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About the Elite Entry Scheme
The Elite Athletes and Artistic Performers Entry Scheme, also known as the Elite Entry Scheme, provides additional consideration for high-level athletes and performers applying for undergraduate or graduate study at the University of Melbourne.
It recognises the impact that elite training and performance commitments can have on academic achievement. If you meet the eligibility criteria, you may receive a conditional offer or an adjustment to your selection rank.
Eligibility
You will be eligible for the scheme if you meet all of the following criteria:
- you’re a domestic student
- you’re recognised as an elite athlete or performing artist by a recognised organisation
- you meet the minimum course entry requirements
- you can demonstrate that you’ve undertaken elite training, competition, performance and/or practice commitments whilst preparing for entry to the University of Melbourne. The athletic or performance activity you nominate cannot be associated with the degree you're applying for. For example, an elite musician applying for the Bachelor of Music would not meet the scheme criteria.
How to apply – undergraduate
Key dates
Applications must be made by the published VTAC closing dates. The final date to apply for the Elite Entry Scheme corresponds with VTAC's 'very late applications' closing date.
Steps to apply
1. Apply for your preferred course(s) through VTAC
Submit your undergraduate course application via VTAC, following the standard undergraduate application steps.
2. Apply for the Elite Athlete and Artistic Performers Entry Scheme
After submitting your VTAC application, apply online directly to the University for the Elite Entry Scheme.
Your application must include a verification letter from the relevant recognised organisation. The letter will also be verified as part of the assessment process.
If you need to update your application or submit your verification letter after you've applied, email undergrad-admissions@unimelb.edu.au.
3. Wait for assessment and offer
If eligible, you’ll be considered for special entry when your application is assessed. If successful, you'll receive a Melbourne offer with instructions on how to accept.
If you're confirmed as eligible for entry through this scheme and are currently completing Year 12, you'll benefit from an adjusted ATAR entry requirement for select courses.
Applicants will need to satisfy subject prerequisites and enrol in the year following completion of Year 12 (or be granted an approved deferral by the University).
Semester 2 (mid-year) entry in the year after Year 12 is permitted if no further secondary or tertiary study has been undertaken.
Adjusted ATARs for 2027 entry
Students applying for 2027 entry will receive a reduction on their ATAR entry requirement by two points from the 2027 lowest selection rank.
The lowest selection rank is an ATAR plus any eligible adjustment factors that were required to secure a place in Semester 1 2026. This means all applicants with this ATAR and above were offered a place, provided prerequisites and all other entry requirements were met.
The 2026 lowest selection ranks can be used as a guide for indicative entry standards to each course.
| Table | |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate course | 2026 lowest selection rank |
| Bachelor of Agriculture | 72.25 |
| Bachelor of Arts | 85.00 |
| Bachelor of Biomedicine | 90.00 |
| Bachelor of Commerce | 92.00 |
| Bachelor of Design | 85.00 |
| Bachelor of Science | 91.00 |
For example, in 2026, students eligible for entry under this scheme would be offered a place in the Bachelor of Design with an ATAR of 83.00 and above.
Not all undergraduate courses offer adjusted ATARs. This can be because selection is based on a range of criteria or there are only a small number of places available in the course.
ATAR adjustment benefits are not applicable to the Melbourne Chancellor’s Scholarship.
Current Year 12 applicants (only) who submit a course application and an Elite Entry Scheme application by the timely VTAC closing date may be eligible to receive a conditional offer for the upcoming intake.
If eligible, you will receive a conditional offer letter around early October.
How to apply – graduate
Key dates
Course application closing dates for graduate coursework differ by faculty and degree. These dates are published on each course page.
Your application for the Elite Athletes and Artistic Performers Entry Scheme needs to be submitted by the same deadline as your course application.
Steps to apply
1. Apply for your preferred graduate degree(s)
Submit your graduate coursework application via direct online application, following the standard graduate application steps.
2. Apply for the Elite Athletes and Artistic Performers Entry Scheme
After submitting your course application, apply online directly to the University for the Elite Athlete and Artistic Performers Entry Scheme.
Your application must include a verification letter from the relevant recognised organisation. The letter will also be verified as part of the assessment process.
If you need to update your application or submit your verification letter after you've applied, email undergrad-admissions@unimelb.edu.au.
3. Assessment and offer
If you qualify, you’ll be considered for special entry when your application is assessed.
If successful, you'll receive a Melbourne offer with instructions on how to accept.
Recognised organisations
- AFL Players’ Association
- Australian Cricketers’ Association
- Australian Professional Footballers’ Association
- National representative or league members from the Australian Sports Commission supported Olympic, Commonwealth or International University Sports Federation sports
- Rugby League Professionals’ Association
- Rugby Union Players’ Association
- State institutes or academies of sport
- State representative from the Australian Sports Commission supported Olympic, Commonwealth or International University Sports Federation sports
- ABC Concerts
- Actors Equity Australia
- Australian Chamber Orchestra
- Australian Dance Council
- Australian Dance Theatre
- Melbourne Theatre Company
- Musica Viva
- Opera Australia
- The Symphony Australia Orchestras
- Victorian Opera
University of Melbourne Elite Athlete Program support and scholarships
All Entry Scheme applicants will automatically be assessed for Elite Athlete Program support and scholarships and be contacted with support and scholarship details.
Need help?
Future students interested in undertaking undergraduate or graduate coursework can get in touch with Stop 1 for advice and support, or to find out more about the Elite Athlete and Artistic Performer Entry Scheme.