Geelong, Victoria’s second-largest city, offers 32 CRICOS-registered Health courses across 2 providers: Deakin University and Gordon Institute of TAFE. Whether you're aiming for a Bachelor of Nursing, a Diploma of Nursing, or a postgraduate research degree, Geelong combines quality education with a vibrant regional lifestyle. International students benefit from the ESOS Act protections, with all providers listed on the official CRICOS register (as at April 2026). This page gives you a complete overview of Health study options in Geelong, including sample courses, provider profiles, career pathways, and the steps to apply. HeadStart Academy is a free resource – no referral fees, just reliable data from Australia’s official register.
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Geelong is home to 2 CRICOS-registered providers delivering a total of 32 Health courses (ASCED Field of Education 06). Deakin University leads with 31 courses, covering undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in nursing, public health, and health research. Gordon Institute of TAFE offers 1 course – the Diploma of Nursing – providing a vocational pathway into the health workforce. All courses are registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS), ensuring they meet Australian standards for international student enrolment. The Geelong region has a growing health sector, with major employers like Barwon Health and Epworth Geelong providing clinical placements and employment opportunities.
**Local Industry Clusters:** Geelong is a major health hub in Victoria, anchored by the Barwon Health network (including University Hospital Geelong), Epworth Geelong private hospital, and numerous aged care and community health facilities. The region’s Health and Social Assistance sector is a top employer.
**Career Outcomes (General Guidance):** Completing a Health course in Geelong can open doors to roles such as registered nurse, public health officer, health promotion specialist, or researcher. Note: career outcomes depend on your specific course, performance, and labour market conditions – this is not a guarantee.
**Why Geelong?** Compared to Melbourne, Geelong offers lower living costs (indicative weekly rent A$200–350 for shared accommodation, A$300–500 for a studio), a welcoming community, and easy access to beaches and natural attractions. Public transport includes V/Line trains to Melbourne (under an hour) and local buses connecting campuses. The smaller city means less competition for clinical placements and a tight-knit student experience.
Below are sample courses delivered by CRICOS-registered providers in Geelong. Tuition fees are indicative and subject to change – always confirm with the institution.
**Deakin University (CRICOS 00113B)** – A government university offering 31 Health courses in Geelong, from bachelor degrees to PhDs. Known for its strong nursing and public health programs, Deakin’s Waterfront and Waurn Ponds campuses feature modern simulation labs and research centres.
**Gordon Institute of TAFE (CRICOS 00011G)** – A government TAFE offering the Diploma of Nursing (CRICOS 111651H). This course provides a direct pathway to enrolled nurse registration, with extensive practical placement in local health facilities. Gordon TAFE also offers support services for international students.
Geelong’s CRICOS-registered Health courses span the following levels: - Diploma (e.g., Diploma of Nursing at Gordon TAFE) - Bachelor Degree (e.g., Bachelor of Public Health and Health Promotion) - Bachelor Honours Degree (e.g., Bachelor of Nursing (Honours)) - Masters Degree (Research) (e.g., Master of Nursing) - Doctoral Degree (e.g., Doctor of Philosophy) This range allows students to enter at various academic levels, from vocational training to research-intensive study.
Graduates of Health courses in Geelong may pursue careers as registered nurses, enrolled nurses, public health officers, health promoters, or researchers. Sectors include hospitals (Barwon Health, Epworth Geelong), aged care facilities, community health centres, government agencies, and universities. Employment outcomes depend on your qualifications, experience, and the labour market – this is general guidance only. Check the Australian Government’s Labour Market Insights for current demand.
**Cost:** Tuition ranges from A$43,000 for a 1-year Diploma to A$196,000 for a 4-year PhD. Living costs in Geelong are lower than in Sydney or Melbourne, but you should budget for rent, groceries, transport, and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). Indicative weekly living costs: A$400–600.
**Duration:** Courses range from 1 year (e.g., Diploma of Nursing) to 4 years (PhD). Consider your timeline and visa conditions (Subclass 500 student visa allows up to 5 years).
**Entry Requirements:** English language proficiency (IELTS typically 6.5–7.0), academic prerequisites, and sometimes a police check for clinical placements.
**Work Component:** Many Health courses include mandatory placements – you must be able to meet these requirements.
**Post-Study Pathways:** Graduates may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) to gain work experience, especially in skilled occupations like nursing.
**Step 1: Research CRICOS-registered providers** – Use the official CRICOS register at cricos.teqsa.gov.au or HeadStart Academy’s directory to filter by course level, field (Health), and city (Geelong).
**Step 2: Apply directly to your chosen institution** – Check entry requirements (e.g., IELTS, academic transcripts), prepare documents, and submit applications before deadlines. Deakin University and Gordon TAFE both have online application portals.
**Step 3: Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500)** – Once accepted, the provider issues a CoE. Use this to apply for a student visa via the Department of Home Affairs. You must also obtain OSHC and satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement. For visa advice, consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or visit homeaffairs.gov.au.
Ready to start your Health journey in Geelong? Explore all 32 CRICOS-registered courses on HeadStart Academy – a free resource with no referral fees.
Showing 32 CRICOS-registered Health courses from 2 providers with delivery in Geelong.
Counted from the official register for Geelong: 32 non-expired CRICOS courses across 2 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.