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Last modified: 2026-10-01

# Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne: Admission, 2027 Fees and Student Visa

Swinburne University of Technology is a public technology university in Melbourne, with its main campus in Hawthorn. It teaches both higher education and vocational (TAFE) programs and ranks 291st in the QS World University Rankings 2027. A school leaver with a Russian certificate has three ways in: the Swinburne Foundation Program (certificate average of 3.0 or higher, 8 months, $23,020 / A$33,040 in 2027), a UniLink diploma equivalent to first year (average of 4.0 or higher), or direct bachelor's entry, which requires a year of university study at home with an average of at least 3.0. Bachelor's degrees cost $26,340–33,660 (A$37,800–48,300) a year in 2027.

The administration building of Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Melbourne. Photo: Con Tassios / [source](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Swinburne_University_-_Administration_Building_-_panoramio.jpg), [CC BY 3.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0).

Do not confuse Swinburne in Melbourne with Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak in Malaysia, which has its own fees, admission rules and Malaysian visa. Our [universities in Melbourne](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-universities-in-melbourne) guide compares Swinburne with its neighbours, and [study in Australia](https://www.studyu.org/en/country-australia) gives the national overview.

| At a glance | Details |
| --- | --- |
| City and campus | Melbourne, Hawthorn |
| Ranking | QS World University Rankings 2027: 291st |
| After Year 11 (Russia) | Foundation (certificate average 3.0+) or UniLink (4.0+) |
| Direct bachelor's entry | certificate + one year at university with an average of 3.0 (engineering 3.6) |
| Foundation, 2027 | $23,020 (A$33,040) for the program, 8 months |
| UniLink, 2027 | $25,220–27,860 (A$36,200–39,980) for the program |
| Bachelor's, 2027 | $26,340–33,660 (A$37,800–48,300) a year |
| 2027 discounts | 20% or 30% for the full course, considered automatically |
| Visa | Student visa subclass 500, charge from $1,740 (A$2,500) |

## Who Swinburne suits {#section-1}

| Pros | Cons |
| --- | --- |
| 2027 fees published for every area, including pathway programs | Melbourne is not a regional area, so there is no second 485 visa for study here |
| Three clear entry routes for Russian school leavers | The certificate alone does not give direct bachelor's entry |
| The 20% scholarship also covers Foundation and UniLink | Business fees rose from A$41,600–43,430 in 2026 to A$43,300–46,700 in 2027 |
| Strong design, media, games, IT and engineering; bachelor's intakes in March and August | Ranked well below the University of Melbourne and Monash in QS |
| Higher education and TAFE programs in one institution | Housing costs are not published for every option, so you need to ask providers |

Swinburne suits students heading for an applied technology field who are ready for Melbourne prices. If Group of Eight ranking matters more, look at the [University of Melbourne](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-melbourne) and [Monash](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-monash-university); for a similar practical profile, compare with [RMIT](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-rmit) or [La Trobe](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-la-trobe).

## Three routes after school {#section-2}

Swinburne publishes requirements by country and course. For the Russian certificate they look like this:

| Route | Russian certificate requirement | Length | Fee, 2027 | Leads to |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Swinburne Foundation Program | completed certificate with an average of 3.0+ | 8 months | $23,020 (A$33,040) | first year of a bachelor's degree or UniLink |
| UniLink Diploma (business, IT, design, engineering, science, health, arts) | certificate with an average of 4.0+ | up to a year | $25,220–27,860 (A$36,200–39,980) | second year of the matching degree |
| Direct bachelor's entry | certificate + one year at a recognised university with an average of 3.0; engineering 3.6; law double degrees 4.1 | 3–5 years | $26,340–33,660 a year | — |

The Foundation Program asks for IELTS Academic 5.5 with no band below 5.0; if your English is lower, Swinburne offers an ELICOS course first. The next pathway intakes are 19 October 2026 and 22 February 2027. Swinburne makes the admission decision.

Kazakhstan. For Foundation, a Grade 11 certificate with an average of 3.0 is enough; UniLink needs the certificate of complete secondary education with 3.8; direct bachelor's entry needs the certificate plus a year of university with an average of 3.0 (4.0 for engineering).

We compare the time and cost of each route in [studying in Australia after Year 11](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-australia-after-11-years-of-school).

## Bachelor's fees for 2027 {#section-3}

| Program | Length | Annual fee, 2027 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Bachelor of Arts | 3 years | $26,340 (A$37,800) |
| Bachelor of Computer Science, Information and Communication Technology | 3 years | $30,870 (A$44,300) |
| Bachelor of Cyber Security, Data Science | 3 years | $32,260 (A$46,300) |
| Bachelor of Design | 3 years | $31,680 (A$45,460) |
| Bachelor of Business, Business Analytics | 3 years | $32,540 (A$46,700) |
| Bachelor of Design (Architecture) | 3 years | $33,240 (A$47,700) |
| Bachelor of Nursing | 3 years | $33,240 (A$47,700) |
| Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) | 4 years | $33,660 (A$48,300) |

Swinburne's ranges by area are A$43,300–46,700 for business, A$43,900–45,600 for psychology and A$46,300 for law. International tuition generally includes the SSAF. Fees are reviewed every year, so budget for increases. Most programs start in March and August. Our [cost of studying in Australia](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-cost-of-studying-in-australia) guide shows a full first-year budget.

## Master's programs {#section-4}

Russian applicants need a bachelor's or specialist degree (four to five years) with an average of 3.0; applicants from Kazakhstan need a four-year bachelor's degree with an average of 2.5. Indicative 2027 fees:

| Area | Annual fee, 2027 |
| --- | --- |
| Information Technology | $23,990–32,740 (A$34,433–46,990) |
| Business | $28,080–35,090 (A$40,300–50,360) |
| Media and Communication | $27,510 (A$39,480) |
| Design | $31,190 (A$44,760) |
| Science | $34,070 (A$48,900) |
| Engineering | $34,370–37,260 (A$49,320–53,480) |
| Health | $34,760–40,180 (A$49,880–57,660) |

If your degree or grades fall short, there is a Postgraduate Qualifying Program. Our [master's in Australia](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-masters-in-australia) guide explains how to choose.

## Scholarships for 2027 {#section-5}

- Swinburne International Scholarship: 20% off for the standard duration of bachelor's, master's and pathway programs (Foundation, UniLink, Postgraduate Qualifying Program). Exclusions include the Bachelor of Aviation and Piloting, the Master of Physiotherapy, the Master of Occupational Therapy and research degrees.
- George Swinburne International Excellence Scholarship: 30% off bachelor's and master's tuition for high achievers.
- Women in Engineering Leadership Scholarship: 30% for women in selected engineering and construction courses.
- ELICOS+ Scholarship: a refund of up to 10 weeks of English tuition when English was required before the main course.

You do not apply separately for the 20% and 30% awards: Swinburne considers every first-time Hawthorn applicant on previous grades and states the result in the letter of offer. More options are listed in [scholarships in Australia](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-scholarships-in-australia).

## Housing {#section-6}

Swinburne offers on-campus housing in Hawthorn, homestay and help with private rentals. Prices depend on the provider and room type, so request them when booking. For the visa, Home Affairs uses living costs of $20,700 (A$29,710) a year; real spending in Melbourne is often higher, as our [universities in Melbourne](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-universities-in-melbourne) guide shows.

## Student visa and enrolment caps {#section-7}

You apply online in ImmiAccount after receiving a CoE, and the Department of Home Affairs decides. As of 1 October 2026: the charge starts at $1,740 (A$2,500); you need $20,700 (A$29,710) for a year of living costs plus the first 12 months of tuition and $1,390 (A$2,000) for travel, or a parental income of at least $61,220 (A$87,856) over the last year; Genuine Student answers go into the form in English, up to 150 words each, with supporting documents; the visa English level is IELTS 6.0, or 5.5 when packaged with a foundation program or 10+ weeks of English. Biometrics are collected on request in six Russian cities including Moscow and St Petersburg, and in Almaty for Kazakhstan.

Enrolments are managed through processing order. The National Planning Level for 2027 is 295,000 new international students, the same as in 2026 (announced by the Department of Education on 3 July 2026). Offshore applications lodged on or after 14 November 2025 follow Ministerial Direction 115: Priority 1 while a provider is under 80% of its indicative allocation (Home Affairs' guide, based on 2025 lodgements, is to commence processing within 1–4 weeks), Priority 2 from 80% (5–8 weeks), and Priority 3 above 115% (9–12 weeks). Priority changes speed, not the outcome. Swinburne's 2026 allocation is 4,523 new overseas students, and as at 25 September 2026 its status was Priority 1. More in our [Australian student visa guide](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-australia-student-visa).

## Work and the graduate visa {#section-8}

Students may work up to 48 hours per fortnight during teaching periods. After a bachelor's or coursework master's degree, graduates aged 35 or under can apply for a two-year 485 visa. There is no regional bonus, because Melbourne, like Sydney and Brisbane, is not a designated regional area. Home Affairs decides the visa; see [work rights and the 485 visa](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-working-while-studying-and-485-visa-australia).

## Step-by-step plan {#section-9}

1. 9–12 months before: decide which route fits: Foundation (3.0+), UniLink (4.0+) or a bachelor's after a year at university.
2. 6 months before: take IELTS Academic, translate the certificate and apply; a 20% or 30% scholarship will appear in the letter of offer.
3. After the offer: pay the deposit and OSHC and receive the package CoE.
4. 2–3 months before: lodge the visa and book housing, checking Swinburne's MD115 status on the day.
5. After 8–12 months: finish the pathway program and move into first or second year.

Legal payment routes from Russia are in [how to pay for studies abroad from Russia](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-how-to-pay-for-studies-abroad-from-russia); applicants from Kazakhstan can read [study abroad from Kazakhstan](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-study-abroad-from-kazakhstan).

## Common mistakes {#section-10}

- Applying for a bachelor's degree with the certificate alone. Swinburne requires an extra year at university; without it the route is Foundation or UniLink.
- Ignoring UniLink with a good certificate. With an average of 4.0 you can start a first-year-level program straight away.
- Assuming Foundation has no discount. The Swinburne International Scholarship also covers pathway programs.
- Expecting a regional 485 bonus. Study in Melbourne does not qualify.
- Mixing up Melbourne and Sarawak. They are different campuses with different fees and visas.

## FAQ {#section-11}

### Can I get into Swinburne after Year 11?

Yes, through the Swinburne Foundation Program (certificate average of 3.0+) or a UniLink diploma (4.0+). Direct bachelor's entry with a Russian certificate requires a year at university first. Swinburne makes the admission decision.

### How much does Swinburne University of Technology cost?

In 2027 bachelor's degrees cost $26,340–33,660 (A$37,800–48,300) a year, with arts the cheapest and engineering the most expensive. Foundation costs $23,020 (A$33,040) and UniLink $25,220–27,860 for the program.

### What scholarships does Swinburne offer international students?

The Swinburne International Scholarship (20%) and the George Swinburne International Excellence Scholarship (30%) for the standard course duration. There is no separate application: Swinburne assesses all applicants automatically and decides on grades.

### How is Swinburne Melbourne different from Swinburne Sarawak?

They are campuses of one university in different countries. Melbourne requires an Australian subclass 500 visa and charges Australian fees; Sarawak follows Malaysian admission rules, fees and visas.

### How do the international student caps affect a Swinburne application?

As at 25 September 2026 Swinburne had Priority 1 status, and Home Affairs' guide for Priority 1 is to commence processing within 1–4 weeks of lodgement. The allocation affects the queue, and Home Affairs decides the visa.

### Can I stay and work in Australia after Swinburne?

Bachelor's and coursework master's graduates aged 35 or under can apply for a two-year 485 visa. Melbourne does not qualify for a second regional 485 visa, and Home Affairs decides each application.

## Sources {#section-12}

- [Swinburne: Entry requirements for international students (by country)](https://www.swinburne.edu.au/courses/applying/how-to-apply-international/entry-requirements-for-international-students), [How to apply (international)](https://www.swinburne.edu.au/courses/applying/how-to-apply-international)
- [Swinburne: Fees for international students, 2026 and 2027](https://www.swinburne.edu.au/study/international/fees/), [Undergraduate Course Fees 2027 (PDF)](https://www.swinburne.edu.au/downloads/Undergraduate-Course-Fees-2027-International.pdf), [Postgraduate Course Fees 2027 (PDF)](https://www.swinburne.edu.au/downloads/Postgraduate-Course-Fees-2027-International.pdf)
- [Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus (Malaysia)](https://www.swinburne.edu.my/)
- [Swinburne Foundation Program](https://www.swinburne.edu.au/course/degree-pathway/swinburne-foundation-program), [UniLink](https://www.swinburne.edu.au/courses/planning-your-future/university-pathways/unilink)
- [Swinburne: International scholarships](https://www.swinburne.edu.au/study/international/scholarships/), [Accommodation](https://www.swinburne.edu.au/life-at-swinburne/student-support-services/accommodation)
- [QS 2027: Swinburne University of Technology](https://www.topuniversities.com/universities/swinburne-university-technology)
- [Home Affairs: Student visa subclass 500](https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/student-500), [Genuine Student requirement](https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/student-500/genuine-student-requirement), [Processing priorities](https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-processing-times/visa-processing-priorities/student-visa), [Biometrics](https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/meeting-our-requirements/biometrics), [485 visa](https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/temporary-graduate-485/post-higher-education-work), [Regional areas](https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/regional-migration/eligible-regional-areas)
- [Department of Education: National Planning Level 2027](https://www.education.gov.au/managed-system-international-education/announcements/national-planning-level-2027-announced), [Visa Prioritisation Status](https://www.education.gov.au/managed-system-international-education-2026/resources/visa-prioritisation-status)

US dollar amounts use the ECB reference rate of 30 September 2026 (A$1 = $0.6968), rounded to $10. Information checked on 1 October 2026.

If you want to choose between Foundation, UniLink and a year at a home university before Swinburne, send a [request](https://www.studyu.org/en/apply): document preparation and submission are provided under an agreement with StudyU, and the university makes the admission decision.

During the free initial consultation, we clarify your goal, profile, timing, and budget and identify the next realistic step.

## Next steps

- [La Trobe University, Melbourne: Admission, 2027 Fees and Student Visa for International Applicants](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-la-trobe)
- [Studying in Australia for international applicants](https://www.studyu.org/en/country-australia)
- [Universities in Melbourne for International Students in 2026–2027: Rankings, Fees, Campuses and How to Choose](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-universities-in-melbourne)
- [The University of Melbourne](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-melbourne)
- [Monash University](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-monash-university)
- [RMIT University (Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology)](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-rmit)

Updated: October 2026