Alumni frequently asked questions

Alumni community membership

  • How do I join the alumni community?

    You do not have to apply to be part of the University of Melbourne alumni community. Membership is free and extended to all those who have:

    • a University of Melbourne accredited, Award-level* course, including Professional and Specialist Certificates of 25 points or more
    • been awarded an honorary degree
    • completed at least one year of full-time study at the University
    • in the case of international students, have completed a semester-length study abroad program at the University.

    *Award courses are those that lead to a formal award of the University as determined by the Academic Board. These award courses require the obtainment of a minimum of 25 points.

    If you obtained a Professional of Specialist Certificate prior to 2018, may not have been automatically included in the community. As you are now eligible, we invite you to sign up so that you can start enjoying the benefits that come with being part of the Melbourne alumni community.

  • Do I need to join the faculty alumni community separately?

    No. Once you graduate, you become a member of your faculty and the wider alumni community.

  • How big is the University’s alumni community?

    The University has more than 470,000 alumni living and working in more than 170 countries.

  • Is there a cost to join?

    No, there is no membership fee.

Alumni benefits

  • What kind of career assistance is available to alumni?

    We work with Melbourne Careers to help new graduates get their career started. For one year after graduation you can use the full range of services, including the drop-in service and the jobs database.

    As you progress through your career, you continue to have access to online resources, including videos and webinars. Check out alumni career resources for more information.

  • Can I borrow books from the library?

    Yes. Alumni can purchase a Concession Library Membership (PDF), which entitles you to borrow physical books from any of the University of Melbourne libraries.

    More information: Membership and loan periodseJournals

  • Can I download a copy of EndNote?

    No. The University's site licence to EndNote is only available to current staff and students.

  • Can I access articles via Google Scholar or PubMed?

    If you usually use Google Scholar, or PubMed via the University Library, you might be familiar with your search results including SourceIt links to the full text articles.

    The system that sits behind the SourceIt links for University Library databases is not included in the Alumni eJournals service. You can search the above platforms and will be able to view any open-access articles, but no full text articles included in any of the alumni databases (Wiley, Springer, Sage, etc.), or any other databases that the Library subscribes to.

  • How much does it cost to subscribe to eJournals?

    University of Melbourne alumni can access eJournals at a discounted annual fee of $20.

    To access the Alumni eJournals service:

    1. Go to eJournals
    2. Click ‘Access/Subscribe’
    3. Sign in to your account on the Alumni Portal*

    *If you do not have an account, click ‘Create UniMelb Account’.

  • How do I subscribe and pay for the Alumni eJournals service?

    To subscribe to the service:

    1. Go to eJournals
    2. Click ‘Access/Subscribe’
    3. Sign in to your account on the Alumni Portal*
    4. Once logged in, click ‘Purchase’

    Payment for eJournals can be made online using a credit card, complete the online form and follow the prompts.

    *If you do not have an account, click ‘Create UniMelb Account’.

  • Is there a list of journals?

    You can find a selection of the currently available journals listed on the eJournals site. Please note that this is not the complete list, as it is extensive and changes frequently.

    If there are journals you are interested in accessing, contact the Library Collection Development team who can advise if the title is available through the Alumni eJournals service.

  • Why can't I access the full text of certain journals or eBooks?

    You may not be able to access the full text if you are using Academic Search or Business Source. These databases index a large number of journals and contain the full text of many of the journals, but not all. It is also not unusual for the full text content to be delayed or embargoed, depending on the agreements between the database providers and the journal publishers.

    Another reason you may not be able to access the full text is if you are using another database and the Library has not purchased that title.

  • Will I have access to the same journals as a student?

    The Alumni eJournals service doesn’t include all the electronic resources available via the University Library. Most of the Library’s subscriptions are licensed for use by the University’s current staff and students, and on-site Library access.

    The databases included in the Alumni eJournals service have been separately licensed for use by the University’s alumni.

Other questions

  • I'd like to return to University for further study. Where can I find out more information?

    Search or browse for courses at the University's Study at Melbourne website.

  • I need to access my academic record. How do I do this?

    You can order a copy of your transcript online.

  • How can I organise a reunion?

    In addition to your informal networks and old friends from your university days, your faculty may be able to offer a few ideas.

    If you would like to register your interest in coordinating a reunion, please complete the Alumni-led Reunions Support Request Form or contact alumni-reunions@unimelb.edu.au with any questions.