Start in Semester 1 2026
Wanting more? Get on your way at Swinburne in Semester 1 2026.
Semester 1 begins on Monday 2 March 2026. Apply now and study at a uni that gives you the support, skills and opportunities you deserve – whatever stage you’re at, wherever you’re headed.
On this page, you'll find:
Semester 1 classes begin on Monday 2 March 2026, and the last date to apply for this intake is Wednesday 25 February 2026.
Please note: TAFE and UniLink courses have different start dates and application deadlines, so be sure to view the full range of intake dates.
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Swinburne 2026 Study Expo
Considering undergrad, postgrad, TAFE or UniLink at Swinburne? Don’t miss our 2026 Study Expo – the one-stop shop where you can:
- browse all course options and get clarity on your study plans
- chat with academics to learn how Swinburne equips you with real skills, real experiences and real connections
- receive in-person application support and get on your way with a degree that gives you more.
When: Tuesday 20 January 2026, 4.30–6pm
Where: Hawthorn campus, ATC101, Level 1
Cost: Free
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Swinburne 2026 Study Expo
When: Tuesday 20 January 2026, 4.30–6pm
Where: Hawthorn campus, ATC101, Level 1
Cost: Free- Browse all course options and get clarity on your study plans
- Chat with academics to lean how Swinburne equips you with real skills, real experiences and real connections
- Receive in-person application support and get on your way with a degree that gives you more
Find your course
If you’re ready to discover what it’s like to study at Swinburne, start by browsing our courses.
Or browse by study area
Download a course guide and find all your options in one place
From bachelor degrees to PhDs and diplomas to short courses, we have study options to match every stage of your journey. Find a direct line to your career with a course guide.
Want to see all your course options in one place?
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Get tailored, one-on-one advice
Want to be sure you’ve picked a course that works with your goals and lifestyle? We’ve got you! Book a one-on-one appointment to get answers to all your questions – from course outcomes to sample timetables and more.
Why Swinburne?
Custom-fit courses
Our courses are designed with flexibility in mind – because study should fit your life, not the other way around.
Job-ready graduates
We’ve been connecting students with market-leading industry partners for over 60 years, so you can graduate with the skills employers want.
Your people, your place
Swinburne’s vibrant and diverse community is here to help you thrive in and out of the classroom. Join a club. Rep a student org. Find your people.
More support and opportunities
Smaller cohorts mean more time with lecturers, greater collaboration, and more chances to excel in the industry.
Why Swinburne?
Custom-fit courses
Job-ready graduates
Your people, your place
More support, more opportunities
Real industry experience, guaranteed
All Swinburne bachelor degrees guarantee real industry experience through our award-winning Work Integrated Learning program. Immerse yourself in real-world challenges with a placement. Sharpen your skills through an internship. Take on an industry project, grow your network and leverage it all to land a role in your dream career.
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Cutting-edge tech
At Swinburne, you’ll get hands-on learning with the latest technologies in world-class facilities. Dive into the pioneering work happening in our Financial Crime Lab, explore real-world data in the Bloomberg Trading Lab, or take flight with our aviation simulators. Wherever you want to go, you’ll graduate with next-gen skills that the world needs.
How to apply for Semester 1
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2. Explore our campus
Visit us in person and get a feel for Swinburne’s facilities, support services and student life. Or take a virtual tour of our Hawthorn campus from the comfort of your couch.
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3. Talk to someone
Questions? Get all your answers in a half-hour chat with a Swinburne course and applications expert.
Already have a career in mind?
Check out our ‘How to become’ series to learn how Swinburne can get you there.
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How to become a teacher
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How to become an entrepreneur
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How to become a project manager
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How to become an engineer
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How to become a nurse
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How to become a nutritionist
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How to become a professional psychologist
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How to become an entrepreneur
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How to become a business analyst
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How to become a data scientist
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How to become a cyber security analyst
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How to become an engineer
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How to become a lawyer
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How to become a criminologist
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you may be able to receive academic credit – also called ‘advanced standing’ – for previous study or relevant work and life experience, helping you complete your course sooner. To be considered, you will need to complete an application form that is relevant to your situation.
Absolutely – you can find stories about our students’ experiences across our website, from placement and internship experiences to studying abroad, international student experiences and alumni success.
Vocational Education (VE)
VE includes pre-apprenticeships, apprenticeships, traineeships, trades, certificates and diplomas (including TAFE courses).
You might be looking at VE if you want to study a skills-based vocation, such as electronics, plumbing or community services. Maybe you’d like to start with a shorter time commitment before progressing into further study. Perhaps the eligibility criteria caught your eye (in some cases, VE course entry is broader and doesn’t require an ATAR). Alternatively, you may be interested in a quick stop to upskill before returning to the workforce.
UniLink
A UniLink diploma serves as a ‘link’ course between you and undergraduate study. These courses are a great choice if you didn’t complete high school in Australia or didn’t get the ATAR needed for your preferred bachelor degree.
Undergraduate (UG)
UG includes bachelor degrees, double degrees and associate degrees.
Many undergraduate degrees will take 3 years to complete and will result in a bachelor degree. Double degrees are for those who want to study a little longer and graduate with twice the qualifications. Associate degrees will take around 2 years to complete and can either send you off into the world of work or prepare you for further study.
Postgraduate (PG)
PG includes graduate certificates, graduate diplomas, master degrees and doctoral degrees.
In most cases, postgraduate study is for those who have completed undergraduate study. In some instances, those with significant industry experience can enter postgraduate study in lieu of an undergraduate degree.
Completed master and doctorate degrees will result in a ‘Master of’ or ‘PhD’, respectively. Alternatively, if you complete the required units, you also have the option to exit your master degree study early to earn a graduate diploma or certificate.
Yes, you can. And we’ve found that in most cases, transferring unis or courses is easier than expected.
To begin the process, browse our courses or book an appointment to speak with a course and applications adviser at Swinburne.
Swinburne offers alternative admission routes such as UniLink diplomas, our Foundation Program and Fee-Free UniReady.
For more information, visit our page on pathways to university.
Swinburne has a range of scholarships designed to provide opportunity, promote equity and recognise excellence, and they are available for both commencing and current students.
While some are based on academic merit or community service, other scholarships exist to support students from Indigenous backgrounds, students suffering from financial hardship or those who have relocated from regional areas to study.
To learn more about our scholarships, eligibility and application process, visit our scholarships page.
Keep exploring
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International students
We welcome students from all over the world to study with us at Swinburne in Melbourne – Australia’s best student city.
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Credit for prior study or experience
Already have relevant work experience or successfully completed previous study? You can apply for academic credit and can use this towards units in your course.
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Life at Swinburne
At Swinburne, we know that your studies are important, but there is more to university than classes and lectures. Find out more about the opportunities we offer to make your time studying with us a memorable experience.
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Careers and employability
Improve your employability with expert advice and job application assistance, with a range of seminars, workshops, conferences and employer sessions to give you the edge.
Semester 1 starts on Monday 2 March 2026. Whether this is the beginning of your journey in Australia or you want to switch to a welcoming university that supports you at every step, Swinburne can help you choose the course that launches your next chapter.
Key dates and deadlines
Semester 1 classes begin on Monday 2 March 2026, and the last dates you can apply for this intake are:
Pakistan students: Friday 12 December 2025
Offshore international students: Friday 23 January 2026
Onshore international students: Friday 20 February 2026
Note: Some courses, like UniLink diplomas, have different start dates and application deadlines.
How to apply for Semester 1
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1. Browse courses
Browse all the courses Swinburne offers and find the perfect fit for you.
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2. Check entry requirements
Before you apply, make sure you meet the academic and English language requirements for your chosen course.
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3. Find education agent
Speak with a Swinburne-authorised education agent in your country for help with your course application and guidance on living and studying in Australia.
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4. Apply
Submit your application directly or through an education agent, which may be required in your country. Semester 1 classes begin on Monday 2 March.
Find your course
If you’re ready to discover what it’s like to study at Swinburne, start by browsing our courses.
Why Swinburne?
Rated five stars by our graduates
We’re ranked #1 in Victoria by students in categories like overall study experience and teaching quality1.
Our postgraduates are paid more than their peers
Why? Because our courses are co-created by industry professionals, meaning the skills you learn are the skills employers are seeking2.
Your people, your place
Swinburne’s vibrant and diverse community is here to help you thrive in and out of the classroom. Join a club. Explore events. Find your people.
Cutting-edge technology
With more than A$250 million invested in world-class labs and research equipment, Swinburne is home to facilities that you won’t find at any other Australian university.
Upcoming events
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Course Info
Swinburne 2026 Study Expo
Learn about and register for our Study Expo – the place to browse course options and study areas across undergrad, postgrad, TAFE and UniLink.
- Chat with academics to learn how Swinburne equips you with real skills, real experiences and real connections
- Find out about transferring unis or changing careers
- Receive in-person application support and get on your way with a degree that gives you more
Find an education agent
We have a global network of Swinburne-authorised education agents who can help with course information, visa processes, application submission, and travel and living options. Select an agent from our network and apply with a legitimate Swinburne representative.
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Pathways into Swinburne
We offer a range of pathways into Swinburne degrees designed to boost your academic skills, improve your English, and prepare you for university. With programs like UniLink diplomas, you’ll get personalised support and expert guidance to achieve your goals.
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Scholarships for international students
At Swinburne, we celebrate your talent and potential. That’s why we offer scholarships that reward academic excellence to help you focus on what really matters – shaping your future.
International student stories
Discover students from around the world who have turned their dreams into reality through Swinburne.
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Bachelor of Design (Communication Design) (Honours)
Erina's story
Indonesia
Energetic Erina talks about all the ways she’s gathering experience for her career.
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Master of Professional Engineering
Jagannatha's story
India
Robotics student Jagannatha enjoys giving back to Swinburne’s international students.
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Bachelor of Business
Alex's story
Myanmar
International student Alex is creating a resume employers will want to chat about.
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Master of Design
Florentina’s story
Indonesia
International student Florentina has fully embraced on-campus life at Swinburne.
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Bachelor of Computer Science (Professional)
Thao's story
Vietnam
International student Thao highlights her reasons to study computer science at Swinburne.
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Master of Business Information Systems
Sachi's story
Sri Lanka
Getting a qualification in information technology is an excellent move for international student Sachi.
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Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Professional)
Wendy's story
China
Wendy graduated with more than two years of real industry experience on her resume.
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Master of Science (Network Systems)
Chinmayi's story
India
With a fascination of internet networks, international student Chinmayi is living her dream.
Frequently asked questions
Want to study a Foundation Year, UniLink, undergraduate and postgraduate course?
You are an international student if you are:
- not an Australian or a New Zealand citizen
- not an Australian permanent resident
Want to study a vocational education (TAFE) course?
You are an international student if you are:
- not an Australian citizen or permanent resident
- not an East Timorese asylum seeker
- not a Temporary Protection Visa (TPV) holder
You are also considered an international student if you are on a temporary visa such as student visa, bridging visa and business visa.
To join a course at Swinburne, you will need to meet certain academic and English language requirements, including an equivalent overseas qualification and a minimum level of English. Some courses may also ask for a Pearson Test of English (PTE) score.
You can check the specific requirements for your country and course on our entry requirements for international students page.
Our English Language Skills programs include the Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) program and ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students). Whether you are preparing for further study, work, or everyday life in Australia, these programs are designed to build your general and academic English in a supportive, welcoming environment.
Swinburne welcomes transfers from other universities, but you may need your current education provider to approve your transfer before applying with us. Most education providers call this a ‘release’ from your current course.
We recommend that you contact your current institution to find out what is required in your situation.
When you apply to study at Swinburne, we automatically consider you for the available international scholarship. If your application for study is successful, you will be notified if you are also eligible to receive an international scholarship in your offer letter.
Asylum seekers and refugees are welcomed to study through supports like the Swinburne Welcome Scholarship and other financial initiatives.
If you have or are applying for a humanitarian, protection, or refugee visa (or hold a bridging visa for one of those), you may be eligible for fee waivers, free TAFE in priority courses, or other scholarships.
We are here to make the application process easier for you. You can call us or come to campus to go through your options and submit your application. Plus, we offer clear policies and one‑on‑one support, so you know what to expect.
1Good Universities Guide, Overall awards 2024
2Highest median salary 9 years out from graduation, QILT Graduates Outcomes Survey 2021–2023
Keep exploring
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International students
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How to apply as an international student
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Entry requirements for international students
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Fees for international students