Melbourne is one of Australia’s most vibrant and diverse cities and has long been a sought-after study destination for international students.
Located in the western part of Victoria, 40% of the total student body in the city is from overseas, creating a diverse and welcoming environment. The city is considered one of the safest places to study and travel in all of Oceania; according to the Safe Cities Index 2021, Melbourne was ranked 9th worldwide for safety. Melbourne is also an affordable city to study, with the average monthly cost of living in Melbourne around $2,500 for a single person. This comprises expenses such as housing, food, rent, transportation, and other amenities.
To learn more about Melbourne and studying in Australia, arrange a free consultation with SI-Australia today. Our educational consultants will review your study options in Australia and expenses and help you decide your next step.
Top Universities in Melbourne 2025
Universities in Melbourne are curated with world-class academic structures offering various degrees, such as diplomas, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees, to domestic and international students. Learn more about leading Melbourne universities and colleges below.
1. The University of Melbourne
The University of Melbourne is a public research university established in 1853 in Melbourne, Australia, and is one of the oldest universities in Australia. The university has more than 54,000 students, of which 40% are international students from 150 nationalities. It has a total of seven campuses located across Melbourne and other parts of Victoria. The University of Melbourne offers courses and programs in arts, agriculture, business, design, biomedicine, and engineering. In addition, the institution focuses on neuroscience, sustainable society, energy, and societal equity.
Highlights
| University Type | Public Research University |
| Established | 1853 |
| QS Ranking 2025 | 13th |
| Popular courses | Infectious Diseases, Psychology, Immunology, and Arts and Humanities |
| Acceptance rate | 70% |
| Intakes | March and July intake |
| Estimated fee structure | $40,000 |
| Entry requirements | • IELTS - 6.5 • TOEFL - 79 • GMAT- 705 • GRE - 314 • PTE- 61 • SAT- 1300 • ACT- 28 |
2. Monash University
Monash University is a public research university established in 1958 in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. It is a modern, research-based university that delivers education and research excellence in Australia and the Indo-Pacific. The university also ranks 37th in the 2022-23 US News and World Report Best Global Universities and 44th in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
Highlights
| University Type | Public Research University |
| Established | 1958 |
| QS Ranking 2025 | 37th |
| Popular courses | Law, Science, Pharmacy, Pharmacology, Business, Education, Healthcare, and Education |
| Acceptance rate | 40% |
| Intakes | Start year (March) and End year intake (November) |
| Estimated fee structure | $37,500 |
| Entry requirements | • SAT- 1200 • GRE- 305 • TOEFL - 80 • IELTS - 6.5 • GMAT - 600 • PTE- 61 |
3. Deakin University
Deakin University is one of Melbourne's most prestigious public universities, located in the suburb of Burwood in Geelong. It is ranked in the top 1% of Melbourne's universities, offering world-class research facilities and academic excellence in various domains. Deakin University provides entry pathways, vocational studies, and undergraduate and postgraduate courses in different specializations, such as business, healthcare, arts, and humanities.
Highlights
| University Type | Public University |
| Established | 1974 |
| QS Ranking 2025 | 200th |
| Popular courses | Business, Arts and Humanities, Nutrition, Science, and Marketing |
| Acceptance rate | 75% |
| Intakes | Nine intakes through Trimester 1, 2, and 3 |
| Estimated fee structure | $24,000 |
| Entry requirements | • TOEFL - 79 • PTE- 57 • IELTS - 6.5 • SAT- 1300 • GRE- 305 • GMAT - 590 |
4. La Trobe University
La Trobe University is a public research university established in 1964 based in Melbourne, Australia. The main campus is in the suburb of Bundoora, with a vision of creating a positive student mindset. La Trobe University is listed as one of the top universities in Melbourne, ranking #45 among the “Golden Age” universities. With a population of 36,000 students and 7000 international students from 110 countries, the university has the most significant metropolitan campus in the country. Some top courses include arts and humanities, business and management, law, and science.
Highlights
| University Type | Public Research University |
| Established | 1964 |
| QS Ranking 2025 | 217th |
| Popular courses | MBA, Masters in Engineering Management, and BBA |
| Acceptance rate | 100% |
| Intakes | Start year intake (February, March) and Mid-year intake (July and August) |
| Estimated fee structure | $8,600 |
| Entry requirements | • IELTS - 6.5 • GMAT - 600 • TOEFL - 79 • PTE- 60 • GRE- 305 |
5. Victoria University
Victoria University is a public research university established in 1916 and received university status in 1992. The university is listed in the top 2% of universities worldwide and is ranked top in Australia for workplace technical skills in QILT 2022. Victoria University focuses on bringing positive change through research with impact, where one can gain real-world experience with industry placements and networking opportunities. Through its award-winning VU Block Model, one can discover more engaging and interactive ways of learning, where one can study one subject at a time with smaller and collaborative classes.
Highlights
| University Type | Public Research University |
| Established | 1992 |
| QS Ranking 2025 | 244th |
| Popular courses | Sports and Exercises, Law and Justice, Engineering, Science, and Arts and Humanities. |
| Acceptance rate | 40% |
| Intakes | Start year (January, February) and Mid-intake (August and September) |
| Estimated fee structure | $20,000 |
| Entry requirements | • GMAT - 590 • GRE- 305 • TOEFL- 79 • IELTS - 6.5 • SAT- 1300 |
6. Swinburne University of Technology
The Swinburne University of Technology is a world-class public research university established in 1908 in Melbourne, Australia. Its main campus is located in Hawthorn, a small suburb in Melbourne, to provide education by using interactive and innovative technologies to deliver its courses and degree programs. The university is recognized as the best design school and has 35,000 students. Some popular courses include games, aviation, science, business, arts and humanities, and engineering.
Highlights
| University Type | Public Research University |
| Established | 1908 |
| QS Ranking 2025 | 291st |
| Popular courses | Computer science and engineering, civil, electrical, and electronic engineering, and telecommunication |
| Acceptance rate | 66% |
| Intakes | Start-year intake (March), Mid-year (July), and End-year intake (November) |
| Estimated fee structure | $28,000 |
| Entry requirements | • IELTS - 6.5 • SAT - 1200 • GMAT- 590 • PTE- 58 • TOEFL - 79 • GRE- 305 • ACT- 22 |
7. Australian Catholic University
The Australian Catholic University is a public university that received its university status in 1991. It has more than 4100 international students, offering education and learning in nutrition, human movement and sports science, cognitive sciences, and religious studies. ACU is also known to be the first in Australia for energy efficiency, and all the Australian campuses are 100 per cent powered by renewable energy.
Highlights
| University Type | Public Research University |
| Establishment year | 1991 |
| Popular courses | Law, theology, arts and humanities, and clinical medicine |
| Acceptance rate | 67% |
| Intakes | Start year (March) and Mid-year (August) |
| Estimated fee structure | $28,000 |
| Entry requirements | • IELTS - 6.5 • SAT- 1300 • GPA- 3.5 out of 5 • TOEFL - 80 • GRE- 310 • PTE- 58 ACT- 22 GMAT- 600 |
- Federation University Australia
Federation University, Australia, is a public multi-sector university established in 1870 in Ballarat, Victoria, Australia. It is Australia's fourth oldest tertiary education university, with a strong touch of training and education. One of the significant benefits of studying in Melbourne, Federation University Australia, is that it offers bachelor’s and master's programs in humanities and social sciences, education, engineering, business, visual arts, and information technology. The college has six campuses built with modern architecture, a sustainable environment, skills development, and student support.
Highlights
| University Type | Public Research University |
| Established | 1870 |
| Popular courses | Humanities and Social Sciences, Business, Engineering, and MBA |
| Acceptance rate | 48% |
| Intakes | Start year intake (February, March) and Mid-year (July and August) |
| Estimated fee structure | $22,400 |
| Entry requirements | • GMAT - 590 • PTE- 57 • GRE- 305 • IELTS - 6.5 • TOEFL - 79 • SAT- 1264 |
- Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology University
The Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology is a public research university in Melbourne, Australia. Founded in 1887, it has more than 97,000 students, including 18,000 international students. RMIT aims to lead in four primary categories: emerging technologies, smart and sustainable cities, social innovation, and regional collaboration, hence its standing among the top colleges in Melbourne.
Highlights
| University Type | Public Research University |
| Established | 1992 |
| QS Ranking 2025 | - |
| Popular courses | Art and design, architecture, computer science, and information systems |
| Acceptance rate | 22% |
| Intakes | Start year intake (February, March) and Mid-year (July and August) |
| Estimated fee structure | $31,000 |
| Entry requirements | • IELTS - 7.0 • PTE- 58 • ATAR - 70 • GMAT- 550 • TOEFL- 79 |
Study in Melbourne
If you wish to learn more about studying in Melbourne, Australia, book a free consultation with SI-Australia today.
FAQ
What is the average cost of living for universities in Melbourne, Australia?
The average cost of living in the Universities in Melbourne, Australia, can range from 20000 AUD per year, including expenses like accommodation, food, and transportation.
Can international students secure part-time jobs in Melbourne while pursuing their education?
Australia is known for its wide range of job and career opportunities in several disciplines, like healthcare, arts, law, business management, engineering, science, and education. Therefore, finding a part-time job in Melbourne is easy, as an Australian Student Visa allows you to work 20 hours per week.
How can international students contact universities in Melbourne?
Students willing to pursue their education in Australian universities can contact SI-Australia for free consultation and career advice.
Are there any full scholarships for international students in Melbourne?
Many scholarships available in Melbourne universities are fully funded. Some examples are Deakin International Scholarships, TAFE Scholarships, and Charles Darwin Scholarships.
What is Melbourne ranked for international students?
Melbourne ranks 4th globally in the latest QS Best Students Cities Ranking. The city is known for its remarkable educational excellence, quality of living, and abundant career growth.
Is it easy for international students to get PR in Melbourne?
Yes, students who complete their master’s can get PR quickly in Melbourne. However, they must fulfil specific requirements, such as English proficiency and a good academic background.
