Federation University Australia
A well-established university providing quality higher education. Offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs with dedicated faculty and supportive learning environment.
- Acceptance Rate
- 59.2%
- SAT Range
- 1050–1250
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.4
- Size
- Large (18,294 students)
- Type
- N/A
- Student:Faculty
- 1:22
- Setting
- urban
- Graduation Rate
- 66.0%
- Retention Rate
- 80.0%
- Tuition (In-State)
- $12,000
- Tuition (Int'l)
- $38,000
Academic Programs
STEM
Business
Social Sciences
Humanities
Health
Arts
English Proficiency Requirements
Student Life & Environment
Student life at Federation University varies by campus but consistently emphasizes community connection and accessibility. The Ballarat campus provides the most traditional university experience with student housing, sports facilities, and a lively student union coordinating clubs and events. Student clubs cover interests from gaming and anime to cultural groups and outdoor adventure activities. Sports facilities include gyms, playing fields, and opportunities to join university teams competing against other institutions. The Student Life team organizes social events, orientation activities, and support programs throughout the academic year. Regional campus locations mean students often become part of the broader community, volunteering, working part-time, and building connections beyond the university. Campus dining options provide affordable meal choices, while the regional cities offer restaurants, cafes, and entertainment at prices well below Melbourne rates. Ballarat's historic streetscapes, galleries, and cultural events provide plenty to explore, while Gippsland campuses offer access to beautiful natural areas including mountains and coastline. Student support services include counseling, academic skills development, career guidance, and disability support across all locations. Indigenous student support through the Baarlinjan unit helps Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students succeed academically while staying connected to culture and community. International student advisors assist with everything from visa matters to finding housing and making friends.
Location & Surroundings
Federation University's main campus in Ballarat sits about 115 kilometers northwest of Melbourne in Victoria's central highlands. Ballarat ranks as Victoria's largest inland city, with approximately 115,000 residents and a rich gold rush history visible in grand Victorian architecture throughout the central business district. The climate brings cool winters that occasionally see snow in surrounding hills and warm, dry summers ideal for outdoor activities. Sovereign Hill, a recreated 1850s gold mining settlement, draws visitors from around the world and provides part-time employment opportunities for students. Getting to Melbourne takes about 90 minutes by train or car, with regular V/Line services connecting Ballarat to Southern Cross Station. The Gippsland campus near Churchill provides access to a different slice of regional Victoria, with proximity to Wilsons Promontory, mountain hiking, and dairy farming country. The Berwick campus in Melbourne's southeast growth corridor offers suburban accessibility with quick connections to the CBD. Living costs in Ballarat and Gippsland run significantly lower than Melbourne, with rental housing, groceries, and entertainment all more affordable. Part-time employment opportunities exist in retail, hospitality, and healthcare sectors. The regional lifestyle appeals to students who prefer a quieter environment focused on study, outdoor activities, and genuine community connections rather than big-city stimulation.
Costs & Career Outcomes
Tuition fees at Federation University vary by program and student category, with domestic undergraduate students paying fees under the Australian government's HECS-HELP loan scheme. International student tuition typically ranges from AUD 24,000 to AUD 32,000 annually depending on the field of study. Living costs in regional Victoria offer significant savings compared to Melbourne, with students budgeting approximately AUD 15,000 to AUD 20,000 per year for accommodation, food, transportation, and personal expenses in Ballarat or Gippsland. On-campus housing provides affordable options with inclusive pricing covering utilities and internet. Off-campus rentals in regional cities cost considerably less than metropolitan alternatives. International students can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during semester, with many finding part-time positions in local businesses. Career outcomes for Federation University graduates compare favorably with larger institutions, with the university's practical education approach ensuring graduates possess skills employers value. Strong industry connections through cooperative education placements, internships, and industry projects help students build professional networks before graduation. Career services provide job search support, resume assistance, interview coaching, and access to job listings. Particular employment strength exists in education, nursing, engineering, and IT where regional workforce shortages create opportunities. Graduate outcome data shows solid employment rates and competitive starting salaries, particularly when regional cost-of-living advantages are considered.
Campus Location
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