- Overview
- Why VU
- Alumni & Faculty Achievement
- Awards & Accreditations
- Programmes
- Key Ranking
- Life in Melbourne
- Latest Updates
Overview of Victoria University
Victoria University (VU) has been a cornerstone of tertiary education in Melbourne and beyond for over a century. Established in 1916, VU achieved university status in 1991 and currently serves more than 40,000 students across higher education and vocational training programs.
As a dual-sector institution, VU facilitates seamless pathways for students transitioning from vocational education to higher education. This includes progression from certificate or diploma courses to undergraduate degrees and postgraduate qualifications, both through coursework and research
VU has received notable rankings that highlight its commitment to excellence:
- Top 2% globally (Times Higher Education World University Rankings)
- Ranked 45 among the world’s top universities under 50 years old (THE Young University Rankings 2019)
- Ranked #1 in Australia for professional skills (2022 QILT Employer Satisfaction Survey)
VU boasts modern campuses equipped with industry-focused facilities and vibrant community spaces. Key locations include:
- Footscray Park and Footscray Nicholson
- St Albans
- Sunshine
- Werribee
- City Campus featuring the 32-level VU City Tower in Melbourne's central business district
Our campuses are designed with purpose-built labs and learning areas, alongside recreational facilities, cafes, and libraries. Additionally, services operated by VU staff and students include: Beauty treatments, Massage therapy, Osteopathy, Music agency, Childcare services and others
Victoria University is recognized as the first university in Australia—and the largest globally—to implement a unique teaching model, inspired by successful approaches from North America and Europe. This model is also applied to postgraduate courses, which are delivered in a mix of four-week and eight-week blocks, with PhD and research master’s courses taught separately.
Courses are divided into four-week and eight-week blocks, enabling intensive study and deeper engagement with the material. Students is take one or two subjects per block, minimizing distractions and allowing for concentrated learning.
VU proudly maintains a global alumni network consisting of 270,000 individuals across 130 countries, reflecting the university's extensive reach and impact.
Victoria University is dedicated to providing high-quality, accessible education. We offer university-funded scholarships to support international students and recognize their achievements, including government-funded awards.
The VU Block Model® International Scholarship is designed for international students entering foundation, undergraduate, or postgraduate coursework studies at our Melbourne campuses. Scholarship details include:
- Award amounts of 10%, 20%, or 30% based on prior academic performance
- Guaranteed scholarships upon meeting entry requirements for eligible courses
- Potential for scholarship extension or increase after successful completion of the first year
For more information, visit: [vu.edu.au/international-scholarships]
(http://vu.edu.au/international-scholarships)
For students seeking accommodation in Melbourne, VU offers guaranteed housing at UniLodge VU, a safe, welcoming, and affordable student accommodation complex. Features include:
- A variety of room options at competitive prices
- Unlimited WiFi and all energy bills included
- Proximity to VU campuses in both the west and central Melbourne
Why VU
For more than 100 years, Victoria University (VU) has offered accessible education to students in Melbourne’s west and beyond.
VU is one of only six universities in Australia to offer courses in both TAFE and higher education. From certificates to diplomas, degrees and postgraduate courses, you can begin your studies at any point and progress between courses to achieve your goals, regardless of your starting point.
We see your unique potential and put your study experience first - opening the door to opportunities that shape your future.
- No. 1 uni for real job skills: Our graduates are ranked number 1 for workplace technical skills – so you can feel confident you’ll graduate job-ready (QILT Employer Satisfaction Survey 2022).
- Award-winning learning: Achieve more through our award-winning VU Block Model®. Study one subject at a time, in interactive, workshop-style classes where you can build hands-on skills.
- An easier transition: Our VU First Year College® is the first of its kind in Australia, giving you dedicated support and guidance, and easing your transition to university.
- Ranked top 2% worldwide: VU is ranked in the top 2% of universities worldwide (Times Higher Education 2024).
- Industry-focused learning: Our TAFE courses give you in-demand practical skills and prepare you to progress your career – or transition to one of our uni courses.
- Net zero by 2025: Our goal is to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2025, and to be net positive by 2028 – leading the way for other universities across Australia.
- 51% first-in-family uni: 51% of our students are first in their family to go to uni, opening up new opportunities to help launch their chosen career.
- 30,603 work placements in 2023: Our students gain valuable on-the-job experience with placement opportunities through our huge network of industry partners.
- Multiple pathways and entry options: With courses across TAFE and uni and pathways between, you can create your own path to career success at VU.
- 90+ Over 90 cultures represented: VU celebrates diversity and has one of the most varied and inclusive student populations in Australia, with hundreds of languages spoken.
- No. 7 globally for sports science: Our industry partnerships and innovative facilities put our sports science courses in the world’s top 10 (ShanghaiRanking 2023).
- Real industry connections: We share our campuses with industry partners, so you can make important connections and get real-world experiences.
Alumni & Faculty Achievement
Notable Alumni:
- John Stanway - CEO Royal Melbourne Children’s Hospital
- Vedran Drakulic OAM - CEO Gandel Philanthropy
- Sameerah Arif - Blood Cancer Support Coordinator, Leukemia Foundation
- Januario Mok - Deputy Director East Timor Development Agency
Awards & Accreditations
Each year, VU receives global and national recognition.
Our rankings – both international and Australian – reflect our focus on career-readiness, practical learning, inclusion, opportunity and excellence.
VU is ranked in the top 2% of universities worldwide in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings.
In other THE rankings:
- VU is ranked 70th in the world's top 100 universities under 50 years old in the Times Higher Education Young University Rankings.
- VU ranked 54th in 2018 and 55th in 2017 for the Times Higher Education Asia Pacific University Rankings, moving up to 51st in 2019.
Our engineering and computer science subjects also ranked among the state's best in the 2019 World University Subject Rankings.
In 2021, our rankings improved dramatically in three of our focus areas: Business Eco, Life Sciences, and Psychology.
THE Impact Rankings capture universities’ impact on society, based on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – a framework of 17 aims for sustainable development.
Based on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, VU is ranked:
- 13th for Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG6) out of 634 globally ranked institutions
- 32nd for Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions (SDG16) out of 809 globally ranked institutions
- 41st for Quality Education (SDG4) out of 1180 globally ranked institutions
- 65th for Partnership for the Goals (SDG17) out of 1438 globally ranked institutions
The 2022 ARWU (Academic Ranking of World Universities, also known as the ShanghaiRanking) ranks universities in 54 subjects.
VU ranks for subject areas:
- sports science schools and departments – 7th out of 300 globally ranked institutions (2022)
- automation and control – 51-75 out of 200
- hospitality and tourism management – 151-200 out of 300
- electrical and electronic engineering – 201-300 out of 500
- computer science and engineering – 151-200 out of 500.
VU researchers were recognised for their global standing in the latest Australian Research Council Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) results.
VU achieved:
- the highest rating of 5 (well above world standard) in six research areas
- a rating of 4 (above world standard) in nine areas
- a rating of 3 (world standard) in thirteen areas.
The Academic Ranking of World Universities (ShanghaiRankings) ranked Victoria University:
- in the world’s top 7 places to study Sport Science (take a look at why we're leaders in the field of sport)
- #35 in the world for Hospitality and Tourism Management research.
We are also ranked 19th globally in accounting-education research in the Brigham Young university research rankings, making us the top-ranked Australian university in this area.
Our rankings in Australia (as assessed by employers) in 2019–21 included the impressive:
- 1st for employability skills
- =2nd for foundation skills
- =4th for collaborative skills
- =5th for technical skills.
Our rankings in Victoria (as assessed by employers) in 2019–21 included the impressive:
- 1st for employability skills
- 1st for collaborative skills
- 1st for technical skills
- 1st for overall satisfaction.
Our rankings in Australia in 2020 (as assessed by students) included:
- 1st in Victoria and 3rd in Australia for learner engagement
- 1st for collaborative skills
- 5th in Australia for skills development.
E-Learning awards
VU Online received two Platinum awards - Best Online Learning Model for the third consecutive year, and Best Accessibility eLearning Design for the first time.
The awards reflect VU’s engaging, collaborative approach.
Victorian Training Awards
Our TAFE division (formerly VU Polytechnic) received the Inclusive Training Provider of the Year Award at the Victorian Training Awards (2019 and 2022).
This Award recognises training providers within the Victorian Government’s vocational education and training system who have demonstrated outstanding improvements for the achievement, engagement and well-being of students with additional needs.
Good Universities Guide
For 2022–23, we have been awarded national recognition for our unique approach to the first year of university, recognising our successful VU Block Model®, VU First Year College®, and Kick Start (first-in-family) program.
We also received 5 stars for Postgraduate Skills Development for humanities and social sciences.
Programmes
- GENERAL ENGLISH (GE)
Intakes: January, February, March, May, June, July, August, October, November - ENGLISH FOR ACADEMIC PURPOSES (EAP)
Intakes: January, February, March, May, June, July, August, October, November (depending on the level of study) - ENGLISH FOR ACADEMIC PURPOSES - IELTS PREPARATION
Intakes: January, June, December
- FOUNDATION (STANDARD)
Intakes: July, October - FOUNDATION (EXTENDED)
Intakes: February, July
- Diploma of Business (Enterprise)
- Diploma of Engineering
- Diploma of Information Technology
Intakes: February, August
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Music
- Bachelor of Screen Media
- Master of Digital Media
- Bachelor of Business
MAJORS:
Accounting | Human Resource Management | Marketing | Banking and Finance | Information Systems Management | Supply Chain & Logistics Management | Event Management | International Trade | Tourism And Hospitality Management | Financial Risk Management | Management And Innovation - Master of Business (Accounting)
- Master of Business Administration (Global)
- Master of Business (Management)
- Master of Change, Innovation and Leadership
- Master of Business (Enterprise Resource Planning Systems)
- Master of Business (Enterprise Resource Planning Systems)/ Master of Supply Chain Management
- Master of Business (Enterprise Resource Planning Systems)/Master of Business Analytics
- Master of Business Analytics (Professional)
- Master of Business (Marketing)
- Master Of Business (Industrial Relations And Human Resource Management)
- Master Of Business (Supply Chain Management)
- Bachelor of Early Childhood Education
- Diploma of Education Studies & Bachelor of Education Studies
- Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education
- Master of Education
- Master Of Teaching (Primary Education)
- Master Of Teaching (Secondary Education)
Intakes: August
- Bachelor of Education(P-12)
- Bachelor of Building Design
- Bachelor of Building Surveying
- Bachelor of Construction Management (Honours)
- Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Architectural Engineering)
- Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil Engineering)
- Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Electrical And Electronic Engineering)
- Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Mechanical Engineering)
- Master of Engineering
- Master of Project Management
- Diploma of Nursing
Intakes: February
- Diploma of Beauty Therapy
- Bachelor of Dermal Sciences
- Bachelor of Biomedical Science
- Bachelor of Human Nutrition
- Bachelor of Health Science
- Bachelor of Paramedicine
- Bachelor of Science (Osteopathy)
- Master of Health Science (Osteopathy)
- Bachelor of Biomedical and Exercise Science
- Master of Counselling
Intakes: February, August
- Bachelor of Nursing
- Bachelor of Psychological Studies
- Bachelor of Psychology (Honours)
- Master of Public Health (Global Nutrition and Active Living)
- Bachelor of Information Technology
- Master of Applied Information Technology
- Bachelor of Laws
- Bachelor of Laws (Graduate Entry)
- Bachelor of Criminology/ Bachelor of Psychological Studies
- Bachelor of Criminology
- Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Criminology
- Bachelor of Criminal Justice
- Bachelor of Criminal Justice and Psychological Studies
- Graduate Diploma in Migration Law
- Bachelor of Youth Work
- Bachelor of Community Development
- Master of International Community Development
Intakes: February
- Bachelor of Social Work
- Diploma of Sport
Intakes: February, August
- Bachelor of Sport Management
- Bachelor of Exercise Science (Clinical Practice)
- Bachelor of Exercise Science (Sport Practice)
- Bachelor of Outdoor Leadership
- Bachelor of Sport Science
- Bachelor of Sport Management/Bachelor of Business
- Bachelor of Physical Education and Sport Science
- Master of Clinical Exercise Science and Rehabilitation
Key Rankings
#12
in the world for Sport Science
#37
in the world in Hospitality and Tourism Management
#32
in the world for Automation and Control
#56
in the world's top 200 universities under 50 years oldTimes Higher Education Young University Rankings
- #551-560 in 2021 in the QS World University Rankings
- Scored five stars for full-time employment rates in Health Services and Support
- Computer Science discipline ranks 7th in Australia and 2nd in Victoria
- 50% Research involves international collaborations
Life in Melbourne
Melbourne is a beautiful and diverse city, voted one of the most student-friendly cities in the world (QS Best Student Cities). It has also been ranked the world's most liveable city on seven occasions (Economist Intelligence Unit's annual ranking).
When you study at VU, you'll be in good company. There are more than 100,000 international students living in Melbourne, taking advantage of our world-class universities and convenient lifestyle.
There's plenty to enjoy: free music, beautiful parks, excellent dining, international sporting events - so take the time to explore our fantastic city.
If you're preparing to move here, keep in mind that Melbourne experiences distinct seasons, so come ready for cold and very hot temperatures.
VU has campuses in the heart of the central business district (CBD) and To the west of the CBD, you'll find the remainder of VU's campuses.
Melbourne offers a diverse range of attractions, including galleries, parks, shopping, and vibrant nightlife. The city is renowned for hosting numerous arts and sports events year-round, such as the Formula 1, Australian Open tennis, Moto GP, and many more.
Melbourne has a public transport network of trains, trams and buses. You can travel to all parts of the city and outer suburbs, including our campuses. You can also use VLine trains to travel to the country. Our public transport network is reliable, safe and easy to use.
If you plan to use public transport you will need to buy a myki travel card from a train station or convenience store.
International students can register for a special discount public transport pass only for eligible international students.
Further information on Cost of Living in Melbourne can be found here:
https://costofliving.studyaustralia.gov.au/Latest Updates
The VU Block Model® International Scholarship offers eligible international students up to 30% off tuition fees for their entire first year of study.
At Victoria University (VU), we’re committed to supporting your success. Our unique VU Block Model® International Scholarship offers all eligible international students up to 30% off tuition fees for the entire first year.
Study well and you’ll have the chance to keep or increase the scholarship for the full duration of your course.
VU is a world-class university, renowned for our inclusive environment, industry connections and innovative approach to education. Our award-winning VU Block Model® teaching method will allow you to achieve your best, studying one or two subjects at a time in small, interactive classes.
The VU Block Model® International Scholarship supports all international students starting foundation, undergraduate or postgraduate (coursework) studies at VU Melbourne in 2025. We’ll reward you for studying well and support you to achieve your best.
You’ll be awarded a 10%, 20% or 30% first year scholarship based on assessment of your previous academic results. The scholarship is guaranteed if you meet the entry requirements for any eligible course, but 30% scholarships are limited, so apply as soon as you can.