ICANN said in a statement it received over 1900 applications for new TLDs, and over 2013 it should see the around 1000 new domains added to the web in what will be one of the biggest changes to the World Wide Web since inception.

The TLD program was developed to provide choice and competition to current domains such as .com, .info.net and .org. The new program has many other notable applicants including brands such as .google, .apple and .anz along with generic domains like .melbourne, .book and .cpa.

Monash University has been allocated the new TLD following a lengthy application process and detailed review of its technical operational and financial capabilities.

Vice President (Information) and Chief Information Officer at Monash, Dr Ian Tebbett, said ICANN’s delegation reflects the University’s commitment to embracing new technology and expansion in overseas education and research activities.

“The .monash global Top-Level Domain name will allow the University to manage all of its domain names under the global identity of Monash,” Dr Tebbett said.

“Monash recognises how the Internet has dramatically changed the world, including the education and research activities of the University.

“Greater control over our content and domains will strengthen our online presence and better represent Monash as a global institution.

“Monash University is an early adopter of new technologies and this is an innovation that will ultimately benefit users by allowing us to develop a new customer-focused University web presence.”

Monash is continuing to develop its first phase roll-out, with two .monash websites expected to go live in the near future. The university said it would gradually phase .Monash into its digital communications, however will continue its current online presence of monash.edu.