Bachelor of Medical Science (Degree with Honours) (CRICOS course code 113001D) is a Bachelor Honours Degree delivered by The University of Melbourne (UniMelb) over 1 year. This program is designed for high-achieving students who want to deepen their knowledge in medical science through a research-intensive honours year. As a CRICOS-registered course (provider CRICOS 00116K), international students can study at Australia's leading university in the heart of Melbourne, with access to world-class research facilities and clinical partnerships. Whether you aim for a career in medical research, healthcare, or further study like a PhD, this honours degree provides the academic foundation and practical skills to excel. In this guide, HeadStart Academy breaks down the fees, entry requirements, visa pathways, and everything you need to know before applying.
Bachelor of Medical Science (Degree with Honours) (CRICOS course code 113001D) is a Bachelor Honours Degree delivered by The University of Melbourne (UniMelb) over 1 year. It sits at AQF Level 8 (Bachelor Honours Degree) and falls under the field of Medical Science (019901). This degree is for students who have completed a relevant bachelor's degree (usually in science or biomedicine) and wish to undertake an additional year of specialised study and research. The University of Melbourne is a Group of Eight university, globally ranked, and its research output in medical sciences is exceptional. The honours year typically includes a substantial research project, coursework in advanced medical science topics, and seminars. Graduates emerge with enhanced analytical, critical thinking, and research skills, preparing them for roles in laboratories, hospitals, public health, or further postgraduate study. As a CRICOS-registered course, international students are protected under the ESOS Act and have access to the same quality assurance as domestic students. The course is delivered at the Parkville campus, Melbourne's biomedical precinct, surrounded by major hospitals and research institutes.
The Bachelor of Medical Science (Degree with Honours) is classified under Field of Education 019901 - Medical Science. Honours-level study involves advanced coursework and a research project under the supervision of an experienced academic. You'll learn to design experiments, analyse complex data, interpret scientific literature, and communicate findings effectively. While specific subjects vary each year and are set by the University, typical honours topics include molecular biology, immunology, pharmacology, neuroscience, and epidemiology. The program builds on undergraduate knowledge and develops specialised expertise in a chosen area of medical research. Assessment includes a thesis or research report, oral presentations, and written assignments. This level of study is excellent preparation for a PhD or a career in medical research, clinical trials, diagnostics, or pharmaceutical development. The University of Melbourne also offers workshops on research ethics, statistical methods, and scientific writing to support your development.
The official CRICOS duration is 1 year (52 weeks). The course is delivered full-time in English. It is a single qualification (not a dual award) and does not include foundation studies. As a Bachelor Honours Degree, it is typically undertaken after a three-year bachelor's degree in a related field. The intensive one-year program combines coursework and research, requiring a significant time commitment. Students attend classes, seminars, and laboratory sessions, and are expected to work on their research project independently with supervisor guidance. The University of Melbourne's Parkville campus offers state-of-the-art laboratories and library resources.
Tuition fee: A$64,032. Non-tuition fees: A$150. Estimated total: A$64,182. Please note: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, and the student visa application charge are not included in this estimate. The University of Melbourne sets all fees and they are subject to annual review. Always confirm current fees on the provider's website before applying. In addition to tuition, international students should budget for OSHC (around A$600–$1,000 per year depending on provider and cover level), living expenses (approximately A$25,000–$30,000 per year for a single person in Melbourne), and the visa application fee (currently A$1,600 from 1 July 2024). HeadStart Academy recommends using the Department of Home Affairs' financial capacity calculator to ensure you meet the genuine student requirement. All fees shown are indicative only, sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026.
English language proficiency: IELTS 6.0–6.5 overall (no band below 5.5–6.0). The University of Melbourne typically requires an IELTS of 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0 for honours programs, but check the specific course entry. Prior academic qualification: a completed bachelor's degree (AQF Level 7) in a relevant discipline (e.g., science, biomedicine, health sciences) with at least a credit average or equivalent. Honours entry is competitive and based on academic merit. Some students may enter via a fourth-year embedded honours pathway if they studied at UniMelb. Foundation or pathway options: if you don't meet the entry requirements, consider completing a relevant bachelor's degree first, or a pre-masters pathway. Always check the official University of Melbourne website for detailed and up-to-date entry requirements. Note: HeadStart Academy does not assess eligibility — consult the provider or a registered education agent.
Yes — this course includes a work component: 10 weeks, 6 hrs/week (~60 total hours). The work-integrated learning typically involves a research placement in a laboratory or clinical setting within the University of Melbourne's biomedical precinct. Students may work alongside experienced researchers on ongoing projects, gaining hands-on skills in techniques such as cell culture, molecular cloning, bioinformatics, or data analysis. This placement is an integral part of the honours project and is supervised by academic staff. It provides valuable industry experience and can lead to networking opportunities with potential employers or PhD supervisors. The exact nature of the placement varies depending on the research area and available projects. International students must ensure their work component complies with student visa work conditions (48 hours per fortnight during term).
The University of Melbourne — PARKVILLE, VIC. Parkville is Melbourne's premier biomedical precinct, home to the Royal Melbourne Hospital, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, and the Doherty Institute. The campus is well-served by public transport: trams along Elizabeth Street and the Royal Park train station are nearby. Melbourne is Australia's second-largest city with over 5 million residents, and has over 40 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 3,000 courses. Living costs in Melbourne are moderate: indicative weekly rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around A$350–$550, groceries A$100–$150, and a monthly public transport pass about A$150–$200. The city is known for its vibrant arts scene, diverse food, and student-friendly atmosphere. For more about studying in Victoria, see our /states/vic page.
International students need a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study this course full-time. Key requirements: genuine temporary entrant (GTE) criterion, sufficient financial capacity (tuition + living costs + OSHC), and meeting health and character standards. Student work rights: you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks (subject to visa conditions). OSHC must be maintained for the entire visa duration — visit our /visa/oshc-health-cover page for details. For comprehensive visa guidance, see /visa/student-visa-subclass-500. Note: HeadStart Academy is not a migration agent. We recommend consulting a registered MARA agent for personal advice.
Follow these three steps to apply for Bachelor of Medical Science (Degree with Honours) at The University of Melbourne (UniMelb):
1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use our site to compare courses at /courses/113001D. Filter by course level (Bachelor Honours Degree), field (Medical Science), and city (Melbourne). Ensure the provider is CRICOS-registered — The University of Melbourne holds CRICOS 00116K.
2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Check entry requirements, English test scores, and application deadlines on the University of Melbourne website at http://www.unimelb.edu.au/. Submit your application through their online portal, including transcripts, personal statement, and references. Honours applications typically open in August for the following year (February start).
3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once the university offers you a place, accept and pay the deposit to receive a CoE. Then apply for your student visa via immi.homeaffairs.gov.au. Prepare documents: CoE, passport, GTE statement, OSHC proof, financial evidence, and English test results. Visa processing times vary — apply early.
Ready to apply? Check your eligibility and start your application today. For more courses, search our comprehensive directory of 26,433 CRICOS-registered courses.
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Bachelor of Medical Science (Degree with Honours) is a CRICOS-registered programme at The University of Melbourne (UniMelb). Use this register extract [CRICOS register, Apr 2026] to cross-check codes, duration and indicative fees before you apply.
This page is general information only and not migration advice. Confirm Student visa (Subclass 500) requirements with the Department of Home Affairs.