- Population: 167,764, 17% born overseas
- Education providers: Bendigo TAFE, La Trobe University and RMIT University
- Distance from Melbourne: 150km
View transcript
Video Title: Why international students choose Bendigo
Duration: 0:33
[Background music starts.]
[On-screen text: Why Bendigo?]
Speaker 1:
I chose Bendigo because the peaceful environment allows me to focus on my studies.
Speaker 2:
I was drawn to the creative energy here. It’s a country city, but it feels alive with culture.
Speaker 3:
There’s such a great connection between the local community and the uni. It doesn’t feel separated – it feels shared.
[On-screen text: How’s the lifestyle?]
Speaker 1:
I live on campus, so my lifestyle has a nice balance of studying and socialising.
Speaker 2:
It’s relaxed but vibrant. I feel inspired by the people here.
Speaker 3:
You get the best of both worlds – the career opportunities and a lifestyle that lets you enjoy them.
[On-screen text: Study Melbourne Logo]
[Background music ends.]
[End of transcript.]
Key institutions
Bendigo is home to three top education institutions - Bendigo TAFE, La Trobe University, and RMIT University.
Bendigo TAFE
Bendigo TAFE offers a flexible, innovative and dynamic place for learning with a rich multicultural atmosphere. Learn in state of the art facilities and classrooms taught by experienced and passionate teachers.
La Trobe University
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
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
Located in central Victoria, Bendigo is less than two hours' drive or train ride from Melbourne.
Bendigo boasts a rich arts culture, as well as great food, festivals and sporting events. It offers a range of business, employment and educational opportunities and is home to welcoming locals. Bendigo offers a thriving culture set amongst a heritage setting reminiscent of the grand European cities that inspired it.
Hear what others say
View transcript
[Start of transcript]
[Background music plays throughout]
Narrator:
What do gold rush trams, winter walks and world-class art have in common?
You’ll find them all in Bendigo.
You can still ride vintage trams through the city’s historic gold rush streets.
The city’s grand architecture still tells the story.
Art and culture thrive here.
Bendigo Art Gallery is one of Australia’s oldest and most innovative regional galleries—home to major international exhibitions and striking contemporary works.
Today, more than 1,000 international students live and study here.
It’s a place where you can focus on your studies, feel part of the community, and plan what’s next.
[On-screen text: Study Melbourne logo appears]
[End of transcript]
Key sectors
| Industry | % share |
|---|---|
| Health Care and Social Assistance | 19.9% |
| Construction | 8.9% |
| Education and Training | 8.5% |
| Manufacturing | 7.9% |
Note: Data is sourced from the ABS Labour Force Survey November 2025 (Data trended by Jobs and Skills Australia)
Health care and social assistance
Bendigo is one of Victoria’s fastest-growing regional cities, and demand for health care and social assistance services continues to grow.
Banking and finance
Headquartered in Bendigo, Bendigo and Adelaide Bank is well established Australia wide with over 3,000 staff and over 1 million customers.
Manufacturing and mining
Manufacturing and mining have a strong history in Bendigo, stemming back to the gold rush era.
The Manufacturing industry sector makes the greatest contribution to economic output in the region, which at $4.3 B accounts for 18.42% of total output.
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.
View transcript
[Boppy, inspiring music throughout the video]
Text on screen: Welcome to Bendigo, visuals move to map of Victoria with Bendigo in central Victoria highlighted.
Visuals of Bendigo city and main street. Text on screen: A vibrant city in country Victoria.
Visuals of a fountain in the main street, laneway cafe, historic tram surrounded by trees. Text on screen: Just 2 hours from Melbourne.
Text on screen: Home to world-class education institutions, logos of Bendigo TAFE, La Trobe University and RMIT University.
Visuals of La Trobe signage with students relaxing on a hill in front.
Text on screen: Easily accessible by Car, Bus and Train. Visuals of train driving through the bush, students exploring underground mine with head lamps on hardhats.
Text on screen: A friendly city with a rich gold mining history.
Visuals of winery balcony overlooking vast fields, glamping tents and vines.
Text on screen: Discover museums, galleries and parklands. Visuals of student viewing artwork , fashion design, working in class and on computers.
Text on screen: Key industry sectors: Healthcare, Finance and Manufacturing.
Visuals of students working together, writing post it notes collaborating.
Text on screen, quote from Danny Luu, Bachelor of Dental Science (Honours) Bendigo Campus, La Trobe University: 'Have fun during university. Reach out and interact with others in the community and establish a good network.'
Visuals of Bendigo from above, a mix of green trees and housing. Text on screen: Bendigo, a great place to live and study.
Visuals of students working on staired seating
Text on screen: Ready to start your study experience in country Victoria? Find your course with the Study Melbourne Course Finder.
[Study Melbourne Victoria Australia logo]
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