Monash University Review 2026: Rankings, Fees & Admission
- Dec 29, 2025
- 5 min read
Introduction
Are you looking for a university that combines scale with prestige? Monash University is the largest university in Australia and a founding member of the prestigious Group of Eight (Go8).
Ranked #37 globally (QS 2025), it is a powerhouse of research and innovation. For Indian students, Monash is often the top choice for Pharmacy, Engineering, and Business. Notably, it is the only Australian university ranked in the Global Top 5 for Pharmacy (rivaling Oxford and Harvard).
For Engineering aspirants, Monash offers massive, industry-grade facilities in the heart of Melbourne's innovation precinct. In this guide, we break down the 2026 admission process, fees, and scholarship opportunities specifically for Indian students.
Highlights: Monash University at a Glance
Feature | Details |
University Name | Monash University |
Location | Clayton / Caulfield (Melbourne), Victoria |
QS World Rank (2025/26) | #37 (Global) |
Engineering Rank | Top 50 Global (QS Subject Rankings) |
Intakes | Semester 1 (February) & Semester 2 (July) |
Acceptance Rate | ~40% (Highly Selective) |
Application Fee | AUD 125 (Approx. ₹7,000) |
Top Courses | Pharmacy (#2-#4 in World), Engineering, MBA |
What is Monash University?
Founded in 1958, Monash is named after Sir John Monash, a famous Australian engineer and military leader. It is massive—with over 86,000 students across multiple campuses in Melbourne (Clayton, Caulfield, Peninsula, Parkville).
For Indian students, Monash offers a unique "Double Degree" system. You can study Engineering and Commerce together in 5 years, graduating with two prestigious qualifications. This makes Monash graduates some of the most versatile employees in the Australian market.
The Engineering Edge
The Faculty of Engineering at Monash is one of the largest in Australia. It focuses heavily on Work Integrated Learning (WIL), meaning nearly every engineering student completes an industry internship as part of their degree.
Important Dates (2026 Intake)
Monash operates on a standard two-semester system.
Intake | Application Deadline (Recommended) | Classes Start |
Semester 1 (February) | Late November 2025 | Late February 2026 |
Semester 2 (July) | Late May 2026 | Mid-July 2026 |
Pro Tip: Quota-based courses like Medicine and Pharmacy have very strict deadlines, often closing as early as September of the previous year.
Eligibility Criteria
Monash is known for its high academic standards. They categorize Indian universities into Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 for assessment.
1. Undergraduate Eligibility
12th Board Marks (CBSE / ICSE / ISC):
Engineering (Honours): 85% – 90%
Commerce / Arts: 80% – 85%
Biomedical Science: 90%+
State Boards: Students from State Boards typically need 90% – 95% to be competitive.
Prerequisites: High scores in Mathematics and Physics/Chemistry are mandatory for STEM degrees.
2. Postgraduate Eligibility
Bachelor’s Degree: A 3 or 4-year degree from a recognized Indian university.
Minimum Score:
Tier 1 Universities (IIT/NIT/DU/Mumbai/Pune): 60% – 65%
Tier 2 Universities: 70% – 75%
Backlogs: Monash is strict. Profiles with more than 5-6 backlogs are usually rejected unless the final year GPA is very high.
Admission / Application Process
Follow this step-by-step guide to apply to Monash University for 2026:
Find Your Course: Use the "Study at Monash" tool on the official website. Engineers should look for Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) or Master of Professional Engineering.
Check Entry Requirements: Ensure you meet the specific cutoff for your board/university.
Apply Online: Submit your application via the Monash Online Application Portal or an authorized agent.
Pay Application Fee: A non-refundable fee of AUD 125.
Submit Documents: Upload transcripts, passport, and English scores.
Receive Assessment: Processing time is 4–6 weeks.
Accept Offer: Pay the deposit and OSHC to receive your CoE (Confirmation of Enrolment).
Visa Application: Apply for the Subclass 500 visa immediately.
Fees (2026 Estimates)
Monash is a premium university, but it offers excellent value given its global ranking.
Course Level | 2026 Annual Tuition Fee (Approx.) |
Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) | AUD 53,200 – AUD 56,000 |
Bachelor of Pharmacy (Hons) | AUD 50,000 – AUD 54,000 |
Master of Professional Engineering | AUD 54,500 |
Master of Business | AUD 52,000 – AUD 56,000 |
Cost of Living: Melbourne is expensive. Budget around AUD 30,000 (₹16 Lakhs) per year.
Cutoff (Academic & English)
1. English Proficiency Cutoff
Test | Minimum Score (UG & PG) |
IELTS Academic | 6.5 (No band less than 6.0) |
TOEFL iBT | 79 (Writing 21, S: 18, L: 12, R: 13) |
PTE Academic10 | 58 (No skill below 50)11 |
Note: Law and Education require IELTS 7.0 (7.0 in all bands).
2. Academic Cutoff (Indian Boards)
Course | CBSE / ICSE Cutoff | State Board Cutoff |
Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) | 85% | 90% |
Bachelor of Pharmacy | 90% | 95% |
Bachelor of Commerce | 82% | 87% |
Documents Required
Valid Passport: Front and back pages.
Academic Transcripts: Class 10, 12, and Bachelors (Semester-wise).
English Test Score: IELTS / PTE / TOEFL.
Statement of Purpose (SOP): Mandatory for the Genuine Student (GS) assessment.
CV / Resume: Required for Masters applicants.
Proof of Funds: Bank statements showing tuition + living costs.
Tips / Strategy for 2026
Scholarship Hack: The Sir John Monash Scholarship for Excellence offers AUD 10,000 per year. It is highly competitive and based purely on academic merit. The Monash International Merit Scholarship is another excellent option for high achievers.
Location Strategy: The Clayton Campus is like a small city with its own postcode (3800). living in suburbs near Clayton (like Mulgrave or Oakleigh) is cheaper than the Melbourne CBD, saving you rent money.
Industry Integration: Monash has strong industry ties. Make sure you enroll in a WIL (Work Integrated Learning) unit to get Australian work experience before graduating.
FAQs
Q1. Is Monash better than Melbourne University for Engineering?
Ans: For Chemical and Materials Engineering, Monash is arguably on par or better due to its specialized research facilities like the New Horizons Centre. However, Melbourne University is generally ranked higher overall (#19 vs #37). Monash is preferred by students who want a more "hands-on," industry-aligned curriculum compared to Melbourne's theoretical model.
Q2. What is the acceptance rate for Monash University?
Ans: The acceptance rate is approximately 40%. It is selective, especially for high-demand courses like Medicine, Pharmacy, and Computer Science.
Q3. Does Monash require GRE/GMAT?
Ans: Generally, no. Most Masters courses do not require it. However, the MBA program may ask for a GMAT score.
Q4. Can I work part-time in Melbourne?
Ans: Yes, you can work 48 hours per fortnight during semesters. Monash offers many on-campus jobs (student ambassador, library assistant) which pay well.
Q5. Is the application fee refundable?
Ans: No, the AUD 125 fee is non-refundable, even if your application is rejected.
Conclusion
Monash University is a giant in the global education landscape. With its massive alumni network, world-leading research, and prime location in Melbourne, it offers an incredible platform for Indian students. Whether you aim to be a pharmacist, engineer, or CEO, Monash gives you the tools to succeed.
Ready to join Australia's largest university?
Start Your Application Now
🔗 Official Link: Monash University Website
Check out College Simplified for more info.
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