Melbourne Polytechnic

Melbourne Polytechnic is one of Victoria's largest and most established vocational and higher education providers. With a history dating back more than 100 years, it offers a broad range of study options, from certificates and diplomas to bachelor degrees and postgraduate qualifications.

Location across several campuses in Melbourne, including Preston, Heidelberg, Epping and Collingwood, Fairfield, Prahran, Greensborough and Eden Park, Melbourne Polytechnic is known for its strong focus on practical, career-oriented education.

Courses are designed in collaboration with industry, helping students to develop the skills and experience that employers are looking for in fields such as business, health, engineering, information technology, hospitality, creative arts, and trades.

A key strength of Melbourne Polytechnic is its flexible study pathways. Students can progress from vocational qualifications onto other higher education programs, giving them the opportunity to continue their studies while building valuable workplace skills. Many of the courses offered by the institution include hands-on training, industry placements, and access to specialist facilities that reflect the real working environments that students will be aspiring to reach.

Teaching is delivered by experienced academics and industry professionals who bring current knowledge and practical expertise into the classroom. Students benefit from supportive learning environments, modern facilities, career guidance, and dedicated wellbeing services designed to help them succeed both academically and personally.

Melbourne itself is often recognised as one of the best cities in the world for students, with its multicultural environment, excellent public transport, and strong employment opportunities. The institution provides a practical and accessible route to further study, both for domestic and international students.

Melbourne Polytechnic offers a broad range of nationally recognised qualifications and institute-accredited courses across diverse study areas, including accounting, childcare, engineering, hairdressing, hospitality, and many more. Study programs are delivered across the institute's eight campuses and additional specialist training centres throughout metropolitan Melbourne and Victoria.

Programs are offered at various levels of study, including:

• Diplomas
• Advanced diplomas
• Associate degrees
• Bachelor degrees
• Master's degrees

There are individual pathways for all learners, at various levels, from certification and diplomas to master's degrees. Students can also choose from a range of articulated pathways.

With 92 percent of its student population made up of domestic students, Melbourne Polytechnic offers international students an authentic Australian study experience and strong opportunities for cultural integration.

Under the Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000 (ESOS Act), individuals who intend to study in Australia on a Student Visa are classified as international students. International students applying from outside Australia are encouraged to submit their application through one of Melbourne Polytechnic's authorised education agents, who can provide guidance and support throughout the application and visa process. For entry to VET Certificates and Diplomas, international students should have completed the equivalent of an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate of Education. Other entry routes include the AQF Level 4 or higher in Australia or one year of AQF Level 5 study in Australia.

Those seeking entry to bachelor's degrees need to have completed equivalent of an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate of Education or AQF Level 5 (Diploma) study in Australia.

Candidates applying for entry to master's degrees should have completed the equivalent of a bachelor's degree (AQF Level 7) or higher.

English requirements

International students from countries other than the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Republic of Ireland or New Zealand need to provide proof of English proficiency. The IELTS and PTE are accepted as valid tests by Melbourne Polytechnic. All English language test results should have been completed within two years of the students' Melbourne Polytechnic application.

Melbourne Polytechnic scholarships are awarded based on a range of criteria, including academic merit, field of study. Melbourne Polytechnic offers a range of scholarships to recognise and support outstanding international students. Depending on study level and achievements, students may be eligible for up to 30 percent off tuition fees.

Some of the scholarships available are:

International Aspire Scholarship

This scholarship rewards international student graduates by providing further opportunities for them to pursue postgraduate studies and continue their studies with Melbourne Polytechnic. Eligible students will receive a 20 per cent tuition fee waiver for the duration of the course.

Full eligibility criteria can be found on the Melbourne Polytechnic website.

International High Achiever Scholarship

This scholarship recognises high-achieving international students with strong academic achievement and aims to support their pursuit of a Melbourne Polytechnic degree. Students are entitled to a tuition fee waiver of up to 30 per cent for the duration of the course. Full eligibility criteria can be found on the Melbourne Polytechnic website.

International Priority Program Scholarship

This scholarship aims to support international students commencing a Melbourne Polytechnic course in certain priority study areas, such as STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths), Arts and Design, and other selected programs. Students get a tuition fee waiver of 10 per cent for the duration of the course.

For more information on the different types of scholarships available, students can visit the Melbourne Polytechnic website.

Melbourne Polytechnic offers students a wide range of top-quality facilities. Facilities include:

Restaurant

Melbourne Polytechnic has a fully equipped training restaurant – St Georges – where students learn and practise commercial cookery and are also trained as front of house staff. St Georges is open to the public and students serve up the best in contemporary dining while being monitored by experienced chefs.

Library

Melbourne Polytechnic's world-class library provides comfortable spaces with excellent resources and friendly, professional staff to assist students' learning experience. Students can access an extensive range of books, magazines, DVDs and reference materials and also make use of digital resources like eBooks, e-Journals and databases.

Shops

Melbourne Polytechnic's campuses feature a range of student-operated training facilities that are open to both students and the public, including a plant nursery, hair and beauty salons, restaurants, and other retail outlets. Galleries

Melbourne Polytechnic's gallery spaces in its Preston, Fairfield and Prahran campuses showcase works by the students and staff.

Fitness Centre

The Melbourne Polytechnic Fitness Centre on the Preston campus is open to all students and staff.

The Student Hub at Melbourne Polytechnic is a starting point to assist students with day-to-day enquiries and provide support services. Specialised learning support is available for students to help them fulfil their potential.

Support services available including on campus and online include the following:

• Individual Learning Skills Sessions with specially trained Learning Skills teachers.
• Free online study help 24/7
• Literacy and or numeracy support in classes

Counselling

Melbourne Polytechnic's counsellors are available to help students cope with study stress, grief and loss, homesickness, loneliness and other personal issues.

Careers and job search support

Students may seek career advice and support from the skills and jobs centre to get assistance in crafting their resume and other career-related matters.

For more information on the support services available, students can visit the Melbourne Polytechnic website.

Student life

At Melbourne Polytechnic, Student Life at MelbPoly (SLAM) team organise the fun activities on campus, including morning tea pop-ups, free events, live music, competitions and more.

SLAM events are open to all Melbourne Polytechnic students and provide opportunities to connect with the institution's close-knit communities, make new friends, and engage in campus life. SLAM also encourages students to build their skills and run their own events and competitions.

Melbourne – Australia's top student destination

Melbourne is consistently rated as one of the world's most liveable cities and a favourite student destination, offering world-class education and an exciting lifestyle. Home to more than 300,000 international students from all over the world, this beautiful city is known for its welcoming community, vibrant culture and endless opportunities to work, learn and explore.

From street art and music festivals to weekend markets and sports events, there's always something happening in Melbourne. Students can explore cafes and art galleries in the city, visit attractions like the Great Ocean Road, Yarra Valley and Philip Island, and enjoy beautiful parks and beaches just a short tram ride away.

With over 100 years of experience, Melbourne Polytechnic offers international students more than just an academic qualification. The institute was awarded Victoria's Large Training Provider of the Year 2024, a recognition of the high-quality education provides students.

At Melbourne Polytechnic, students study in campuses with modern facilities, located close to Melbourne city and easy to reach by public transport.

Students gain practical, hands-on skills taught by established industry professionals and study in modern campuses, becoming part of a vibrant, supportive community from all over the world. Melbourne Polytechnic provides students with the option of starting their study journey at the right level for them, from certificate to diploma to degree.

The institute also offers accessible tuition fees and a range of scholarship opportunities. At Melbourne Polytechnic, students join a diverse student community from around the world. The institute's international student support services aim to help students feel at home and succeed in their studies.