Swinburne University of Technology
A respected university offering high-quality education and research opportunities. Features modern facilities, diverse programs, and strong connections with industry and community partners.
- Acceptance Rate
- 47.8%
- SAT Range
- 1180–1380
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.65
- Size
- Large (36,313 students)
- Type
- N/A
- Student:Faculty
- 1:19
- Setting
- urban
- Graduation Rate
- 86.0%
- Retention Rate
- 88.0%
- 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
The main Hawthorn campus sits in one of Melbourne's appealing eastern suburbs, easily accessible by public transit yet removed from the intensity of the central business district. The campus has undergone significant development, with modern buildings housing laboratories, studios, and teaching spaces designed for contemporary learning approaches. Green spaces provide spots for relaxation between classes, and the student hub offers food options, study areas, and places for informal gathering. The nearby Glenferrie Road strip provides cafes, shops, and restaurants frequented by students looking for breaks from campus. Student life at Swinburne centers on clubs and societies covering academic interests, cultural backgrounds, sports, and hobbies. Engineering students might join robotics clubs where teams compete nationally. Design students organize exhibitions showcasing their work. Cultural associations celebrate the diversity of the student body, which includes substantial numbers of international students alongside domestic Australians. Sporting clubs cover everything from major team sports to niche activities. The student union advocates for student interests and organizes events throughout the academic year, from orientation week activities welcoming newcomers to end-of-semester celebrations. Melbourne itself offers endless options for students with time to explore: music venues, galleries, beaches within easy reach, and food representing every global cuisine. The city consistently ranks among the world's most livable, and students quickly understand why.
Location & Surroundings
Swinburne attracts students who want education closely connected to employment outcomes rather than abstract academic credentials. The university's work-integrated learning approach means graduates arrive at their first jobs already understanding professional environments and employer expectations. This practical preparation translates into employment rates that compare favorably with more traditionally academic universities. For students uncertain about career paths, the industry exposure during their degrees helps clarify what kinds of work actually appeal to them before graduation, when changing direction remains easier. Melbourne's strength as a business center provides opportunities unavailable in smaller cities. Major corporations, growing startups, and creative industries all maintain significant presence, creating internship and employment possibilities across sectors. International students particularly benefit from the exposure to Australian business culture that Swinburne programs provide, whether they intend to seek work in Australia after graduation or return home with internationally relevant experience. The university's tuition, while substantial for international students, remains competitive with other Australian universities of similar quality. Domestic students benefit from government-supported places that keep costs manageable. For students who value learning by doing over learning purely from books, Swinburne's approach aligns well with how they prefer to develop skills.
Costs & Career Outcomes
Educational costs at Swinburne depend heavily on whether students qualify as domestic or international. Australian citizens and permanent residents access Commonwealth Supported Places for undergraduate programs, where government subsidies substantially reduce out-of-pocket tuition costs. Students can defer these reduced fees through the HECS-HELP loan scheme, repaying gradually through the tax system once their income exceeds threshold amounts. This arrangement means domestic students can attend university without upfront tuition payment, though total loan balances still require eventual repayment. International students pay full tuition fees that vary by program, with engineering, science, and design programs typically costing more than business or arts degrees. Living expenses in Melbourne add significantly to total costs. The city's rental market has grown expensive, and students should budget realistically for accommodation, food, transport, and personal expenses. Part-time work opportunities exist, with student visa conditions allowing limited work hours during semester and more during breaks. Scholarships for international students tend to be competitive but worth pursuing. The university offers some merit-based awards, and students should also research scholarship opportunities from their home country governments, foundations, and other sources. Creating a realistic budget before committing to study helps avoid financial stress that can undermine academic performance and overall experience.
Campus Location
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