If you’re beginning your studies at Monash, you’ll need access to a laptop that meets our recommended minimum specifications. This will ensure you can fully participate in your studies, allowing you to live-stream lectures, use a range of free, specialist software on your own device (through MoVE), use your laptop to sit eExams, and more.
Recommended minimum laptop specifications
We recommend that your laptop have the following minimum specifications.
| Windows | macOS | |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | i5 2.2GHz /AMD A6 1.8Ghz | 1.2GHz dual-core m3 |
| Operating system | Windows 10 | macOS 10.14 Mojave |
| Memory | 8GB | 8GB |
| Hard drive | 120GB SSD (solid state drive) | 120GB SSD (solid state drive) |
| Display | 14" screen with 1920 x 1080 screen resolution | 13" screen with 1920 x 1080 screen resolution |
| Battery life | 4 hours under normal use | 4 hours under normal use |
| Wi-fi | 802.11ac or better | 802.11ac or better |
| Webcam | User facing, inbuilt microphone and speakers | User facing, inbuilt microphone and speakers |
Testing your device for a Monash eExam
You can check whether your computer can run a Monash eExam using our secure device test. Check our device and system specifications page for more information.
Buying a new laptop
Don't have a laptop? We know new laptops can be costly, but as a Monash student, you can get discounts on new HP, Apple, and Dell brands.
Getting financial help
If you’re experiencing financial difficulty, you may be eligible to apply for the following:
- a scholarship
- a student loan
- student grants (these are available in cases of extreme financial hardship).
MoVE
The Monash Virtual Environment (MoVE) allows you to access specialised applications on your laptop or tablet – anywhere, anytime, for free! If you're enrolled in a unit that requires MoVE, you’ll need to bring your own device to class.
See the MoVE web page for more information and instructions on how to get access, or click the MoVE tile in my.monash.