The University of Ballarat (UB) is Australia's only regional, multi-sector University. With a long and proud history dating back to 1870 and a student population in excess of 22,000 students worldwide, you can be sure UB will provide you with the quality education experience you deserve! UB offers programmes ranging from Certificate and Diploma level right through to Higher Degrees by Research so you can complete your studies at UB without ever having to change institutions!

An advantage of delivering both TAFE and Higher Education are the pathway options available. The majority of UB’s TAFE programmes offer a pathway option if you are interested in furthering your study to complete an undergraduate degree at UB. In some instances, credit can be offered if the undergraduate degree is relevant to the TAFE programme you study.

TAFE programmes at UB are delivered across two campuses, the SMB campus and the Camp Street (Arts Academy) campus. Both campuses are located in the city centre of Ballarat and are surrounded by art galleries, shopping, restaurants and cafés, public transport and train station.

In the ever changing global environment, UB’s successful history has allowed it to form strong links with industry helping to ensure all courses are current and provide you with the most up-to-date knowledge.

International students at the University of Ballarat come from over 45 different countries to participate in a diverse range of TAFE and Higher Education programmes. We welcome the opportunity for you to study at UB!

Location

Ballarat is located one and a half hours drive by car on a multi-laned freeway or one hour by fast train from Victoria’s capital city Melbourne. Ballarat is a modern, attractive, safe, clean, and friendly city with a population of approximately 90,000. It is a thriving centre of commerce and industry, a major tourist centre and played a significant role during the gold rush era of the 1850s and in the establishment of Australian democracy.

Academic entry requirements

Year 12 is the final year of secondary school in Australia and is the general entry requirement for UB. Many other schools around the world teach similar programs at an equal level and these are recognised by the University of Ballarat as an ‘Australian Year 12 equivalent’. These may include certificates, International Baccalaureates, foundation years, A-levels and others.

Age requirement: You must be 18 years of age at the time of course commencement.

English language entry requirements

International students are required to have achieved a minimum level of English proficiency equivalent to undertake UB programs. You can meet the English language requirement in one of the following ways:

• International English Language Testing Service (IELTS): minimum score of 5.0 overall, with no band less than 5.5.

• American Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): minimum test score of 550, including the Test of Written English (TWE), or a score of 213 in the computer based test, and essay rating.

• English is your first language.

• English was the language of instruction in secondary and/or tertiary studies completed.

• Satisfactory performance in secondary or tertiary studies already completed in an English speaking country.

• Achieved a satisfactory level of English language subject at year 12 or equivalent level.

• Successful completion of UB’s English & Academic Preparation (EAP) programme.

Some courses have higher English language requirements.

Please note: While the University of Ballarat accepts both IELTS and TOEFL, in some countries the Australian Diplomatic Mission may accept only IELTS for the granting of a student visa. Please check with the Australian Diplomatic Mission in your country to ensure that you are taking the appropriate test.

Accommodation

The Accommodation Services office can help organise temporary accommodation for you in advance of your arrival. They are also available to assist you to find permanent accommodation. Every effort is made to enable you to acquire the accommodation best suited to your needs.

Permanent accommodation can include:

• on-campus accommodation

• off-campus accommodation in a University purchased house

• off-campus accommodation in private rental accommodation

• home stay*

*Please note suitable home stay can be very difficult to find

Student Support

• Free airport pick-up and transfer for newly arrived students

• Free accommodation placement services

• Free orientation program

• Free academic and language support

• Free cultural and welfare support

• Free course advice and enrolment assistance

• Free visa and further study options advice

• Social activites

• Free reorientation assistance prior to departure home

Services & Facilities

• Library & Information Services

• Health Centre (with doctors and nurses on campus)

• Professional counselling

• Ballarat International Student Club

• Unisports (indoor swimming pool, gym, exercise classes)

• Large range of sporting facilities (including football/cricket field, basketball/netball/badminton courts etc.)

• Spiritual facilities

• Student Association

• 24-hour access computer laboratories

• Modern lecture halls and classrooms

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