Top Colleges in Melbourne in 2025-26: Admission Details, Scholarships, & More
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Table of Contents
- Top Colleges in Melbourne for International Students
- Why Top Colleges in Melbourne are a Good Choice for International Students?
- Admission Requirements for Colleges in Melbourne
- Cost to Study in Universities in Melbourne
- Scholarship Options for Top Colleges in Melbourne
- Achieve Your Dream of Studying in Melbourne with GetGIS!
The top colleges in Melbourne in 2025-26 continue to attract international students with their academic excellence and modern learning facilities. Melbourne is ranked 5th in the QS best student cities in 2026, thanks to its multicultural environment and strong global university presence.
Colleges here are known for offering programs in technology, business, arts, and healthcare that align with industry needs. Many institutions also emphasize research-driven learning, internships, and skill-based training to boost career opportunities. This blog will guide you through the top universities in Melbourne and what makes them stand out.
Top Colleges in Melbourne for International Students
Melbourne, Australia's cultural hub and educational centre, is a haven for international students seeking a world-class education amidst a vibrant and diverse environment. With its renowned universities, colleges, and institutes, Melbourne offers a comprehensive range of academic programs catering to a wide spectrum of interests and career aspirations. Let's delve into the top colleges in Melbourne for international students.
College/University |
QS Ranking 2026 |
Average Tuition Fees (AUD) |
University of Melbourne |
19 |
35,000 - 50,000 |
Monash University |
36 |
30,000 - 45,000 |
Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology University (RMIT) |
125 |
28,000 - 40,000 |
Deakin University |
207 |
28,000 - 38,000 |
La Trobe University |
233 |
24,000 - 36,000 |
Swinburne University of Technology |
294 |
25,000 - 35,000 |
Victoria University |
741-750 |
23,000 - 33,000 |
Australian Catholic University |
851-900 |
22,000 - 32,000 |
Federation University Melbourne |
- |
20,000 - 30,000 |
University of Divinity |
- |
15,000 - 30,000 |
Also Read: Benefits of Studying in Australia for Indian Students
Why Top Colleges in Melbourne are a Good Choice for International Students?
Choosing Melbourne for your college education as an international student offers a multitude of advantages that make it an exceptional choice. Here's why Melbourne colleges stand out as a good choice for international students.
1. Academic Excellence
Melbourne's colleges are renowned for their academic rigour and commitment to providing students with a well-rounded education. According to the QS World University Rankings 2026, three universities in Melbourne are ranked among the top 100 in the world.
2. Diverse Range of Programs
Melbourne's colleges offer a comprehensive range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across a wide spectrum of disciplines, including business, engineering, technology, arts, humanities, and sciences. This diversity ensures that students can find the perfect program to match their academic interests and career aspirations.
3. Cultural Immersion
Melbourne is a multicultural melting pot, home to people from over 230 countries. According to a 2023 study by IDP Education, Melbourne was ranked as the most desirable city for international students due to its multicultural and welcoming environment.
4. Affordable Living Costs
Compared to other major study destinations, such as London or New York City, Melbourne offers a relatively affordable cost of living. According to a 2024 Mercer Cost of Living Survey, Melbourne ranked 73rd out of 226 cities, making it a financially viable option for international students.
5. Career Opportunities
Melbourne's strong economy and diverse industries provide international students with excellent career prospects. According to the QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022, three universities in Melbourne ranked among the top 100 for graduate employability.
6. Global Recognition
A degree from a Melbourne college is highly regarded by employers and institutions worldwide. The city's reputation for academic excellence ensures that graduates are equipped with the skills and knowledge to succeed in their chosen fields.
Quick Read: Top Universities in Australia in 2025
Admission Requirements for Colleges in Melbourne
Getting into colleges in Melbourne requires meeting both academic and language standards, along with supporting documents. Here are the admission requirements for undergraduate and graduate applicants.
- High School Diploma: Completion of schooling with at least 60% or more, though exact scores differ based on the chosen program.
- English Proficiency: Proof of language ability through IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE scores.
- Standardized Tests: Some programs may ask for ACT or SAT scores to strengthen applications.
- Personal Statement: A well-written statement highlighting goals, interests, and motivation.
- ATAR Requirement: Applicants should review their ATAR score and compare it with the program’s eligibility criteria.
- Bachelor’s Degree: A recognized undergraduate qualification with a minimum GPA set by the program.
- Statement of Purpose (SOP): Outlining academic background, career goals, and reasons for applying.
- Letters of Recommendation (LORs): Strong academic or professional references to support the application.
- Work Experience: At least two years in a relevant field may be required for specific programs.
- GMAT/GRE: Additional test scores may be needed for competitive graduate courses.
Explore: Australia Student Visa Process 2025: Requirements and Application Guidelines
Cost to Study in Universities in Melbourne
Melbourne stands as an ideal destination for students seeking a world-class education amidst a vibrant and diverse environment. To ensure a smooth transition and a fulfilling academic experience, it's crucial to understand the cost of living and studying in this dynamic city.
Academic Costs
Tuition fees for international students typically range from AUD 30,000 to AUD 40,000 per year, depending on the chosen program and institution.
Cost of Living in Melbourne
Find below the average cost of living in Melbourne for students.
Expense Type |
Average Cost Per Month (AUD) |
Off-Campus Accommodation |
560 |
On-Campus Accommodation |
1,080 |
Transportation |
160 |
Food |
855 |
Utilities |
220 |
Entertainment |
88 |
Groceries |
80 |
Clothes |
169 |
Must Read: Cost of Studying in Australia for Indian Students in 2025
Scholarship Options for Top Colleges in Melbourne
Melbourne's colleges are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive academic community, offering a plethora of scholarship opportunities that recognize academic excellence, leadership potential, and financial need. These scholarships can significantly reduce the financial burden of studying abroad, making it more accessible for talented students from around the globe.
University of Melbourne Scholarships
The University of Melbourne offers a comprehensive range of scholarships for international students, including -
- Melbourne International Undergraduate Scholarship: This scholarship provides AUD 10,000 tuition fee remission for the first year of an undergraduate degree.
- Melbourne International Scholarships for Excellence: These scholarships provide AUD 30,000 tuition fee remission per year for up to three years of an undergraduate or postgraduate degree.
- Melbourne International Research Scholarships: These scholarships provide up to AUD 35,000 per year for up to two years of a Master's degree by research or three years of a Doctoral degree by research.
RMIT University Scholarships
RMIT University offers a number of scholarships for international students, including -
- RMIT Global Scholarships: These scholarships provide up to 25% tuition fee remission for the entire duration of an undergraduate or postgraduate degree.
- RMIT Excellence Scholarships: These scholarships provide up to 50% tuition fee remission for the entire duration of an undergraduate or postgraduate degree.
- RMIT Dean's Scholarships: These scholarships provide up to 25% tuition fee remission for the entire duration of an undergraduate or postgraduate degree.
Monash University Scholarships
Monash University offers a variety of scholarships for international students, including -
- Monash International Merit Scholarships: These scholarships provide up to 25% tuition fee remission for the entire duration of an undergraduate or postgraduate degree.
- Monash University Global Excellence Scholarships: These scholarships provide up to 50% tuition fee remission for the entire duration of an undergraduate or postgraduate degree.
- Monash University Dean's Scholarships: These scholarships provide up to 25% tuition fee remission for the entire duration of an undergraduate or postgraduate degree.
Deakin University Scholarships
Deakin University offers a range of scholarships for international students, including -
- Deakin Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarships: These scholarships provide up to 50% tuition fee remission for the entire duration of an undergraduate or postgraduate degree.
- Deakin International Student Excellence Scholarships: These scholarships provide up to 25% tuition fee remission for the entire duration of an undergraduate or postgraduate degree.
- Deakin Global Village Scholarships: These scholarships provide up to AUD 2,000 per year for up to three years of an undergraduate or postgraduate degree.
Other Scholarship Options
In addition to the scholarships offered by individual colleges, there are several other scholarship options available to international students in Melbourne. These include -
- Australian Government Scholarships: The Australian government offers several scholarships for international students, including the Australia Awards and the Endeavour Scholarships.
- Victorian Government Scholarships: The Victorian government offers many scholarships for international students, including the Victorian International Scholarships and the Victorian Premier's Scholarships.
- Private Scholarship Foundations: There are some private scholarship foundations that offer scholarships to international students, such as the Robertson Foundation and the Nuffield Foundation.
Suggested Reading: Best Scholarships in Australia for Indian Students (2025)
Achieve Your Dream of Studying in Melbourne with GetGIS!
As you begin your academic journey in Melbourne, the diverse range of opportunities available to international students presents an exciting prospect. With careful planning, strategic application, and unwavering determination, you can secure the financial support that will make your Melbourne dream a reality.
At GetGIS, we are your trusted partners in navigating the complexities of the visa application process. Our team of experienced immigration consultants possesses a deep understanding of the visa application landscape in Melbourne and is committed to guiding you toward success.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many universities and colleges are there in Melbourne?
What is the difference between a university and a college in Australia?
What are the goals of the University of Melbourne?
- Promote academic excellence and innovation.
- Contribute to global knowledge and societal challenges.
- Provide transformative education experiences for students.
- Engage with the community and industry.
What are the disadvantages of living in Melbourne?
- High cost of living: Melbourne can be expensive compared to other Australian cities, particularly for housing.
- Traffic congestion: Traffic can be heavy, especially during peak hours.
- Weather: Melbourne experiences four distinct seasons, with hot summers and cool, sometimes wet winters.
Does college cost money in Australia?