- Victoria’s 2nd largest city
- Population: 271,057, 23% born overseas
- Education providers: Deakin University, The Gordon Institute of TAFE
- Distance from Melbourne: 75km
View transcript
[Boppy music, text on screen: Welcome to Geelong. Study Melbourne, Victoria Australia logo]
[Map of Victoria showing regional towns with Geelong highlighted. Drone footage over Geelong city, Kardinia stadium and the bay.]
[Text on screen: Home to world-class education institutions: Deakin University and the Gordon Institute of TAFE Australia. Visuals of students walking into Deakin University and Gordon TAFE. Visuals showing Cunningham Pier and Geelong waterfront.]
[Text on screen: One of Australia's most liveable regional cities. Visuals of divers falling backwards into the water, restaurant food, art gallery and ocean beach.]
[Text on screen: Easily accessible by car, train and ferry. Visuals of international students on campus, in the library. Kangaroos in the bush , the Great Ocean Road beach and iconic wooden signage, helicopter flight over the ocean.]
[Text on screen: Key industry sectors - Healthcare, manufacturing and construction. Visuals of students outside on campus, walking through a tunne, in a science lab]
[Quote from student Bo, China: Geelong is a fast-growing community, that brings work opportunities and easy living.]
[Quote from student Sarbjeet, India: Studying in regional Victoria in the city of Geelong has been nothing short of extraordinary.]
[Visuals of student feeding emu, picnic with text on screen: Relaxing and affordable seaside location. Dolphins in the sea, surfers.]
[Text on screen: Ready to start your study experience in country Victoria? Find the perfect course with the Study Melbourne Course Finder.]
[Study Melbourne, Victoria Australia logo]
Key institutions
Deakin University has two campuses in Geelong - Waterfront and Waurn Ponds. These campuses are also home to Deakin College which offers pathway programs to fast-track students into undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. Deakin also houses the Deakin University English Language Institute (DUELI), which offers an array of English language courses including English for Academic Purposes (EAP) and General English.
The Gordon Institute of TAFE is the 2021-22 Victorian International Education Awards Provider of the Year and welcomes international students looking to study certificate, diploma and advanced diploma courses in a wide range of fields, including hospitality, nursing and early childhood education.
Liveability
In 2020, Geelong was named one of Australia’s most liveable regional cities. With its stunning surf beaches, waterfront precinct, diverse nightlife and fabulous restaurants and cafes, there is something to suit everyone.
Geelong is also home to Pako Festa, the largest free celebration of cultural diversity in Victoria.
Geelong is also easily accessible from Melbourne by car, train and ferry. Geelong even acts as the gateway to the scenic Great Ocean Road and 12 Apostles.
View transcript
[Upbeat music throughout, scenes of students lifestyle in Geelong, walking into Tafe, using VR technology, in a science and engineering laboratory, robotics, outdoors patting horses, Deakin University at night, picnic on the waterfront, playing soccer, frizbee and splashing in the water, walking around the waterfront stalls. Researchers, students working, big wheel at night looking over the city, bars and clubs, starfish jump off the pier, students across Geelong. Text on screen: Your greater Australian story starts here greater-geelong.com.au. Fireworks over the harbour in the background.]
Key sectors
Health care
Geelong is home to state-of-the-art medical facilities, including private and public hospitals, general practice clinics and allied health services (including dentistry, pharmacology and physiotherapy).
The healthcare and social assistance industry employs almost 20% of Geelong’s workforce, which is well above the national average.
Manufacturing
Geelong has a long history as a manufacturing hub and is home to many manufacturing companies that produce goods such as food (including meat products and seafood such as mussels, scallops and squid), textiles (particularly wool) as well as oil and petroleum. More than 9,000 people are employed in the city’s manufacturing industry, which has an output of $4.5 billion.
Construction
In 2021, 11% of Geelong’s workforce was employed in the construction industry, making it Barwon region’s third-largest employer. This has been driven by residential development and infrastructure investment and is expected to continue to grow in the future with ongoing investment in the region.
Innovations and opportunities
City of Design
In 2017, Geelong became a member of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN). It remains the only city in Australia to hold the UNESCO City of Design designation. As part of its commitment to becoming a clever and creative region, Geelong offers a range of unique initiatives and opportunities, including the Victorian Premier’s Design Awards and investment programs to back creative businesses.
Runway HQ
Runway HQ offers a range of programs and events, such as boot camps, incubators and innovation think tanks, to help you develop and launch your business idea. Since 2017, they have supported over 80 start-ups and 240 SMEs, micro businesses and corporate organisations.
Supported by Study Melbourne, The International Student Lounge Geelong aims to provide a dedicated and inclusive space for post-secondary international students living and studying in Geelong where they can learn about their new environment and culture.
Through this program international students will develop a stronger sense of belonging and increased connectedness to the local community.
The Lounge also features an engagement program of fun activities and information sessions covering issues relevant to international students, to support their physical, emotional and mental health needs.
The International Student Lounge Drop-in Centre is open on Monday and Thursday from 5pm- 8pm.
Where: Salvation Army, 239 Malop Street, Geelong
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