St Mary's College

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 167 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. 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.

Above all, we aim to provide a supportive environment in which each individual is challenged to develop holistically. We are a college in the Catholic tradition and welcome people of all faiths and none; we are inspired by the Gospels and strive to live by their values. St Mary’s is a unique college community with alumni in all walks of life around the world. Each of them has benefited from their time in college.

While academic pursuits remain at the core of the college, we strive for holistic development of our students. Cultural pursuits are encouraged and facilitated – examples include the annual musical production and the oratory competition. St Mary’s students are engaged with the contemporary world in community service – volunteering in local not-for-profits and charities, tutoring migrant and refugee children, raising awareness of important issues. We offer opportunities for spiritual development too – the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage to Spain provides a unique aspect to college life, and college Masses provide an opportunity for prayer and reflection. A full social life is facilitated by the student club, with a diverse program of events throughout the year.