Study at Australia’s No.1 university
Due to its reputation, location and worldclass courses, the University of Melbourne, Australia, is the institution of choice for 100 Sri Lankan students every year.
The University of Melbourne is ranked number one in Australia and number 33 in the world according to the latest Times Higher Education world rankings, and Melbourne is the consistently ranked among the world’s most liveable cities.
Talya Cassim is studying for the University’s Bachelor of Arts with a major i n Media and Communications. She said what caught her attention about the University when researching her course options was the “nonrestrictive course structure that lets you study contrasting disciplines within the one undergraduate degree. “I was able to experiment with not just a wide array of subjects relating to media and communications, but with breadth subjects as well; subjects from other faculties to complement or contrast my core studies, subjects from the areas of business, science, law, education, music and the design.
The University offers courses at undergraduate and graduate level. Its bachelor degrees help students develop both a deep understanding of a particular study area and a breadth of knowledge across other areas. Students who already have a degree can study at masters level, offering the opportunity to pursue a wide range of career opportunities.
Talya agrees “The structure of the Melbourne Model course structure has meant that I have been able to experiment with so many different subjects and pathways and I have been able to filter out what I really like and don’t like. Furthermore, I thought that in university we would solely focus on academics, but participating in extracurricular, leadership and volunteering activities are encouraged to develop soft skills; team work, communication interpersonal and networking skills all key attributes for successful and highly employable graduates.
Before commencing her undergraduate study Talya undertook Trinity College Foundation Studies. “While at Trinity College, I thought I’d have more difficulty with so few familiar faces, but in fact, I found it easier than I expected – the tutorials, the group work and the collaboration encouraged us to work together and I have had a great chance to meet people from places all over the world.”
Trinity College Foundation studies prepares international students for undergraduate study and guarantees a place at the University Melbourne if the minimum academic entry standards are met”
After completing Foundation Studies, students have the opportunity to move into Trinity College as undergraduate residents. Trinity one of twelve residential colleges on the Parkville campus.
“Trinity made me feel so welcome. There was a huge range of extracurricular activities on offer, everything from sport, music and social activities to seminars focussed on easing mental stress closer to exams and fireside chats with alumni which were really helpful with making career choices or finding your niche with what you want to do.”
The college was also fantastic at providing additional academic support. “The additional tutorials and one on one meetings really helps to nurture one’s abilities and helps you achieve the best at your course. You can discuss problems and issue you are having with a certain subject and get assistance from some of the best tutors from around the campus.”
Talya’s dream job is one that allows her to be creative, to travel, see new places and meet new people.
As well as being ranked number 1 in Australia, the University of Melbourne is ranked highly internationally in many disciplines including 5th for Education, 11th for Law, 13th for Life Sciences and Medicine and 14th for Accounting and Finance.
To learn more about courses offered at the University of Melbour ne and life in Melbourne, visit www.unimelb. edu.au.