Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Trinity College distinctive among the residential colleges?
Trinity aims to offer its students the best all-round educational experience available in an Australian University. Trinity is the oldest College at the University of Melbourne, and has the most extensive tutorial program.

What do Trinity students do for fun and recreation?
Trinity offers an extraordinary range of clubs and societies run by students for students. Whatever your interests or talents, there is likely to be a club or society that suits you. Trinity's clubs and societies organise a whole range of activities, from musicals to debating, from wine tasting to chapel services. We have sporting clubs, an outstanding choir, a film society and a billiards room club, just to mention a few.

Will I be eligible for admission to Trinity?
Any student offered a place at the University of Melbourne (including the Victorian College of the Arts) is eligible to apply for admission to Trinity College. Strong academic results are valued, but this is not the only thing taken into consideration. You are strongly encouraged to apply, even if you unsure about getting into university.

How much does it cost?
The basic fee for one year (covering the 32 weeks of university) in residence at Trinity College is about $18,000. This includes all meals, heating, lighting, electricity, internet access, tutorials and mentoring, access to the library and to all of the College sporting, artistic, musical and service activities. And you don't have to pay for travel to uni!

Are there scholarships that I can apply for?
Trinity College offers about fifty different scholarships each year.

How else can I find out if Trinity is right for me?
If you would like to visit the College, please contact the the Assistant to the Dean to arrange a tour (enquiries@trinity.unimelb.edu.au; telephone +61 3 9348 7109).

When do I have to apply? Can I enter mid-year?
Prospective students ideally submit their applications by the end of November. Offers are made for Semester 1 of the academic year from mid-January through mid-February. We do, however, accept applications all year round and students may enter mid-year.

How will I benefit from the Trinity community?
At Trinity you will make life-long friends in all disciplines, from all over Australia and around the world. Trinity College also pursues an active interest in the indigenous community.

How will the staff at Trinity help me?
Our staff members have extensive experience in secondary and tertiary education, teaching, mentoring and academic research. Our staff members are particularly concerned with the safety and personal well-being of all students.

Can I bring my bicycle?
Trinity offers storage space for students' bicycles, and actively encourages students and staff to ride.

What is the weather like in Melbourne?
Summer (December to February) is dry and hot, and temperatures can reach the high 30s Centigrade (around 100F). Autumn (March to May) evenings are warm and the days are mostly fine and sunny with temperatures in the range 20 to 28C. Winter (June to August) average temperatures are about 12C during the day and 2C overnight. It doesn't snow during the Melbourne winter, but it does rain quite a lot, so always carry an umbrella! Spring (September to November) is warm (around 25C) but frequently wet.

What clothes should I bring?
No special clothing is required, but men will need a dinner suit (tuxedo) with black bow-tie for special dinners such as the Commencement Dinner and social events such as the College Ball. Similarly, a formal dress will be needed by women residents. When in residence, you must have an academic gown to wear to formal dinners. Gowns are also worn to evening and special services in Chapel. If you do not have an academic gown, you may purchase or rent one from the College. A good-quality overcoat is esssential during winter.

Does Trinity College have a good arts program?
There is a strongly contested competition between the Colleges in a wide range of artistic pursuits, including debating, theatre sports, music, and the visual arts. Trinity usually does very well, but we could always use new ideas and new performers.

Does Trinity College have a good sports program?
The sporting life of the College is pursued vigorously. Participation is voluntary but encouraged strongly. There is often a place for the person who is not particularly skilled but is willing to "have a go." Academic obligations naturally take priority over sporting and social obligations. Inter-collegiate competitions are held in the following sports: (both men and women) Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Football, Golf, Hockey, Rowing, Squash,Swimming, Table Tennis, Tennis, Volleyball; (for women only) Netball, Softball; (for men only) Cricket, Rugby, Soccer.