Melbourne University vice-chancellor Glyn Davis has hit out at those who sought to "vilify students and colleagues" by scrawling anti-Muslim slogans across its Parkville campus.

Written in chalk, the messages appeared around the campus, but were soon washed away by staff and students.

In a post on its Facebook page, Professor Davis condemned the vandals, who he said intended to cause "hurt".

"Many are aware a number of offensive slogans were written in chalk on the Parkville campus today," he said.