La Trobe University offers an extensive range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in fields such as health, education, engineering and law. In 2023, the Bendigo campus welcomed a record number of international students.

RMIT University has a long-standing legacy in aviation and offers degrees in aviation and flight training at the Bendigo Airfield. RMIT’s Aviation Academy has trained more than 3,500 pilots since 1994 and has been an industry leader in aerospace education for over 80 years.

Liveability

Named one of regional Australia’s most liveable cities in 2020, Bendigo is a great place to live, study and work.

In addition to its unique heritage as the epicentre of the gold rush in the 1850s, the city is also a centre for art, culture, festivals, world-class food and wine. In 2019, Bendigo was even named a UNESCO Creative City and Region of Gastronomy — an Australian first!

There are many transport options available in the city, including trams, buses and taxis, making it easy to get around.

Hear what others say

Key sectors

Health care and social assistance

The health care and social assistance industry is Bendigo’s largest employer, with 16.7% of locals working in this industry in 2022.

With Bendigo being one of Victoria’s fastest-growing regional cities, demand for health care and social assistance services will only continue to grow in the future.

Banking and finance

Bendigo is a major regional financial centre and home to the national headquarters of Bendigo Bank.

In 2020, the financial and insurance services sector generated $797 million in revenue in the region, making it the highest-performing sector.

Manufacturing and mining

Manufacturing and mining have a strong history in Bendigo, stemming back to the gold rush era. The city is still home to world-class manufacturing and mining businesses, which have an economic output of $2.95 billion today.

In recent years, food industry manufacturers have also been a source of major job growth in the region.

Innovations and opportunities

Bendigo Regional Employment Precinct

To combat the short supply of industrial land in the region, the City of Greater Bendigo Council is developing a new Bendigo Regional Employment Precinct south of the Marong township. The development is projected to create 3,000 jobs over the next 15 years and will help businesses hoping to expand within or relocate to the Bendigo region.

One Planet Living

Bendigo’s One Planet Living sustainability framework works towards zero waste, equality for all and the preservation of the earth. As a member of Bioregional Australia's One Planet Program, the City of Bendigo is working with partners in the region toward recognition as a One Planet City and Region.

¹Source: 2022 Victorian Training Awards