Master of Social Investment and Philanthropy (CRICOS course code 075576F) is a Masters Degree (Coursework) delivered by Swinburne University of Technology over 1 year 6 months (~78 weeks). This program is designed for professionals seeking to deepen their expertise in social finance, philanthropic strategy, and impact measurement. As a CRICOS-registered course (provider 00111D), it meets Australian Government standards for international student enrolment. Swinburne University of Technology, a government-owned institution, delivers this course primarily at its Hawthorn Campus in Melbourne, Victoria. With over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers in Australia, choosing a registered course like this ensures you are protected under the ESOS Act. Whether you aim to lead in the non-profit sector, corporate social responsibility, or social enterprise, this degree equips you with the skills to drive positive change.
| Metric | Value |
|---|
Master of Social Investment and Philanthropy (CRICOS course code 075576F) is a Masters Degree (Coursework) delivered by Swinburne University of Technology over 1 year 6 months (~78 weeks). This program sits within the field of education 080300 – Business and Management, n.f.d., under the broader Management and Commerce discipline. It is a single qualification (no dual award) and does not include foundation studies or a mandatory work component. The language of instruction is English, and the course is offered at Swinburne's Hawthorn Campus in Hawthorn, Victoria. As a CRICOS-registered course, it provides international students with access to Australia's world-class education system and legal protections under the ESOS Act. Swinburne University of Technology (CRICOS 00111D) is a government-owned institution with a strong reputation for industry-engaged learning.
This master’s level course focuses on advanced concepts in social investment and philanthropy, blending theoretical knowledge with practical application. Students typically explore topics such as social impact assessment, philanthropic giving strategies, social enterprise finance, and governance in the non-profit sector. The curriculum is designed to develop critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and leadership skills tailored to the social sector. Graduates often pursue roles in foundations, non-governmental organizations, corporate social responsibility departments, or government agencies. While the exact syllabus is determined by Swinburne, the field of Business and Management at AQF Level 9 ensures a rigorous academic experience that meets Australian quality standards.
The Master of Social Investment and Philanthropy is a full-time course with a CRICOS-registered duration of 78 weeks (approximately 1 year and 6 months). The course is delivered in English at the Hawthorn Campus. It is a single qualification, meaning no dual degree is offered. There is no foundation studies component, so students are expected to meet the entry requirements directly. As with all CRICOS-registered courses, the duration is set to ensure international students can maintain appropriate visa conditions under the Student Visa (Subclass 500). It is important to note that this duration reflects the minimum time to complete the course, and part-time options may be available for domestic students but are generally not permitted for international students.
The indicative tuition fee for this course is A$0 per year, as recorded on the CRICOS register (April 2026). Non-tuition fees are also listed as A$0, but the estimated total cost is A$36,000 for the full program. Please note: these figures are indicative only and sourced from the official CRICOS register. Fees are set by the institution and subject to change. Additional costs that are not included in this estimate include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses (accommodation, food, transport), and the visa application charge. For the most current fee information, always check Swinburne University of Technology’s international student website. In Melbourne, indicative weekly living costs are approximately A$450–A$600 for rent, groceries, and transport. OSHC typically costs around A$550–A$700 per year for single cover.
Entry into this master’s degree requires an IELTS overall score of 6.5 to 7.0 (or equivalent), as per typical Swinburne requirements for postgraduate coursework. Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant field; however, prior work experience may also be considered. Each application is assessed on a case-by-case basis. Foundation or pathway programs are not offered for this specific course, but Swinburne provides other bridging options – refer to the provider’s website for details. All international applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through an approved test. Meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as places are competitive. For precise entry criteria, consult Swinburne University of Technology directly.
This course does not include a mandatory work component. However, as an international student on a Student Visa (Subclass 500), you are permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks. This work is not part of the curriculum but can provide valuable experience and financial support. Remember that work rights are subject to visa conditions, and you must not compromise your study obligations. Always check your visa grant letter for specific conditions.
The Master of Social Investment and Philanthropy is delivered at Swinburne University of Technology’s Hawthorn Campus, located at John Street, Hawthorn, Victoria. Hawthorn is a vibrant inner-city suburb of Melbourne, approximately 6 km from the CBD. Melbourne is home to over 30 CRICOS-registered providers, including several world-class universities, and has a large international student population of around 150,000. The Hawthorn Campus is well-served by public transport, including trains, trams, and buses, making it easily accessible from the city and surrounding suburbs. The campus offers modern facilities including libraries, study spaces, and student services tailored to international students. Living in Melbourne provides a multicultural experience with a high quality of life, though costs are relatively high – expect weekly rent for a share house to range from A$200–A$350.
International students enrolling in this CRICOS-registered course will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). As a visa holder, you must maintain enrolments in a full-time CRICOS course, attend classes, and make satisfactory progress. You are allowed to work 48 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during scheduled holidays. You must also have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay. The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement should be addressed in your visa application. Financial capacity must be demonstrated – typically enough to cover tuition, living costs, and travel. For detailed visa advice, consult the Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration agent (MARA). For more on student visas, see our Student Visa Subclass 500 guide.
Applying for the Master of Social Investment and Philanthropy at Swinburne University of Technology is straightforward. Follow these three steps:
1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers**: Use HeadStart Academy to filter courses by level, field, and location. Confirm Swinburne’s CRICOS registration (00111D) and course code (075576F).
2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution**: Visit Swinburne University of Technology’s international admissions page. Check entry requirements, including English language tests (IELTS 6.5-7.0), academic transcripts, and any application deadlines. Submit your application online with supporting documents.
3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa**: Once accepted, Swinburne issues a CoE. Use this to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500) through the Department of Home Affairs. You must also arrange OSHC and demonstrate financial capacity. For visa assistance, consider a registered migration agent.
Remember: All applications are processed by Swinburne. HeadStart Academy does not handle applications but provides information to help you make informed decisions.
Melbourne is consistently ranked as one of the world’s most liveable cities. It offers a diverse culture, excellent public transport, and a thriving job market, especially in the non-profit and social sectors. The city has over 30 CRICOS-registered providers, including universities like Swinburne, University of Melbourne, and Monash. International students make up a significant part of the population, with dedicated support services, affordable student housing, and vibrant social scenes. However, the cost of living is higher than in smaller Australian cities. If you value a dynamic urban environment with networking opportunities in social impact, Melbourne is an ideal choice. Consider your budget and lifestyle preferences before making a decision.
Ready to shape the future of social impact? Explore the Master of Social Investment and Philanthropy at Swinburne University of Technology and start your journey in Australia. For more details, visit the provider’s website.
Master of Social Investment and Philanthropy is a CRICOS-registered programme at Swinburne University of Technology. Use this register extract [CRICOS register, Apr 2026] to cross-check codes, duration and indicative fees before you apply.
This page is general information only and not migration advice. Confirm Student visa (Subclass 500) requirements with the Department of Home Affairs.