Geelong, Victoria’s second-largest city, offers a unique blend of coastal lifestyle and educational opportunity. With 16 CRICOS-registered providers delivering 267 active courses, it’s an attractive destination for international students seeking quality education outside the major capitals. Whether you’re drawn to Deakin University’s waterfront campus or The Gordon’s hands-on training, Geelong provides a supportive environment with lower living costs compared to Melbourne. As a regional city, it also offers potential post-study work advantages. All data on this page is sourced from the official CRICOS register (April 2026), ensuring you can trust the information. HeadStart Academy is a free resource – we never charge referral fees.
Counted from the official register for Geelong: 267 non-expired CRICOS courses across 16 providers.
Most common course levels
Planning baseline from the CRICOS register [CRICOS register, Apr 2026]. Confirm fees, intakes and visa settings with the provider and government sources before applying.
Ranked by active CRICOS course coverage for Geelong on the April 2026 register snapshot. Recalculated this build (2026-10-05). Use this as a shortlist, then confirm current fees and intakes with each provider.
Commercial disclosure: Payment does not affect this ranking or inclusion. Ordering is coverage-based from the CRICOS register — not an endorsement or quality score. How we rank · Is this legit?
Deakin University (Deakin) is a government CRICOS provider with 138 active courses matched to Geelong. Indicative course totals on register from A$2,800 to A$377,568. Common levels include Bachelor Honours Degree, Bachelor Degree, Masters Degree (Research).
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 00113B, Government, 138 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
Polytechnic Institute Australia Pty Ltd
Polytechnic Institute Australia Pty Ltd is a private CRICOS provider with 19 active courses matched to Geelong. Indicative course totals on register from A$3,600 to A$63,700. Common levels include Non AQF Award, Bachelor Degree, Diploma.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 03535M, Private, 19 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
Gordon Institute of TAFE is a government CRICOS provider with 16 active courses matched to Geelong. Indicative course totals on register from A$7,145 to A$44,400. Common levels include Certificate III, Diploma, Certificate IV.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 00011G, Government, 16 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
Melbourne Centre for Technology Studies Pty Ltd
Melbourne Centre for Technology Studies Pty Ltd is a private CRICOS provider with 16 active courses matched to Geelong. Indicative course totals on register from A$12,500 to A$25,250. Common levels include Certificate IV, Diploma, Certificate III.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 03737A, Private, 16 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
Veritas Education Pty Ltd is a private CRICOS provider with 11 active courses matched to Geelong. Indicative course totals on register from A$12,300 to A$31,200. Common levels include Certificate IV, Diploma, Advanced Diploma.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 03762M, Private, 11 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
The Centre of Excellence Pty Ltd
The Centre of Excellence Pty Ltd is a private CRICOS provider with 10 active courses matched to Geelong. Indicative course totals on register from A$5,750 to A$82,000. Common levels include Certificate III, Certificate IV, Diploma.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 03512G, Private, 10 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
Victorian Institute of Technology Pty Ltd
Victorian Institute of Technology Pty Ltd is a private CRICOS provider with 9 active courses matched to Geelong. Indicative course totals on register from A$12,000 to A$52,500. Common levels include Bachelor Degree, Masters Degree (Coursework), Graduate Diploma.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 02044E, Private, 9 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
Australian National College Pty Ltd
Australian National College Pty Ltd is a private CRICOS provider with 8 active courses matched to Geelong. Indicative course totals on register from A$8,000 to A$26,000. Common levels include Non AQF Award, Diploma, Graduate Diploma.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 03009M, Private, 8 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
Ashford College Pty Ltd is a private CRICOS provider with 8 active courses matched to Geelong. Indicative course totals on register from A$18,750 to A$30,750. Common levels include Graduate Diploma, Certificate III, Diploma.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 04304G, Private, 8 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
Queens Group Pty Ltd is a private CRICOS provider with 7 active courses matched to Geelong. Indicative course totals on register from A$12,499 to A$20,499. Common levels include Certificate IV, Diploma, Advanced Diploma.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 02992E, Private, 7 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
Similar to a register-first directory: every claim you can act on should be checkable against an official source. Full ranking rules: methodology.
Maintained by HeadStart Academy editorial · Snapshot recalculated this build (2026-10-05).
| Expense | Indicative Weekly Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Rent (shared) | $200 – $400 |
| Utilities | $30 – $50 |
| Groceries | $80 – $150 |
| Transport | $30 – $60 |
| Miscellaneous | $50 – $100 |
Geelong boasts a mild climate with over 250 days of sunshine annually, making outdoor activities enjoyable year-round. Its economy is diverse, with strong sectors in health, education, manufacturing, and information technology. Major employers include Deakin University, Barwon Health, and Ford’s former assembly plant site now redeveloped for innovation. The city features student-friendly precincts like the revitalised waterfront area, where Deakin’s campus sits alongside cafes and parks. Public transport is efficient: V/Line trains connect Geelong to Melbourne in about an hour, and local buses serve all suburbs. The international student community is growing, supported by services like the Geelong International Student Network. Moreover, as a designated regional area, students may benefit from longer post-study work rights on a Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485). For visa details, see our Student Visa Subclass 500 guide.
Geelong is home to 16 CRICOS-registered providers, including 2 government institutions and 14 private colleges. Government providers include Deakin University (with its Waurn Ponds and Waterfront campuses) and The Gordon Institute of TAFE, a leading vocational training provider. Among private providers, you’ll find specialised colleges such as the Australian College of Nursing, Health Industry Training, and the Australian Institute of Technical Training. Other notable names include Canterbury Technical College and Pivot Point Academy. These institutions offer courses across all levels, from English language programs to doctoral degrees. All listed providers are CRICOS-registered, meaning they meet Australian Government standards for teaching international students and the ESOS Act protects your rights. Data is sourced directly from the CRICOS register – check current registration at cricos.teqsa.gov.au.
Geelong offers approximately 267 active courses across all study levels. The most popular fields include Management and Commerce (business, accounting, marketing), Health (nursing, aged care, public health), Engineering and Related Technologies, Information Technology, and Education. Vocational courses (Certificate III to Diploma) are widely available through TAFEs and private providers, particularly in trades, hospitality, and community services. Undergraduate and postgraduate degrees are primarily offered by Deakin University, covering disciplines from architecture to neuroscience. For those seeking niche programs, fields like maritime studies (at The Gordon) or clinical nursing (at Australian College of Nursing) are available. Course fees vary: vocational courses start around AUD 8,000 per year, while university degrees can range from AUD 30,000 to AUD 45,000. All fees are indicative and set by institutions – always confirm before applying.
Geelong offers a more affordable lifestyle than Melbourne or Sydney. Indicative weekly costs: rent for shared housing AUD 200–400, utilities AUD 30–50, groceries AUD 80–150, public transport AUD 30–60, and miscellaneous (phone, internet, entertainment) AUD 50–100. Total weekly living costs range from AUD 400 to AUD 700. These are estimates – actual expenses depend on lifestyle and accommodation type. International students also need Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), costing roughly AUD 600–1,000 per year. Remember, cost of living is a key factor in your visa application’s financial capacity requirement. For more, see our OSHC guide. Compared to Melbourne, you may save 20–30% on rent, but earning opportunities are fewer – many students work part-time in retail or hospitality.
Geelong’s main campuses are well-connected by public transport. Deakin University’s Waterfront campus is a 5-minute walk from Geelong Railway Station, while its Waurn Ponds campus is 10km south-west and accessible via bus (route 41, 44) or free shuttle from the station. The Gordon’s city campus is in the CBD, also walking distance from the station. V/Line trains run from Melbourne’s Southern Cross to Geelong every 20 minutes during peak, with a journey time of 60–75 minutes. Local buses (operated by CDC Geelong) and the Geelong Transit Centre serve all suburbs. Students can apply for a myki concession card to save 50% on fares. For outer-suburban campuses, cycling is popular due to flat terrain. Car ownership is an option but parking is limited at waterfront campuses.
Geelong suits students seeking a balanced, lower-cost lifestyle near a major city. Pros include affordable rent, regional post-study work extensions (up to 3–4 years for degrees), a relaxed coastal atmosphere, and close proximity to Melbourne (1 hour by train). The city has vibrant café culture, beaches like Eastern Beach, and events like the Geelong Revival Festival. Cons: the job market is smaller, with fewer part-time opportunities in professional fields compared to Sydney or Melbourne. Public transport is less frequent after 9pm, and nightlife is limited. Weather is temperate but can be windy. For those prioritising savings and a tight-knit community, Geelong is excellent. However, if you prefer big-city diversity and constant activity, Melbourne might be better. Ultimately, your choice depends on your field of study – Geelong excels in nursing, education, and trades – and your long-term goals.
Applying to study in Geelong is straightforward using CRICOS-registered providers. Follow these steps: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers – filter by course level, field, and city (e.g., Geelong) on HeadStart Academy or the official CRICOS website. Compare courses, fees, and entry requirements. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution – submit your academic transcripts, English language test scores (e.g., IELTS 6.0 for many diplomas, 6.5 for degrees), and any other required documents. Take note of application deadlines – Deakin University has intakes in Trimester 1 (February), Trimester 2 (July), and Trimester 3 (November). 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500) – once the institution offers you a place and you accept, they issue a CoE. Use this to apply for a visa showing genuine temporary entrant (GTE) requirements and proof of funds, OSHC, and English proficiency. For visa help, consult a registered migration agent or visit the Department of Home Affairs.
Ready to start your journey in Geelong? Explore CRICOS-registered courses and apply directly to your chosen provider. HeadStart Academy is here to guide you – for free.