At the University of Melbourne, we’re committed to providing educational opportunities and support for students from a range of backgrounds.
Students with regional backgrounds contribute to the rich learning environment we foster. We know that sometimes you have extra hurdles to overcome, so we have a number of of programs designed to assist your journey to Melbourne. Whether you're just starting out or a seasoned professional, discover what you’re made of with us.
Special entry scheme for graduate study
The Graduate Access Melbourne, a special entry scheme for graduate study provides special consideration in admission courses at the University of Melbourne for people who may have been restricted due to their financial, geographical, cultural, health, or personal circumstances.
Are you rural?
You may be eligible for Graduate Access Melbourne for special consideration. You are eligible for this category if you resided in a rural area for 5 years (consecutive) or 10 years (cumulatively), from birth. A rural or isolated area is defined as an area with an Australian Standard Geographic Classification of: RA2, RA3, RA4 or RA5. If you are based in Victoria this essentially means anywhere outside of Melbourne or Geelong. The Department of Health and Ageing uses this categorisation system for a number of programs related to medical practice in Australia. You qualify for a rural background if you resided in a rural area for at least five years (consecutive or cumulative) from the commencement of primary school. You can check the classification of your address on the Department of Health and Ageing website.
- Graduate Access Melbourne
Find out about the Graduate Access Melbourne, the University’s special entry and access scheme for graduate study.
- Access Melbourne & Equity Programs
Check out how Access Melbourne can help if you're a domestic student whose circumstances in secondary school have prevented you from achieving the best possible ATAR.
- Indigenous Students
Find out more about the University’s commitment to helping Indigenous Australians meet their educational needs and aspirations.
Rural Opportunities
Based in Shepparton, with major nodes in Ballarat and Wangaratta and associations with nearly 40 smaller towns in rural Victoria, our Department of Rural Health provides professional health education and research training in a rural context.
Placements, internships and other work integrated learning activities are an essential part of many courses in the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences. To find out more about undertaking study rurally, click on the links below.
- Department of Rural Health
Provides professional health education and research training in a rural context. Based at Shepparton in the Goulburn Valley, the Department has major nodes at Ballarat and Wangaratta and associations with nearly 40 smaller towns in rural Victoria.
- Going Rural Health
Training and accommodation resources for students completing a regional placement.