Overview of St Mary’s

St Mary’s is an academic residential College, affiliated with the University of Melbourne. The College was originally founded by the Loreto Sisters and is based on the Catholic tradition; however, each year we welcome students from diverse religious backgrounds into our community, from all over Australia and around the world. We pride ourselves on the diversity of our students and the inclusiveness of our community.

With 160 undergraduate students, St Mary’s is a medium-sized College. This means that it’s small enough to get to know everyone, but large enough to gain a wide range of friends. St Mary’s places great emphasis on the education and development of the whole person – and as such, we encourage pursuit of academic excellence, while enjoying the many social, sporting, cultural and spiritual opportunities on offer.

St Mary’s alumni are found serving in a wide variety of roles all around the world. They include leaders in academic, diplomatic, legal, corporate, medical and health, research, education, government, and volunteer spheres. Among our alumni are two currently serving Australian ambassadors, numerous professors, CEO’s and Chairs of companies and organisations, leaders of not-for-profits, and dedicated professionals. They are all united by the fond memories they hold of the formative years they had as a student at St Mary’s, and their wish that others may likewise benefit from belonging to this extraordinary community.

We work hard to ensure that our students experience a ‘home away from home’ when they join the St Mary’s College community – that they feel supported, happy, safe and fulfilled, as they transition from school to university, and to life in a big city.

Our genuine commitment to the pastoral care of our students forms an integral part of life at St Mary’s. With warm and approachable staff, dedicated academic tutors, experienced residential tutors and empathetic student mentors, there is always someone looking out for you, willing to listen or provide advice. People are valued and respected for their individual strengths and differences. Regardless of your background, you will find your place to belong in the St Mary’s community.