Student protesters clash with police outside Abbott event at Melbourne University

Police have fought off protesters at a Melbourne building where Prime Minister Tony Abbott is inside.

The university student protesters angry at university cuts yelled "shame" at police officers and clashed as the officers tried to get inside the Melbourne University building.

A demonstrator earlier told protesters Mr Abbott entered the building from the other side and claimed police "assaulted" protesters, leading to chants of shame.

Mr Abbott is officially opening the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity.

There are up to 200 protesters shouting slogans and calling for education for all and no cuts to education.

About 40 officers formed a wall guarding the entrance to the building on Friday morning.

Up to 20 police officers are guarding another entrance.

One student protester was injured as protesters chased a car leaving the university building.

He said he was tackled to the ground by police or security personnel as he waved a flag on the road as a car headed towards him.

"The car stopped just in front of me, right at my shoulder," said the protester, named only as Nick.

He said he had hurt his lower back.

"That's nothing in comparison to the sort of effects these federal budget cuts are going to have on people," he said.