Melbourne Polytechnic

Melbourne Polytechnic is renowned for its multi-disciplinary approach to traditional and practical teaching.

One of the largest providers of tertiary education and vocational training in Australia, it has been awarded for Excellence in International Education by the Victorian government.

Its hands-on, personalised courses are taught by qualified industry experts, who are established in their fields. Students can choose from a range of qualifications at the university, including certificates, diplomas as well as undergraduate and graduate degrees.

Students learn in state-of-the-art training facilities, including mock work environments which prepare them for future careers. Its classrooms and workshops include an on-site hairdresser, garden centre, recording studios, performance theatre and training restaurants.

The institution's strong partnerships with 25 Asian institutions as well as industry and research links, provides exciting pathways into both higher education and careers.

Melbourne Polytechnic provides a comprehensive range of vocational education and training. Qualifications offered by this institution includes certificates diplomas advanced diplomas associate degrees bachelor's degrees and master's degrees.

Teaching takes places across seven campuses and three specialist training centres in Melbourne, Australia. It covers 23 disciplines across 14 departments, which are:

• Agriculture
• Bridging and preparatory studies
• Business management and finance
• Creative arts
• Education
• Foundation studies
• Health and community
• Horticulture and landscaping
• Hospitality
• Performing arts
• Professional practice
• Trades college
• Visual arts
• Work education

Faculty are qualified experts in their chosen industry and provide both traditional and practical teaching methods to engage students.

Entry requirements differ depending on the course, but as a minimum for most of its programmes, Melbourne Polytechnic expects applicants to have completed the equivalent of an Australian year 11 and 12 level of education.

If applicants don't meet this requirement but have knowledge that's relevant to their chosen programme, they can still apply as mature age students. To be eligible for mature age status, applicants must be over the age of 18 and have been out of full-time education for at least one year.

As well as submitting their application form, international students need to submit the following documents:

• Certified copy of passport
• Certified copies of the academic qualifications translated into English
• Evidence of English language proficiency
• Other information or documents that are specified by the course. This could include a portfolio of work, an audition or resume.

There is no fee charged for the submission of an application. Fees are only charged once enrolment is confirmed.

English proficiency

Because its courses are taught in the English language, Melbourne Polytechnic also has set English proficiency requirements for international students. Proficiency tests that are accepted by the institution are:

• IELTS
• TOEFL
• Pearson Global Scale of English
• Cambridge English Scale
• Melbourne Polytechnic

Proficiency tests need to be taken no later than two years before applying. Depending on the applicant's country of citizenship and chosen programme, English language proficiency may also be required for a student visa application.

If applicants can't take these language tests, the university will accept other evidence of English proficiency on an individual basis.

Melbourne Polytechnic offers a variety of scholarships to international students. Funding through the institution is awarded based on a range of factors, including academic merit, area of study or personal circumstances.

Scholarships available to international students include:

International higher education scholarship

Awards between 10 to 20 per cent off tuition fees, depending on the student's academic merit and background.

International online scholarship

A new scholarship which has been created to support international students during the Covid-19 pandemic. Helping international students begin studies remotely while the Australian borders are closed, the scholarship awards a partial discount on tuition for online studies in the first semester. If the borders remain closed past the first semester, the scholarship will be renewed.

Recognition of excellence in transnational studies

Awards up to 50 per cent off tuition fees to high-performing students who are studying Melbourne Polytechnic transnational programmes outside of Australia. A merit-based scholarship, students are assessed on academic performance, references, personal statement, and any previous history with Melbourne Polytechnic.

Transnational merit scholarship

Worth a 10 per cent discount on tuition fees, this is awarded to transnational students outside of Australia that are studying a Melbourne Polytechnic course. Students are assessed on previous academic performance, completion of a Melbourne Polytechnic transnational English program (if applicable) and personal statement submission.

Students can also apply to scholarships and bursaries from external agencies and organisations, which are also listed on Melbourne Polytechnic's website.

Melbourne Polytechnic provides state-of-the-art facilities, including realistic training environments within classrooms and workshops. This includes two fully equipped working restaurants and a hairdressing salon, where students work with real clients.

Other training facilities include:

• Commercial meat and fish processing facilities
• Jewellery workshop
• Mechanical trade fitting and machining workshop
• Pathology lab
• Photography studios
• Specialist makeup room
• Technical education centre
• Vineyards and an award-winning wine cellar

Music students have access to several industry-quality facilities across campuses. This includes a 100-seat auditorium, several sound-proofed practice rooms, computer labs with the latest music software as well as recording studios and post-production suites.

Its Green Skills Centre achieved a five-star rating from the Green Building Council for demonstrating excellence in sustainable design. Facilities in the centre include 3D printing, a robotics lab and a fully constructed greywater system.

The university also boasts six libraries, with large collections of books, periodicals (both in print and online), videos, magazines, and other course-related materials. It also has plenty of study spaces, computer software and e-resources.

Outside of the classroom, there are several recreational and social facilities. This includes a purpose-built movement studio which is used for dance classes, fitness programs and rehearsals.

On the Preston campus, there is a fully equipped Fitness Centre. Run by welcoming staff who provide personal fitness advice, the centre houses a range of health facilities, including:

• Cardio equipment
• Free weights
• Group fitness room
• Gym
• Pin-loaded and plate-loaded machines
• Resistance training equipment

There are also facilities for students to showcase their work. The Space Gallery provides a dedicated space for solo exhibitions and events in a modern environment.

Melbourne Polytechnic's programmes are designed to develop students into highly employable graduates. Its hands-on teaching methods and classrooms replicate real working environments, so students are fully prepared for the professional workplace. This includes two specifically designed training centres located on two large working farms.

The institution also boasts two working restaurants and a hairdressing salon, where students work with real customers, including their peers and the local community. Other professional training facilities include subject-specific workshops, pathology labs, specialist makeup rooms, technical education centre and working vineyards.

Melbourne Polytechnic offers an internship program for international students studying in select programmes. The internship runs for a duration of 12-weeks and has helped more than 99 per cent of students secure a job in their area of study.

Melbourne Polytechnic's skills and job centre provides expert advice on training and employment opportunities. Helping students promote their skills to employers, its free services include:

• Apprenticeship advice
• Career and training plans
• CV and cover letter preparation
• Job searching support
• Personalised career counselling
• Referrals for financial support