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Best Universities in Melbourne for International Students

Last updated: 5 June 2024 Study in Australia Study in Victoria

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.

universities and colleges in melbourne

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.

Universities featured in this article:

  • University of Melbourne
  • Federation University of Australia
  • RMIT University
  • Deakin University
  • Victoria University
  • La Trobe University
  • Monash University
  • Swinburne University of Technology
  • Australian Catholic University
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