Melbourne plays a big part in making the Australian lifestyle so attractive – beautiful beaches, a Mediterranean climate with so many sunny days, nightlife, trendy shops and culture of coffee and good food. No wonder it is at the top of the list of the most livable cities in the world. As the capital of Victoria and the second-largest city in Australia, Melbourne’s cultural calendar is full all year round – immerse yourself in music, art, comedy, film, fashion events, and multicultural celebrations!
The top-ranked universities
Renowned for the quality of their education, the universities of Melbourne are equipped with world-class research. As a result, some universities in Melbourne even appear in the QS World University rankings in 2021, not to mention the University of Melbourne ranked 41th in the world, just after the Australian National University and The University of Melbourne.
Established in 1853, the University of Melbourne is consistently ranked among the best universities in the world. In order for you to study at the University of Melbourne as an international student, you must obtain academic eligibility which varies from country to country and provide proof that you have met the English language requirements of the university.
Monash University is celebrated as one of the best Australian universities in medicine, nursing and medical sciences, plus it has a remarkable ranking in social sciences, science and pharmacy, engineering and technology, as well as in computer science. With over 22,000 international students, Monash is one of Australia’s largest IELTS test centres, offering a variety of English learning courses.
The largest tertiary institution in Australia is RMIT University, which is a global university of technology and design. RMIT is the largest university with international students, comprising 46% of all international students training in Australia. There are three campuses and two locations in Australia as well as two campuses in Vietnam and a centre in Spain. RMIT’s reputation is growing in design and technology, with a worldwide reputation in art and design, architecture, engineering, business and management studies, as well as accounting and finance.
The Best Student City in Australia
Its 3rd place in the QS Best Student Cities ranking, highlighting its diverse student community makes Melbourne a very interesting destination for international students. International students especially love the Australian way of life; beautiful beaches with lots of sunny days, nightlife that spans fascinating bars, cafes, a thriving musical and artistic scene, and thrilling cultural events.
Universities are well served by public transportation, with optimal infrastructure to assist students, that is, free public libraries, abundant student accommodation, student discounts on travel and transportation and a choice of affordable but good quality restaurants. Just like other Australian cities, with a high cost of living and high costs, affordability could prove to be one of Melbourne’s biggest drawbacks. However, for its high quality of life and its breathtaking setting, you will hardly find better than Melbourne!
International students in Melbourne
Seven universities remain in Melbourne, with 277,000 students, including 91,000 international students. International students come from all over the world from China, India, Brazil and Nepal.
The Culture of Teaching
Australian students are encouraged to study individually and it is their responsibility to complete their readings and research within the deadlines; however, tutors will generally help students adapt. In principle, academics and students maintain relatively relaxed and respectful relationships by being familiar. In addition, students are invited to challenge their teachers and tutors during tutorial exchanges, which will be taken into account during their final grade.
Entry Requirements
To apply to an Australian university, there are entry requirements. In most cases, you will need to provide your proficiency in English, knowing that the level required may vary from university to university. You can check the language standards at the Department of Home Affairs.
Your student visa will depend on your choice of study, but the Subclass 500 student visa allows you to stay 5 years according to your registration. You must be over six years of age and be enrolled in a full-time course. Note that the Overseas Student Health Cover is compulsory for holders of a student visa.
Your student visa will depend on your choice of study, but the Subclass 500 student visa allows you to stay 5 years according to your registration
Living in Melbourne
As in many Australian cities, tuition fees and the cost of living in Melbourne tend to be relatively high. Tuition fees will depend on the university and your choice of training, however, the average costs of a License in Melbourne are around AUD 30,830. Estimating the cost of living is important in preparing for studies in Australia. Nevertheless, it is easy to understand why thousands of international students find a way to cover their costs to experience the lifestyle of Melbourne. Working during your studies is favourable as well, the student visa allows you to work 20 hours per week.
Student accommodation in Melbourne
Most universities offer student accommodation or college residences, some may be off-campus or may even include meals. These are found in a variety of neighbourhoods such as Box Hill, Brunswick East, Burwood Carlton, Footscray, Hawthorne, and CBD Melbourne. Prices range from AUD 290 to AUD 750 per week and it would be best if you did your applications well in advance. The most easily available options are independent student accommodation, host families (195 AUD to 500 AUD per week, and may include meals), private rentals (230 AUD to 600 AUD per week), shared apartments (250 AUD to 400 AUD per week) or even shared accommodation from 100 AUD per week.