Why Chisholm?

At Chisholm, our record of excellence in education has been built over a substantial history. Our course delivery costs are competitive and our qualifications are recognised by industry, government and businesses across Australia.

We are an award-winning quality training provider and industry recognises that our graduates offer high quality, capable and ready for work attributes.

Whether you are looking to complete a qualification (including a bachelor degree), improve your English language skills or to become qualified in a trade, Chisholm has the course that will help get you closer to your goal and ‘Chase your Calling’.

We are proudly supported by the Victorian Government, with our students and teachers regularly receiving awards for excellence in education, service provision and community inclusion.

Students are the focus of everything we do at Chisholm and it is the extensive support our teams offer, to ensure your student experience is a positive one, is what we pride ourselves on. Our student community is one of the most culturally diverse in Melbourne and our campus environments are relaxed and friendly. We aim to do our very best every day to help our students transition smoothly into study and a new city.

A course at Chisholm is an investment in your career and will be the beginning of an exciting and rewarding future. If you have any questions about studying at Chisholm, please contact our International Student Office on international@chisholm.edu.au.

The Chisholm advantage

  • Skilled, passionate teachers.
  • Government-owned education and training.
  • One of the largest vocational education and training providers in Victoria.
  • TAFE courses to degrees.
  • State-of-the-art facilities and equipment.
  • Cutting edge, up-to-date training.
  • Multiple locations.
  • Flexible study options that work for you.
  • Clear pathways to your ideal job or qualification.
  • Specialist courses to meet industry needs.
  • Practical programs for real job outcomes.
  • Learning and support services.

You can find out more information on studying in Melbourne, Victoria on the Study Melbourne website.

Learning environment

The learning environment at Chisholm is dynamic, progressive, and inspiring. There are many opportunities for learning and skills development, and we encourage you to participate in them all.

Personal support and success

Our small class sizes make it easier for you to become familiar with Australia’s education system and lifestyle.

The learning experience and skills we offer will develop your confidence and enhance your opportunities for success when you go on to further study. Studying at Chisholm means:

  • supervised practical activities
  • simulated work environments
  • technology labs
  • industry visits
  • lectures and tutorials
  • Tertiary Access Program
  • guest speakers
  • virtual enterprise participation
  • exhibition participation
  • group discussions
  • case study analysis
  • scientific laboratory work
  • field trips, excursions, and camps.

Our assessment methods provide you with different ways to demonstrate your achievements, including:

  • individual and group assignments
  • practical assignment work
  • work plan assessments
  • folio development
  • assessment in a simulated business environment
  • oral presentations
  • exams and tests
  • practical placement assessment
  • research projects
  • continuous assessment for project work
  • workbook assessment.

Industry placement/work experience is arranged by Chisholm for courses where this is a requirement. To give you practical skills and real experience, industry placement is compulsory in some courses. This means that you need to successfully complete an approved industry placement in Australia before you can graduate. Chisholm’s Placement Team will help you find the right placement to reinforce your learning outcomes.

Education in Australia

Australia’s education system has four main stages: 

  • Pre-primary school: 0 - 4 years of age
  • Primary school: 5 - 12 years of age
  • Secondary school: 13 - 17 years of age
  • Post-secondary school: 17 years and over. Post- secondary school study options include vocational education and training (VET) and higher education (degree and above).

Chisholm qualification levels

Diplomas and advanced diplomas 

Vocational diploma study provides students with the opportunity to gain practical and industry-specific training in a shorter time frame than a bachelor degree. Courses range from certificate to diploma and advanced diploma. Most certificate studies take six months to one year, most diploma studies take one year and advanced diploma study may take one-and-a half to two years.  

Bachelor degrees.  

Chisholm offers degrees, developed in conjunction with industry, to give you the skills and knowledge to meet current and future workforce requirements.

This year, our degrees are:

  • Bachelor of Engineering Technology
  • Bachelor of Community Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs.

Chisholm degrees are aligned to the needs of industry with a focus on applied learning. They are delivered in purpose-built education spaces at our Dandenong and Berwick campuses. You will have access to our highly qualified academic staff, local industry and tailored academic support services.

With our degrees, you have different options:

  • you can begin with a diploma and then move into the second year of a Chisholm degree
  • you can begin with the first year of a Chisholm degree.

We will help you with this decision.

Diploma to degree pathways 

Diploma-to-degree pathways provide international students with a range of options to work towards a degree offered by Chisholm or other universities with credit transfers. Packaged offers and diploma-to-degree options with Chisholm provide students with the opportunity to gain dual qualifications, secured credits and a reduction in the overall fees paid for their Australian education. 

For detailed information and studying at Chisholm, download the International Student Guide or contact us at international@chisholm.edu.au.