Community Access Program (CAP): general information
On this page:
- What subjects can I study and where can I find out more about subject information?
- Will my studies be assessed?
- What access will I have to University facilities and services?
- Will I be accepted into CAP automatically?
- How do I apply?
- Will I gain credit for future study
- How do I enrol?
- Cancellation of enrolment
- Other questions
What subjects can I study and where can I find out more about subject information?
Most undergraduate subjects and some graduate subjects are available through CAP in Semester 1 and Semester 2. A limited number of subjects is also offered for intensive study over summer.
Refer to the University handbook for detailed information of individual subjects including pre or corequisites. You may also browse Course Search for an overview of courses available at the University. CAP Officers can also help you with subject selection, information about bursaries and the application process
Will my studies be assessed?
You may choose to take a subject through one of two modes: assessed or non-assessed. The subject content is the same through either mode.
- Assessed mode
If you would like to be graded on your studies and receive an official transcript of results, you can study through the assessed mode. You must attend all lectures, tutorials and practical classes, and complete all set assessment tasks, including relevant examinations.
Methods of assessment vary, and are outlined in the subject description in
the University handbook. Assessment regulations are listed in the student diary, which is provided free of charge when you enrol.
- Non-assessed mode
If you want to learn about a subject that interests you but would prefer not to take on the demands of formal assessment, you can study through the non-assessed mode. You attend the lectures without completing any assessments, and therefore you do not receive an academic record.
Important notice
If you are accepted into an award course at a later date your non-assessed studies will not be credited. Places for non-assessed are awarded by faculties on a discretionary basis. Contact faculties directly to discuss your options.
What access will I have to University facilities and services?
As an enrolled CAP student, you are able to:
- borrow from the University libraries and attend free library tours and information sessions that are recommended for new students;
- use the services and/or advice of the Careers & Employment Unit, the Disability Liaison Unit, the Language and Learning Skills Unit, Health Services, Counselling Service, Student Housing Services and Financial Aid*;
*Please note that the level of access to these services varies between assessed and non-assessed CAP students. Please seek advice from the relevant faculty and/or relevant student support services.
- use an official University email account;
- opt to become a member of the Student Union and/or Postgraduate Student Association (UMPA). Membership provides you with access to the general facilities and amenities of Union House
- opt to become a member of Melbourne University Sport. Membership provides you with access to the facilities of the Sports Centre and discounts on services provided
Will I be accepted into CAP automatically?
Acceptance into CAP is subject to approval from the relevant faculty. The faculty reserves the right to limit the availability of some subjects to those students enrolled in award degrees only.
Some subjects require students to have a suitable academic background before they can enrol, such as the completion of specific subject prerequisites. For high demand subjects, quota restrictions may apply; applicants may need to supply a supporting statement to enhance their selection opportunity.
Current University of Melbourne degree program students (including international students) require home faculty approval before undertaking a CAP subject. Please note that credit for CAP study will not be granted towards studies in the current award course.
International applicants need to ensure that undertaking CAP study does not violate Australian visa conditions. For instance, a visitor’s visa does not usually allow an enrolment for a study program that is more than three months in length. This means that during Semesters 1 and 2, visitors may be eligible only for non-assessed CAP studies. Intensive studies in Summer Semester, completed within three months, may be available to visitors on an assessed basis. International students should consult with the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) or the University International Centre regarding visa conditions.
How do I apply?
You should complete the application form (PDF, 108KB, 2 pages). Applicants must provide supporting documentation specified in the application form with your application.
- Applying in person
In most faculties you can simply leave the completed application form with the
CAP Officer. The CAP Officer will arrange for the application to be forwarded to the relevant department(s) for approval and will notify you of the outcome.
Some faculties require that you take your application form to the relevant department for approval before forwarding it to the faculty for processing. Your faculty CAP Officer will be able to advise you on this.
- Applying by mail
Send your completed application form to:
The CAP Officer
C/- Faculty of (e.g. Arts, Science, Law etc.) OR
School of (e.g. Behavioural Science, Population Health etc.)
The University of Melbourne
Victoria 3010 Australia
If you are applying for subjects in more than one faculty, you will need to lodge a separate application with each faculty.
If you decide not to proceed with your application, you must notify your faculty CAP Officer.
Will I gain credit for future study?
Students not currently enrolled in a degree program at the University of Melbourne
Upon completion of an assessed CAP subject, you may receive credit towards a diploma or degree at the University, if selected for entry to a course. Such credit is not, however, granted automatically. Please check with the relevant faculty/graduate school for further advice.
The successful completion of a subject or subjects undertaken through CAP does not automatically qualify a student for admission to an award course at the University, however for some courses CAP may enhance their chances of selection.
If you are planning to undertake CAP subjects to enhance your chances of selection into a course, seek advice from the General Manager or the Selection Officer of the relevant faculty/graduate school.
Students currently enrolled in a degree program
Upon completion of a CAP subject, either assessed or non-assessed, you will not receive credit towards your current award course at the University of Melbourne.
If you are studying at another institution and wish to receive credit for CAP studies, you will need to make a request to your home institution for credit to be granted. You may wish to check your home institution’s credit guidelines before undertaking a CAP subject.
If you are undertaking CAP subjects for professional recognition (e.g. accounting, psychology), it is your responsibility to ensure that the subjects are recognised by the relevant professional organisation or association.
How do I enrol?
If your application is successful, you will be advised to accept your offer and enrol online.
Australian students
At the time of offer you will be provided with:
- a letter containing your library barcode and student number
- an Online Enrolment Instruction Sheet containing a step by step guide to accepting your offer and enrolling online
International students
You will accept your offer directly with International Admissions. Instructions and more information will be provided on the letter of offer. Your online enrolment information will be provided to you at your International Student Welcome.
See also: What type of student am I?
Confirming your enrolment
1. log onto the Online Enrolment System. Australian students may be required to accept their
offer online before enrolling. You will be asked to:
- set up your University email account
- declare your citizenship information
- update your address
- nominate a contact ‘In Case of Emergency’ (ICE)
- complete an Enrolment Declaration and Questionnaire
- indicate your expression of interest in student organisations
- select subjects (if required)
2. view your fees owing via the ‘Admin’ tab of the Student Portal. You are required to pay any
mandatory tuition fees by the due date shown on the statement. If the amount is due ‘immediately’, payment is due within seven working days of the date of the invoice. A fine of $100 will apply to all late payments.
3. check via the ‘Admin’ tab of the Student Portal that your enrolment is ‘Confirmed’, then attend
the Enrolment Support Centre with your photo identification to collect your student card and
diary.
Please note once your enrolment has been confirmed you will remain liable to pay tuition fees unless you withdraw prior to the subject census date. Students who have previously studied at the University of Melbourne must pay any outstanding debts, e.g. library fines or student loan fees before they can confirm their enrolment.
Student responsibilities
You are responsible for maintaining your enrolment. This includes making any subject changes, paying fees or withdrawing from your course by the required deadlines. You are also responsible for checking your University email account on a weekly basis and notifying your faculty of any concerns or problems you may have.
Subject changes
A new application form must be completed for any new subjects you wish to add to your CAP studies and must be authorised by the relevant head of department. Please leave your new
form with the faculty’s CAP Officer. For more information about key dates for subject changes and/or withdrawals and relevant university policies, please log on to the Student Portal.
Discontinuation of enrolment
You must notify the relevant faculty CAP Officer if you do not intend to proceed with your studies. You are eligible for a full refund of the tuition fees you have paid if you discontinue your CAP
enrolment on or before the census date. You will not be eligible for a refund for any subject where the census date has already passed. Similarly, you will remain liable for any unpaid fees.
See also:
2008 CAP fees, fee policy, financial assistance and scholarships
Standards census dates (PDF, 149KB, 1 page)
Census date for every subject offered at the University
Other questions
How do I obtain my results?
Students who have completed an assessed CAP subject can check their results at the end of each semester via the Student Portal. One free Academic Transcript will be sent to you after the
end of semester. Please ensure that the University has your correct mailing address by checking your ‘Personal Details’ on the Student Portal.
What textbooks will I need to buy?
Textbook lists for each subject are distributed at the beginning of the academic year. It is strongly recommended that you purchase textbooks only after you have received advice about textbooks
from your lecturer or tutor. New and second-hand textbooks are also available from the University Bookshop.
What if I am ill or have a serious problem which affects my study?
If you find you are having difficulties with your studies, talk to your tutors and/or lecturers. Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible to apply for ‘special consideration’. Faculty staff can advise you on this. If you decide not to continue with your study, ensure that you notify the CAP Officer in your faculty in writing.
If you have any other queries, please contact the relevant faculty CAP Officer.
CAP home page.