Redefine possible at this year’s interactive virtual Open Days

A woman and a man work on a prosthetic hand design
Open Days 2020 will showcase campuses, facilities and extra-curricular activities in Parkville, Southbank, Dookie and Shepparton – in a new way. It will bring to life the best of the Melbourne city and rural campus experience. Image: 2020 Redefine Possible campaign

The University of Melbourne is throwing its door open – virtually – this September for prospective students and their families to learn more about student life and studying at Melbourne – from wherever they call home.

For 2020, the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has required the University to transform its traditional Open Day and Graduate Study Expo to bring the best of the Melbourne Experience into a virtual Open Day model.

Rather than one day in August, it will be held over six days during September.

Hundreds of online and interactive experiences, including live webinars, will be held for prospective undergraduate students 5 - 6 September and for graduate students evening sessions from 14 - 17 September.

This shift to an online event series is a huge change which will see the University providing important course information via webinars, but also providing engaging content that gives a sense of what being a Melbourne student will be like.

It will be an even more accessible way for prospective students locally and internationally to hear from academic staff and current students​. The unique benefits of studying at the University of Melbourne will be showcased including pathways from undergraduate to graduate study and future career outcomes.​

Participants will hear from student clubs, learn about University free health and wellbeing services, in addition to career services, volunteering opportunities and student accommodation possibilities. Student animations, live music performances and improvised theatre will be also be on show.

University of Melbourne Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Richard James said Open Days 2020 will showcase campuses, facilities and extra-curricular activities in Parkville, Southbank, Dookie and Shepparton -  in a new way.  The online open days will bring to life the best of the Melbourne city and rural campus experience.

“Despite the challenges of COVID-19 the move to virtual Open Days will allow even more prospective students and their families to learn about studying at the University of Melbourne.” Professor James said.

“For the first time hundreds of webinars, panel discussions and pre-recorded videos from lecturers, tutorials and labs will have a worldwide reach. We can globally showcase to prospective students how our distinctive curriculum combines choice, flexibility, and disciplinary focus.”

“Real-life challenges that impact our daily lives will be showcased, from the impact of panic buying this year to the production, supply and distribution of a COVID-19 vaccine. Our experts are on hand to share their excellent insights and to inspire potential students as they define their future in an evolving COVID-19 world.”

Open Days 2020 key dates:

Undergraduate students - Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 September (two days)

Graduate students - Monday 14 to Thursday 17 September (evenings over four days)

For more information and to register visit unimelb.edu.au/opendays.