Swinburne began with a rather simple premise. To offer technical education to people in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs. We’re now an internationally-recognized provider of quality education, an institution with a rich legacy of industry collaborations, and have a reputation for high-impact focused research. George Swinburne arrived in Australia as a migrant in 1886 and quickly established himself as a businessman and civic leader. He was also a practical visionary. In 1907 he put forward a proposal to establish a technical college in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs. He had a clear mission in mind: to provide technical education to a sector of society that was otherwise denied further education.
George Swinburne’s vision and passion saw the Eastern Suburbs Technical College established on the 8 July 1908. Eighty young men and boys enrolled in classes for the 1909 school year. Subjects represented the interests of the time. They included carpentry, plumbing and gas fitting. In 1913 the college changed its name to Swinburne Technical College to commemorate the man who had worked tirelessly towards its inception. But it was an education revolution in the late 1980s which quickly propelled Swinburne towards university status. In response to a number of Federal Government reforms of the education system, it was decided that Swinburne should position itself as an inter-sectoral university of technology with a high research profile. It would have particular responsibility for delivering higher education programs to Melbourne’s Outer East.
Swinburne University of Technology was proclaimed a university on 1 July 1992. Its first Chancellor was self-made businessman and philanthropist, Richard Pratt.
Swinburne is an innovative education institution. We are committed to delivering excellence in higher education, vocational training and research. To achieve this, and to meet the challenges of the future.
Location & Facilities
Croydon Campus
Situated in the foothills of Mt Dandenong the Croydon campus offers TAFE programs in, business, building, children’s services, community services, computing, recreation and social sciences. At Croydon there is a particular focus on youth programs such as the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL), VET in VCE and First Stop a free advisory service relating to further education
Lilydale Campus
Located in Melbourne’s famous wine and tourism region Swinburne’s Lilydale campus is situated among the Yarra Valley hills and Lilydale Lake. Courses are offered in Business, Engineering and Technology, Horticulture.
Healesville Campus
Swinburne's small Healesville campus has been part of the community for the last 17 years. The open plan and spacious style of the campus is conducive to creating a supportive, relaxed and positive learning environment. The campus offers a flexible delivery approach to study and is ideal for both young and mature aged students. Accredited programs currently being offered include courses to develop return to work skills, as well as personal interest courses. Short courses, workshops and seminars on various subjects are also on offer. The campus welcomes local businesses and community groups to utilise the campus conference room and facilities for meetings, functions and forums throughout the year
Prahran Campus
Ideally situated in cosmopolitan Prahran and in close proximity to popular Chapel Street, the Prahran campus is renowned for its cultural and creative programs. Prahran houses a range of programs in business, circus arts, costume, graphic, industrial and multimedia design, hospitality, performing arts and social sciences. Great pathways are available in the design area for students wishing to transition from TAFE to University.
Hawthorn Campus
The Hawthorn campus maintains the Universities central administration and is the site for many of Swinburne’s research and training centres. Students have the opportunity to gain a qualification in everything from a Certificate I to a PhD. Courses are available in Arts, Psychology and Social Sciences, Business, Commerce and Management, Engineering and Technology, Information and Communication Technology and Science.
Wantirna Campus
The Wantirna campus is the central administration hub to Swinburne’s TAFE Division. Courses range from apprenticeships to Advanced Diploma level and are delivered in areas such as Business Commerce and Management, Engineering and Technology, Horticulture and Environment and Information and Communication Technologies.
Services
Student Services provides a range of support and services to help students gain as much as possible from their time at Swinburne. Our services support you in achieving your learning objectives. The services provided by professional staff are personal and confidential and are available on all Swinburne campuses. There is no charge for these services, however, occassional costs may apply at the Health Service.
FINANCIAL HEALTH CHECKLIST
Careers and employment,
Finance
Student Development and counseling
Health & Wellbeing.