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.

Start dates and intakes
  • Man holding a coffee cup while conversing at the Swinburne 2026 Study Expo event with others in the background.

    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

  • Swinburne 2026 Study Expo

    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.

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.

Download a course guide

Want to see all your course options in one place?

Download a course guide
  • A man with glasses and a Swinburne lanyard having a conversation with a young woman in a denim jacket, both seated in a modern, open space, with the man gesturing towards a Swinburne course guide booklet.

    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

Swinburne: On your way
Video transcript [PDF 308KB]

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.

Explore your Work Integrated Learning options

How to apply for Semester 1

  • 1. Browse courses

    Browse all Swinburne courses to find the perfect fit for you.

  • 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. 

  • 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.

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.

Learn more about advanced standing and recognition of prior learning (RPL)

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-apprenticeshipsapprenticeshipstraineeshipstradescertificates 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

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 degreesdouble 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 certificatesgraduate diplomasmaster 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.

See more about transferring

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.

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.

Scholarships guide

Keep exploring

  • International students on Swinburne's Hawthorn campus

    International students

    We welcome students from all over the world to study with us at Swinburne in Melbourne – Australia’s best student city.

  • 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.

  • Group of students around a table socialising and laughing

    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.

  • A student gets career advice from the student services team

    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.

Find the full list of intakes

How to apply for Semester 1

  • 1. Browse courses

    Browse all the courses Swinburne offers and find the perfect fit for you.

  • 2. Check entry requirements

    Before you apply, make sure you meet the academic and English language requirements for your chosen course.

  • 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.

  • 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

  • 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
    Tue 20 January
    4:30 PM to 6:00 PM
    Hawthorn campus, ATC101, Level 1
    Free

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.

Find a Swinburne-authorised education agent
  • A female and male student examine a book at the Swinburne library.

    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.

  • An international student wearing red beret and smiling at the camera

    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.

  • International student Erina (Bachelor of Design - Communication Design - Honours)

    Bachelor of Design (Communication Design) (Honours)

    Erina's story

    Indonesia

    Energetic Erina talks about all the ways she’s gathering experience for her career.

  • International student Jagannatha (Master of Professional Engineering)

    Master of Professional Engineering

    Jagannatha's story

    India

    Robotics student Jagannatha enjoys giving back to Swinburne’s international students.

  • International student Alex (Bachelor of Business)

    Bachelor of Business

    Alex's story

    Myanmar

    International student Alex is creating a resume employers will want to chat about.

  • International student Florentina (Master of Design)

    Master of Design

    Florentina’s story

    Indonesia

    International student Florentina has fully embraced on-campus life at Swinburne.

  • International student Thao (Bachelor of Computer Science)

    Bachelor of Computer Science (Professional)

    Thao's story

    Vietnam

    International student Thao highlights her reasons to study computer science at Swinburne.

  • International student Sachi (Master of Business Information System)

    Master of Business Information Systems

    Sachi's story

    Sri Lanka

    Getting a qualification in information technology is an excellent move for international student Sachi.

  • Wendy, a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Professional) student from China

    Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Professional)

    Wendy's story

    China

    Wendy graduated with more than two years of real industry experience on her resume.

  • International student Chinmayi (Master of Science - Network Systems)

    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.

Entry requirements for international students

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.

Learn more about our English Language Skills courses

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.

Contact us

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.

Learn more about international scholarships

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.

Learn more about the process and eligibility

Keep exploring