Victoria University, Australia

Victoria University (VU) is one of Australia's leading professional and vocational universities - well-known for preparing its students not just for a career, but for life. Established in 1990, VU aims to be a University of Opportunity and Success, and is committed to equal opportunity, cultural diversity and social inclusion. The institution offers short courses as well as qualifications in vocational education (TAFE) and higher education. VU also provides appropriate pathways that enable students to move from a certificate course through to an advanced diploma, degree, or postgraduate qualification by coursework or research.

At VU, students will benefit from many unique teaching and learning features, such as:

• a new First Year Model, designed to enhance the experience of first-year students
• work-integrated learning options
• tailored learning support
• flexible, supported pathways for students into and between a tailored range of courses
• courses with benefits such as overseas study opportunities, practical industry links and work integrated and problem-based learning.

Most diplomas, undergraduate and postgraduate degrees at VU are conducted through a number of academic colleges:

• Arts & Education
• Business
• Engineering & Science
• Health & Biomedicine
• Law & Justice
• Sport & Exercise Science
• VU College
• School for the Visitor Economy

Victoria University Polytechnic, on the other hand, is the TAFE division of VU, delivering accredited courses, apprenticeships, traineeships and customised training programs that are custom-designed for today’s workforce. Courses are offered in a wide range of industries, including:

• business services, legal & logistics
• community services & youth work
• communications, arts & design
• early childhood & education support
• English & preparation programs
• hair, beauty & make-up
• health, nursing & care industries
• hospitality, tourism & events
• sport & wellbeing
• systems & information technologies
• trades

Located in Melbourne, VU has been ranked as one of the top 2% of universities worldwide by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2018. Currently, VU is proud to teach 40,000 students at its campuses, including more than 11,200 international students.

VU offers a variety of student accommodation options. For new students, there is also a team of Resident Advisors providing support in their transition to university life and living away from home.

UniLodge @ VU is a 12-storey student-housing complex with studio apartments, 2-bedroom and 6-bedroom share apartments to rent. It is located directly across from the Footscray Park campus and is only a short walk to the Footscray Station, which links to the heart of Melbourne and other city campuses in approximately 15 minutes. UniLodge @ VU features fully-furnished apartments from A$175 per week - with utilities and 50GB of Internet data monthly included in the rent. Other features include:

• high-tech study rooms
• gourmet kitchens, dining rooms and TV lounges
• a barista café and rooftop garden
• basketball court, pool table, table tennis and foosball
• cinema room with cable TV, BluRay, Xbox, and PlayStation.

Alternatively, students can opt for other accommodation arranngements near campus, such as homestay, share house or vacant properties. VU provides student housing support services and information about moving in, staying, and moving out of any rental property. 

VU has eight campuses in Melbourne and one campus in Sydney’s central business district (CBD). The campuses in Melbourne are located at:

• City Flinders
• City King
• Footscray Park
• Sunshine
• Werribee
• City Queen
• Footscray Nicholson
• St Albans

All campuses provide a range of facilities and services and the VU Security Operations Centre is staffed 24 hours a day, creating a safe and conducive study environment for students. Facilities include bookshops, conference and meeting rooms, creative art studios, gym and fitness centres, prayer rooms and reflection centres as well as transport and parking. Meanwhile, day spa, salon, childcare, chaplaincy and health clinics are some of the on-campus services available to students, staff and the community.