1961 - Teaching begins

Physics department staff. Photograph by Terry Martin. Courtesy of Monash University Archives. Image number: 5120.

On Monday, 13 March 1961 the first students arrived. Classes began with 347 students enrolled in the faculties of Arts, Engineering, Economics and Science.

Today: Since first admitting students in 1961, Monash has earned its place among Australia's prestigious Group of Eight universities with its dedication to the highest educational standards. We have more than 50,000 students from more than 130 countries at our 6 Australian campuses and our campuses in Malaysia and South Africa. Our students also benefit from our centre in Prato, Italy and our teaching and research partnerships around the globe.

Among the worldwide Monash community are over 200,000 alumni - our graduates - who are highly sought after by industry and the professions and whose achievements in such areas as law, medicine, commerce, government, engineering, arts and sciences are outstanding.