Swinburne University of Technology

Swinburne's main campus can be found in Hawthorn, an inner-eastern suburb of Melbourne. The university also has two smaller Melbourne campuses in Wantirna and Croydon, and an international campus in Sarawak, Malaysia.

Swinburne Online courses are available to students based anywhere in Australia.

Swinburne was established in 1908 by George and Ethel Swinburne, who wanted to create a technical college for Melburnians without access to further education. The institution officially gained university status in 1992, becoming the Swinburne University of Technology.

Throughout its history, Swinburne has focused on making industry-led education available to everyone. In 2011, the university reached its greatest milestone yet with the launch of Swinburne Online, which allows students from all over Australia to study the same qualifications as on-campus students.

Swinburne is a leader in the fields of science, technology, business and design. The university ranks among the top 150 in the world for computer science, and the top 250 for business, economics and psychology.

In fact, Swinburne’s business school is AACSB accredited, which is the most specialised accreditation that a business institution can earn. Its online MBA is ranked as a Tier-1 MBA by CEO Magazine, meaning it has the highest reputation for academic quality.

Swinburne is also renowned for providing students with real industry experience. Courses are co-created with industry partners, to ensure that what you learn is directly applicable to the workplace.

All bachelor degree students (including online students) have access to a unique Work Integrated Learning program, which allows you to take part in paid work placements, internships or industry-linked projects while you study. Many students walk into jobs as soon as they graduate thanks to the connections they gain through this program.

As of 2026, there are over 34,000 students enrolled with Swinburne.

Swinburne ranks among the top 300 universities in the world on the QS University World Rankings.

In the Good Universities Guide, Swinburne University of Technology consistently earns top 5-star ratings for Teaching Quality, Student Support, and Overall Educational Experience

Swinburne has welcomed many innovative minds over its 100-year history. Students who have gone on to achieve recognition include:

• Dimity Hawkins AM, co-founder of the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons and a Nobel Peace Prize winner

• Houman Younessi, renowned information technology researcher

• Leonie Walsh, the first Lead Scientist in Victoria

• John Drummond, the astronomer who discovered one of the first known Earth-massed planets

• Gillian Armstrong, director of My Brilliant Career

• Garth Davis, director of Lion

• Andrew Dominik, director of Blonde

• Bridget Hustwaite, radio host

• Mark Beretta OAM, sports journalist

• Matt Levy OAM, retired Paralympic swimmer

Swinburne Online students have access to exactly the same courses as on-campus students. But they have the flexibility to earn their qualification when and where they want.

Once you're enrolled, you will find everything you need to study on the Swinburne Online Student Hub. This includes:

• Your classes, readings and lecture recordings

• Learning groups for your subjects

• Calendars and to-do lists

• Your student email

• Swinburne library

• Swinburne Connect, a social networking tool

• Technical support

• Study support

You’re always welcome on campus, if you’d like to take advantage of university facilities, research laboratories or the Swinburne Innovation Precinct.

If you’re studying a practical area where you need hands-on experience, you’ll also have the chance to go on work placements or join industry projects, just like an on-campus student. And when you graduate, you’ll have the option to attend an in-person ceremony so you can celebrate your achievement with all your classmates.

When you enrol through us, we handle all the administration for you, but you will study directly with Swinburne.

There are a few reasons to consider enrolling in your online course this way.

You can skip entry requirements

We have a unique open-door policy that makes it possible for everyone to get into uni, regardless of their academic history. If you don’t meet the entry requirements for a Swinburne degree, we can help you enrol through single undergraduate subjects.

You have more control over how you study

If you’re worried about the impact uni could have on your work, family or social life, it’s worth giving us a call. We’ll introduce you to flexible study options you’ve never even heard about.

We’re always here to guide you

As a not-for-profit, we’re able to give you truly unbiased advice about Swinburne courses. Our only priority is finding a course that makes sense for you. We can also advise you on your Swinburne enrolment, your study plan, and government loans. We will be by your side throughout your time as a student.

Navigate to the course you’re interested in on our website. If it’s a subject or short course and there is an upcoming start date, you will be able to enrol instantly.

If it’s a degree, select ‘Apply’ and follow the prompts to begin your Swinburne University application. You will be asked to supply some supporting documentation, including proof of your identity, your tax file number, and a unique student identifier (USI).

We’ll submit everything to Swinburne on your behalf. The university will then email you to confirm whether your application has been successful.

Please note that enquiries and applications for some Swinburne courses are handled directly by Swinburne University of Technology. If this is the case, it will be indicated on the course listing page.

Different courses are open at different points throughout the year. Check our key dates page to check Swinburne application dates.

For more information about enrolment, read our online self-service enrolling instructions.

If you need help enrolling in a Swinburne course, get in touch with one of our friendly student advisors.

You can ask them about anything, including subject selection, applying for a HELP loan, and submitting your documentation. They can even walk you through the enrolment process, step-by-step, over the phone.

You can also find a direct Swinburne University of Technology contact here.