International Postgraduate Applications
International Applicants: Synopsis of the application procedure
This web page provides a brief overview of procedures and requirements to become an international postgraduate student in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at the University of Melbourne. More detailed information, and more general information for study at Melbourne, is provided below.
The most important aspect of an application for admission is establishing contact with a potential supervisor. This is necessary for the application, but unfortunately reality is that many students do not know what research problem they would like to work on, and furthermore it is difficult to establish personality compatibility between student and supervisor. The best that can be done is to try to learn as much as possible before coming to Melbourne, and to quickly adjust if necessary after arriving. Nonetheless, applications can be submitted without a supervisor or project nominated, and the Postgraduate Coordinator in the department will endeavour to put you in contact with a potential supervisor.
The most effective way to apply is to
(a) determine which available area of research you are qualified for, and also interested in pursuing;
(b) make contact by email or telephone with a suitable member of staff in the department. This contact should desirably be very specific concerning research topics. A student with no clear idea of their interests may be less likely to be successful in finding a potential supervisor, unless they have a strong academic record;
(c) after agreeing on a research proposal, lodge an application for admission and a scholarship.
Applications for Admission and for Scholarships: ONE form only
+ Applications for available scholarships must be received by 31 August (IPRS) and 31 October (MIFRS, MIRS).+ Applicants not enrolled in the course for which they seek a scholarship must apply for admission by submitting an 'Application for Admission to Graduate Research Degree Candidature and Scholarship' form.
+ Applications for admission can be made at any time for either a PhD or MSc (only available by research).
+ Application for admission and a scholarship are made on the same form. (You will be automatically considered for the University of Melbourne scholarships when you submit an application for admission to the University.)
+ Admission is usually only offered when
- the applicant has completed at least the equivalent of a four year undergraduate degree comparable to one from the University of Melbourne
- a satisfactory level of English language competence has been achieved
- a suitable supervisor in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics has been arranged
- Enrollment is only possible after satisfactory arrangements have been made for payment of fees and external funding to cover the cost of living. Obtaining a scholarship is the preferred option; these are very competitive.
- Students are encouraged to apply for Permanent Residence if eligible: the fee reduction is substantial! Moreover, international students do not at this stage contribute to departmental enrollment targets.
+ Scholarship applicants are only considered for scholarship once they have been offered an unconditional place in an eligible course.
- Scholarships are awarded on academic merit.
- Final scoring is done by the scholarships office:
- Normally an applicant for MSc or PhD has completed a 4-year degree: the score is determined approximately as [(Third-year average)+2(Fourth-year average)]/3
- For applicants with a Masters degree, a numeric score must still be provided to the scholarships office. Applicants should endeavour to provide as much information as possible to enhance their possible score.
- Percentage grades are used, converted from any given format if required
- Percentage grades are rescaled according to the ratio of a university's high-distinction cutoff to MU: (eg if a university awards HD for 85%, all scores will be lowered in the ratio 80/85)
- Successful applicants usually obtain a normalized score in excess of 86.
All posgraduate applicants should provide
- Evidence of English language proficiency
- Certified copies of academic transcripts from your tertiary-level studies (completed and current)
- A certified translation of academic records if the original is not in English
- Evidence that you have made contact with a potential supervisor in the Department (eg. copy of email)
- A research proposal of at least one page in length
- Two referees’ reports
- A detailed curriculum vitae
- Evidence of work experience (if relevant to the proposed research)
- An assessment fee
When applying for the MSc by research or PhD degree you should consider the following questions:
- have you thoroughly discussed the research project with your proposed supervisor(s)?
- are you expected to participate in other academic activities within the department?
- have you discussed the respective roles (of supervisor and student) in regards to the research with your proposed supervisor(s)?
- are you satisfied that your supervisor(s) can (and will) devote adequate time to you?
- have you looked into the research background and active research interests of your proposed supervisor(s) sufficiently?
- do you know enough about the research environment of the department in which you wish to work?
- do you know what departmental facilities will be available to you throughout your candidature?
When assessing your application, the head of department and proposed supervisor(s) will be considering the following questions:
- does the student have the necessary prerequisites for admission to candidature?
- does the student appear to have the capacity required to undertake the MSc/PhD Research course successfully?
- is the proposed research project appropriate for the MSc/PhD Research degree?
- is the department the most appropriate one to undertake the proposed research project?
- is the project feasible in terms of time, facilities, equipment and source material?
- is the research project of direct interest to both the student and proposed supervisor(s)?
- is the proposed supervisor(s) sufficiently expert in the proposed area of research to offer proper supervision?
- is the workload of the supervisor(s) such to allow sufficient time to give proper supervision to the student?
- will alternative supervision be available if the proposed supervisor is absent (eg: study leave, long service leave or illness)?
More detailed information:
Thank you for your interest in studying at the University of Melbourne as an international student. Hopefully the various websites listed below will answer any questions unanswered here.You are encouraged to contact the University's official representative office in your country for advice on postgraduate study and guidance in submitting applications to the University of Melbourne.
All the information contained in the International Student Prospectus for both undergraduate and postgraduate studies is now available online. We encourage students to use these online facilities. Our website can provide you with details of the full range of courses and services available at the University, available scholarships, details about how to apply and current application forms.
http://www.futurestudents.unimelb.edu.au/
Applying & course information
For more details of the courses available at the University of Melbourne, please visit the following sites:
http://www.futurestudents.unimelb.edu.au/
If you would like to apply for a course immediately, you may wish to apply using our online services or download the application forms.
Undergraduate application (online):
http://sis.unimelb.edu.au/cgi-bin/admissions.pl/
Postgraduate application:
http://graduate.science.unimelb.edu.au/programs/rhd.php
Alternatively, you may seek the assistance of one of our authorised overseas representatives who have copies of the international prospectus and application forms. Their offices are listed at:
http://www.international.unimelb.edu.au/imd/
Course information
For detailed course information, please visit the following site:
https://app.portal.unimelb.edu.au/CSCApplication/faces/htdocs/user/search/SimpleSearch.jsp
For particular information about postgraduate research degrees, please see the following link:
http://www.gradresearch.unimelb.edu.au/
Credit transfer
The University may grant credit for study undertaken at other tertiary institutions or colleges, if the subjects completed are equal in content and standard to those taught at the University of Melbourne, and are relevant to the course. However, as a general rule, credit transfer will not be assessed until after you have been accepted.
Students who wish to be considered for credit transfer should apply using the normal application form, answering yes to the question "Are you seeking advanced standing for courses or subjects already undertaken?" You will need to supply detailed descriptions of those subjects for which you would like credit.
Pathways & admissions
There are a number of pathways through which students may apply to The University of Melbourne. These can be found at:
http://www.futurestudents.unimelb.edu.au/
Fees and Cost of Living
The current tuition fees for international students are available at the following website:
http://www.futurestudents.unimelb.edu.au/admissions/fees
For an estimation of the cost of living in Melbourne, please visit the following Student Support Service webpage:
http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/
Immigration and visa matters
Details about the student (temporary) visa and permission to work are available from the Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs (DIMA):
http://www.immi.gov.au/
English requirements
There are several ways to meet our English requirements:
(1) satisfactorily completing secondary studies in a country where English is the official language and gaining a satisfactory pass in final year English (Applicants from countries with more than one official language may be required to meet TOEFL or IELTS requirements)
(2) satisfactorily completing the final two years of secondary studies in an approved secondary school where English is the language of instruction in the final two years
(3) satisfactorily completing GCE 'A' levels and attaining a grade of C or better in the General Paper
(4) satisfactorily completing at least the first year of a tertiary course taught in the English language at an institution where English is the language of instruction
(5) undertaking the American Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), including the Test of Written English (or the essay-writing component in computer-based testing), in the 24 months preceding application, and obtaining scores as prescribed the faculty governing the course to which admission is sought (see table below)
(6) undertaking the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) preceding application, and obtaining scores as prescribed the faculty governing the course to which admission is sought (see table below)
UNDERGRADUATE LEVEL
All Faculties
TOEFL : 577+ (TWE 4.5)
IELTS : 6.5+
COMPUTER TOEFL : 233+ (essay rating 5.0)
POSTGRADUATE LEVEL
Architecture, Building & Planning
TOEFL : 577+ (TWE 4.5)
IELTS : 6.5+
COMPUTER TOEFL : 233+ (essay rating 5.0)
Arts
- Graduate Diploma
TOEFL : 577+ (TWE 4.5)
IELTS : 6.5+
COMPUTER TOEFL : 233+ (essay rating 5.0)
- Postgraduate Diploma, Masters, PHD
TOEFL : 577+ (TWE 5.0)
IELTS : 7.0+ (Written 7.0)
COMPUTER TOEFL : 233+ (essay rating 5.0)
Economics and Commerce
TOEFL : 577+ (TWE 5.0)
IELTS : 6.5+
COMPUTER TOEFL : 233+ (essay rating 5.0)
- Master of International Business
TOEFL : 577+ (TWE 5.0)
IELTS : 6.5+ (at least 6 in each band)
COMPUTER TOEFL : 233+ (essay rating 5.0)
Education
TOEFL : 600+ (TWE 5.0)
IELTS : 7.0+
COMPUTER TOEFL : 250+ (essay rating 5.0)
Engineering
TOEFL : 577+ (TWE 4.5)
IELTS : 6.5+
COMPUTER TOEFL : 233+ (essay rating 4.5)
Inst. of Land and Food Resources
TOEFL : 577+ (TWE 4.5)
IELTS : 6.5+
COMPUTER TOEFL : 233+ (essay rating 4.5)
Law*
TOEFL* : 577+ (TWE 4.5)
IELTS* : 6.5+
COMPUTER TOEFL* : 233+ (essay rating 4.5)
Medicine, Dentistry & Health Sc.
TOEFL : 577+ (TWE 4.5)
IELTS : 6.5+
COMPUTER TOEFL : 233+ (essay rating 4.5)
Music
TOEFL : 577+ (TWE 4.5)
IELTS : 6.5+
COMPUTER TOEFL : 233+ (essay rating 4.5)
Science
TOEFL : 577+ (TWE 4.5)
IELTS : 6.5+
COMPUTER TOEFL : 233+ (essay rating 4.5)
Veterinary Science
TOEFL : 577+ (TWE 4.5)
IELTS : 6.5+
COMPUTER TOEFL : 233+ (essay rating 4.5)
*Higher for PhD
If you undertake the paper-based TOEFL test, please ensure that the Test of Written English (TWE) is offered on the day you sit your test, as this is a requirement of the University.
You may apply to the University of Melbourne without possessing the minimum TOEFL or IELTS score. If your application is successful you will receive a conditional offer stating that you need to satisfy the University's English language requirements before being allowed to enrol.
Some faculties will accept students with slightly lower test scores, but these students may be required to undertake additional English language subjects for credit.
The University of Melbourne English Language Centre
If you are looking for a well located Australian University English Language Centre with the highest quality English programs, a strong student community, comprehensive support services, a wide variety of modern study facilities and interesting cultural and recreational programs, the University of Melbourne English Language Centre at Hawthorn is the ideal place to study:
http://www.hawthornenglish.com/
Foundation studies
For some international students, first year studies at a recognised tertiary institution are required for you to be eligible to enter an undergraduate degree. As an alternative to this, you could also consider taking a one-year Foundation course, which is the equivalent of a pre-university year. The Trinity Education Centre's Foundation Program, run in conjunction with the University of Melbourne, acts as a pathway to study at this university. You can find out more information on this program at:
http://www.trinity.unimelb.edu.au
Or you can email at: foundationstudies@trinity.unimelb.edu.au
University of Melbourne Scholarships
APPLICATION FORM AND INFORMATION ON SCHOLARSHIPS
Applicants need only lodge the one application to be considered for both a course of postgraduate study and a scholarship. There are closing dates for applying for some courses, and for being considered for scholarships.
Scholarship funding is predominantly for Higher Research Degrees. The two main schemes are the:
- Overseas Postgraduate Research Scholarships (OPRS): fee remission and living allowance
- Melbourne International Research Scholarships (MIRS): fee remission and/or living stipend
There are a limited number of scholarships for coursework degrees:
- Melbourne International Postgraduate Coursework Scholarship: Fee remission and/or living stipend
CLOSING DATES FOR SCHOLARSHIPS
For entry in 1st semester
* IPRS: 31 August
* MIRS, MIFRS: 31 October
* ADB: • Unconditional offer of entry by 15 March for Semester 2
Eligible applicants apply for admission to the University of Melbourne by the closing date of applications and who receive an unconditional offer of a place will automatically be considered for a scholarship. Please contact the Melbourne Scholarship Office if you have any queries relating to eligibility. Application forms are available from the following web site or from the University's official overseas representative office in your country.
http://www.futurestudents.unimelb.edu.au/admissions
University of Melbourne Scholarships are highly sought after by prospective students because of the University's reputation as a premier research institution. In addition, the University's close links and partnerships with business and industry, government and other research institutions promote collaboration across a wide range of disciplines. Benefits to students include broader research opportunities, industry experience, and corporate support for student awards and facilities. Further information regarding undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships is available at:
http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/scholarships/
Melbourne Scholarships Office
John Smyth Building
The University of Melbourne
Victoria 3010, Australia
Undergraduate
Telephone: +61 3 8344 7467
Facsimile: +61 3 9349 1740
Email: ugrad@scholarships.unimelb.edu.au
Postgraduate
Telephone: +61 3 8344 8747
Facsimile: +61 3 9349 1740
Email: pgrad@scholarships.unimelb.edu.au
You will be automatically considered for the University of Melbourne scholarships when you submit an application for admission to the University.
Other financial assistance
General information about the Asian Development Bank/Government of Japan Scholarship Program can be found at:
http://www.adb.org/documents/brochures/scholarship_program/
Specific enquiries about Asian Development Bank scholarships should be directed to: pgrad@scholarships.unimelb.edu.au
Details about financial assistance for international students from the Australian government is available at:
http://www.ausaid.gov.au/
AusAid Scholarships are only available to citizens of certain countries undertaking study in certain fields. All applications and enquiries must be directed to the Australian Diplomatic Mission in your home country.
Exchanges & Study Abroad
If you have any questions about Study Abroad or Incoming Exchanges at the University of Melbourne, please do not hesitate to contact Luke Rungie, the Study Abroad & Incoming Exchange Coordinator:
Email: lrungie@unimelb.edu.au
Phone: +61 3 8344 3841
Web site: http://www.futurestudents.unimelb.edu.au/
Student Support Services
Student Support Services is a Student Services unit within the Academic Services Division. The principle objective of Student Support Services (SSS) is to provide students with a range of integrated services and programs that enhance their academic opportunities, enrich their Melbourne Experience, and promote excellence:
http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/
The areas of service and expertise provided by SSS staff include: Housing, Financial Aid, International Student Services, Part-time and
Casual Employment, Transition Program, Student Leadership Program, and Student Services Liaison.
Information about the Melbourne University Overseas Student Service is available at:
http://www.union.unimelb.edu.au/muoss/
INFORMATION ON AREAS OF RESEARCH
The University Research Report, which provides details on department research activities and supervisors with expertise in specific areas is available at the following site:
http://www.research.unimelb.edu.au/
- For Application Forms refer to:
http://www.gradstudies.unimelb.edu.au/current/
- For further information on the PhD program refer to:
http://www.futurestudents.unimelb.edu.au/
- For general enquires on the PhD, email: graduate_information@sgs.unimelb.edu.au
Other information
Information about agreements between the University of Melbourne and other Universities is available at:
http://www.iro.unimelb.edu.au/
More information about Undergraduate and Postgraduate admissions, and answers to other frequently asked questions, can be found at:
http://unimelb.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/unimelb.cfg/php/enduser/std_alp.php
For further information please contact:
International Centre
The University of Melbourne
Victoria 3010, Australia
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Tel: +61 3 8344 4505
Fax: +61 3 9349 3204
Email: enquiries-international@unimelb.edu.au
Web: http://www.futurestudents.unimelb.edu.au/
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