Information for parents and guardians

We know that having the support of parents and guardians makes the transition from school to university much easier. Open Day is a great way for you to get a clearer picture of what to expect. By exploring everything from course details to the daily reality of campus life, you’ll be better prepared to help your child navigate their options and feel settled as they start this new chapter.

Before Open Day even rolls around, there are so many ways you can help. Here is some information that can help start the conversation about university, in order to make informed decisions about their future.

View Close

Help your child find the right course View

Choosing a course can feel daunting, not just for students, but for parents too. This can be a difficult time for students as they try to navigate the huge range of courses available to them. With so many options available, the best way to support your child is to help them reflect on their interests, strengths, and long-term goals.

Try asking open-ended questions like:

What do you enjoy most at school?
Which subjects or activities come naturally to you?
What kind of work or impact excites you?
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
Have you explored options beyond courses, like study abroad, leadership programs or recreational activities?
Are you on track with the right VCE subjects?

From there, you can work together to shortlist courses, and consider backup options in case your child doesn’t get into their first course or university preference. Open Day is an excellent opportunity to do this, as your child can speak directly to academics and students, and you’ll both get a clearer sense of what studying at Monash is really like.

And remember, while this is an important decision, many people change their career paths a number of times throughout their lives. That’s why at Monash, we focus on developing adaptable graduates, with transferable skills like communication, problem-solving and leadership, alongside technical and deep discipline-based knowledge.

Learn more about what’s on offer at Monash View

There is so much more to a university education than just the study; and when it comes to making the right decision with your child, it’s helpful to know what else they’ll experience beyond the classroom.

Student experience

There are so many opportunities available to your child while studying at Monash. They can join one of our clubs or societies, make new friends at one of our student events; or study overseas or get involved with industry, research or volunteering experiences. Whatever their interests, they'll find plenty of ways to have a rich experience outside the lecture theatre and gain skills that last a lifetime.

Support services

We’re here to help your child get the most out of their time at Monash. We offer a wide range of services designed to support your child academically, personally and socially. Here’s a snapshot of what’s available:

Academic and study support
Advocacy and complaints
Associations, clubs and societies
Campus facilities and safety
Career and development programs
Community and social connections
Finances and accommodation
General enquiries and technology help
Health and wellbeing services
Indigenous Australians
International students
Research support

Graduate employability

We know that supporting your child through university is a big commitment, both in time and money, and you want to be sure it leads somewhere great. At Monash, we’re focused on more than just that first job after graduation. We teach students how to understand and respond to complex problems, which is exactly what employers are looking for. Our courses give them a solid foundation so they’re not just ready for work today, but have the tools to adapt and succeed as the world changes.

Useful terms View

University life comes with its own unique vocabulary. To help you feel right at home, we’ve put together a quick guide of frequently used terms, so you can navigate the conversations as confidently as your child.

Your Open Day parent guide

Discover uni life, hidden gems and honest advice, straight from our current students. Read what it’s like to be a Monash student through our behind-the-scenes content, and get insider tips for making the most of Open Day, particularly as a parent or guardian.