How to apply to university in Melbourne

Whether you’re interstate or from regional Victoria, the process of applying may seem a bit complex and confusing, but it’s quite simple at RMIT.

So, you’ve decided that RMIT is what’s next, but you’re not sure where to begin when you’re applying for a university in Melbourne?

Moving to Melbourne to study university may be a big change and not just because there is new university jargon to learn. To help you make the change RMIT is here to help and empower your study journey. We even have a guide to help you with all the new acronyms and university terms.

To make sure you nail your application and understand everything you need to make the move, we’ve gathered some handy resources so you can get ahead.

Five students walking down a flight of steps on campus

What you need to apply to university in Melbourne

If you’re a high school student looking to apply for your dream course at RMIT and you don’t currently live in Victoria, your best bet is to apply through the Tertiary Admissions Centre (TAC) of the state you’re looking to study in. For example, in Victoria this is VTAC, in New South Wales it is UAC and in Queensland it’s QTAC.

No matter what state you complete your final high school exams in your ATAR score has the same value across all states. When you create your VTAC account you’ll need to add your home address which will let VTAC know if you are an interstate student.

Each state has their own, and the main difference is the dates and fees. Here’s a checklist to help you apply to your Melbourne university through VTAC:

Create your VTAC account
Choose up to eight courses as your preferences
Avoid the late fees by submitting you application before the cut off (28 September 2023)
If you meet the ATAR requirement and your application is accepted, you’ll receive your study offer in December

If you’re looking for more guidance on the application process or if you have any burning questions, reaching out to the Study@RMIT team.

Scholarships to help you study in Melbourne

With more than 3,000 scholarships awarded in 2022, RMIT is here to support our students in your study and life goals. RMIT’s scholarships range from financial assistance to help you relocate to Melbourne, to course-specific scholarships.

Finding a scholarship is as easy as seeing what’s on offer through our scholarships page and finding one that matches your circumstances. From there, each scholarship will have a different application process that you’ll need to complete.

A student looking at an RMIT course guide

Where to live in Melbourne

If you're unfamiliar with Melbourne’s surroundings or you’re moving out of home for the first time, you might be wondering about your accommodation options.

As the third most liveable city in the world¹ and Australia’s top city for students², Melbourne has many options for students. The location you live and study can be a source of inspiration and motivation, and in this regard Melbourne really delivers.

You can immerse yourself in the vibrant bustle of the city by staying in student accommodation in the heart of Melbourne. If you are looking to be close to campus, but not in the centre of the city, there are outer suburbs with housing options that give you the best of both worlds. If you want to be far from the noise Melbourne’s outer suburbs can accommodate this and ensure you are still close enough to get into the city.

The RMIT accommodation page has resources such as rental advice and student housing options. You can also reach out to a Student Welfare Advisor for direct support in finding the perfect accommodation!

We’re here to help even after you move

Whether you’re going to be studying at RMIT’s Brunswick, Bundoora or Melbourne city campus, there is loads of support and resources to help you flourish.

Student support at RMIT

No matter your circumstances, RMIT is here to support you. Check out RMIT’s student support services to find everything from well-being services to academic tools.

RMIT Kirrip

When you move to a new city, you’ll want to start making connections with other students and discovering all Melbourne has to offer and we’ve got you covered with RMIT Kirrip. Kirrip is a community that is here to kickstart your RMIT life and help you meet like-minded students.

Cost of living

Moving to Melbourne might be the start of your independence after high school. This might be the first time you’re thinking about budgeting, and you don’t have to go it alone. Take a look at our cost of living guide to get an idea of what you’ll need to consider when you make the move.

With these tips, you’re well on your way to nailing your RMIT application and making the move to Melbourne. We hope to see you soon!

Story: Jacob Johnston

¹Economist Intelligence, Global Liveability Index 2023.

²QS Best Student Cities 2023.

Explore more

You may be interested in...

Three students sitting in front of a stately building

Five reasons to study in Melbourne at RMIT

As a soon-to-be independent uni student, what’s next is in your hands!

Five students sitting in front of a mural

Five things I wish I knew before starting uni 

Ever wish you could share some wisdom with your younger self? We’ve gathered the advice of our students and alumni to give you some top tips for uni.

Your guide to VTAC and RMIT terms

Uni lingo can seem like an entirely different language sometimes, but with this glossary, you’ll be fluent in no time.

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.

More information

Acknowledgement of Country

More information