Swinburne University of Technology
A Melbourne technology university that pioneered industry-based learning in 1963 and offers ATAR-free early entry.
- Students
- 43,906
- International
- 39%
- of students
- Tuition
- A$35,590
- From · 2027 (international); 2026 (domestic)
- Founded
- 1908
About Swinburne
Swinburne was founded in 1908 by George and Ethel Swinburne as the Eastern Suburbs Technical College in Hawthorn, to offer technical education to people otherwise denied it, and gained university status on 1 July 1992. It is a dual-sector university, teaching both higher education and vocational (TAFE) courses, with campuses at Hawthorn, Croydon and Wantirna in Melbourne's eastern suburbs, a campus in Sarawak, Malaysia, and online study through Swinburne Online.
The university is built around technology and industry: it started one of Australia's first industry-based learning programs in 1963, and its research strengths include astronomy, physics, engineering, materials science, computing, design, health sciences and mental health. Teaching is organised into six schools, from Engineering and Science, Computing and Engineering Technologies to Design and Architecture and a School of Social Sciences, Media, Film and Education that includes the long-running Swinburne Film and Television School.
In 2025 Swinburne had 43,906 higher education students (headcount) plus about 25,000 in vocational education, and 39% of its student load was international. Entry is by ATAR through VTAC for Victorian school leavers, with published guaranteed-entry scores and an Early Entry Program based on school recommendations; it suits practical, career-focused students who want industry placements in inner-city Melbourne.
Factum per Litteras
“Achievement through learning” — university motto
Why students choose Swinburne
The Early Entry Program lets Year 12 students secure an offer before exams using a school recommendation instead of an ATAR; Swinburne says it is the only university in Victoria with ATAR-free entry for all eligible courses.
Industry-based learning has been part of Swinburne since 1963, and engineering students can take a professional placement within their degree.
International students are automatically considered for scholarships worth 20% (Swinburne International Scholarship) or 30% (George Swinburne International Excellence Scholarship) off tuition for the standard course duration.
The Good Universities Guide 2026 ranks Swinburne's undergraduate Sport and Leisure and Tourism and Hospitality courses first nationally for graduates' full-time employment.
Admissions
2027 entry (Semester 1 starts early March; Semester 2 in August)
Selectivity
Swinburne does not publish an acceptance rate. Each course lists a Guaranteed Entry ATAR (e.g. 60 for Business and Psychological Sciences, 65 for Science, 70 for Computer Science and Design, 75 for Engineering (Honours), 80 for Laws); applicants below it may still receive offers after adjustments. The lowest ATAR to receive an offer in 2025 was 72.05 for Engineering and 62.1 for Computer Science after adjustment factors.
Typical entry requirements
| ATAR (VCE and interstate) | Guaranteed Entry ATAR 60 (Business, Psychological Sciences), 65 (Science), 70 (Computer Science, Design), 75 (Engineering Honours), 80 (Laws). Engineering prerequisites: VCE Units 3 and 4 study score of 23 in English (27 in EAL) and 20 in General Mathematics, Mathematical Methods or Specialist Mathematics |
|---|---|
| Early Entry Program (Year 12) | Offer based on a school recommendation instead of an ATAR for eligible courses; you must still list the course in your VTAC preferences |
| International Year 12 or equivalent | Successful completion of Australian Year 12 or an equivalent overseas qualification, assessed at application against Swinburne's country requirements |
| English language | IELTS 6 Bachelor degrees such as Engineering, Computer Science and Business require IELTS Academic 6.0 overall with no band below 6.0, or Swinburne's EAP 5 Advanced at 65% overall and in all skills; other equivalent tests are listed on Swinburne's English requirements page. |
Deadlines
- Early Entry Program (Year 12 students) Non-binding Next deadline · In 52 days27 November 2026
Applications opened 4 May 2026; outcomes issued from 1 September 2026. Add the course to your VTAC preference list.
- International students, Semester 1 2027 Non-bindingNot yet published (for 2026: 25 February 2026)
Semester 1 2026 started 2 March 2026.
- International students, Semester 2 2027 Non-bindingNot yet published (for 2026: 29 July 2026)
Semester 2 2026 started 3 August 2026.
Swinburne has published 2026 intake dates only: Semester 1 2026 ran from 2 March (last date to apply 25 February 2026) and Semester 2 from 3 August (last date to apply 29 July 2026). Expect a similar pattern for 2027, but check the start dates page. International applicants should apply well before these dates to allow time for a student visa.
How to apply
Victorian Year 12 students (including international students studying Year 12 in Australia) apply through VTAC, and can also apply directly to Swinburne's Early Entry Program with a school recommendation. International students apply online directly to Swinburne or through an approved education agent, with certified academic results and English test scores, and are automatically considered for international scholarships.
What admissions looks for
- An ATAR at or above the course's Guaranteed Entry ATAR, or a lower ATAR lifted by subject adjustments (e.g. up to 15 aggregate points for strong maths and science results in Engineering) or equity schemes.
- The course prerequisites, such as VCE English and Mathematics study scores for Engineering.
- For the Early Entry Program, a recommendation from a teacher, careers practitioner or principal who knows your strengths.
- For international applicants, completion of Year 12 or equivalent and the course's English language requirement.
Tips for applying to Swinburne
- 1 Apply to the Early Entry Program before 27 November 2026 to lock in an offer before your ATAR is released, then add the course to your VTAC preferences.
- 2 Check subject adjustments: for Engineering, study scores of 35 in Mathematical Methods or Specialist Maths add 5 aggregate points each.
- 3 International applicants need no separate scholarship application; you will be told in your offer letter if you receive a 20% or 30% tuition scholarship (not available for Aviation and Piloting degrees).
- 4 If your IELTS score falls short, the ELICOS+ Scholarship refunds up to 10 weeks of Swinburne English course fees when you continue into your degree.
Costs & financial aid
2027 (international); 2026 (domestic) · figures in AUD
International students starting at Hawthorn in 2027 are automatically considered for the Swinburne International Scholarship (20% off tuition for the standard course duration) and the George Swinburne International Excellence Scholarship (30% off); Aviation and Piloting degrees are excluded. The ELICOS+ Scholarship refunds up to 10 weeks of English course fees. Domestic students in Commonwealth supported places can defer fees through HECS-HELP.
- 20% off tuition for the standard course duration
- Swinburne International Scholarship
- 30% off tuition for the standard course duration
- George Swinburne International Excellence Scholarship
Academics
Academic calendar: Semesters (Semester 1 from March, Semester 2 from August), plus summer, winter and block intakes
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
Four years at Hawthorn with majors from Architectural to Biomedical and Civil, a Guaranteed Entry ATAR of 75 and an optional professional placement.
Film and Television
Swinburne offered Australia's first Diploma of Art in Film and Television from 1966; alumni include directors Gillian Armstrong and Andrew Dominik.
Bachelor of Computer Science
Guaranteed Entry ATAR 70; Swinburne is ranked in the THE top 175 for Computer Science (2026).
Bachelor of Design
Swinburne is in the QS top 150 for Art and Design (2026).
Bachelor of Aviation
A specialist aviation degree; the 2027 international fee for aviation bachelor degrees is A$47,500 a year.
Bachelor of Laws
Guaranteed Entry ATAR 80, the highest of Swinburne's main bachelor degrees.
Research
- Research strengths include astronomy, physics, engineering, materials science, computer science, design, health sciences, neurosciences and mental health.
- Research centres include the Centre for Astrophysics and Supercomputing, the Centre for Mental Health and the Centre for Human Psychopharmacology.
- The Advanced Technologies Centre, a 22,000 square metre building at Hawthorn, opened in 2011.
Schools & faculties
- School of Business, Law and Entrepreneurship
- School of Design and Architecture
- School of Engineering
- School of Health Sciences
- School of Science, Computing and Engineering Technologies
- School of Social Sciences, Media, Film and Education
Good Universities Guide 2026: undergraduate Sport and Leisure and Tourism and Hospitality courses rank first nationally for graduates' full-time employment; Business graduates' median salary of $75,000 and Psychology graduates' $79,300 rank first in Victoria.
Student life
Most degree students study at Hawthorn, an inner-suburban campus with modern buildings such as the Advanced Technologies Centre alongside student residences, cafes and courtyards. The student body is diverse, with more than 100 nationalities, and new students get access to Goin', a student community app, before classes start. Swinburne also runs English language and culture classes for international students, and Melbourne's food, music, sport and arts scene is a short trip away.
- Students from more than 100 nationalities.
- Industry-based learning since 1963.
- QILT surveys rank Swinburne first in Melbourne for undergraduate overall experience in Education.
- The Swinburne Film and Television School has trained many Australian directors.
Location
Swinburne's main campus is in Hawthorn, an inner suburb about 6 km east of Melbourne's central business district in the City of Boroondara. Melbourne, the capital of Victoria and Australia's second-most populous city, is known for its food, music, sport and arts culture. Swinburne's other Melbourne campuses are at Croydon and Wantirna in the eastern suburbs, and it also has a campus in Sarawak, Malaysia.
Nearest airport: Melbourne Airport (MEL)
Notable alumni
- GA Gillian ArmstrongFilm director of My Brilliant Career and Little Women; studied film at Swinburne Technical College from 1968
- AD Andrew DominikDirector of Chopper, The Assassination of Jesse James and Blonde; graduated from Swinburne Film School in 1988
- JH John HillcoatDirector of The Proposition and The Road; studied film at Swinburne
- SW Sarah WattDirector and animator of Look Both Ways; Graduate Diploma of Film and Television (Animation), 1990
- ML Michael LeunigCartoonist and poet for The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald; attended the Swinburne Film and Television School
- BH Bridget HustwaiteTriple J radio presenter and author; studied visual merchandising
Frequently asked questions
What ATAR do you need for Swinburne?
Guaranteed Entry ATARs range from 60 (Business, Psychological Sciences) to 80 (Laws), with 70 for Computer Science and 75 for Engineering (Honours). Lower ATARs can still receive offers after subject adjustments and equity schemes.
How much does Swinburne cost for international students?
Indicative 2027 annual fees for bachelor degrees range from about A$35,590 (Education) to A$48,300 (Engineering), for example A$37,800 for Arts and A$43,300-$46,700 for Business.
Does Swinburne offer early entry?
Yes. The Early Entry Program assesses Year 12 applicants on a school recommendation instead of an ATAR; applications close 27 November 2026.
What IELTS score does Swinburne require?
Bachelor degrees such as Engineering, Computer Science and Business require IELTS Academic 6.0 with no band below 6.0.
When are Swinburne's intakes?
The main intakes are Semester 1 (early March) and Semester 2 (August). In 2026 they started on 2 March and 3 August; 2027 dates have not yet been published.
Sources & methodology
Figures on this page were checked against official university publications, national application services and ranking publishers in September 2026. Each number is shown with the year or admissions cycle it describes. Always confirm deadlines and fees on the university's own website before applying.
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