Melbourne is home to some of Australia's best higher educational institutions. Due to its great quality of education, along with other factors like multiculturalism, low crime rates, etc., the city has acquired a top spot on the list of the world's most liveable cities and is a popular choice among study abroad aspirants.
Let’s explore more about studying in Melbourne.
Overview of Education System in Melbourne
There are three stages in the Australian education system, which are followed in Melbourne too:
Kindergarten/Preschool: The preschool is a one/two-year program before primary education begins. Though not compulsory, it’s recommended to help children develop their social, mental, and physical skills.
Primary and High School: This is compulsory for children ages 6 and 15. In the last two years, the student must complete a Victorian Certificate of Education to enter a higher education college/university. Some schools also provide alternative programs to it, such as the International Baccalaureate.
Tertiary Education: The post-secondary system includes ten universities, along with a network of vocational training institutions known as TAFEs, and numerous private colleges.
Why Study in Melbourne
Here are a few reasons you can look forward to studying in Melbourne:
Melbourne is home to Australia's top university.
The city is best known for bringing different communities & cultures together.
It is ranked as the third most liveable city in the world in 2024.
Melbourne is considered to be one of the friendliest cities in the world in 2023.
Melbourne is famous for its amazing public transport and tram system.
Best 5 Universities to Study in Melbourne
Melbourne has been named the best student city in Australia, and hence draws students from around the world. There are nine public universities in Melbourne, Victoria. The top universities to study in Melbourne are:
Melbourne Rank
University
World University Rank
1
The University of Melbourne
37
2
Monash University
54
3
Swinburne University of Technology
201-250
4
Deakin University
251-300
4
La Trobe University
251-300
Source: Times Higher Education Rankings, 2024
List of Best Courses to Study in Melbourne
Students can make the most of their studies in Melbourne with the following courses:
Master of Computer Science
This course gives students high-level knowledge to keep up with the changing technological world. The students can gain specialized skills in programming languages, information systems, spatial information science or linguistics, and mathematics/statistics.
The students must have an undergraduate degree (or equivalent) with a major in Computer Science to pursue this master’s program. The average percentage varies from university to university.
Associate Degree in Engineering
The associate degrees in engineering provide students with the required skills and qualifications for the Bachelor of Engineering (Honors). The program allows the students to pursue a profession as ‘Engineering Officer’ or ‘Associate Engineer’. However, to be eligible for the course, the student must have completed the Australian Year 12 or equivalent.
Bachelor of Cyber Security
The cyber security course allows the students to get the knowledge required to identify, diagnose, analyze, and manage cyber security challenges in the real world. The students, primarily focusing on digital forensics and computer crime, will be prepared for a career in this growing field after graduation.
Cost of Living in Melbourne
According to the cost of living index 2024, Melbourne’s cost of living index is 70.2. It demonstrates that Melbourne is much more affordable than other global cities. The breakdown for the cost of living in Melbourne is demonstrated in the table below:
Parameter
Cost (for a single person)
Rent & Utilities
$1336
Food
$528
Transport
$338
Monthly salary after tax
$3776
Total cost of living total with rent
$2356
Cost of Studying in Melbourne
The cost of studying or tuition fees varies across different programs. Education costs depend primarily on the education provider and the level of study. For example, the tuition fee for the University of Melbourne’s undergraduate programs for the first semester is $15,935, while for the postgraduate programs, the fees range from $17,969 to $25,225.
Top Scholarships for Students to Study in Melbourne
Some of the top scholarships to help students in their studies are mentioned in the table below:
Scholarship
Benefits
Melbourne International Undergraduate Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to undergraduate international students based on their merit. The students can either get:
$10,000 tuition fee in the first year
50 percent fee for an undergraduate degree
100 percent fee
VU International Scholarship
It is awarded to all international students. The students can get up to a 10% tuition fee reduction for the entire course.
Aitchison Scholarship
International students can avail themselves of $6,000 for undergraduate and graduate programs.
Alex Chernov Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to Indian students for postgraduate programs. The students can get a 100% fee reduction and up to $20,000.
Rao Family Bursary
This scholarship is offered to students in financial need. The preference is given to Indian citizenship. Students get the benefit of single payment between $1,000 and $3,000
Source: Official university website
Student Life in Melbourne
Till now, it has been established that Melbourne is a top city for international students, offering various high-quality courses. The students enjoy the multicultural and inclusive nature of the city. They can live here without much worry as it is considered to be a safe place. Universities in Melbourne also offer free resources and support for international students.
After you have graduated, you can get several job opportunities in Melbourne, Victoria. You must get a Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485), a temporary visa that allows international students to take full-time employment after finishing their studies.
Job Role
Average Annual Salary (in AU$)
Construction manager
$164,410
Civil engineer
$114,729
Early childhood teacher
$79,791
Registered nurse
$77,629
Business and system analyst
$103,484
Source: Indeed, April 2024
Studying in Melbourne offers aspirants the chance to participate in top-notch institutions, take international courses, and have great career growth after college. With its internationally renowned universities, diversified course availability, and scholarship opportunities, Melbourne remains the prime education hub for all students.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for a student visa to study in Melbourne?
To study in Melbourne, you can apply for a student visa through the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) website. You will have to submit the following documents:
Passport
Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE)
Evidence of Overseas Student Health Cover
A Genuine Temporary Entrant Statement
Proof of English language proficiency
Evidence of funds
Health examinations
Biometrics
Can I work and study in Melbourne?
Yes, you can work while you study in Melbourne. There are several enriching jobs that you can take to build your skills. The students often work in retail, customer service, hospitality, and other fields. These jobs are usually offered on a part-time basis.
Which course is best to study in Melbourne?
The course choice depends on your requirements. However, Melbourne offers several courses to choose from; visit the official course finder website and pick the one most suitable to you.
What support services are available for international students at universities in Melbourne?
For international students, the government and universities in Melbourne offer a wide range of support services. For example, the students can get help from the Study Melbourne hub, ISEALS, etc.
