University Spotlight
University Spotlight – University of Melbourne
Learn more about what it’s like to study at the University of Melbourne in our latest university spotlight.
Campuses & Access
The University of Melbourne’s main campus is located in Parkville, in the heart of Melbourne city. It’s easy to access the campus via public transport, and there are carparks for those who need to drive to campus. There are other smaller campuses located across Melbourne and regional Victoria.
The Parkville campus is quite large, but is all located on flat ground and is fairly easy to navigate. It takes around 15 minutes to walk from one end of the campus to the other.
Most of the buildings at the Parkville campus are easily accessible, and all major buildings are accessible by wheelchair. However, given the age of certain buildings, some do not have lifts to upper floors.
Online Learning
The University of Melbourne’s online course offerings are all at a postgraduate or microcredential level, and they don’t offer a blended option for undergraduate courses either.
If you’re looking to study at an undergraduate level at the University of Melbourne, you’ll probably need to study on-campus.
Study Options
The University of Melbourne offer undergraduate courses in most standard study areas, with the notable exception of their teaching degrees all being postgraduate only. While they don’t have a undergraduate medical program, you can apply for guaranteed entry to the Doctor of Medicine through the Melbourne Chancellor’s Scholarship.
Though the University of Melbourne doesn’t offer double degrees, you do have the option to study a Diploma alongside your undergraduate degree.
The academic year is split across two semesters, running roughly from late-February mid-November, with a month-long break between semesters. Each semester also includes a week of non-teaching. A short optional Summer semester is also offered from early-January to late-February. No classes are run over the Christmas and New Year period. You can view the academic calendar for the year here.
The course structure of most courses at the University of Melbourne is quite rigid, with subjects needing to be taken in a set order. You can find out more about specific courses and subjects in the course handbook here.
Accommodation & Living
The University of Melbourne currently offer 4 university-owned accommodation options, all located either on campus or just a short walk away. Two of the options are currently for graduate students only. There are also 11 residential colleges located on or close to campus.
Current and commencing full-time undergraduate students automatically qualify for a guaranteed offer of accommodation. Recipients of the Hansen Scholarship will also receive free accommodation at Little Hall.
Sizes vary from studio to multi-bedroom options. 2023 prices vary between $350 to $750 per person per week, depending on size and location. The fees for all accommodation options include all utility bills – electricity, water, and internet (Wi-Fi). All accommodation options are self-catered. Many options include additional facilities, such as gyms, communal areas, sporting facilities, and more.
Contracts are offered on both 6- and 12-month terms. Students must reapply for accommodation at the end of their contract.
You can see all accommodation options and application processes here.
Living off campus in Melbourne can get quite expensive (the current median rental price for an apartment in Parkville is $420 per week), and rental options are generally highly competitive. More affordable options further away can mean a very long travel time to and from campus.
Campus & Teaching Facilities
There is a large variety of cafés and eateries both on the Parkville campus and right nearby. Other facilities include a bank, pharmacy, sporting facilities, and several museums and galleries. The Parkville campus has several well-equipped libraries based on different subject areas.
The Parkville campus has several specialist teaching buildings and facilities, and the Werribee campus is renowned for its world-class veterinary training facilities.
Student Support
The University of Melbourne offer a variety of student support services, ranging from academic support, equity and disability support, specialised support for Indigenous students, and health and wellbeing services.
All of this information is easy to find and access on their website here.
Industry Partnerships
The University of Melbourne offers Work Integrated Learning (WIL) and internship options for their undergraduate arts, health, science and commerce degrees, allowing students to get real world experience while they study. Current students can also apply for an internship with the university.
They also run Melbourne Connect, a purpose-built precinct designed to bring together industry, government, researchers, staff, and students to share ideas and collaborate.
Information Accessibility
The University of Melbourne’s website is modern, uncluttered and relatively easy to navigate. It has a handy search function, and essential information about courses, scholarships, and support options are easy to find.
Tours & Information Sessions
You can take a virtual tour of the Parkville campus here. They also run guided in-person tours on Tuesdays and Fridays for prospective students at the Parkville campus.
The University of Melbourne run both online and on campus information events for future students sporadically throughout the year. You can view the upcoming calendar of events here.
Next Steps
If you’re interested in study at the University of Melbourne and want to find out more information, the best way to do this is to contact them, either by phone on 13 MELB (13 6352), or by submitting an enquiry online.
The University of Melbourne also run one Open Day a year, currently scheduled for August.