In the 2026 application season, the University of Melbourne maintained high admission standards for students at different levels, but some faculties became more specific in their language requirements, GPA review, and background assessment. Many programs began to emphasize students’ comprehensive abilities and course fit, rather than just grades.
Undergraduate Application Requirements and Gaokao Score Requirements: The University of Melbourne recognizes the Chinese Gaokao (National College Entrance Examination), but admission standards vary by province. Most programs typically require a Gaokao score of around 80% to 90% of the total score, with more demanding requirements for popular programs such as business and computer science.
Besides direct entry through the Gaokao, students can also apply through international curricula, such as A-Level, IB, or foundation programs. Some programs also consider high school grades, so overall performance from grades 10 to 12 is equally important.
Master’s Application Requirements and University Background Requirements: Master’s applications primarily consider the undergraduate institution and GPA. Generally, the GPA requirements for students from 985/211 universities are relatively lower, while students from other universities need higher grades to enhance their competitiveness.
Popular programs such as business, finance, and data analytics are highly competitive, and some faculties also review course fit. If applying to a program outside your undergraduate major, the university may require relevant internship, research, or work experience as supplementary documentation.

Latest IELTS, TOEFL, and Language Course Standards: Most courses require an overall IELTS score of 6.5, with no individual section score below 6.0. Education, law, and medicine programs typically require higher scores, with some courses requiring an IELTS score of 7.0 or higher.
If you haven’t yet met the language requirements, you can apply for a language course. The length of the language course is usually related to the gap between your current grades and the official requirements; the closer your grades are to the requirements, the shorter the language course will be.
Is it difficult for students from non-elite universities to apply to the University of Melbourne?
Students from non-elite universities still have a chance to apply to the University of Melbourne, but they need a higher GPA and a more comprehensive background. Especially for popular business school programs, many admitted students have an GPA above 85%.
Having internship experience, research projects, competition awards, or outstanding application essays can also increase your chances of admission. Therefore, students from non-elite universities need to plan their application process well in advance.