Who we are

Who we are

Monash is a modern, global, research-intensive university, delivering education and research excellence in Australia and across the Indo-Pacific.
We’re making a positive impact on today's global challenges – whether that’s by mitigating climate change, easing geopolitical insecurity or fostering healthy communities.

  • Our people

    Our vibrant and diverse community of 86,000 students, 17,000 staff, and more than 500,000 alumni in 150+ countries are working together to create real change.

  • Our global reach

    To make a global impact, we need to be embedded in the communities we serve. We have three international teaching locations, six campuses, and more than 100 partner universities.

  • Our research

    We have more than 150 active fields of research, 10 faculties, and over 4700 Higher Degree by Research students solving the challenges of our age.

  • Our rankings

    Our dedication to teaching and research excellence, coupled with our record for innovation, means we’re consistently ranked in the top one per cent of universities worldwide.

Read more - Monash at a Glance

Our impact and focus

Equal rights street march protest
Challenges of our age

The global challenges of climate change, fostering thriving communities and preserving geopolitical security are core focus areas for Monash.

Our Strategic Plan, Impact 2030, charts the path for how the University will actively contribute to addressing these challenges through its research and education, and in collaboration with government, industry, alumni, donors, and community.

Learn how Monash is already making a global impact, from preventing the spread of mosquito-borne diseases, tackling human rights and social justice to finding green energy solutions and more.

Read about our global impact

We value...

As outlined in our strategic plan, Impact 2030, the following values will underpin the
behaviours and decisions of the University and shape Monash culture.

  • Discovery

    We nurture curiosity and innovation in the pursuit of new knowledge to build our understanding of natural and social environments and their peoples.

  • Learning

    We are open to experiment and testing our understanding with evidence; we adapt and learn from experience, others and new circumstances; we are always 'still learning'.

  • Purpose

    We aspire to use our knowledge and learning to improve our communities; we strive to transform our understanding and engagement to make an impact through contributing to solutions to significant challenges and persistent problems.

  • Collaboration

    We seek to work with others to achieve our goals, and commit to engaging cooperatively, collegially and responsively to developing shared aims and benefits.

  • Honesty

    We commit to acting in good faith with integrity and  transparency in our relations within and outside the University community.

  • Fairness

    We pledge to treat all people justly and with respect, making objective and unbiased decisions, and to preventing behaviours such as discrimination, vilification, harassment and violence that inhibit the full engagement of people in our community.

Our history

A proud history

When our first students began their studies at our foundation campus in Clayton in 1961, we became the first university established in the state of Victoria in over 100 years. From a single campus with fewer than 400 students, Monash has grown into a network of campuses, education centres and partnerships spanning the globe.

Explore the interactive Monash timeline

Monash has been breaking new ground for more than 60 years. Discover our diverse and colourful history.

Who was Sir John Monash?

We’re named after Sir John Monash – an engineer, military leader, and public administrator who contributed to almost every level of Australian life. We’re guided by our motto, Ancora Imparo (“I am still learning”), which sums up his approach to life and our dedication to lifelong learning.