Study in Melbourne

Being the second-most liveable city in the world and the most liveable in Australia, Melbourne often comes on top of the list when international students consider their study abroad options. It is a great place to experience your higher studies as the living standard for students is significantly convenient with multiple public transport systems, relatively low crime rates, and plentiful job opportunities. In addition to these, Melbourne offers an awesome arts and culture scene, world-ranking universities, and a student-friendly lifestyle. If you have got Melbourne as an option in your study abroad destination list, keep on reading this blog to know why you should opt to study in Melbourne, the coffee capital of the world! 

Latest News Updates

• Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced that fully vaccinated international students from around the world will be allowed into Australia from 1st December 2021, without needing to apply for a travel exemption.
• The Victorian Government will be establishing student hubs in India, Asia, and Latin America, multiple scholarship programmes as well as research partnerships as part of its recovery plan to resuscitate Victoria’s international education sector. 
• A new Study in Melbourne hub will be set up in India by the Victorian Government to attract new students and to connect existing students to Victorian education providers while they continue to study online. 
• Student exchanges, joint research projects, and mutual bids to work with some of the world’s biggest businesses and funders will be part of a new post-COVID alliance between the Universities of Manchester, Melbourne and Toronto.
• International students can now start booking flights to Australia following the country’s surprise announcement that it would be reopening its borders from December. More than 200,000 international students can soon return to Australia without an exemption.
• Several airlines have been making announcements about flights to Australia since the country announced that it would be relaxing its borders. Qantas announced that it will launch a new international route from Melbourne to Delhi from December 22, 2021, connecting Victoria to the Indian capital on a Qantas-operated flight for the first time in airline history. 

Reasons to Study in Melbourne

When it comes to a cosmopolitan city like Melbourne, there are three things that ring the bell – coffee, culture and incredible food. But Melbourne has a lot to offer other than just that and as a future aspirant, you will get to experience the following when you choose to study in Melbourne:

• Studying in one of the most liveable cities in the world – Think convenient transportations for your college trips and night outs where you actually feel safe in late hours. These are one of the few benefits of living in a city with a low-density crime ratio.
• Home to world-class research facilities – Melbourne is a highly academic city for students as it is home to world-class academics and an exciting entrepreneurial shift. Studying in such an environment will definitely inspire you to think outside the box!
• A rich, vivid, and exciting culture – The city is well-known across Australia for its vibrant laneway culture with an everyday sight of bustling shopping arcades, wandering musicians, live music, quiet street-side book cafes, and of course the occasional secret street parties. Sounds like heaven for that perfect grad school experience!
• A hugely diverse community – Melbourne is a melting pot of communities and is home to many different cultural celebrations. The Antipodes Festival, Melbourne Italian Festa, Chinese New Year, TET Festival, the Melbourne Fringe Festival and the Melbourne Queer Film Festival are just some of the options on offer. You can get the local experience of various cultural neighbourhoods as you will find different communities from all around the world in each one.
• A growing start-up culture – If you decide to study in Melbourne you might get a chance to start your own business, moving to a city like Melbourne could be a smart move. There are many small business grants offered to ideas that display creativity, innovation, business readiness, financial viability and benefits to the city of Melbourne.

Requirements to Study in Melbourne

A lot of students are opting for studies in Australian universities, including Melbourne. The following post shall guide all such students regarding the requirements for pursuing studies in Australian Universities. As the universities and national policies keep on changing from time to time, the candidates are advised to be updated on the official notifications regarding the same.

Eligibility Requirements – UG Courses in Melbourne:

• The students that are pursuing the UG Courses to study in Melbourne are required to be first eligible for them. The Applications from the ineligible candidates will not be processed and the monetary expenses incurred in the process will not be refunded. Hence, the eligibility requirements are of ultimate importance.
• UG Admissions for studying in Melbourne require the candidate to have completed the Senior Secondary Level of qualification. This means that the candidates must have completed Class XII and have attained the age of 17 years prior to the course commencement.
• Apart from that, all the reputed universities, as well as the TAFE institutes, will have a minimum score or cutoff. Above 60% marks is the minimum score requirement.  This figure will vary for the high-level colleges as well as courses.
• Further, the candidates are required to submit the letter of recommendation as well as the admission essay which will also be evaluated for taking the final admission decision.

Eligibility Requirements – PG Courses in Melbourne:

• There are a lot of world-class courses for studying in Melbourne and a lot of Universities feature regularly in the Top QS rankings. The main requirement is that the candidate must have completed their graduate course of at least 3 years from a recognized institute.
• A pass in the English Proficiency Tests such as TOEFL and IELTS etc. Some other universities also require passing the tests such as GMAT or GRE.
• The candidates will be required to submit a letter of recommendation, certificates of passing the Class X and XII as well as the essay of admission.

Study in Melbourne: Standardized Tests

Apart from the above-mentioned Eligibility Requirements for UG Admissions to study in Melbourne, the candidates are supposed to take and pass some standardized tests. Find the details below:

• The candidates are supposed to pass the tests of English Proficiency such as IELTS and TOEFL or other tests such as GMAT. The candidates are supposed to read the admission brochure of the universities for the tests which are accepted for admission in a particular course.
• IELTS is conducted by the British Council and the TOEFL is conducted by ETS.
• Some universities also have the clause as per which the TOEFL and IELTS requirement is waived off if the candidates are able to produce the letter of recommendation from the institution they have last attended. This letter should indicate that the candidate has been studying in English medium throughout and is proficient in it.
• Other requirements include the relevant work experience for admissions.

Also Read: Study in Australia for International Students

Cost of Study in Melbourne

Yes, it’s affordable! Australia offers attractive scholarship options besides opportunities for students to work part-time. Some industries and sectors, which are student-friendly from an Indian student’s perspective include tourism, retail, hospitality and many more making it easier to pick up part-time jobs and earn some exposure as well as money to partly cover living costs in Australia. Here’s a detailed list of tuition expenses required to study in Melbourne.

Institution/Degree	Expenses
Vocational Education and Training (Certificates I to IV, Diploma, and Advanced Diploma)	AUD $4,000 to AUD $22,000 (₹2,14,158 to ₹11,77,870)
Undergraduate Bachelor Degree	AUD $15,000 to AUD $33,000 (₹8,03,093 to ₹17,66,805)
Postgraduate Master’s Degree	AUD $20,000 to AUD $37,000 (₹10,70,791 to ₹19,80,963)
Doctoral Degree	AUD $14,000 to AUD $37,000 (₹7,49,553 to ₹19,80,963)
Accommodations	AUD $90 – AUD $440 per week (₹4,818 – ₹23,557)
Transport	AUD $30 – AUD $60 per week (₹1,606 – ₹3,212)
Food	AUD $140 – AUD $280 per week (₹7,495 – ₹14,991)
Electricity	AUD $10- AUD $20 per week (₹535 – ₹1070)

Cheapest University in Melbourne

As you may already know that studying abroad does not come cheap, it’s highly recommended to consider affordable universities along with your budget line. Here’s a list of the best affordable colleges you can apply to study in Melbourne.

Cheapest Universities in Melbourne	Average Estimated Tuition Fees
IIBIT, Adelaide	AUD $12,000 (₹6,42,474)
Oxford Education Group	AUD $15,500 (₹8,03,093)
Asia Pacific International University, Melbourne	AUD $16,500 (₹8,83,402)
Melbourne Institute of Technology	AUD $17,400 (₹9,31,588)
Victoria University, Melbourne	AUD $24,000 (₹12,84,949)
La Trobe University, Melbourne	AUD $25,000 (₹13,38,489)

How to Apply for an Australian Student Visa?

The process to apply for a study visa in Australia for Indian students is simple once the requirements are met. There are different types of student visas for Indian students who wish to pursue their studies in Australia. Every visa type varies and depends on the education the candidate is willing to undertake. For better understanding, the entire process is explained in different sections below.

Apply at an Australian Institute and get the CoE

• The foremost step before applying for an Australian student visa is to enrol or register at a good Australian school or institute. 
• The applicant receives an offer letter from the institute stating that the tuition deposit fee is paid and they have accepted the applicant’s registration.
• The institute will then send a CoE (Confirmation of Enrolment), which is an important document to start the visa application process. If the applicant takes several study programs, then he/she requires CoE for every program.

Create an Account with the Immigration Authorities Of Australia

• An Australian visa can be easily applied online but before starting the visa application process, an applicant has to visit the main website and create an account.
• The web portal asks the applicant to submit his/her name, e-mail address, and phone number. After filling in all the required details, the applicant is redirected to a new page asking to accept all their conditions and to create a strong password.

Study Visa Requirements for Australia

A student is required to submit his/her visa application 12 weeks prior to the date of orientation at the respective institution. The requirements for the Australian student visa application are as follows:

• Electronic CoE (Confirmation of Enrolment the institution provides)
• OSHC health insurance
• A valid passport
• Proofs for a temporary stay – With the application, a candidate has to verify that his/her stay in Australia is only temporary and not permanent. A letter from the respective school/institute in the home country serves as a proof document here.
• A visa fee
• A visa application form
• 4 passport-sized photos

Based on the region a candidate applies from and the institute he/she is going to study at, a few other additional documents will be required, which are:

• Birth certificate of the applicant
• Bank statements that serve as evidence of financial ability (living expenses, tuition fees, return airfare, and other expenses)
• Proof that the applicant has adequate knowledge to pass his/her intended studies. This usually includes the IELTS test results and certified grade report
• Proof of earlier employment like paychecks, employment contracts etc.
• Documents of a criminal offence if an applicant has been convicted earlier

Complete The Visa Application Process Online

• An applicant should apply for a student visa subclass500 by visiting the online portal. The process has to be made at least 124 days prior to the course starts (this date is mentioned on the CoE).
• On the first webpage, the applicant fills in his/her nationality and the CoE code(s), which is then followed by choosing the education sector. 
• The applicant has to then submit his/her family details, personal details, answers regarding the previous education or work experience, health records, and criminal records if any.

Submission of the Visa Application

Once the visa application has been submitted successfully, an applicant has to pay the visa fee of 550 AUD. The Australian government will then allocate a TRN (Transaction Reference Number) for the application, with which the status can be tracked online.

Health Check-up Followed by an Interview

• Based on the study program that has been chosen and the region the applicant is going to study at, he/she will be required to do a complete health check-up. This information will be received after the visa application has been submitted.
• Therefore, do not perform any health check-up prior because a TRN number is necessary to complete the procedure. The applicant has to take up a medical examination by a certified doctor to have the forms completed.

Visa Processing Time

• As soon as the candidate enrols in the university and his/her application has been accepted, the process of applying for Australian study visa (subclass 500) can be commenced. 
• The process of visa application takes some time. 
• It is important to apply for a university at least a few months before the degree program starts. 
• It takes approximately 37 days for the university to decide.

The visa processing time depends on several factors like:

• Whether the applicant has submitted all the necessary documents at the time of application process.
• How promptly and effectively the applicant responds to the requests raised for additional information.
• The time to complete other essential checks on the information that is provided to support the application.
• The time to acquire additional details from areas other than the official department – specifically related to character, national security, and health.
• The number of places vacant in the Migration Program.
• The decision to refuse or grant the visa application is based on the documentation and information the applicant provides at the time of submitting the application.

Visa Decision

The decision of visa approval or disapproval depends on two factors:

• How busy are the immigration authorities of Australia?
• Where is the applicant applying from?
• Usually, the visa decision is received within 1 – 5 weeks. 
• The status of the visa application can be easily tracked directly on the immigration website. 
• The Australian immigration representatives will notify about the decision via email.

Also Read: Australian Visa Types

Documents Required for Australian Student Visa

While applying for an Australian Student Visa you will generally need the following documents:

• Proof of enrolment (your electronic confirmation of enrolment)
• A valid passport
• Your visa application fee
• Your Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement 
• Academic and work experience documents 
• Evidence of your English proficiency skills (such as IELTS test scores) 
• Evidence of financial ability (tuition fees, living expenses, expenses for dependents, return airfare)
• Details of your health insurance policy (Overseas Student Health Cover) 
• Statement of purpose
• Passport-size photographs

If you are under 18 years of age, you will also need to provide additional documents such as parental consent.

Australian Visa Fees

As an international student you must pay visa fees as per the below category you fall in:

Visa SubClass	Base Application Charge	Additional applicant Charges if 18 years or above	Additional Applicant Charges if less than 18 years
Student Visa (subclass 500)	AUD $630	AUD $460	AUD $150
Student Visa (subclass 500) (subsequent entrant)	AUD $620	AUD $460	AUD $150
Student Visa (subclass 500) – Foreign Affairs or Defence Sector	nil	nil	nil
Student Visa (subclass 500) – Postgraduate Research Sector	AUD $620	nil	nil

Best Universities in Melbourne for Masters

Best on the QS World University Rankings, here are the seven top universities in Melbourne, each with much to offer prospective students.

University of Melbourne

The highest-ranked of universities in Melbourne, and Australia’s second-oldest university, the University of Melbourne is located in the city’s Parkville suburb and is ranked 31st in the world. The school is in its 160th year and currently enrols over 38,000 students. The area of Parkville is known for its leafy streets and heritage buildings along with one of Melbourne’s main tourist attractions, Melbourne Zoo. On the doorstep of the city’s central business district, the university boasts many cafés, shops and sports venues as well as good transport links. 

Monash University

Just 55 years old, Monash University is a relatively young research institution with a large student community of 63,000. The university is ranked 69th in the world and has six campuses throughout the state of Victoria and two more internationally. The school’s motto ‘Ancora imparo’, translated as ‘I am still learning, reflects its dedication to innovation and ongoing development. The University is also ranked in the top 10 universities in the world in the sectors of pharmacy and pharmacology.

Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology

Originally founded in 1887 as the Working Men’s College of Melbourne, RMIT University has a strong focus on design and technology and is ranked 291th in the world. The school prides itself on being one of few universities in Melbourne which is so central, and the fact that it is not enclosed within itself, but forms a key part of the city’s cultural hub. RMIT University has a population of over 57,000 students at its Australian base, and an additional 17,000 enrolled at its international campuses. 

Deakin University

Although located primarily in the neighbouring city of Geelong and the suburb of Burwood just outside of Melbourne, Deakin University has a distinctly metropolitan vibe. Starting life in 1974 as a small regional institution, Deakin has since merged with two other schools in the state of Victoria to become a key player in the western side of the state, excelling in a large range of subjects, and becoming one of the top universities in Melbourne. The school now has a population of almost 44,000 across its three campuses and is ranked 380= in the world. The Geelong campus is located on Corio Bay with modern facilities and open spaces.

La Trobe University

Established in 1964, La Trobe University has six campuses across the state of Victoria. Its main campus is situated in the city suburb of Bundoora which is just 16km north of Melbourne’s city centre. The school boasts two art museums as well as a sculpture park in Melbourne city. The university is ranked 390th in the world, with its most notable ranking achievements in the arts and humanities subjects. La Trobe University has nearly 35,000 current students and also teaches postgraduate business students in the heart of Melbourne’s central business district.

Swinburne University of Technology

The Swinburne University of Technology is located in the suburb of Hawthorn, just 7km outside of the city centre. The institution, ranked 481-490 in the world, is a public research centre focused on technology and is home to over 60,000 students spread across its six campuses. The university’s Prahran campus, where the faculty of design and the National Institute of Circus Arts is located, is renowned for its creative community in fields of arts and design. This suburb of Melbourne is both vibrant and metropolitan, boasting a popular shopping district and decent nightlife.

Victoria University

At 7th position, the top university in Melbourne is Victoria University, ranked 701+ in the world (towards the end of the range covered by the QS World University Rankings, but still very much within the world’s most elite institutions). Victoria University has much to offer in terms of its wide spectrum of teaching levels, ranging from short courses and apprenticeships to postgraduate degrees. Over 50,000 students are enrolled at Victoria and the Footscray Park campus, 5km outside of Melbourne city centre, which offers a state-of-the-art sports facility that was built to the tune of US$60 million in 2011.

How to Apply to Australian Universities: Step-wise Guide

Here is a step-by-step description of admission to Australian universities, this will help you get ready for the application process and plan so that the process is quick and smooth for you.

Step1: Get your Basics ready

Irrespective of which course or university you are applying to there are certain universal requirements that you should get ready before you start the application process:

• An up-to-date passport
• Valid English language proficiency test score
• Financial documents as proof of how you will be funding your studies

You can later work on fulfilling the specific requirements of the universities or courses you will be applying to.

Step 2: Find a Course and Select your Universities

• Before you begin the application process you will have to select your course. You can however apply for different courses at either one or many universities. 
• Before you apply, check if there is a limit on the number of universities you can apply for because certain states impose a limit. 
• Be careful when making your choices because you cannot change your course once you have gained admission.

Step 3: Decide how you want to apply

Australia provides multiple options when you want to apply for a university. The application can be made:

• Directly by you through the university’s website
• By a local university
• By an external agent

You can decide how you want to apply by using the most suitable option.

Step 4: Clear your English Language Exam

If English is not your native language, then you need to take an English language proficiency test. You need to take the IELTS test and keep the results of the tests ready when you are making your visa application.

Step 5: Apply to the Universities to get your CoE

Once you are selected for a course, you will receive an offer letter from the college. You will have to give a written confirmation accepting the offer and pay the tuition fees. Subsequent to this you will receive a Confirmation of Enrolment or CoE. This document is required to process your visa application.

Step 6: Travel to Australia

Once you have got your visa approval, you can plan to land in Australia 90 days before the commencement of your course. This date will be notified in your CoE. You can stay in Australia 30 days after your course ends or 60 days if your course duration is for 10 months. All these details will be included in your visa, so look out for them.

Grading System in Australian Universities

How does the grading system work in Australia? The following table shows the general grading system common among most universities in Australia is given below. It is important to remember that there may be small differences in the grading scales for these universities. Both undergraduate and postgraduate programs are applicable to the university grading system in Australia below. Next to the Australian grades, a similar British grade is cited for references.

Australian Grade	Grade Name	Percentage (%)	GPA Scale	UK Equivalent
HD	High Distinction	83 – 100	7	First Class
D	Distinction	73 – 82.99	6 – 6.99	Second Class – Upper Division
C	Credit	63 – 72.99	5 – 5.99	Second Class – Lower Division
P	Pass	50 – 62.99	4 – 4.99	Third Class
N	Fail	0 – 49.99	0 – 3.99	Fail

In addition to this, while pursuing an honours degree, the grades can look different. The honours degree requires an extra year of study as opposed to a regular undergraduate degree. Here’s what the grades for honours degrees look like:

Grade	Grade Name	Percentage (%)
H1	First Class Honours	80 and above
H2A	Second Class Honours – A Division	74 – 79
H2B	Second Class Honours – B Division	70 – 74
H3	Third Class Honours	65 – 69
P	Pass	50 – 64
N	Fail	49 and below

Australian Scholarship for Indian Students

Australian universities and colleges provide a wide range of scholarships to meritorious international students to help them fund their studies. Apart from this, many scholarships, grants, and bursaries are also offered by the Australian government, public and private establishments. Before you apply to any of these scholarships, do check the eligibility and criteria, along with the closing date. Here are some popular scholarship programs you can apply to study in Australia as an Indian student:

Australian Government Research and Training Program (AGRTP)

• Funded by the Australian Government, it covers a student’s tuition fee and health insurance for up to 3 years.
• Supports a student’s (local and international) research doctorate and research Master’s Degree.
• Value is $28,587 per annum made fortnightly

Australia Awards

• Funded by the Department of Education and the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) and the Department of Foriegn Affairs (DFAT).
• Aims to provide students from developing regions an opportunity to pursue their UG/PG program at participating universities in Australia and Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutions
• Includes full tuition fees, airfare, living expenses, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) and other allied expenses for two years
• Scholars must return to India upon completion of their studies

Destination Australia

• This scholarship aims to encourage international students to study in regional Australia to regionally develop tertiary education providers in Australia and provide a learning experience to its students.
• The value of the funding is up to $15,000 for each scholarship, yearly to study at the campus from 2021.
• Funding is available for each year depending on your qualification as you remain eligible, for up to the duration of four years.
• It’s funded by the Australian Government Department of Education and is in line with the National Strategy for International Education 2025.

John Allwright Fellowship (JAF)

• Provides scientists from partner countries engaged in the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) research projects with the opportunity to obtain postgraduate qualifications at Australian tertiary institutions
• It provides PhD and master’s scholarships on an annual basis to agricultural researchers and administered through the Australia Awards system

If you are planning to pursue your higher studies in Melbourne, then there is an exciting world full of opportunities waiting for you.  It’s also essential to consider that due to the availability of multiple high-ranking universities and courses in Melbourne, you might feel disoriented while shortlisting your universities. In such a situation, you can connect with the experts at Leverage Edu who are ever ready to assist you through the entire application process.