If you are an international student choosing where to study in Australia, Melbourne belongs at the top of your shortlist. The city is home to seven universities, five of which appear in the QS World University Rankings 2026, making it one of the most competitive study destinations in the world. This guide covers the best universities in Melbourne for international students: QS rankings, tuition fees, scholarship options, and one detail most comparison guides skip entirely, which is how your Melbourne degree connects to a post-study work visa and, from there, to permanent residency in Australia.
Last updated: April 2026
Why Melbourne Is One of the World’s Top Study Destinations
Melbourne consistently ranks among the most liveable cities in the world, and its universities reflect that standing. As of 2026, the University of Melbourne holds the position QS #19 globally, making it not only Australia’s top university but one of the top 20 institutions worldwide. Monash University follows at QS #36, giving Melbourne two universities in the global top 60, a benchmark that very few cities outside the US and UK can claim.
QS Rankings: Where Melbourne Universities Stand in 2026
Five of the seven Melbourne universities appear in the QS World University Rankings 2026. International students benefit from world-class research facilities, strong graduate employment outcomes, and well-established industry ties across healthcare, engineering, technology, and business. The city’s student population draws from over 170 countries, which means the professional network you build during your degree extends well beyond your graduating class.
Life in Melbourne as an International Student
Melbourne’s public transport, multicultural suburbs, and university support services make the transition manageable for Indonesian students. Living costs average AUD 20,000–25,000 per year for a typical student lifestyle, covering shared accommodation, food, transport, and personal expenses. For a full breakdown of what to budget for, see RACC’s living cost guide for Melbourne students and WHV workers.
The 7 Best Universities in Melbourne for International Students
Every university listed below is CRICOS-registered. That matters because CRICOS registration is what makes your Subclass 500 Student Visa valid and what activates your post-study work rights after you graduate.
1. University of Melbourne
The University of Melbourne is ranked QS #19 globally in 2026, making it Australia’s highest-ranked institution. With 45% of its student body drawn from over 150 countries, it is one of the most internationally diverse universities in the country. Its strongest programs span law, medicine, architecture, and research-intensive disciplines. International tuition fees range from AUD 38,000 to AUD 58,000 per year for most undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees, with clinical programs priced higher.
2. Monash University
Monash University is ranked QS #36 in 2026 and is the largest university in Melbourne by enrolment. Students from over 170 countries study across its campuses in Clayton, Caulfield, and the city. Monash is consistently strong in engineering, pharmacy, business, and health sciences: four fields with solid representation on Australia’s occupation shortage lists. International student fees range from AUD 35,000 to AUD 50,000 per year, depending on your faculty. The Monash International Merit Scholarship is available for high-achieving applicants.
3. RMIT University
RMIT University is ranked #125 (QS 2026) and is Melbourne’s leading institution for technology, design, and applied business. What makes RMIT particularly useful for migration-minded students is its industry-embedded curriculum: your degree connects directly to the kind of work experience that builds your skilled migration points. International tuition fees range from AUD 32,000 to AUD 44,000 per year.
4. Deakin University
Deakin University is ranked #207 (QS 2026) and holds the number 1 position in Melbourne for teaching quality, according to the 2026 Good Universities Guide. Popular choice for nursing, education, and health-related programs. These disciplines consistently appear on Australia’s Core Skills Occupation List, which is the direct link between your degree and a PR pathway. The Deakin Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship is available for IT students. International tuition fees range from AUD 30,000 to AUD 42,000 per year.
Thinking about which Melbourne university fits your PR goal? Book a free consultation with RACC Indonesia and we will match your target occupation to the right program and campus.
5. La Trobe University
La Trobe University is ranked #233 (QS 2026) and was rated number 1 in Australia for student satisfaction. It is a practical choice for students targeting health sciences, agriculture, data analytics, and business. The La Trobe High Achiever Scholarship provides up to 25% off tuition fees for eligible international students. Annual fees range from AUD 28,000 to AUD 38,000.
6. Swinburne University of Technology
Swinburne is ranked #294 (QS 2026) and specialises in engineering, information technology, and aviation. Its strong industry connections with Melbourne’s technology sector make it a practical starting point for students targeting IT or engineering roles after graduation. Both fields are well-represented on Australia’s skilled migration occupation lists. International tuition fees range from AUD 30,000 to AUD 42,000 per year.
7. Victoria University
Victoria University operates on a block model of study, delivering one subject at a time rather than running parallel subjects across a semester. Students who struggle with traditional multi-subject semesters often find this structure improves their results. Victoria University is a dual-sector institution, offering both TAFE and degree programs on the same campus. International tuition fees range from AUD 26,000 to AUD 35,000 per year, making it one of the most affordable university options in Melbourne.
Tuition Fees and Scholarships at Melbourne Universities
Tuition Fee Comparison (2026)
| University | QS Rank 2026 | Int’l Tuition/Year (AUD) | Key Strengths |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Melbourne | #19 | AUD 38,000–58,000 | Law, medicine, research |
| Monash University | #36 | AUD 35,000–50,000 | Engineering, pharmacy, business |
| RMIT University | #125 | AUD 32,000–44,000 | Design, technology, business |
| Deakin University | #207 | AUD 30,000–42,000 | Nursing, education, health |
| La Trobe University | #233 | AUD 28,000–38,000 | Health sciences, data analytics |
| Swinburne University | #294 | AUD 30,000–42,000 | Engineering, IT, aviation |
| Victoria University | #751 | AUD 26,000–35,000 | Business, trades, engineering |
Scholarships for International Students
Most Melbourne universities offer merit-based and need-based scholarships for international students. Beyond the Deakin and La Trobe scholarships listed above, the ACU International Student Scholarship covers partial tuition for eligible students. For a comprehensive overview of funding available to Indonesian applicants, see RACC’s scholarships for Indonesian students in Australia.
Student Visa Requirements to Study in Melbourne (Subclass 500)
For international students, studying in Melbourne requires a Subclass 500 Student Visa. To be granted one, you need to be enrolled in a CRICOS-registered course, demonstrate English proficiency (typically IELTS 6.0 or equivalent), show financial capacity to cover tuition and living costs, and satisfy the Genuine Student Statement (GS) requirement.
As of April 2026, the student visa application fee is AUD 2,000, per the Department of Home Affairs (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au). Once your visa is granted, you may work up to 48 hours per fortnight during your enrolled semester, and unlimited hours during official semester breaks. Indonesia currently holds Assessment Level 2 status with the Australian Government, which means that visa applications from Indonesian students are assessed as moderate-risk. For a full document checklist, see RACC’s Student Visa Subclass 500 guide.
From Student to PR: Your Post-Graduation Pathway
Most university comparison guides stop at rankings and fees. This section covers the part that matters more for Indonesian students with long-term plans: what happens after you graduate.
After completing your degree at any CRICOS-registered Melbourne university, you can apply for the Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa. This visa lets you live and work in Australia full-time after graduation, and it is the bridge between your student visa and a skilled migration application. The duration of your Subclass 485 depends directly on your qualification level:
Subclass 485 Duration by Degree Level
| Qualification | Subclass 485 Duration |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree | 2 years |
| Bachelor’s (Honours) | 2 years |
| Master’s by Coursework | 2 years |
| Master’s by Research | 3 years |
| Doctoral (PhD) | 4 years |
The longer your Subclass 485, the more Australian work experience you accumulate. That matters because Australian work experience in a nominated occupation adds 5 to 20 points to your skilled migration score. That score determines your eligibility for the Subclass 189 (independent) and Subclass 190 (state-nominated) permanent residency visas. See RACC’s points table for Subclass 189, 190, and 491 for the full breakdown.
How Your Degree Connects to Skilled Migration
Choosing a program that leads to an occupation on Australia’s Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) is the critical link between your Melbourne degree and a PR application. Nursing, engineering, IT, accounting, and teaching are among the consistently listed occupations. If your target occupation is on the CSOL, your Subclass 485 work experience directly supports an invitation to apply for skilled migration in Australia.
Picking a degree without checking the CSOL first is the most common planning mistake RACC’s consultants see in students who come to us two years after graduating. The occupation does not have to be your final career, but it needs to be the one you work in during your 485 period.
How RACC Indonesia Can Help You
Choosing a Melbourne university is the first decision. The more important question is whether your chosen course at your chosen institution leads to an occupation that supports a PR application down the line. RACC’s MARA-registered migration agents have helped hundreds of Indonesian students navigate exactly this process, from selecting the right CRICOS-registered program to lodging skilled migration applications after graduation.
RACC offers paid consultations for detailed visa and migration planning. The information in this article is general in nature and does not constitute migration advice. For guidance specific to your situation, we recommend speaking with a registered migration agent before making enrolment decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which is the best university in Melbourne for international students?
The University of Melbourne is ranked QS #19 globally in 2026 and is Australia’s top institution for international students overall. The right choice depends on your field of study, budget, and long-term PR goals. Monash (QS #36), Deakin, and La Trobe are strong alternatives depending on your target occupation and the skilled migration pathway you plan to pursue.
How much does it cost to study in Melbourne for international students?
Tuition fees at Melbourne universities range from AUD 26,000 to AUD 58,000 per year for international students in 2026. Living costs add approximately AUD 20,000–25,000 per year. Total annual costs typically fall between AUD 48,000 and AUD 80,000 depending on your institution, program, and lifestyle.
Can international students work while studying in Melbourne?
Yes. Holders of a Subclass 500 Student Visa can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during the academic semester and unlimited hours during official semester breaks, as permitted under current Department of Home Affairs rules (as of April 2026, per immi.homeaffairs.gov.au). Work rights apply from the moment your visa is granted.
How long can I stay in Australia after graduating from a Melbourne university?
Your stay depends on your qualification level. A bachelor’s degree grants a 2-year Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa. A Master’s degree in coursework for 2 years and research grants for 3 years. A PhD grants 4 years. You must apply within 6 months of completing your Australian study requirement and be in Australia when you lodge the application.
Which Melbourne universities offer the best PR pathway?
Any Melbourne university offering programs in CSOL-listed occupations supports a PR pathway. Deakin and La Trobe are particularly strong for nursing and allied health. Monash and RMIT lead in engineering and IT. The institution matters less than whether your specific program leads to a CSOL-listed occupation. Always verify the occupation list before enrolling.
Are there scholarships for Indonesian students at Melbourne universities?
Yes. La Trobe offers the High Achiever Scholarship worth up to 25% off tuition. Deakin offers the Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship for IT students. The ACU International Student Scholarship is also open to Indonesian applicants. RACC Indonesia maintains an updated scholarships page covering current options for Indonesian students applying to Australian universities.
