Melbourne's main public universities for international students are the University of Melbourne and Monash University (both in the Group of Eight, Australia's leading research-intensive universities), RMIT, Deakin, La Trobe, Swinburne, Victoria University and the Melbourne campus of Australian Catholic University. Other universities and private providers also have campuses in the city. In the QS World University Rankings 2027 they range from =22 (University of Melbourne) to the 851–900 band (ACU). According to the government's CRICOS register, a three-year commerce or business bachelor's costs from A$104,400 (≈ $73,330) at Victoria University to A$200,293 (≈ $140,680) at the University of Melbourne for the whole course; the university's own 2027 tables put the whole Bachelor of Commerce at A$180,714–200,139 (≈ $126,930–140,580). RMIT estimates Melbourne living costs at A$30,000–45,000 (≈ $21,070–31,610) a year, against a visa minimum of A$29,710.
This guide compares the universities, course prices, foundation options after 11 years of school, housing and scholarships, and explains one distinctive point about Deakin: studying and living in Geelong can qualify you for an extra year on the 485 graduate visa. Conversions use the ECB rate of 28 September 2026 (A$1 ≈ US$0.7024). For the wider picture, see studying in Australia and our guide to universities in Australia.
Melbourne universities at a glance
| University | QS 2027 | Main campus | Type and network | StudyU profile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Melbourne | =22 | Parkville, next to the city centre | research-intensive, Group of Eight member | University of Melbourne |
| Monash University | 31 | Clayton | research-intensive, Group of Eight | Monash |
| RMIT University | =119 | City campus in the CBD, plus Brunswick and Bundoora | technology-focused, Australian Technology Network; also offers vocational diplomas | RMIT |
| Deakin University | 227 | Burwood (Melbourne) and Waterfront in Geelong | Australian Technology Network | — |
| La Trobe University | =241 | Bundoora | comprehensive | — |
| Swinburne University of Technology | 291 | Hawthorn | technology-focused | — |
| Victoria University | =696 | Melbourne | comprehensive | — |
| Australian Catholic University | 851–900 | Melbourne campus | Catholic university with campuses in several cities | — |
The ranking gap between the top two and the rest is large, but you should choose a course, not a table row. Monash and the University of Melbourne cost the most. RMIT and Deakin are ATN members, and Swinburne is a technology university. La Trobe, Victoria University and ACU are the most affordable by whole-course cost.
Tuition at Melbourne universities
Universities publish prices differently: Monash and Swinburne give 2027 annual fees, RMIT gives 2026 indicative figures, and the University of Melbourne uses interactive fee tables. The table therefore shows the university's own figure where published and the whole-course estimate from the CRICOS register. The register is useful for comparison but may lag behind new-intake fees by about a year.
| University | Price on the university site | 3-year commerce or business bachelor's, CRICOS estimate | 2-year Master of Information Technology, CRICOS estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Melbourne | deposit on acceptance from A$17,000 (≈ $11,940) | Bachelor of Commerce: A$180,714–200,139 (≈ $126,930–140,580), university's 2027 estimate | A$143,962 (≈ $101,120) |
| Monash | Bachelor of Commerce: A$59,140 (≈ $41,540) a year; Master of IT: A$57,540 (≈ $40,420) a year, 2027 | A$177,963 (≈ $125,000) | A$114,330 (≈ $80,300) |
| RMIT | Bachelor of Laws: A$45,120 (≈ $31,690); MBA: A$50,880 (≈ $35,740) a year, 2026 | — | — |
| Deakin | on the course page | Bachelor of Commerce: A$142,752 (≈ $100,270) | A$90,176 (≈ $63,340) |
| La Trobe | on the course page | Bachelor of Business: A$129,000 (≈ $90,610) | A$87,600 (≈ $61,530) |
| Swinburne | business: A$43,300–46,700 (≈ $30,410–32,800) a year, 2027 | — | A$91,820 (≈ $64,490) |
| Victoria University | on the course page | Bachelor of Commerce: A$104,400 (≈ $73,330) | — |
| ACU | on the course page | Bachelor of Business: A$104,904 (≈ $73,680) | A$76,192 (≈ $53,520) |
What stands out:
- A full commerce bachelor's at the University of Melbourne costs almost twice as much in the register as at Victoria University or ACU.
- The University of Melbourne also registers shorter Master of Information Technology options of 52 and 78 weeks (A$41,344 and A$68,372). They suit applicants with a relevant bachelor's, but on their own they do not meet the 92-week requirement for the 485 visa.
- Fees rise every year: Swinburne's indicative business fee, for example, went from A$41,600–43,430 for 2026 to A$43,300–46,700 for 2027.
For a full budget with insurance, visa charge and one-off costs, see the cost of studying in Australia.
After 11 years of school: foundation programmes
Direct first-year entry to Melbourne universities is not always possible after an 11-year school system. Well-known preparation options include:
| Programme | Fee | For |
|---|---|---|
| Trinity College Foundation Studies, February standard intake | A$46,770 (≈ $32,850) for 2027 | University of Melbourne |
| Trinity College Foundation Studies, January comprehensive intake | A$58,050 (≈ $40,770) for 2027 | University of Melbourne |
| Swinburne Foundation Program | A$33,040 (≈ $23,210) in total, 2027 indicative | Swinburne |
| Swinburne UniLink (diploma credited towards a bachelor's) | A$36,200–39,980 (≈ $25,430–28,080) in total, 2027 indicative | Swinburne |
Completing a foundation programme does not guarantee a place: you need the final scores and subject results the university sets. Trinity College also charges a non-refundable A$310 enrolment fee and A$400 for each laboratory subject (biology, physics, chemistry). School-leaver routes are covered in studying in Australia after 11 years of school.
Which university fits your situation
| Your situation | Look first at |
|---|---|
| High ranking and a research career | University of Melbourne and Monash; compare specific faculties |
| City-centre study, technology, design, applied courses | RMIT, with its campus in central Melbourne |
| Limited budget for the whole degree | Victoria University, ACU, La Trobe: CRICOS estimates for a business bachelor's of A$104,000–129,000 |
| Longer post-study work in Australia | Deakin's Waterfront campus in Geelong: a Category 2 city, with a possible second 485 visa for 1 year |
| Preparation after 11 years of school | Trinity College (University of Melbourne) or Swinburne programmes; compare foundation and first year together |
Housing and living costs in Melbourne
RMIT quotes these median weekly rents across metropolitan Melbourne, based on Victorian Government data:
| Property | Rent per week |
|---|---|
| One-bedroom flat | A$500 (≈ $350) |
| Two-bedroom flat | A$600 (≈ $420) |
| Three-bedroom flat | A$690 (≈ $480) |
| Three-bedroom house | A$550 |
| Four-bedroom house | A$595 |
Sharing a larger flat or house costs less per person than renting alone. RMIT's other weekly estimates: food and eating out A$150–250, public transport A$30–60, phone and internet A$15–30, gas and electricity A$10–20; study materials A$500–1,000 a year. Private rentals need a bond, utility connections and furniture. University and partner residences have limited places, so book soon after your offer; check each residence contract for what the fee includes.
Monash (Clayton), La Trobe (Bundoora), Deakin (Burwood) and Swinburne (Hawthorn) are outside the city centre. If your campus is suburban, living nearby usually makes more sense than living in the CBD.
Scholarships at Melbourne universities
| University | Award | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| University of Melbourne | Melbourne International Excellence Scholarship, 20% fee remission | bachelor's starting from 2027; automatic consideration with your course application |
| University of Melbourne | Melbourne International Undergraduate Scholarship, 20% for the whole course, 225 awards | citizens of countries with GDP per capita of US$10,000 or less |
| Monash | 2027 International Study Grants of A$5,000, 10,000 or 15,000, one-off | only for applicants from Vietnam, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal; not open to Russian or CIS applicants |
| RMIT, Deakin, La Trobe, Swinburne | regional and merit awards | many are tied to specific regions; check your country in the terms |
More, including RTP research scholarships, in our guide to scholarships in Australia.
Melbourne, Geelong and the 485 visa
Melbourne is a Category 1 major city with no regional incentives. Geelong, home to Deakin's Waterfront campus, is Category 2. A graduate of a regional campus who has lived regionally for at least two years on their first 485 can apply for a second 485 for another year. The first 485 is the same for everyone: 2 years after a bachelor's or coursework master's, 3 years after a research master's or PhD, with at least 92 weeks of study in Australia over at least 16 months. Conditions and charges are in our guide to working while studying and the 485 visa.
Common mistakes when choosing a Melbourne university
- Choosing by ranking without comparing whole-course cost; bachelor's totals differ by up to A$96,000.
- Taking a 52- or 78-week master's and counting on a 485 visa.
- Renting in the CBD while studying in Clayton or Bundoora, and losing time and money commuting.
- Assuming a foundation programme leads automatically to a university place.
- Not checking nationality rules for scholarships; some awards are limited to particular countries or regions.
FAQ
In the QS World University Rankings 2027, the University of Melbourne (=22) and Monash (31). RMIT (=119), with its city-centre campus, suits applied technology courses; the final choice depends on your course and budget.
CRICOS register estimates for a three-year commerce or business degree range from A$104,400 at Victoria University to A$200,293 at the University of Melbourne for the whole course (the university's own 2027 estimate is A$180,714–200,139). Monash lists A$59,140 a year for its Bachelor of Commerce in 2027.
RMIT estimates A$30,000–45,000 a year. Home Affairs requires evidence of at least A$29,710 a year for the visa, but that is a floor, not a realistic budget.
Usually through Trinity College Foundation Studies: for 2027 the February standard programme costs A$46,770 and the January comprehensive programme A$58,050. Progression depends on your final results and the requirements of your chosen bachelor's.
Deakin has a Waterfront campus in Geelong, which is a Category 2 regional area for the 485 visa. A graduate of that campus who then lives regionally for at least two years on the first 485 may qualify for a second 485 for one more year.
Close to your campus. Median rent for a one-bedroom flat across the metropolitan area is about A$500 a week, and a room in a shared flat costs less. If your campus is suburban, look for housing along your transport line.
Sources
- QS World University Rankings 2027: University of Melbourne, Monash, RMIT, Deakin, La Trobe, Swinburne, Victoria University, ACU — checked 28.09.2026
- Group of Eight: members and Australian Technology Network — checked 28.09.2026
- CRICOS open data on courses and institutions (data.gov.au) — extract of 28.09.2026
- Monash University: Bachelor of Commerce and Master of Information Technology — checked 28.09.2026
- RMIT: cost of studying and living in Melbourne in 2026 — checked 28.09.2026
- Swinburne: 2026 and 2027 indicative international fees — checked 28.09.2026
- Monash: 2027 International Study Grants — checked 28.09.2026
- University of Melbourne: fees and deposit, Melbourne International Excellence Scholarship, Melbourne International Undergraduate Scholarship — checked 28.09.2026
- Trinity College, University of Melbourne: 2027 Foundation Studies dates and fees — checked 28.09.2026
- Home Affairs: 485 visa, regional categories and Student visa subclass 500 — checked 28.09.2026
- US dollar conversions use the ECB reference rate of 28.09.2026: EUR/USD 1.1378 and EUR/AUD 1.6199, so A$1 ≈ US$0.7024.
Shortlisting universities and courses for your profile and budget, requirement checks and applications are provided under an agreement with StudyU. Admission decisions are made by the university and visa decisions by Home Affairs.
Next steps
- Australian University Entry After 11 Years of School: Foundation, Diploma or a Year at a Home University
- Working While Studying in Australia and the 485 Graduate Visa in 2026: Hours, Pay, Tax and Post-Study Stay
- Scholarships in Australia for International Students in 2026–2027: What Is Actually Available
- Cost of Studying in Australia in 2026–2027: University Fees, Living Costs, Visa and a First-Year Budget
- Studying in Australia for international applicants
- Monash University
