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Your education journey

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Education Providers

Geelong is fortunate to have so many quality educational institutions that are registered with the Government to offer courses to international students. Whatever stage you are on your educational journey there are many options to choose from.

  • Private Higher Education College

    Private Higher Education College

    Providing higher education for post-secondary students, qualifications range from certificates to bachelor degrees. Marcus Oldham College graduates commence careers in agriculture or para-professional roles. Deakin College students pathway into the second year of Deakin bachelor degrees.

  • TAFE

    TAFE

    Providing vocational training that focuses on hands-on learning, qualifications offered include certificates, through to advanced diplomas, as well as apprenticeships and traineeships. Graduate students commence careers in trades or para-professional roles, or pathway to university.

  • University

    University

    Providing higher education for post-secondary students, qualifications range from bachelor degrees to post graduate doctoral degrees. Graduates are highly skilled to work in a diverse range of academic, professional and research roles.

Australian Qualifications Framework

The Australian education system is a national policy that covers qualifications from the tertiary education sector (higher education and vocational education and training) in addition to the school-leaving certificate; the Senior Secondary Certificate of Education. This is known as the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF)

The AQF has 10 levels and links school, vocational and university education qualifications into one national system. This allows you to move easily from one level of study to the next, and from one institution to another, as long as you satisfy student visa requirements. It allows for choice and flexibility in career planning. All qualifications in the AQF help prepare you for both further study and your working life.

Our institutions are linked across the country and across the world, which makes it easy to move throughout the education system between courses or institutions and formal agreement and recognition frameworks mean every step of the path will contribute to your future no matter what your study or career goals.

Pathways

Multiple study pathways and exit points exist between secondary school, TAFE and university. Each stage of study brings its own qualification and can be the completion of your studies, or it can provide a pathway onto the next stage.

Your current year and skill level will determine what course level or institution you are eligible to apply for. Where you finish will depend on the career outcomes you’re hoping to achieve.

pathways

  • Student Events and Activities

    Student Events and Activities

  • Student Resources

    Student Resources

    Where can I get help with......

    Browse the Study Geelong student resources for international students.

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  • Are you the next Study Geelong Ambassadors for 2025?

    Are you the next Study Geelong Ambassadors for 2025?

    Are you our next Study Geelong ambassadors for 2025?

    If you love to explore more of Geelong and The Bellarine, get to know other international students and help share your adventures on social media, then becoming an ambassador might be for you!

    Read more

Student Stories

  • YUHAO

    North Geelong Secondary College

    As far as we know, Australia is a multicultural and multinational country in the world. The Australian education is pretty distinguished and it has too many advantages so that it can attract more and more people to come to study the knowledge they like. As an international student from China, I will narrate my many interesting experiences and my feelings for Australia.

    So why didn't I choose the other cities in Australia but I selected Geelong? When I lived in China, the pressure of every senior high school students is very heavy. To finish my homework, I had to go to school at 6:50am and go to sleep at about 1:00 in night. So I produced an original thought-go abroad to explore a new life which is both relaxing and I can learn some utile knowledge. In my opinions, I checked some cities and towns in Australia and learnt about the information of cities. Among the cities, when I saw the beautiful sceneries and colourful cultures, I fell love in the interesting town, Geelong. I was absorbed deeply by the environment and the enthusiasm of the people. A new journey for me has extended!

     With curiosity and excitement, I got off the airplane and observed everything surrounding me. What a beautiful city! What a great way! With the tender sunshine, I saw the wonderful view in my sight. Cool and refreshing sea wind fanned my face, the feeling was like in the fairyland. The wide blue sea was like a big piece of mirror even can see all kinds of fishes were swimming.

     Geelong-a glamorous place. It takes too much invaluable memory to me. I am studying in North Geelong Secondary College and I can choose more types of classes which I am interested in. I have made friends with many people including the teachers here. They are always very amiable and if I feel bored and helpless I always make a conversation with them to release my pressure. I still remembered that when I came to GEELONG initially, I even couldn't speak with the other people mainly because my English was too weak and I didn't want to talk something. When it was difficult to deal with the  problems, there were too many people to encourage me to inspire my confidence and talk more with the others. I felt the care and warmth from my friends and determined to practice my English.

     Now, doing some sports with my friends is my favourite, meanwhile, practising my English is still the most important assignment. Talking some difficult problems with other people, watching some interesting English movies can help me how to utilize and comprehend the grammar and the vocabulary. I always listened to the customs, life as well as history of Geelong. I love the sea scenery of Geelong and almost not any contamination. With the warm sunshine and blue sky, that is a great picture!

    Geelong is a very wonderful town! The location is very special because it is near many interesting places and when I have time,I can go to play with my friends and family. The simple and honest folkways are the other special traits. On the other hand, it is very near to Melbourne-the cultural centre of Australia. But Geelong has the unique quiet and it makes people very comfortable rather than the noisy of Melbourne. In Geelong, I can't find any trouble in everyday life, only relax and happiness.

    I love Geelong! It is my new favourite hometown and I never forget it. Never!

     

    YUHAO

    As far as we know, Australia is a multicultural and multinational country in the world. The Australian education is pretty distinguished and it has too many advantages so that it can attract more and more...

  • BoRui

    North Geelong Secondary College

    Hello,I’m BoRui Deng. I‘m 16 years old and I come from China. Now I’m studying in the North Geelong Secondary College.

    My “Australian parents” are Ali and Sef. Both of them are Iranians. They give me a good care. I also help them as I can. We became a family, not just a landlord and a student. The place which I am living is close to the beach. We have two cats and one silly dog(always brakes my clothes. When I got to the house, I was surprised the house was so nice. I ‘m very lucky to live with them.

    BoRui Deng

    Some people asked me why I chose Australia, Geelong and NGSC. Australia has a beautiful and unique nature and it also has a safe social environment. People are kind and welcoming. It’s a good country to live and study. When the study abroad agencies asked me which city you want to study, I said Melbourne, because I have been to Australia on 2014 and went to many state capital. I thought Melbourne was the best city to study.When the study abroad agencies gave me the school introductions, located in Melbourne and near cities, I saw the introduction of NGSC. That was the first time that I learnt about Geelong and NGSC. As I researched the information about Geelong, I got to know that Geelong is quiet and peaceful city. Geelong also has many beautiful views likes the beach、forest and high mountains. The left picture is Southern Ocean and the right mountain is called The You Yangs. I have been to there. That is lovely,isn’t it?

    beach

      You Yangs

     

     

     

     

    The main attraction for the North Geelong Secondary School is its teaching resources: good facilities, intelligent teaching methods, excellent teachers and caring for students. When I first came to school ,I faced many difficulties,such as hard to understand what the other people said strange classmates, different teaching style etc. Luckily some students and teachers gave me a hand, especially Mr. Dawson and Mr. O. They are taking a lot of care to me and gave me much help,like my parents. I am very grateful for them,I will never forget.

    Some people ask me if I have any advice to future international students. Yes,I just have two pieces of advice. First, don’t be shy to talk with other people. It’s the best way to practice your English and make new friends. If you have any problem that you can‘t solve, just ask other people. They will be glad to help you. If you don’t say anything,everyone will think you are fine.

    The another one is study hard. Some international students become lazy after they come to Australia,because the school is easy and has more freedom than their country‘s schools. Never be undisciplined,it’s very important. Remember,you come to Australia for study.
    I hope I can meet you in NGSC.

    BoRui

    Hello,I’m BoRui Deng. I‘m 16 years old and I come from China. Now I’m studying in the North Geelong Secondary College.

    My “Australian parents” are Ali and Sef. Both of them are...

  • Shingi

    Marcus Oldham College

     

    I decided to study Agribusiness in Australia as a pathway to expand my agricultural production knowledge and build on experience I gained back home in Zimbabwe. Studying agribusiness abroad would be the best way to learn global agriculture dynamics and transfer the knowledge back home.  

    I am happy to be studying alongside budding, ambitious and like-minded Australians who are passionate and tuned into agriculture. The mixture of farming backgrounds at the college has added value and quality to the educational experience. The course delivery is from an in-depth industry perspective which makes the course relevant to the outside world. The flexibility of the course structure, delivery and access to facilities has allowed me to study and still nurture my small family. The study tours of China, Hong Kong and New Zealand capped off the whole study experience.

    Marcus Oldham is a small community with significant outside influence. The great sense of community, comradery and heritage made it easy to settle in, network and be part of. Meeting students who came from all across Australia has been a natural introduction to the diversity of the country. Marcus Oldham has brought out my ability to adjust to new environments and social settings and to find a niche role within any group. The best way to enjoy the Australian culture is to get involved and have a go. In amongst the multicultural array of the country, I have experienced the complexity of many regions through travelling, the rich natural landscape, the great outdoors and the sporting culture of Australia.

    With a year to complete the Bachelor of Agribusiness, I hope the refined business skills will propel my career further. Currently, I am the Assistant Mushroom Grower at Parwan Valley Mushrooms, Victoria.

    Studying abroad gives a different perspective on past experiences and natural knowledge. The moment you step out from your doorstep you open yourself up to the world. Studying abroad is an excellent opportunity to see a different way of doing things and create memories for life. There is a lot to learn and remember you also have just as much to offer.

     

    Shingi

     

    I decided to study Agribusiness in Australia as a pathway to expand my agricultural production knowledge and build on experience I gained back home in Zimbabwe. Studying agribusiness abroad...

  • Jack Littler

    Marcus Oldham College

     

    Having grown up on a cropping property in the West Midlands of England I have always had a passion for agriculture. After spending 2 years working in a contract mustering team in Northern Australia, I recognised the diversity and scope in the agricultural industry. After realising the vast range of job opportunities, the agricultural industry in Australia had to offer me, I began to research means to expand my skills, knowledge and education of Australian agriculture which is how I came across Marcus Oldham.

    Marcus Oldham stood out instantly as the superior agricultural tertiary educator in Australia after meeting some of the alumni across the country. The practicality of the course and the use of industry placements allows students to apply the knowledge throughout the course and explore various sectors. This was the element of the college that I enjoyed the most.

    The Marcus Oldham experience gave me exposure to many different sectors of the industry, this has allowed me use my industry placement to work in several areas that I had never even considered. The network that is provided by the college has also been invaluable in developing knowledge in the Australian agricultural industry, from fellow students, alumni and company contacts.

    The culture in Australia and within Marcus Oldham is one of the main reasons why I enjoy living in Australia. The comradery within the college itself is a direct reflection of the country’s ‘Can Do’ attitude.  Fellow students have a wide range of backgrounds and experience providing an environment where I have not only learnt from lectures but fellow students.

    Studying abroad has allowed me to not only learn more about the agriculture industry but it has allowed me to travel within Australia and to countries close by that would usually be a significant distance!

    I am currently studying 3rd year agribusiness and hope to become involved in the beef industry, my industry placement allowed me to gain valuable experience that will put me in a good position to achieve this.

    Studying abroad allows you not only to learn from the educational institution but from the culture, allowing you to get a learning experience that is completely unique. Come and visit Australia and spend some time in the Australian agriculture industry, its diverse, exciting and progressive. Not to forget there are some pretty good sights to see!

     

    Jack Littler

     

    Having grown up on a cropping property in the West Midlands of England I have always had a passion for agriculture. After spending 2 years working in a contract mustering team in Northern...