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Your education journey

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Education Providers

Geelong is fortunate to have so many quality educational institutions that are registered with the Government to offer courses to international students. Whatever stage you are on your educational journey there are many options to choose from.

  • Private Higher Education College

    Private Higher Education College

    Providing higher education for post-secondary students, qualifications range from certificates to bachelor degrees. Marcus Oldham College graduates commence careers in agriculture or para-professional roles. Deakin College students pathway into the second year of Deakin bachelor degrees.

  • TAFE

    TAFE

    Providing vocational training that focuses on hands-on learning, qualifications offered include certificates, through to advanced diplomas, as well as apprenticeships and traineeships. Graduate students commence careers in trades or para-professional roles, or pathway to university.

  • University

    University

    Providing higher education for post-secondary students, qualifications range from bachelor degrees to post graduate doctoral degrees. Graduates are highly skilled to work in a diverse range of academic, professional and research roles.

Australian Qualifications Framework

The Australian education system is a national policy that covers qualifications from the tertiary education sector (higher education and vocational education and training) in addition to the school-leaving certificate; the Senior Secondary Certificate of Education. This is known as the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF)

The AQF has 10 levels and links school, vocational and university education qualifications into one national system. This allows you to move easily from one level of study to the next, and from one institution to another, as long as you satisfy student visa requirements. It allows for choice and flexibility in career planning. All qualifications in the AQF help prepare you for both further study and your working life.

Our institutions are linked across the country and across the world, which makes it easy to move throughout the education system between courses or institutions and formal agreement and recognition frameworks mean every step of the path will contribute to your future no matter what your study or career goals.

Pathways

Multiple study pathways and exit points exist between secondary school, TAFE and university. Each stage of study brings its own qualification and can be the completion of your studies, or it can provide a pathway onto the next stage.

Your current year and skill level will determine what course level or institution you are eligible to apply for. Where you finish will depend on the career outcomes you’re hoping to achieve.

pathways

  • Student Events and Activities

    Student Events and Activities

  • Student Resources

    Student Resources

    Where can I get help with......

    Browse the Study Geelong student resources for international students.

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  • Are you the next Study Geelong Ambassadors for 2025?

    Are you the next Study Geelong Ambassadors for 2025?

    Are you our next Study Geelong ambassadors for 2025?

    If you love to explore more of Geelong and The Bellarine, get to know other international students and help share your adventures on social media, then becoming an ambassador might be for you!

    Read more

Student Stories

  • Bo Li

    The Gordon

    “I chose to study at The Gordon as they have an excellent reputation, with a lot of great chefs who have graduated and now own their own restaurants.

    All the teachers are professional and experienced and they make the training interesting and memorable. I have not only learned how to cook a great meal, but also learned how to be a team player. After studying with my classmates all year, we have become like a family. We study from each other, help each other, and have a lot of fun. As an international student I was always shy to speak out, but in the cookery industry you have to communicate with others and my English has improved dramatically. I’ve not only learnt English, but also some specialised words in French, Italian, Japanese and others.

    I am now working in a local restaurant and continuing my studies at Certificate IV level to gain more knowledge and experience. I hope to own my own small restaurant one day. ”

    Bo Li (Allen)
    Certificate III in Commercial Cookery
    Recipient of 2016 The Gordon International Student of the Year Award

    Bo Li

    “I chose to study at The Gordon as they have an excellent reputation, with a lot of great chefs who have graduated and now own their own...

  • Jackson Koster

    Marcus Oldham College

    One of the great features of studying at Marcus Oldham is meeting new, likeminded people who share a passion for agriculture industries. With small group numbers, staying on campus and the ability to talk one on one with the course lecturers, the experience at Marcus Oldham provides an excellent basis for future success.

    Jackson Koster

    One of the great features of studying at Marcus Oldham is meeting new, likeminded people who share a passion for agriculture industries. With small group numbers, staying on campus and the ability to talk...

  • Vitor

    The Gordon Institute of TAFE

    I choose to study at The Gordon after a few recommendations. Studying the Diploma of Building and Construction, and the Diploma of Building Surveyor was a hard journey because I had to manage my time between the two courses, a part-time job and my lovely family. Now having finished and received my marks, the results are better than I could imagine.

    The courses were well prepared and all the teachers ready to give the support students needed. The two years adequately prepared me for any work in the construction industry.

    My time at The Gordon enabled me to further develop interpersonal and leadership skills, which has helped me in many aspects of my life. I feel very lucky to have been able to form some very close friendships through the course. Everyone had different skills and experiences to contribute, which was a great benefit. I feel grateful.

    Vitor

    I choose to study at The Gordon after a few recommendations. Studying the Diploma of Building and Construction, and the Diploma of Building Surveyor was a hard journey because I had to manage my time...

  • Balaji

    Deakin University

    Balaji is studying a Doctor of Philosophy at Deakin University, Geelong and has a Masters in Engineering in Industrial Metallurgy. He was awarded a full Postgraduate Research Scholarship at Deakin and has been nominated for two of the university’s Institute for Frontier Materials (IFM) annual awards. He has also been a finalist at the international youth science event and the British Council’s ‘FameLab’. At Deakin, he is an academic mentor, as well as an International Orientation Coordinator supporting new international students. Balaji also engages in community roles including in the ‘Good Start Breakfast Club’ for the Australian Red Cross, and as a learning support volunteer with EdConnect Australia.

    Balaji

    Balaji is studying a Doctor of Philosophy at Deakin University, Geelong and has a Masters in Engineering in Industrial Metallurgy. He was awarded a full Postgraduate Research Scholarship at Deakin and has...