Admissions·Australia & New Zealand· 7 min read

University of Melbourne Admission Guide

How admission to the University of Melbourne works for international students — the official application routes, academic and English-language requirements, document checklist, and where to verify current rules.

Key facts

Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Group: Group of Eight (Go8) member
Undergrad application: Direct, or via VTAC for Aus Year 12 / IB in Aus & NZ
Intakes: Start-year (Sem 1) and mid-year (Sem 2), course-dependent

About the University of Melbourne

The University of Melbourne is a comprehensive, research-intensive university based in Melbourne, Victoria, and a member of the Group of Eight. It offers undergraduate, graduate coursework, and graduate research programs across a broad range of disciplines.

This guide explains the official admission process at a structural level. Specific entry scores, application fees, deadlines, and prerequisite subjects are set by the University and change between intakes, so always confirm the current details for your exact course on the official Study site.

How to apply (the official routes)

For undergraduate study, how you apply depends on your background. International students completing an Australian Year 12 (in or outside Australia) or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma in Australia or New Zealand apply for the start-of-year intake through VTAC (the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre). All other international students apply directly to the University of Melbourne through its online application portal.

For graduate coursework and graduate research, applications are generally made directly to the University. Some intakes run for both the start-of-year (Semester 1) and mid-year (Semester 2) entry points — check which intakes your course offers.

Australian Year 12 / IB in Australia or NZ (undergraduate, start-year): apply via VTAC
All other international undergraduates: apply directly to the University
Graduate coursework / research: apply directly to the University

Academic and English-language requirements

To be eligible for an undergraduate degree, you must have completed the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or a recognised equivalent qualification, met the minimum entry score (ATAR or equivalent) for your course, satisfied any prerequisite-subject requirements, completed any extra selection task such as an audition or interview where the course requires one, and met the University's minimum English-language requirements.

The University accepts a range of recognised English-language tests to meet its English requirement. Required scores differ by course and level, so check the official entry-requirements page for your specific program rather than assuming a single threshold.

Documents and the application fee

Documents required vary by background but commonly include academic transcripts, predicted or final results, English-language test results where applicable, and any documents needed for a selection task. Non-English documents typically need an accredited translation.

Direct international applications are subject to a non-refundable application fee per application. The exact fee is published on the official Study site and can change — verify the current amount before you submit.

After an offer: OSHC and student visa

If you receive and accept an offer, international students arrange Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) and apply for an Australian student visa (subclass 500). As part of admission and the visa process, applicants must meet the Australian Government's Genuine Student requirement.

Visa and health-cover rules are set by the Australian Government and change frequently. This is general information, not immigration advice — verify the current requirements on the official Department of Home Affairs website before acting.

Frequently asked questions

How do international students apply to the University of Melbourne?

Most international undergraduates apply directly to the University through its online portal. Those completing an Australian Year 12 or the IB Diploma in Australia or New Zealand apply for the start-year intake via VTAC. Graduate applicants generally apply directly.

What ATAR or entry score do I need?

The minimum entry score depends on the specific course and changes between intakes. There is no single university-wide number — check the official entry-requirements page for your exact program and verify it before applying.

Which English tests does the University accept?

The University accepts a range of recognised English-language tests to meet its minimum requirement, with required scores varying by course. Confirm the accepted tests and scores for your program on the official Study site.

Is there an application fee?

Direct international applications are subject to a non-refundable application fee per application. The current amount is published on the official Study site and can change, so verify it before you submit.

Official sources

This guide explains the process and is for guidance only. Eligibility, dates, fees and rules change every year — always confirm the current details on the official site before you act.

Verified against: University of Melbourne — How to apply; University of Melbourne — Undergraduate international entry requirements; Australian Government — Department of Home Affairs (Student visa, subclass 500).

Last verified: 2026-06-12.