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Let the real
work begin

Co-operative placement in nearly every course. You're supported.

World-class education closer to home. We're with you.

We’re proud to be Victoria’s premier regional university, with campuses in Ballarat, Gippsland, Wimmera, Berwick, and Melbourne. 

We’re both a university and a TAFE, meaning more pathways, more flexibility and more ways to get where you want to go. Our small classes and personal approach mean your teachers know your name.

With Co-operative placements built into nearly every course, you’ll graduate with real experience. Because we know career confidence doesn't just come from taking notes or passing assignments.

Who we are

We're all about opening doors to education for everyone.
 
Here's a quick snapshot of who we are.
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300+ courses

That's across TAFE, undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, plus our world-class research. There's something for everyone.
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150+ years strong

We are one of Australia’s oldest universities, with local and global partnerships, and over 123,000 graduates. Be part of the story.
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#1 for Social Equity

In Victoria. We believe everyone deserves the chance to succeed, no matter where they start. Source: Good Universities Guide 2026.
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#1 for Student Support

In Victoria. We're with you at every single step. Source: QILT Student Experience and Graduate Outcomes Survey 2024.
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#1 for Undergraduate Teaching Quality

In Victoria. Exceptional learning that's second to none. Source: QILT Student Experience and Graduate Outcomes Survey 2024.
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1st Co-operative university in Australia

We'll connect you to industry with Co-op placement built into nearly every course. That's real work experience, sorted.
 

What we do

We know your career is about more than just your qualification. It's also about networking with employers and applying what you learn.
 
That's why we're here to bridge the gap between study and real-world experience. By connecting you to industry, we take the stress out of getting your foot in the door.
 

For engineering student Simon Lea, our Co-operative model has been a game-changer. Read Simon’s story to get a glimpse of where a Co-op placement can take you.

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Work placement built into nearly every course
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Some placements are paid, depending on your course
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Connect directly with key industry partners
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Graduate confident and job-ready

Our award-winning educators are with you

TAFE Information Technology teacher Dr Adam Bignold was recognised as Australia’s best vocational education and training (VET) teacher at the 2024 Australian Training Awards.

How we support you

Study support
We offer student-focused programs, social activities and academic services to support new and returning students. 
Financial support
As of May 2025, we've awarded over $1 million in scholarships and grants. How can we support you financially?
Wellbeing support
You can’t do your best if you’re not feeling your best. That’s why we offer support for your physical and mental wellbeing.

Opening doors with life-changing scholarship support

Our scholarship program is continuing to grow, with a record 309 scholarships awarded in 2025. In partnership with generous donors, that’s over $1 million worth of assistance.

Our campuses

With campuses all across Victoria, Federation offers world-class tertiary experiences right on your doorstep. 

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Ballarat

We have four campuses in Ballarat. Each location has discipline-specific facilities, a tight-knit community of students...

Ballarat
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Berwick

Berwick is all landscaped grounds and modern architecture, but it’s only 40km from the Melbourne CBD. You can study in...

Berwick
Photo of Gippsland campus from outside. There are people sitting on the grass in the foreground.
Gippsland

Gippsland is set on 60 lush hectares (yes, there’s a lake), and Churchill is right next door (it'll only take you about...

Gippsland
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Wimmera

Wimmera has a vocational training focus. There’s a hairdressing salon, a nursing training centre, construction workshops...

Wimmera

What if I'm already ready?

Start your application
Apply for our undergraduate, postgraduate, research, TAFE or short courses.
Find your pathway
Not eligible yet? Our pathway programs help you to build skills and open the door to your dream course.
Ask us a question
Search our FAQs, call us, submit a question or register your interest.