University of Melbourne Review 2026: Rankings, Fees & Admission

Introduction

Are you dreaming of studying at the University of Melbourne? As the #1 ranked university in Australia, it is the top choice for Indian students planning to study abroad—especially those targeting high-impact careers in Engineering and Technology.

Known for its prestigious "Melbourne Curriculum" and high graduate employability, securing a seat here can change your career trajectory. However, for the 2026 intake, the competition is fiercer than ever. The Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology (FEIT) has tightened its entry standards, and deadlines are stricter.

In this guide, we cover everything an Indian student needs to know, including the latest 2026 fee structures, specific engineering cutoffs, eligibility criteria, and the step-by-step admission process.

Highlights: University of Melbourne at a Glance

Feature	Details
University Name	University of Melbourne (UniMelb)
Location	Parkville, Melbourne, Victoria
QS World Rank (2026)	#19 (Global), #1 (Australia)
Engineering Rank	#50 (QS Subject Rankings)
University Type	Public Research (Group of Eight Member)
Intakes	February (Semester 1) & July (Semester 2)
Acceptance Rate	~40% (Highly Selective for Engineering/Med)
Indian Community	Large & Vibrant (Top 3 International Student Groups)

What is the University of Melbourne?

Founded in 1853, the University of Melbourne is Australia’s second-oldest university and a founding member of the elite Group of Eight (Go8). It is located in Parkville, just minutes from the Melbourne CBD, offering a blend of historic sandstone architecture and futuristic research hubs like the Melbourne Connect precinct.

The "Melbourne Model" for Engineers

Unlike other Australian universities, UniMelb follows a unique "Melbourne Model" similar to the US system.

• Step 1: You choose a broad undergraduate degree (e.g., Bachelor of Science or Design) and major in an engineering system (like Civil, Mechanical, or Software).

• Step 2: You specialize via a 2-year Master of Engineering (accredited by Engineers Australia).

This allows you to become a well-rounded professional with "breadth" knowledge before mastering technical skills.

Important Dates (2026 Intake)

The university rarely accepts late applications. You must apply months in advance, especially for the Master of Engineering streams.

Intake	Application Deadline (Standard)	Classes Start
Semester 1 (Feb 2026)	November 30, 2025	Late February 2026
Semester 2 (July 2026)	May 31, 2026	Late July 2026

Note: Quota-based courses like Medicine or Fine Arts often have much earlier deadlines. Always verify on the official portal.

Eligibility Criteria for Indian Students

The University of Melbourne is strict about grades and does not typically conduct interviews for general courses. For Engineering aspirants, Mathematics is non-negotiable.

1. Undergraduate Eligibility

• 12th Board Marks: You need a high aggregate score in your CBSE, ICSE, or State Board exams (Best of 4 subjects).

  • Science / Biomedicine: 85% – 95%

  • Commerce / Design: 80% – 90%

  • Arts: 75% – 85%

• Subject Requirements:

  • Engineering/Science: Mandatory high scores in Mathematics and Chemistry/Physics.

  • English: Minimum 70% in Class 12th English (CBSE/ISC) often waives the IELTS requirement.

2. Postgraduate (Master of Engineering) Eligibility

To enter the professionally accredited Master of Engineering, you need:

• Bachelor’s Degree: A 3 or 4-year degree in a relevant discipline (e.g., B.Tech in Civil for M.Eng Civil).

• Minimum Score (Weighted Average Mark - WAM):

  • Section 1 Universities (IITs, NITs, DU, Mumbai, Pune, Calcutta, etc.): Minimum 65% – 70%.

  • Section 2 Universities (Other State/Private Universities): Minimum 75% – 85%.

• Backlogs: Ideally, zero. A profile with more than 2-3 backlogs is often rejected unless the overall GPA is exceptionally high.

Admission / Application Process

Applying to Australia is simpler than the US or UK. Follow these steps for the University of Melbourne:

1. Choose Your Course: Browse the "Find a Course" section. For engineers, ensure you select the correct stream (e.g., Master of Engineering - Software).

2. Check Eligibility: Compare your Indian marks with the entry requirements.

3. Apply Online: You can apply directly through the university portal or via an authorized education agent.

4. Pay Application Fee: Submit the non-refundable fee.

   • Update: The fee is rising to AUD 154 from Jan 1, 2026.

5. Submit Documents: Upload clear scans of transcripts, passport, and syllabus copy (if applying for credit).

6. Wait for Offer: Assessment takes 4 to 8 weeks.

7. Accept Offer: If selected, pay the tuition deposit and buy OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover).

8. Get CoE: You will receive a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).

9. Apply for Visa: Use your CoE to apply for the Subclass 500 Student Visa.

Fees (2026 Estimates)

Studying at the #1 university in Australia comes with a premium price tag. Engineering courses are among the most expensive due to lab and facility access.

Course Level	2026 Annual Tuition Fee (Approx.)
Bachelor of Science / Design	AUD 51,000 – AUD 58,000
Bachelor of Commerce	AUD 50,000 – AUD 56,000
Master of Engineering (All Streams)	AUD 53,000 – AUD 59,000
Master of Business Analytics	AUD 60,000+

• Living Expenses: Melbourne is expensive. Budget approx. AUD 30,000 – 35,000 (₹16-19 Lakhs) per year for rent, food, and transport.

Cutoff (Academic & English)

The University of Melbourne has high cutoffs. You must meet both academic and language requirements.

1. English Proficiency Cutoff

Test	Minimum Score Required
IELTS Academic	Overall 6.5 (No band less than 6.0)
TOEFL iBT	Overall 79 (W: 21, S: 18, R: 13, L: 13)
PTE Academic	Overall 58 (No communicative skill below 50)

Note: Law, Medicine, and Teaching courses require IELTS 7.0 or 7.5.

2. Academic Cutoff (Indian Boards)

Course	CBSE / ISC Cutoff	State Board Cutoff
Bachelor of Science	85%	90% – 95%
Bachelor of Design	80%	85% – 90%
Bachelor of Commerce	90%	95%

Documents Required

Ensure you have these documents scanned and ready before applying.

• Valid Passport: Must be valid for the duration of your study.

• Academic Transcripts: Class 10th & 12th Marksheets + Bachelor’s Degree Certificate (Semester-wise).

• Detailed Syllabus: Critical for Engineering: If you are applying for the Master of Engineering, submit your B.Tech course syllabus to get "Advanced Standing" (credits).

• English Test Score: Valid IELTS / PTE / TOEFL report.

• Statement of Purpose (SOP): Crucial for the GTE/GS visa assessment. Explain why Melbourne and not a cheaper university.

• CV / Resume: Mandatory for Masters applicants to highlight internships or projects.

• Proof of Funds: Bank statements showing tuition + living costs for 1 year.

Exam Pattern / Syllabus

The University of Melbourne focuses on continuous assessment rather than just one final exam.

• Assessments: Your grade is a mix of assignments, group projects, presentations, and mid-term quizzes.

• Engineering Capstone: Engineering students usually complete a year-long industry project in their final year.

• Grading System:

  • H1 (First Class Honours): 80% – 100%

  • H2A (Second Class Div A): 75% – 79%

  • H2B (Second Class Div B): 70% – 74%

  • H3 (Third Class): 65% – 69%

• GRE/GMAT: Generally not required for most Masters programs. However, the MBA often requires a GMAT score of 680+.

Tips / Strategy for 2026

1. Apply Early: Popular courses like Computer Science and Software Engineering fill up months in advance. Apply as soon as portals open.

2. Housing First: Melbourne is facing a severe rental crisis. Book your accommodation (student housing like Little Hall or UniLodge) the day you get your offer letter. Do not wait for your visa.

3. Use Breadth Subjects: Use your elective slots to study something totally different (e.g., an Engineering student taking a class in Wine Tasting or Psychology). This boosts your soft skills for the Australian job market.

4. Scholarships: You are automatically considered for the Melbourne International Undergraduate Scholarship (up to 50% fee waiver) based on your grades.

FAQs

Q1. Is the University of Melbourne good for Indian Engineering students?

Ans: Yes, it is excellent. Ranked #1 in Australia, its engineering degrees are accredited by Engineers Australia and the Washington Accord, meaning your degree is recognized globally (including in the USA and UK).

Q2. What is the IELTS requirement for the University of Melbourne?

Ans: You need an overall IELTS score of 6.5, with no individual band score below 6.0. Some courses like Law or Medicine may require 7.0.

Q3. How much is the application fee?

Ans: As of January 1, 2026, the application fee is AUD 154 (approx. ₹8,500). It is non-refundable.

Q4. Does the University of Melbourne offer scholarships?

Ans: Yes, scholarships like the Melbourne International Undergraduate Scholarship offer fee remissions of AUD 10,000, 50%, or 100% based on academic merit. No separate application is needed—you are assessed when you apply for the course.

Q5. Can I work while studying?

Ans: Yes, international students can work 48 hours per fortnight (every two weeks) during the semester and unlimited hours during official semester breaks.

Q6. Is GRE required for Masters?

Ans: Generally, no. Most Engineering and IT courses do not require GRE. However, some PhD programs or the MBA may ask for GMAT/GRE scores.

Q7. How long is the post-study work visa?

Ans: After graduating from the University of Melbourne with a Bachelor's or Master's degree, you can stay and work in Australia for 2 to 3 years under the Subclass 485 Visa.

Q8. Which city is the University of Melbourne in?

Ans: It is located in Melbourne, Victoria. The main campus is in Parkville, just a few minutes north of the city center.

Conclusion

A degree from the University of Melbourne is a globally recognized passport. It tells employers that you have survived rigorous academics and possess world-class critical thinking skills. While the fees are high, the ROI—through post-study work rights and entry into the Australian job market—is undeniable.

Ready to start your journey to Australia's #1 University?

Start Your Application Today

🔗 Official Link: University of Melbourne Website