - Condition that needs to be met for a certain subject in order for you to pass it, for example, attendance or final exam requirements.

I

IELTS – International English Language Testing System. The IELTS is one of the most widely used English Language proficiency tests in the world.

In person - Unit or classes delivered on campus where in person attendance is required.

Intensive subject - A subject taking less than the standard semester to complete.

Intention to Submit - When a graduate researcher indicates they will submit their thesis for examination.

International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma - A senior secondary education curriculum and assessment framework offered by some schools as an alternative to the Australian National Curriculum and overseen by state and territory curriculum and assessment authorities. Australian tertiary admission centres convert IB scores to a notional ATAR or QTAC Selection Rank, enabling IB students to be ranked for tertiary entrance alongside their peers.

International student - Those who are not an Australian or New Zealand citizen, Australian permanent resident or hold a permanent Australian humanitarian visa. Learn more here.

Intellectual Property (IP) - describes creations of the mind that can be legally owned and protected. Your IP can include the subject matter, methods and tools you create as part of your research.​ Learn more here.

Investigator - Any researcher who uses animals for scientific purposes. Includes researchers, teachers, undergraduate and postgraduate students involved in research projects, and people involved in product testing, environmental testing, production of biological products and wildlife surveys.​ They often use clinical trials and other investigative methods to reach their findings.

L

Lead Researcher - Provides the intellectual, administrative and ethical leadership to a research project or program.

Learning Management System (LMS) - The University's Learning Management System is Canvas. It contains subject information provided by your course coordinator, lecturers and tutors, including lecture notes, subject readers, and contact information for teaching staff.

Leave of absence - Taking up to an approved 12 months of time away from study while keeping your place in your course.

Library Chat - The University's instant messaging software for a real-time, text-based interaction between a Library staff member and a University user.

Library Guides - Online guides to the research resources and tools of the University of Melbourne Library.

M

Major - A significant concentration of subjects in a specialised field and is recorded on your academic transcript. Completion of a major is a compulsory course requirement in most undergraduate degrees.

Master degree (coursework) - A set of core and elective subjects, sometimes with the option to complete a short thesis, industry project or placement.

Master degree (research) - A degree with an in-depth supervised research project to produce a thesis of up to 60,000 words.

Melbourne curriculum - A flexible model of study for undergraduate students in Arts, Biomedicine, Commerce, Design, Fine Arts, Music, and Science to choose subjects from over 100 different study areas to combine focused knowledge in their area of interest with a unique skillset across a range of other subjects.

Melbourne Peer Mentor Program (MPMP) - A key step in a student's transition to the University of Melbourne as a first-year student, involving student and peer support, social activities and academic support.

Melbourne Plus - The University’s flagship co-curricular recognition program. It supports student participation in activities that develop their capabilities and recognises them with a digital credential.

Mid-career researchers (MCR) - Academic staff including Senior Lecturers and Lecturers (Academic Levels C and B).

Mid-year applications/entry - Some undergraduate courses accept applications for mid-year entry. This is a separate application process.

Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) - Used to establish a working relationship with a partner organisation.

Minerva Access - The University of Melbourne's Institutional Repository. It aims to collect, preserve, and showcase the intellectual output of staff and students at the University of Melbourne for a global audience. Minerva Access is indexed by Google Scholar, and other search engines. It provides view and download statistics and a permanent URL for research outputs.

Minor - A smaller concentration of subjects in a specialised field and is not recorded on your transcript. Completion of a minor is not a compulsory course requirement. Learn more here.

Murrup Barak - A safe, responsive and empowering service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Murrup Barak supports First Peoples interested in higher education and enrolled at The University of Melbourne, which supports them to reach academic, personal and professional goals.

MyTimetable - Generates a students' class timetable based on the preferences they enter. Used to create a class timetable prior to each study period.

my.uniLife app - An app that helps new undergraduates prepare, connect and get involved in student life at the University of Melbourne.

N

Non-allowed subject - A subject that, if already taken or currently enrolled in, precludes students from enrolling in another subject, due to strong overlap between the two subjects. Can also include non-subject-based conditions that preclude enrolment. Learn more here.

Non-credit exemption - A type of exempt Advanced Standing that is granted in cases where students are not eligible to receive credit. Learn more here.

O

Offer round/s - Refers to the series of dates on which offers of higher education places are issued to applicants throughout the year, whether through a tertiary admission centre or directly by the University. Learn more here

OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) - A student visa requirement set by the Australian Department of Immigration and Border Protection is that international students have visa-length health cover while studying in Australia. Bupa is the University's preferred OSHC provider.

Orientation (O-Week) - Events before each standard semester begins to help you get to know your course and the campus. O-Week usually runs for two weeks. Learn more here.

Over-enrolling - Taking more subjects than can be counted towards your course as a whole (for example, more than 300 points as an undergraduate student).

Overloading - Taking more subjects than the standard 50 points per half-year period.

Overseas Representative - University of Melbourne education agents to help international students find a course, lodge an application, accept their offer, and access information relating to living in Australia and visa requirements.

P

Part-time study - Taking less than 37.5 credit points (three standard subjects) per half-year period. Learn more here.

Peer Mentor - The Melbourne Peer Mentor Program (MPMP) is a key part of the University of Melbourne experience and is designed to support new students enter the community.

Personal information - Recorded information that identifies a person or could reasonably be used to identify them. All personal information collected by the University is governed by the University's Privacy Policy.

Planned subject - Subject you have added to your Study Plan, but not yet enrolled in. Learn more here.

Postgraduate (PG) - A student who is studying a graduate course, including Masters, MPhil or PhD. This requires an undergraduate degree as part of the entry requirements.

Prerequisite requirements - Previous study required to be eligible for admission to a course.

Prescribed text - Compulsory textbooks or readings for a subject.

Professional Staff - Non‐academic staff of the University – referred to in many other institutions as “general staff”.


Q

Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) - A suite of national, higher education surveys endorsed by the Department of Education and Training that covers the student life cycle from commencement to employment.

Quota subject - A subject that allows a limited number of students to enrol. For example, a lab or field subject where facilities or resources are limited. Learn more here.

R

Range of criteria - some degrees in Design, Fine Arts and Music may have specialised entry requirements such as an audition or portfolio. Check the entry requirements when you apply for details.

Re-enrolment - A student continuing their studies must enrol in all subjects for the following year at the end of the current year. This notifies the University of their intention to continue studies and helps plan subjects. Learn more here.

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) - A process used to assess an individual’s relevant prior learning (including formal, informal and non-formal learning) to determine the credit that may be granted towards completion of a qualification. Learn more here.

Recommended text - Textbooks or other resources that are recommended but not compulsory for a subject.

Registration for ongoing support - Assistance is available when an ongoing circumstance or official commitment affects a student's ability to perform studies and assessment tasks for more than six weeks.

Requisite - A condition that must be met to be able to enrol in a subject (e.g., a prerequisite, corequisite or non-allowed subject). Learn more here.

Requisite waiver - Allows students to enrol in a subject despite not meeting the listed requisites (for example if they have completed equivalent study to a listed prerequisite).

Research candidate - A student en​rolled in a research course at university. Learn more here.

Research course/degree - A program of study leading to an award of the university that comprises a minimum of two thirds of research, research training and independent study.

S

Safer Community Program - Support and advice regarding concerning or threatening behaviour, such as discrimination, harassment, or violence.

Sanction - A penalty or restriction on a student's record, for example related to late re-enrolment, academic misconduct or debt, which may prevent them from accessing results or graduating.

Scholarship - Award with monetary and other benefits, awarded on the basis of academic result and financial need.

School recommendation - A recommendation from a school or other secondary education provider on the abilities of a student.

Selection Rank - The ranking that tertiary admission centres and higher education providers use to assess admission to a course. A person’s course Selection Rank can include their ATAR, equity or subject adjustments, and contributions calculated on the basis of work experience or previous non-secondary study, portfolio assessments, results of the Special Tertiary Admissions Test, and other supplementary tests.

Single subject study (CAP) fee - A tuition fee for international and Australian fee-paying students enrolled in the Community Access Program that is calculated by subject enrolled, with each subject allocated to a discipline fee band depending on its area of study, and the mode of study (assessed or non-assessed).

Special consideration - Support if a student's ability to undertake an assessment is affected by illness, bereavement, or trauma.

Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) - designed to support students who have faced unique circumstances throughout their schooling to gain entry into their preferred undergraduate degree at Melbourne. Learn more here.

Specialisation - A specified sequence of subjects that equips a student with specialised knowledge in your discipline.

Statement of Liability - An invoice that shows all unpaid tuition fees for the year.

Stop 1 - Student services support, who can help with admin and link you to other services including health, wellbeing, academic skills, careers and more.

Student contribution bands - Fee bands used to determine the maximum student contributions for a Commonwealth Supported Place. All subjects are classified by discipline area and are allocated to a student contribution band according to government regulated criteria.

Students@Work (S@W) - Accessible, convenient, and flexible job opportunities on campus for current University of Melbourne students. The program offers two streams: internships and casual job recruitment.

Student email - Your official student email, which you need to receive emails from the University and send emails to subject staff.

Student equity and disability support - UniMelb Student Equity and Disability Services provide a range of supports for students who need ongoing assistance with their studies.

Student grants - Funding awarded to students for initiatives that benefit a diverse reach of students and improve community engagement.

Student card - An ID card allowing you to borrow books, access study spaces, verify your identity in exams and receive student discounts.

Student invoice - An invoice that contains unpaid fees for a certain study period.

Student IT - A service to help with printing, scanning, your student account and email, student software, tools for notetaking and referencing.

Student Life - Each faculty has a Student Life Team that is there to support you and enhance your University experience. They are responsible for managing the Melbourne Peer Mentor Program and Academic Advising at Melbourne.

Student Peer Leader Network - Student peer leaders who deliver a range of services, programs and events to support the student community.

Student portal (my.unimelb) - Your online student account linking you to student notices, your student email, student admin, and more.

Student services - Services to support you during your time at University, including the health service, counselling and psychological services, security, chaplaincy, careers and employability, library, academic skills, housing, legal service, Indigenous support service, financial aid, and childcare.

Student services workshops - Workshops relating to careers and employability, study overseas, wellbeing, and more.

Students and Services Amenities Fee (SSAF) - Fee that goes towards the funding of University student services, sport facilities and programs, student clubs etc.

Study Abroad/overseas- An Exchange or Study Abroad program for students who want to study away from Melbourne for one or two semesters.

Study Abroad fee - A tuition fee for international and Australian fee-paying students enrolled in an incoming Study Abroad course at the University of Melbourne, with fees calculated by semester.

Study load - Every subject is weighted in terms of the proportion that the subject represents in a standard year of full-time study in a given course. A standard annual full-time load of study is equivalent to 100 credit points of study which is also equivalent to one EFTSL.

Study period - There are standard study periods during the University academic year: Semester 1, Semester 2, and Year-Long. Subjects taught outside these standard study periods, such as intensives, are referred to as 'non-standard study period subjects'.

Study plan - A diagram of your course structure where you enrol in subjects. It includes subjects you have planned or are enrolled in to study in each study period.

Subject-based fee - A tuition fee for international and Australian fee-paying students calculated by subject enrolled, with each subject allocated to a discipline fee band depending on its area of study. Subject-based fees are relevant to undergraduate courses, graduate courses offered by the Office for Environmental Programs (OEP), and graduate students who commenced in 2009 or earlier.

Subject code - The unique code for each subject, consisting of 4 letters and 5 numbers (eg MAST10009).

Supplementary exam - An additional exam (after one already taken) offered under certain circumstances.

T

TAC application - Application made through a tertiary admission centre, namely QTAC, UAC, VTAC, SATAC, TISC and University of Tasmania, in relation to applications to study in that state.

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) - A widely used English language test in the world, used principally for the selection of students from non-English-speaking backgrounds for entry to higher education.

Testamur - The official graduation certificate confirming completion of a course.

Thesis - A dissertation embodying the results of original research and especially substantiating a specific view.

Times Higher Education World University Rankings (THE) - the definitive list of ranking in order of 1,799 universities across 104 countries and regions.

Timetabling assistance form - Request help with your timetable and subscribe to known timetable issues.

U

Undergraduate study - The University of Melbourne offers a three-year Bachelor degree across nine key disciplines - Agriculture, Arts, Biomedicine, Commerce, Design, Fine Arts, Music, Oral Health, and Science.

University of Melbourne Student Union (UMSU) - Student organisation running clubs and societies, events, and support services for all students.

UniWireless - The University's on-campus wireless network.

Unsatisfactory progress - A status by which a student may fail to meet expected progress towards completion of a degree according to criteria outlined in the University of Melbourne policy.

UOM/UniMelb - University of Melbourne. Founded in 1853, made up of 10 Academic Divisions and with campuses in Parkville, Southbank, Burnley, Creswick, Dookie, Shepparton, and Werribee.


V

Vice-Chancellor (VC) - The Chief Executive Officer of the University.

Visitor Centre/Shop - Shop selling official University of Melbourne merchandise.


W

Weighted Average Mark (WAM) - An overall indication of academic performance in a course. The WAM reflects the numeric mark (eg 45%, 87%) and the number of credit points (e.g., 25 points) for each subject completed. It is calculated progressively as subject results are certified and added in my.unimelb. As it is a weighted average mark, this means that a subject worth 25 points will be weighted double that of a 12.5-point subject in calculating WAM.

Withdrawal - To stop studying a subject by un-enrolling from it. Also known as dropping a subject.


Y

Youth allowance (Centrelink) - Financial support for eligible Australians 24 years old or younger.

Check out our frequently asked questions for future students, for answers to common questions about eligibility, applying, offers and entry pathways.

Or if you're looking for more information about a course you're interested in or need support with the application or offer process, contact us.