Bachelor of Commerce (B-COM) // Entry and participation requirements

Entry requirements

1. In order to be considered for entry, applicants must have completed one of the following:

(a) the Victorian Certificate of Education including:

• VCE Units 3 and 4 – either a study score of at least 25 in one of English, English Language or Literature or a study score of at least 30 in English as an Additional Language, and
• VCE Units 3 and 4 – a study score of at least 25 in Mathematics Methods or Specialist Mathematics;

Notes: 
(i)    Students who complete the VCE without taking Mathematical Methods or Specialist Mathematics, or do not achieve a minimum study score of at least 25, can instead complete an approved bridging course in Calculus and Probability.
(ii)    For applicants interested in the Bachelor of Commerce and Master of Engineering Graduate Degree Package,  it is strongly encouraged that you complete VCE Specialist Mathematics Units 3 and 4, or equivalent. If VCE Specialist Mathematics is not completed, or not completed with a study score of at least 25, applicants will be required to undertake an additional Mathematics subject through the University's Community Access Program (CAP). The Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology will provide a fee waiver for one CAP subject.

(b) the International Baccalaureate Diploma including

• A minimum of grade 4, at either HL or SL, on either English Language A: literature, English Language A: literature and language or English Literature and performance. For students without English as a first language, a grade of 4 or above, at either HL or SL on English Language B is required. A minimum of grade 4, at either HL or SL, in Mathematics Analysis and approaches or a minimum of grade 4, at HL, in Mathematics Applications and interpretations. Mathematics Applications and interpretations at SL cannot be used to meet this requirement;

(c) a senior secondary program, foundation studies program or equivalent approved by the Academic Board (including appropriate English language and Mathematics studies).

Except for applicants eligible for Access Melbourne, minimum ATAR or equivalent overall performance rankings apply.

Meeting these requirements does not guarantee selection.

2. In ranking applications, the Selection Committee will consider, prior academic performance.

3. The Selection Committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Academic Board rules on the use of selection instruments.

4. For applicants who have not completed the Victorian Certificate of Education or the International Baccalaureate Diploma, the undergraduate English language requirements must be met.

Note: For applications through the Victorian Tertiary Admission Centre, “middle-band” selection adjustments are made only on the basis of eligibility for Access Melbourne.

Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)

The BCom equips graduates with the knowledge and technical skills necessary to understand and participate in the modern business world. The BCom degree includes the following academic requirements for study:

• The ability to explain and evaluate concepts, theories, institutional arrangements, and economic and business phenomena present in contemporary and historical societies;
• Demonstrate ways in which business and economic analysis can be deployed in the analysis of market behaviours, organisational practice and innovation, and to address the complex challenges faced by contemporary policy makers in ways that make a difference to society and the economy, locate pathways for sustainable economic growth, address social and economic disadvantage and harness new technology for good;
• Integrate economic and business analysis with consideration of broader social, and political considerations in ways that develop the capability to gain insights that inform business decision making and economic policy for an inclusive and sustainable global economy.

All students entering the BCom degree must possess intellectual, ethical, and emotional capabilities required to participate in the full curriculum and to achieve the levels of competence required by the Faculty. Candidates for the BCom degree must have abilities and skills in communication; in conceptual, integrative, and quantitative analysis; and in behavioural and social dimensions.

• Communication: BCom students must be able to effectively communicate complex ideas and evidence in a range of media and with methods appropriate to the needs of different audiences. Students must be able to effectively communicate knowledge and application of a discipline, principles or practices during assessment tasks, and in interactive classes.
• Intellectual‐Conceptual, Integrative and Quantitative Abilities: BCom students are expected to develop and demonstrate the ability to engage in problem‐solving and analytical tasks required to develop insights, interpret and draw inferences and identify potential solutions to business and economics problems. These skills include measurement, calculation, reasoning, analysis, synthesis, iterating an understanding of a complex problem, as well as identifying creative ways to test ideas, address barriers and implement future-oriented solutions. Problem solving requires all of these intellectual abilities. Students should also have the ability to comprehend complex disciplinary and cross disciplinary information related to business and economics.
• Behavioural and Social Attributes: BCom students must possess behavioural and social attributes that enable them to participate in a complex learning environment, establish study plans, prioritise activities, and work effectively both as part of a group and independently.  Students are required to take responsibility for their own participation and learning. They also contribute to the learning of other students in collaborative learning environments, demonstrating interpersonal skills and an understanding of the needs of other students. Assessment may include the outcomes of tasks completed in collaboration with other students. Integrity, concern for others, interpersonal skills, interest, and motivation are all personal qualities that are deemed necessary for students enrolled in the BCom.

Students with a disability who believe that this will prevent or limit their capacity to participate in tasks involving the inherent academic requirements of the BCom are encouraged to contact the Student Equity and Disability Services. Adjustments can be provided to minimise the impact of a disability, but students should participate in the course in an independent manner.

Last updated: 16 December 2025