Ballarat was built on gold, and Federation University's Mt Helen campus sits in bushland on the southern edge of the city. The university was formed in 2014, when the University of Ballarat took over Monash University's Gippsland campus, and it teaches both degrees and TAFE courses. It also has campuses in Berwick and Gippsland.
Ballarat, Victoria, Australia
Official website: federation.edu.au
Public dual-sector university
2014
Mt Helen, Ballarat
Ballarat, Berwick and Gippsland
A$30,000 – A$36,000
International students, bachelor's and master's programmes
A$24,000 – A$28,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on federation.edu.au before you apply.
Master of Information Technology
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Mar, Jul
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 79
Master of Business Administration
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Mar, Jul
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 79
Bachelor of Nursing
Bachelors DegreeDuration
36 Months
Intake
Mar
Exam Score
IELTS: 7.0, TOEFL: 94
Bachelor of Information Technology
Bachelors DegreeDuration
36 Months
Intake
Mar, Jul
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 64
Degrees and TAFE courses at one institution.
Regional study that can lengthen post-study work rights.
A bushland campus a short drive from central Ballarat.
Graduates join health services, schools and IT teams across regional Victoria.
Study in regional Australia can add time to the Temporary Graduate visa for eligible graduates.
Nursing graduates can register with AHPRA and work in Victorian hospitals.
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
Rolling
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
Rolling
Mt Helen is about 15 minutes by bus from central Ballarat, with student residences among the eucalyptus.
Ballarat keeps its gold-rush streetscapes, Sovereign Hill and Lake Wendouree. Winters are cold, rents are well below Melbourne's, and the train there takes about 75 minutes.
CoE from Federation University
Proof of funds for fees and living
Overseas Student Health Cover
English test at required level
Genuine Student statement
Valid passport and health check
Federation accepts international applications on a rolling basis. Apply at least three months before the March or July start to leave time for the CoE and visa.
The main intakes are March and July. Some courses also have a November start.
You'll apply for a subclass 500 Student visa using the CoE from Federation University. Have your OSHC policy, financial evidence and Genuine Student answers ready before you start the online form.
IT, the MBA, nursing and the Bachelor of IT are popular. Master's entry needs a bachelor's degree and IELTS 6.5; nursing asks for IELTS 7.0 in each band.
Federation has offered international scholarships as a percentage off tuition for eligible students. Check the scholarships page for current awards.
