Graduate Access Melbourne

If you are applying for a graduate degree and have experienced, or are experiencing disadvantage you may be eligible for Graduate Access Melbourne.

Graduate Access Melbourne (GAM) is the University’s equity program for domestic graduate students. Under GAM, specific circumstances of applicants will be considered in relation to admission and bursaries (refer to Eligibility below for detailed information on categories).

There are three forms of consideration available through Graduate Access Melbourne:

  1. Admission

    Graduate Access Melbourne may assist you to gain admission into a graduate degree, even if your tertiary marks are below the entry requirements. In assessing applications faculties and schools look to balance opportunity and your capacity to succeed. Admissions teams will consider whether your personal circumstances have had a sustained adverse effect on your academic achievement at undergraduate level and/or whether you are part of an under-represented group in tertiary education, including Indigenous Australian.

  2. Commonwealth Supported Places

    The circumstances raised in your Graduate Access Melbourne application will also be taken into account during the assessment of your application for a Commonwealth Supported Place.

  3. Bursaries

    Under GAM you are also considered for a Melbourne Graduate Access Bursary of $5,000. This bursary will be offered to students with the highest overall level of disadvantage within one or more of the Graduate Access Melbourne categories. The bursary will be paid in two instalments in April and September of a given year.

Please note that submitting a GAM application does not guarantee success. Whether or not you are awarded course admission, a CSP, a bursary, or no consideration through GAM will depend on your individual, documented circumstances and also the strength of your GAM and course applications.

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply for GAM you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, or an Australian permanent resident . You need to demonstrate the capacity to succeed in the masters degree of your choice and qualify under one or more of the following equity categories:

  • Indigenous Australian
  • previous status as a refugee
  • disadvantaged socio-economic circumstances
  • disability or chronic medical condition
  • difficult personal circumstances
  • rural and isolated background

Please note that for us to provide the best possible outcome, please provide as much detail and substantive evidence as possible with your application. Details may include, but not limited to, such things as:

  • The specific dates you had been affected
  • How an event or circumstance effected your academic performance (if at all)?
  • If the event occurred some years ago, how did it affect your more recent academic performance (if at all)
  • If you needed to work to help support yourself and/or your family, on average, how many hours a week did you work (supported with a work roster, or a letter from your employer, for instance)
  • Official medical certificates confirming the duration you are/were affected
  • All letters of support should be dated and signed and, if possible, written on company/clinic letterhead.

About the scheme

Graduate degree options

See what Melbourne graduate degrees consider Graduate Access Melbourne applicants.

Eligibility

See if you qualify for any of the equity Access Melbourne categories, as well as meet all other entry requirements.

How to apply

Find out how to prepare your application and apply online for Graduate Access Melbourne.

Scholarships

We also offer a range of scholarships and bursaries to help with your tuition and living costs. Some you'll automatically be considered for. Others you'll need to apply for after you enrol.

Read more