Study in Melbourne for Indian Students 2026-2027 | UniquestPrep

Complete guide to studying in Melbourne for Indian students. Learn about top universities, costs, scholarships, part-time work, and student life in Melbourne. Expert guidance from UniquestPrep.

March 29, 2026 · Nisha Bajpai

Study in Melbourne for Indian Students (2026-2027)

Your complete guide to universities, costs, scholarships, work rights, and student life in Australia’s most liveable city

Melbourne is one of the most popular study abroad destinations for Indian students — and for good reason. Known for its world-class universities, multicultural community, and excellent career opportunities, Melbourne offers everything an ambitious student needs to build a great future. Whether you’re looking for an undergraduate degree, a master’s program, or a research opportunity, this guide covers all the essential information to help you plan your study in Melbourne.

At UniquestPrep, we’ve helped hundreds of Indian students make their Melbourne dream a reality. From university selection to visa guidance, we walk with you every step of the way.

Why Study in Melbourne?

Melbourne has been ranked among the top student cities in the world for several years. Here’s what makes it stand out for Indian students:

World-Class Education

Melbourne is home to 8 universities, many of which are ranked in the global top 100. The University of Melbourne and Monash University are especially well-known for engineering, IT, business, and health sciences. Australian degrees are recognized and respected by employers worldwide.

Large Indian Community

Melbourne has one of the largest Indian communities in Australia. You’ll find Indian grocery stores, restaurants, temples, and cultural events across the city. This makes settling in much easier, especially if you’re living away from home for the first time.

Post-Study Work Opportunities

After completing your degree, you can stay and work in Melbourne for 2 to 4 years on a Temporary Graduate visa. Melbourne’s job market is strong in sectors like IT, engineering, healthcare, finance, and construction — giving graduates real career prospects.

Safe and Liveable City

Melbourne consistently ranks as one of the world’s most liveable cities. It offers excellent public transport, a vibrant arts and food scene, beautiful parks, and a safe environment for international students.

Did you know? Melbourne is home to over 300,000 international students from 170+ countries, making it one of the most diverse student cities globally.

Top Universities in Melbourne for Indian Students

Melbourne offers a range of universities to suit different budgets, career goals, and academic profiles. Here are the most popular choices:

University of Melbourne

Ranked in the global top 40. Strong in engineering, medicine, business, law, and computer science. Highly research-focused with excellent graduate outcomes.

Monash University

Part of the Group of Eight. Well-known for pharmacy, engineering, IT, and business. Has a dedicated campus in Malaysia and partnerships with Indian institutions.

RMIT University

Excellent for design, engineering, IT, and business. Located in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD with strong industry connections and internship opportunities.

Deakin University

Known for nursing, education, sports science, and IT. Offers flexible study options and has campuses across Melbourne and Geelong.

La Trobe University

Strong in health sciences, business, and IT. Offers competitive tuition fees and generous scholarships for international students.

Swinburne University of Technology

Great for engineering, IT, design, and film. All courses include real-world industry experience through placements and projects.

Cost of Studying in Melbourne

Understanding the costs is a key part of planning your study in Melbourne. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:

| Expense | Estimated Annual Cost (AUD) | Approx. in INR |

| --- | --- | --- |

| Tuition fees (undergraduate) | AUD 28,000 – 45,000 | ₹15 – 25 lakhs |

| Tuition fees (postgraduate) | AUD 30,000 – 50,000 | ₹16 – 27 lakhs |

| Accommodation (shared) | AUD 10,000 – 15,000 | ₹5.5 – 8 lakhs |

| Food and groceries | AUD 5,000 – 7,000 | ₹2.7 – 3.8 lakhs |

| Transport (Myki card) | AUD 1,500 – 2,000 | ₹80,000 – 1.1 lakhs |

| Health insurance (OSHC) | AUD 500 – 700 | ₹27,000 – 38,000 |

Money-saving tip: Many Indian students reduce living costs by sharing apartments in suburbs like Clayton, Footscray, and Brunswick, which are well-connected by tram and train. Cooking at home with ingredients from Indian grocery stores also saves a lot compared to eating out.

Scholarships for Indian Students in Melbourne

Several scholarships are available to help reduce the financial burden of studying in Melbourne. Here are some top options:

University-Specific Scholarships

The Melbourne International Undergraduate Scholarship covers up to 100% of tuition for top-performing students. Monash International Merit Scholarship offers AUD 10,000 per year. RMIT International Scholarship provides up to AUD 5,000 per semester. Deakin STEM Scholarship and La Trobe Excellence Scholarship are also available for high-achieving applicants.

Government Scholarships

The Australia Awards Scholarships cover full tuition, living allowance, and airfare. The Destination Australia Scholarship provides up to AUD 15,000 per year for students studying at regional campuses. The Research Training Program (RTP) funds postgraduate research students.

Pro tip: Apply early! Many scholarships have deadlines months before the course starts. UniquestPrep can help you identify the best scholarships for your profile and write strong applications.

Part-Time Work for Students in Melbourne

One of the biggest advantages of studying in Melbourne is the ability to work part-time while you study. On a student visa (subclass 500), you are allowed to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time, and unlimited hours during semester breaks.

Common Part-Time Jobs

Popular jobs for Indian students include retail (Woolworths, Coles), hospitality (cafes, restaurants), delivery services (UberEats, DoorDash), tutoring, customer service, and on-campus roles like library assistant or research helper.

Expected Earnings

The minimum wage in Australia is among the highest in the world. Most part-time jobs pay between AUD 20 and AUD 30 per hour. Students typically earn AUD 800 to AUD 1,200 per fortnight, which can cover a significant portion of living expenses.

Student Life in Melbourne

Melbourne is famous for its vibrant culture, and student life here is exciting and diverse.

Food and Culture

Melbourne is a food lover’s paradise. You’ll find everything from authentic Indian food in suburbs like Dandenong and Harris Park to world-class coffee culture in the city’s famous laneways. The city hosts numerous festivals, sporting events (including the Australian Open and Melbourne Cup), live music, and art exhibitions throughout the year.

Getting Around

Melbourne has an excellent public transport network of trams, trains, and buses. The iconic tram system is free in the city centre! Students get discounted travel with a Myki card, making daily commuting affordable and convenient.

Indian Community

Melbourne celebrates Indian festivals like Diwali, Holi, and Pongal with community events. There are Indian student associations at most universities, cricket clubs, and Bollywood dance groups — you’ll always find a piece of home here.

Admission Requirements for Indian Students

Here’s what you typically need to apply to Melbourne universities:

Academic Requirements

For undergraduate programs, you need a strong Class 12 result (typically 70-85% depending on the university and course). For postgraduate programs, a bachelor’s degree with good grades (usually 60-70%+) is required, along with relevant work experience for some MBA and professional programs.

English Language Requirements

Most universities accept IELTS (6.5 overall, minimum 6.0 per band), PTE Academic (58-65), or TOEFL (79-90). Some universities also accept Duolingo English Test scores.

Key Intake Periods

Melbourne universities have two main intakes: February (Semester 1) and July (Semester 2). Some courses also offer a November intake. It’s best to start your application 6-9 months before the intake date.

Frequently Asked Questions About Studying in Melbourne

Why is Melbourne a top choice for Indian students?

Melbourne is home to 8 world-class universities, consistently ranks among the world’s most liveable cities, offers generous post-study work rights of 2-4 years, has a large and welcoming Indian community, and provides excellent part-time job opportunities for international students.

What are the top universities in Melbourne for Indian students?

The top universities in Melbourne include the University of Melbourne (ranked in the global top 40), Monash University, RMIT University, Deakin University, La Trobe University, and Swinburne University of Technology. Each offers different strengths across engineering, business, IT, health sciences, and more.

How much does it cost to study in Melbourne?

Tuition fees in Melbourne range from AUD 25,000 to AUD 50,000 per year depending on the university and course. Living costs are approximately AUD 21,000 to AUD 25,000 per year covering accommodation, food, transport, and personal expenses. In total, students should budget around AUD 45,000 to AUD 75,000 per year.

Can Indian students work part-time while studying in Melbourne?

Yes, international students on a student visa (subclass 500) can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during semester breaks. Common part-time jobs include retail, hospitality, tutoring, and campus roles, with average earnings of AUD 20-30 per hour.

What are the post-study work options after graduating in Melbourne?

Graduates can apply for a Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) which allows 2-4 years of work rights depending on the qualification level. Bachelor’s degree holders get 2 years, master’s by coursework get 3 years, and master’s by research or PhD holders get 4 years.

What scholarships are available for Indian students in Melbourne?

Several scholarships are available including the Melbourne International Undergraduate Scholarship, Monash International Merit Scholarship, RMIT International Scholarship, Australia Awards Scholarships, and Destination Australia Scholarship. Many cover partial to full tuition and some include living allowances.

What IELTS score is needed to study in Melbourne?

Most Melbourne universities require an overall IELTS score of 6.5 with no band below 6.0 for undergraduate courses. Some competitive programs like medicine and law may require 7.0 or higher. PTE Academic scores of 58-65 are also widely accepted as an alternative.