Proposed international student caps
Last updated 9 September 2024
Update on proposed international student caps
In response to the proposed legislation placing a cap on international student enrolments, as a priority the University is currently taking the time to assess the implications of the proposed cap on our institution and community.
The University remains strongly opposed to the proposed cap and recognises and deeply appreciates the immense contribution international students make to the social, intellectual and cultural life of our campuses and our cities.
We are committed to welcoming international students to our campuses and continuing to offer a world-class education to talented students from around the world – our focus on attracting the best and brightest students remains unchanged and we encourage prospective international students to apply to study with us.
Importantly, the proposed caps do not currently apply to our students already enrolled in our graduate degrees, or students currently studying an undergraduate degree at the University and who intend to progress directly to a graduate degree here.
We will continue to communicate the latest information about these proposed legislative changes and update these FAQs as more information comes to hand. Please check this page regularly for updates.
FAQs
Current students
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I am a current international student at the University, will I be able to continue my studies?
Yes, if you are a current international student at the University, you will be able to continue your studies.
The proposed cap on new international students announced by the government for 2025 will not impact existing students who continue to study here at the University of Melbourne. What has been proposed applies to the intake of new international students from 2025 onwards.
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I am a current international student, and I want to change my course here at UoM. Does the proposed cap impact me changing my course?
No, the proposed caps will not impact you as a current UoM student moving between UoM courses, noting you will still need to meet the selection criteria for your new course.
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I am a current international student, and I want to continue to study at UoM in an Honours, Graduate or PhD program. Does the proposed cap impact me?
No, the proposed caps will not impact you as a current UoM student moving between UoM courses, noting you will still need to meet the selection criteria for your new course.
Offer holders
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I have an offer to the University for 2025, what should I do?
Students who have an unconditional offer to the University are strongly encouraged to accept their offer.
Conditional offer holders are strongly encouraged to meet the conditions of their offer, and to do so as soon as possible. They are then encouraged to accept their offer.
Contact Stop 1 for further assistance.
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I have deferred my offer to an intake in 2025, does this mean I won’t be able to take up my place?
Students who have an unconditional offer to the University and deferred to Semester 1 2025 are strongly encouraged to accept their offer.
Students who have a conditional offer and deferred to Semester 1 2025 are strongly encouraged to meet the conditions of their offer as soon as possible, and then accept their offer.
Contact Stop 1 for further assistance.
Future and prospective students
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What are the changes to the University of Melbourne’s admission process for international students?
The University is working through the information we have received about the proposed international student caps from the federal government.
As a priority, we are now taking the time to assess the implications of this proposed cap and will have more detailed information available as soon as possible.
Please check this page regularly for updates.
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Will the recent government announcements affect my chances of getting a visa?
Based on the information we know, we encourage prospective international students to apply to study at the University.
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How will the cap on international student numbers affect my ability to enrol in 2025?
Applications remain open for many courses, and we look forward to welcoming new and returning international students to the University in 2025.
Please check study.unimelb.edu.au for information on application closing dates.
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Will entry requirements go up and be more competitive?
The University will continue to communicate our entry requirements in a timely and clear manner, as we have always done.
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I want to apply to the University, should I bother applying to study in Australia now?
Yes, you should still apply to study in Australia, especially at the University of Melbourne.
The University remains committed to welcoming talented students from around the world and providing a world-class education. The University is a large university, with over 60,000 students enrolled in 2024.
Applications remain open for many courses, and we look forward to welcoming new and returning international students to the University in 2025.
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What support services are available for international students at the University of Melbourne?
The University of Melbourne provides extensive support services for international students, including orientation programs, academic assistance, counselling, health services, and career guidance.
Students can access a wide range of accommodation options and can participate in over 200 clubs and societies. These resources ensure that international students are well-supported in their academic journey and personal well-being.
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I am an international applicant looking to undertake a graduate research PhD program at the University of Melbourne – will I be impacted by these proposed caps?
No, graduate researchers such as PhD and Masters by Research applicants are not impacted by the proposed caps.