The 5 Best Colleges in Melbourne for Every Type of Student
More than one of Melbourne’s institutions ranks among the world’s top universities.
That’s impressive, but it also creates a challenge that many roundups tend to overlook. When several universities are genuinely excellent, how do you work out which one is right for you?
A recent school leaver, a parent, and an international student will all need different answers to that question. Rankings matter, but they don’t capture everything about campus culture, student support, or career pathways.
To help, we explored campuses, compared programs and student services, and spoke with current and former students. The result is this practical guide to the best colleges in Melbourne right now.
How much does it cost to go to college in Melbourne?
It costs at least $20,000 per year to go to college in Melbourne. This is just an estimated cost. The actual cost depends on the college you go to, book fees, accommodation fees and more.
1. Monash University Clayton Campus
Address: Wellington Rd, Clayton VIC 3800, Australia
Contact Details: +61399054000
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday – 9 AM to 5:30 PM
Monash University Clayton’s Business Administration program is ranked first in Australia in the 2024 Shanghai Ranking Global Ranking of Academic Subjects.
Their Pharmacy and Pharmacology courses are also first in Australia in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025. With that kind of reputation, it’s hard to ignore them when talking about the best colleges in Melbourne.
What impressed us most when we looked into them was that the students we interviewed actually felt that standard. They reported being challenged and well supported to grow in skill, confidence, and curiosity.
Monash’s scholarship offering is also one of the strongest we encountered. The Kummargi Yulendj Scholarship Program goes beyond financial support, offering funded global experiences, priority access to academic services, and on-campus employment.
We also like the sheer range of programs, from arts and design to pharmaceuticals, as well as the availability of online study options. We also appreciate the pathway programs that support students whose route to university has not been easy.
However, students coming from small secondary schools can find the large sizes disorienting at first. Several new students we interviewed told us they initially felt overwhelmed.
The uni represents a very inclusive student population
“I love Monash Uni. Other than it bejng amongst the top 50 in the wrold ranking, the Uni has much more to be appreciated for.
The uni represent a very inclusive student population.
I visit Monash University Clayton a few times a week to pick and drop my child, and honestly, I really like the campus. It’s big, beautifully designed, and has such a nice vibe to it. The buildings are modern and well-planned, and the gym and sports facilities are impressive. There’s always plenty of parking, which is a huge plus. It’s also well connected to public transport with its own bus stops, and not too far from the city either. Overall, it’s a great uni with everything so thoughtfully laid out.”
– Shazia Choudhry, Google Reviews
Choosing Monash University for my Nursing degree was one of the best decisions
“Choosing Monash University for my Nursing degree was one of the best decisions I have made. From the moment I started, I felt incredibly supported. The university truly excels at promoting multiculturalism and goes above and beyond to ensure international students feel at home and integrated into the community.
Whenever I encountered an issue, whether academic or administrative, the staff resolved it with impressive speed and professionalism. Speaking of the staff, they are consistently respectful and maintain a high level of professionalism that makes you feel valued as a student.
The Clayton campus is outstanding. It is a massive, vibrant environment that offers a perfect balance between study and lifestyle. I spent a lot of time taking advantage of the fantastic facilities, including:
• The Free Games Centre: A perfect spot to de-stress between lectures.
• The Gym: High-quality facilities that make staying active easy.
• Dining: A great variety of restaurants with options for everyone.
• Study Spaces: Beyond the fun stuff, the library and clinical labs are world-class.
My nursing clinicals and placements were the highlight of my education. Monash provided the best nursing experience I could have asked for, preparing me thoroughly for my career. Finally, I want to say a huge thank you to the university for making my graduation ceremony such a special and memorable milestone.”
– Maneet Singh, Google Reviews
2. Melbourne Institute of Technology
Address: The Argus, 288 La Trobe St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Contact Details: +61386006700
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday – 9 AM to 5 PM
Melbourne Institute of Technology occupies a clear niche as a private college in Melbourne. It focuses on meaningful support, accessible staff, and a direct connection between what students study and the careers they want to pursue.
We appreciate that they have targeted programs built around disciplines where skills shortages are real, such as data analytics and cybersecurity. It also offers NEAS-endorsed English language programs through its English Language Centre.
MIT’s Centre of Learning was repeatedly mentioned in our interviews. People value the free 24/7 online academic support, self-paced modules, and peer mentoring.
Their assessment consultations also seem particularly useful during high-pressure periods. They cover research guidance, exam preparation, and capstone project support. They even have free mental health counselling.
Their Career Development Centre is also impressive. One student we spoke to said he finds their weekly career workshops helpful and appreciated the personalised career advice.
That said, MIT is a specialist institution by design. Students who want to study across the humanities will have to look elsewhere.
I am truly grateful for the opportunities it has provided
“I had an enriching learning experience during both my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees at MIT. The central city campus location, affordable tuition fees, and flexible timetables were significant advantages, especially as a part-time student balancing a demanding work schedule. My time at MIT has contributed positively to both my academic and professional journey, and I am truly grateful for the opportunities it has provided. Thank you, MIT!”
– bipin gurung, Google Reviews
Education and the support system at MIT have helped me reach heights
“Writing this review because it’s been a great opportunity to do my higher studies at MIT. I’m glad that I was able to make the right decision. I am grateful for everything I have learnt and accomplished both academically and personally during my 3 year course in Bachelors of Networking. The education and the support system at MIT has helped me reach heights and land on a job related to my career. The lecturers, tutors and staff were friendly and very helpful to me. As a student, I’ve had the chance to actively engage in workshops, student mentor programs, industrial projects, work as a senior buddy and become the Student Representative in my final year. It has moulded my personality and helped me become who I am today. Besides, The campus is right at the heart of Melbourne CBD which was very convenient. MIT has a very special place in my heart for all the wonderful memories, friends and the knowledge I’ve gained.
A special thank you goes out to Jared who is doing an amazing job specially with MIT Alumni, students and managing many other sectors in the campus. Thank you very much for all you do.
I highly recommend MIT for the future students. MIT is the place to begin your journey!”
– Anuki Fernando, Google Reviews
3. St Hilda’s College
Address: 19-25 College Cres, Parkville VIC 3052, Australia
Contact Details: +61392488400
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday – 9 AM to 5 PM
St Hilda’s is not a university but a residential college affiliated with the University of Melbourne. We found it great for those who don’t want to settle on a clear career direction until their final year.
We were particularly impressed by their three-year Edge Employability Program. It covers goal setting, conflict resolution, communication skills, and interview preparation.
Students prepare for their careers through workshops, supervised fieldwork, and industry events.
The extracurricular culture is vibrant too. Sports teams in cricket, hockey, netball, and basketball were praised for being competitive yet inclusive. The performing arts, debating, and social events also create a strong sense of belonging.
Accommodation seems comfortable and well-equipped. Our virtual tour showed fully furnished rooms with unlimited Wi-Fi and specialist software, such as CAD for design students.
When students get the munchies, the 24-hour student kitchen is stocked with snacks and full cooking facilities.
For those who prefer not to cook, in-house chefs provide a buffet three times a day, seven days a week. The menu rotates Italian, Asian, Thai, and American options.
However, students seeking greater independence and privacy may find the structure here more intensive than they would like.
Excellent residential college
“Excellent residential college near Melbourne University. The staff seem friendly and ready to help. Hint, Parking near Queens Park is often the best option.”
– Daryl Raverty, Google Reviews
Best college
“Best college with the best food on the crescent.”
– Pasha Hanifa, Google Reviews
4. La Trobe University
Address: Level 2/360 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Contact Details: +61394796797
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday – 7 AM to 6 PM
La Trobe ranks second in Victoria for overall employer satisfaction, scoring 88.2% in the 2024 Employer Satisfaction Survey by Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching.
This suggests a smaller gap between La Trobe’s teaching and employer expectations than at most comparable institutions. For students, this means graduates of this school are more likely to land a job in their field.
They are known for their research and business programs. For example, La Trobe’s Research Leaders Accelerator Program helps students develop strategic planning and leadership skills, collaborate across institutions, and more.
That said, students in other fields don’t have as much access to extra resources. For example, students in music don’t have extra programs to help them excel.
Still, campus life is a clear strength. They have a busy calendar of events, including performances, film screenings, live music, and exhibitions.
Students we interviewed praised the La Trobe Student Association and La Trobe Student Union for running events, advocating for students, and providing support across all campuses.
This campus is a great place to study in
“If you are Latrobe students who live in the city this campus is a great place to study in. The staff are super kind and friendly. The classrooms and the surrounding service are magnificent. At the same time, it is located in the heart of the CBD.”
– M Al, Google Reviews
This campus has really good space to sit and do your assignments
“This campus has really good space to sit and do your assignments. Although Bundoora campus is bigger than this, I prefer city campus. It’s so quiet and get a lot of work done.”
– Sushma Kollu, Google Reviews
5. The University of Melbourne
Address: Parkville VIC 3010, Australia
Contact Details: +61390355511
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday – 8 AM to 5 PM
The University of Melbourne’s curriculum is built around breadth. Every undergraduate must take subjects outside their main discipline, from languages to music to philosophy.
We value this because it produces graduates who can move across disciplines. It encourages them to work with people from very different professional backgrounds and bring broad perspectives to unfamiliar problems.
They offer more than 400 graduate courses across law, medicine, business, the arts, and other fields. Students interested in research enjoy access to the Ian Holmes Imaging Centre with its advanced electron microscopy for biological science.
We took a virtual tour of the Parkville campus and were impressed by what we saw. The university has six specialist campuses across Victoria that extend its strengths in life sciences and agriculture.
We also appreciate the Hansen Scholarship, which combines fully funded accommodation with scholarship support for undergraduates.
However, a few successful applicants we spoke to complained about the crowded advising schedules and limited one-on-one support.
Quiet and peaceful
“One of the top universities in Melbourne that is worth stopping by. The buildings here are very stunning! The campus is also quite big, and it’s also quiet and peaceful.”
– Sadewa 48, Google Reviews
I got a really positive vibe from this place
“Beautiful campus!! We loved the tour given by one of the students here. Really impressed by all the departments and their building. What stood out to me architecturally was the hanging library, which as the name implies is literally hanging from the ceiling. Also, one of the buildings is naturally cooled and heated and so has absolutely no forced air. Pretty cool. I got a really positive vibe from this place. Hope to come back again soon!!”
– Arun Kumar, Google Reviews