Australia’s number one university

For over 160 years, The University of Melbourne has been an international leader in research, teaching and learning – attracting students from more than 150 countries.

Melbourne offers undergraduate degrees in nearly 100 major fields of study and world-leading graduate programs delivered through graduate schools in professional and scholarly disciplines to about 50,000 students each year.

A degree from Australia’s number one university is your ticket to an extraordinary future. And at Melbourne, you learn from the best. Our teachers are renowned researchers and industry leaders recognised globally for their outstanding achievements. Their job is to help you prepare for the challenging and exciting times ahead in the workforce. 

About us

Made Possible by Melbourne

The University of Melbourne enjoys an outstanding reputation with world rankings consistently placing us as Australia’s leading comprehensive research-intensive university, and one of the world’s top 40 universities.

Melbourne attracts the best and brightest students and researchers. We collaborate with a wide range of organisations to achieve positive research outcomes with global impact. And, with a history of over 160 years, we occupy a special place at the heart of our city’s cultural scene, as home to a number of museums, galleries and performing arts organisations. 

Our researchers are at the forefront of international scholarship in fields as diverse as human rights law, climate change, telecommunications and medical research. Among our many distinguished academics are Nobel Laureate, Professor Peter Doherty and Laureate Professor, Professor Peter Singer.

At a glance

• 8,000 staff
• 40,000 + students
• 15,000 + international students from over 100 countries
• 200,000 + alumni, 35,000 of which live overseas in more than 140 countries
• AU$1.17b research expenditure in 2014
• Australia’s largest cohort of research students
• Seven campuses
• Part of the Parkville precinct - Australia’s largest concentration of medical research institutes, hospitals and biotechnology companies
• Launched in 2008, the Melbourne Curriculum offers a different study path to most Australian universities, with 11 undergraduate degrees in nearly 100 major fields of study and 270 professional graduate degrees

Research at Melbourne

The University of Melbourne enjoys an outstanding reputation with world rankings consistently placing us as Australia’s leading comprehensive research-intensive university.

The University attracts and cultivates the best and brightest researchers from around the world. We collaborate with industry, other institutions and research organisations, the community, government and not-for-profit organisations to achieve positive research outcomes with global impact.

As one of the largest and most productive research organisations in Australia, our expenditure in 2014 was $1.17 billion (AUD). We are committed to further elevating our successes and excellence in research. Learn more about our research.

Industry collaborations

We collaborate with a wide range of partners from industry, other institutions and research organisations, the community, government and not-for-profit organisations.

Commercialised innovations include:

• the cochlear implant
• Colony Stimulating Factor - a white blood cell booster
• Relenza® anti viral flu drug
• Recaldent® for dental care
• Rotavirus vaccine

Museums and Galleries

The University of Melbourne offers a wide range of museums and galleries exploring everything from contemporary art, classics and archaeology, medical and dental history, music and the sciences. Visit the individual museum and galleries websites to discover what's on and for information on access and opening hours.

• Grainger Museum
• Harry Brookes Allen Museum of Anatomy & Pathology
• Henry Forman Atkinson Dental Museum
• Ian Potter Museum of Art
• Margaret Lawrence Gallery
• Medical History Museum
• Noel Shaw Gallery
• School of Physics Museum
• The Dax Centre
• Tiegs Museum

What is the Melbourne Curriculum:

The Melbourne Curriculum – create your own study path

The University of Melbourne’s degrees work a bit differently from those at most other Australian universities. They’re similar to those offered by many top international institutions, in that students start with an undergraduate degree, and can then choose to specialise at graduate level.

Why? We want you to create your own study path, with the power to choose your own direction and explore new options along the way. This is important in a world where careers are changing fast and employers want independent thinking.

Few people graduating today will have the same job title forever. With our degrees, students can build the right skills to adapt and change successfully.

At Melbourne, we offer undergraduate degrees in nearly 100 major fields of study. You can choose a major that fits with your career aspirations and study it in depth to develop specialised knowledge. Meanwhile, you can also study breadth subjects outside the usual scope of your undergraduate degree.  Most University of Melbourne undergraduates take breadth subjects.

Breadth subjects allow you to design a course to fit your own passions and career ambitions. You might, for example, study science but take breadth in Mandarin Chinese - a great choice for a science fan looking to work internationally and help solve global issues.

After completing your undergraduate degree, you can move straight into the workforce – plenty do - or continue on to further study with postgraduate study.

Graduate study at the University of Melbourne

As a graduate student at Melbourne, you’ll join the best and brightest students to pursue your passion and develop your career. It’s an environment focused on research impact and relevance, underpinned by a comprehensive and world leading discipline base.

Our world-class research and coursework graduate programs offer a truly professionally relevant education that builds strong connections with community and industry – opening the door to an outstanding future.

Be a part of a university that is committed to contributing to society in ways that enrich and transform lives.

Learn more about our courses. 

Working at Melbourne

We offer our staff more than just a job — we offer them an opportunity to be part of a dynamic world class organisation that provides its staff with exceptional benefits and support at every stage of their life and career.

We are committed to a diverse, harmonious community supporting all staff and students as they achieve a deeper appreciation of their own cultures, as well as greater cross-cultural understanding. Our campus has plenty happening all the time - whether it’s lunchtime music events or free public lectures, there is always something to attract your interest.

We offer development opportunities for all staff, supporting them in achieving their potential and contributing to the provision of excellent teaching and research activities at the University of Melbourne.

Our salary packages and benefits are generous, and we offer a full program of health and wellbeing support.

Learn more about working with us.