Marcus Oldham College (CRICOS provider code 00306D) is a private CRICOS-registered provider offering 6 active courses to international students. Based in Waurn Ponds, Victoria, this specialist college focuses on practical education in agriculture, management, and commerce. With a capacity of 30 international students, Marcus Oldham College provides an intimate learning environment where individual attention is prioritised. The institution delivers courses at Diploma, Bachelor Degree, and Advanced Diploma levels, covering fields such as Agriculture, Environmental and Related Studies, and Management and Commerce. As part of Australia's CRICOS system, all programs meet rigorous quality standards and are eligible for international student visas. Whether you're aiming for a career in agribusiness or farm management, Marcus Oldham College offers pathways tailored to industry needs.
Marcus Oldham College (CRICOS 00306D) is a private higher education provider registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). Located in Waurn Ponds, a suburb of Geelong in Victoria, the college has been delivering vocational and higher education programs for decades. With only 6 active courses on the CRICOS register, it maintains a focused curriculum designed to prepare students for careers in agriculture, agribusiness, and management. The college's capacity of 30 international students ensures small class sizes and strong industry connections. All courses are taught from the Marcus Oldham College campus at Waurn Ponds, VIC 3216, providing a dedicated rural learning environment.
In Australia, CRICOS-registered providers fall into two main categories: Government and Private. Government providers include public universities, TAFE institutes, and government schools funded by the state or territory. Private providers, like Marcus Oldham College, are independently owned and operated—often specialising in niche fields such as agriculture, business, or hospitality. Private providers must meet the same stringent registration requirements as public ones, including compliance with the ESOS Act and the National Code of Practice. For international students, choosing a private provider can mean more personalised support, flexible delivery modes, and direct industry partnerships. However, it's essential to verify the provider's CRICOS status and course offerings before applying—something HeadStart Academy makes easy with up-to-date data from the official register.
Marcus Oldham College delivers all its CRICOS-registered courses from a single location:
**Marcus Oldham College** – WAURN PONDS, VIC 3216 This campus is situated in the rural outskirts of Geelong, surrounded by farmland, and provides hands-on learning facilities for agriculture and environmental studies. Geelong, Victoria's second-largest city, has a growing student population and offers a lower cost of living compared to Melbourne. Public transport connects Waurn Ponds to Geelong's city centre via bus and train, with the Waurn Ponds railway station nearby. The region is known for its strong agricultural sector, making it an ideal base for students in related fields.
Marcus Oldham College offers courses across three qualification levels under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF):
- **Diploma (AQF Level 5):** Typically 1-2 years in duration, diplomas provide foundational skills for entry into the workforce or further study. Marcus Oldham College offers diploma-level programs in agriculture and business. - **Advanced Diploma (AQF Level 6):** More advanced than a diploma, these programs deepen technical and managerial skills. The college's advanced diploma courses are designed for students aiming for supervisory roles in agribusiness. - **Bachelor Degree (AQF Level 7):** A comprehensive undergraduate qualification spanning 3-4 years. Bachelor degrees at Marcus Oldham College focus on agricultural and environmental studies, preparing graduates for professional careers. With 6 active courses in total, the college maintains a specialised portfolio rather than a broad offering, ensuring quality and relevance to industry needs.
Based on the Australian Standard Classification of Education (ASCED), Marcus Oldham College delivers courses in the following broad fields:
- **08 – Management and Commerce:** This field covers business management, accounting, marketing, and related areas. At Marcus Oldham College, these courses are applied specifically to agricultural and rural business contexts. - **05 – Agriculture, Environmental and Related Studies:** This is the college's core expertise, encompassing crop and livestock production, agricultural science, environmental management, and natural resource conservation. These fields align with Australia's growing demand for skilled professionals in agribusiness, environmental sustainability, and rural enterprise. Students gain both theoretical knowledge and practical experience, often through farm placements and industry projects.
International students enrolled in CRICOS-registered courses at Marcus Oldham College are eligible to apply for a Student Visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows full-time study in Australia and may include work rights (up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods). Key requirements include: - Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion: You must demonstrate a genuine intention to stay in Australia temporarily for study. - English language proficiency: Typically IELTS 5.5 or equivalent for diploma courses, and IELTS 6.0 for bachelor degrees (check specific course requirements). - Financial capacity: Evidence of sufficient funds to cover tuition, living costs (approximately AUD 21,041 per year for a single student), and travel. - Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): Mandatory health insurance for the duration of your visa. Additionally, the ESOS Act provides legal protections, including tuition fee refunds if the provider fails to deliver a course. For detailed visa guidance, visit the [Student Visa Subclass 500 page](/visa/student-visa-subclass-500). Remember, HeadStart Academy does not provide migration advice; consult a registered MARA agent for personalised assistance.
Follow these three steps to apply for a course at Marcus Oldham College:
**Step 1: Research CRICOS-registered providers** Begin by exploring courses on HeadStart Academy or the official CRICOS register. Filter by level (Diploma, Bachelor, Advanced Diploma), field (Agriculture, Management), and location (Waurn Ponds). Marcus Oldham College's CRICOS code is 00306D—use it to verify their registration status.
**Step 2: Apply directly to Marcus Oldham College** Once you've chosen a course, check entry requirements (e.g., academic background, English test scores) and application deadlines. Submit your application via the college's website: http://www.marcusoldham.vic.edu.au/. You may need to provide transcripts, a personal statement, and proof of English proficiency.
**Step 3: Receive your CoE and apply for your Student Visa** If accepted, Marcus Oldham College will issue a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). Use this CoE to apply for a Student Visa (Subclass 500) through the Department of Home Affairs. Arrange OSHC and prepare for your move to Waurn Ponds, Victoria.
Always confirm a provider's CRICOS registration before applying. Marcus Oldham College's CRICOS provider code is **00306D**. You can verify current registration status on the official CRICOS website (cricos.teqsa.gov.au) by entering the code. HeadStart Academy sources data from the official register as of April 2026, but registration status may change. Trust signals: All providers listed on HeadStart Academy are CRICOS-registered, and we cover 26,433 courses across 1,556 providers (April 2026). The ESOS Act protects international students, ensuring course quality and financial safeguards.
Victoria is home to over 200 CRICOS-registered providers and hosts tens of thousands of international students each year. The state offers diverse study environments, from Melbourne's bustling city to regional centres like Geelong. For students at Marcus Oldham College, the Waurn Ponds campus provides a quiet, rural setting with access to agricultural industry opportunities. Living costs in Geelong are lower than in Melbourne— indicative weekly rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around AUD 350-450, with groceries and transport adding AUD 150-250. Public transport includes buses and the V/Line train to Melbourne. Consider your preference for lifestyle: if you enjoy close-knit communities and hands-on learning in agriculture, Victoria's regional areas are an excellent choice. Before deciding, research course offerings, provider reputation, and local support services for international students.
Start your application process for Marcus Oldham College today. Follow our 3-step guide above and explore courses via HeadStart Academy.
Marcus Oldham College (CRICOS 00306D) is a Private provider in Geelong, VIC with 6 currently non-expired CRICOS courses [CRICOS register, Apr 2026].
Example course from the register: Diploma of Equine Management (CRICOS 062230F) is listed at 52 weeks with tuition A$0 and estimated total A$22,000 [CRICOS register, Apr 2026].
Important: This page is general information only and not migration advice. For Student visa (Subclass 500) evidence requirements and current financial settings, verify directly with the Department of Home Affairs [checked 2026-08-21].