Swinburne College

Your pathway to Swinburne University

Swinburne College

Your pathway to Swinburne University

Start your path to a Swinburne University degree here at Swinburne College.

Swinburne College is part of Swinburne University, located within the University’s Hawthorn campus, only 15 minutes from Melbourne’s Central Business District. Swinburne College specialises in providing seamless pathway and English language courses for those students who wish to study an undergraduate or postgraduate course at Swinburne University but may not meet the requirements for direct entry or would prefer additional support and guidance as they transition into their university studies.

Our students receive targeted and personalised support and learning from experienced educators who specialise in pathway teaching – helping them to develop fundamental academic skills for immediate and future success in their Swinburne journey.

More than 5,000 students have successfully completed their Swinburne College pathway program and articulated into a Swinburne University course.

Our courses

Our pathway courses include:

UniLink diplomas

Successful completion of a UniLink diploma guarantees entry into the second year of a Swinburne university bachelor course with most pathways providing one full year of advanced standing towards their bachelor program. A UniLink diploma is an 8-month course that allows those students who do not meet the requirements for direct entry to commence their university studies and complete a bachelor degree with no additional time and cost*.

Swinburne Foundation Program

The Swinburne College Foundation Program is an alternative to completing High School Year 12, preparing international students for transition into higher education. Successful completion guarantees entry into a Swinburne College UniLink diploma or bachelor degree.

Postgraduate Qualifying Program (PQP)

Swinburne College’s PQP Program offers an alternative pathway for international students into a Swinburne University masters course. It is for those students who may have a post-secondary qualification but have not met the requirements for direct entry. Successful completion of the PQP guarantees entry into a range of Swinburne university masters courses.

UniLink Bridging Program

The UniLink Bridging Program is a 4-month course designed for students who have completed a Year 12 qualification but do not meet the entry requirements for a UniLink diploma.

English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS)

Swinburne College’s ELICOS program is designed to improve students’ language skills to meet English language entry requirements for Swinburne College and Swinburne University courses.

*Domestic students may be eligible to receive Commonwealth support for UniLink diplomas.

How we help our students succeed

Wide range of pathway options to choose from

Swinburne College provides pathways into more than 25 Swinburne bachelor degrees and 10 master degree programs.

Tailored courses

Swinburne College courses are tailored specifically for seamless progression into a Swinburne University course, offering you the best preparation possible for university studies.

Small class sizes

Our small class sizes are usually fewer than 20 students. This ensures a more personalized learning experience in a non-confronting environment

One-on-one support to help our students succeed

Swinburne College students can access one-on-one dedicated support from our teachers and specialist academic skills and English language advisors. This is free and available to all College students. Our teachers specialize in teaching and supporting pathway students. Many of them have teaching qualifications in addition to advanced degrees in their fields.

Transferable credit

Students completing a UniLink diploma receive academic credit towards their bachelor degree which in most cases is equivalent to the full first year. This means you can go straight into your second year of a bachelor course after successfully completing your UniLink diploma.

Opportunities to make friends and build connections

Swinburne College students are part of a welcoming and caring community. The College regularly organizes social events and workshops that provide students with an opportunity to make friends and adjust to life in Melbourne and at the University. These events are also a great opportunity to get to know our staff.

Academic skill building incorporated into our courses

Our programs all include additional academic skill building content to ensure our students are equipped with the knowledge and capabilities they need when they transition to the University.