Montagu M. Ansell passed the Senior Public Examination in 1892 (winning prizes in English, Latin, Greek and Geometry) and subsequently studied at the University of Tasmania, gaining the BA degree in 1895 and MA in 1919. He was appointed Registrar of the University of Tasmania in April 1916. The University of Tasmania's Annual Report for 1921 and 1922 includes the note: 'On January 17th, 1922, Mr M.M. Ansell, M.A., resigned his appointment as Registrar of the University on the grounds of ill-health. The Council recorded their high appreciation of the zeal, devotion and ability which Mr Ansell displayed, and their deep regret that the state of his health had rendered his resignation necessary.'
