- 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
Video Title: Vish Goswami, Victoria's 2025 International Student of the Year – Regional
[On-screen text: Vishrut Goswami – Deakin University, International Student of the Year – Regional]
[Background music starts.]
Vishrut Goswami:
I've always believed architecture isn't just about buildings – it's about people.
That belief is what brought me from India to regional Victoria to study my Master of Construction Management at Deakin University.
People spend most of their lives inside the spaces we design, and I feel a responsibility to make those spaces feel natural and human.
I received a full scholarship and arrived in 2024. It was hard, stressful, but it taught me patience and resilience.
Just like my mum always says, "Believe in your time, stay kind, and keep helping others."
She is the one who taught me to see people for who they really are.
Mentoring has become the most meaningful part of my journey.
My mentor changed my life. And now, I am paying that forward through BuildHub, the association I founded to connect students to industry.
Living and studying in regional Victoria has made that even more special.
The close student community and friends I've made as a Deakin Student Ambassador have shaped my experience in the best way.
To me, leadership isn't about a title – it's being a guiding hand. Someone who says, "You're not alone here."
And diversity isn’t just different cultures in one room – it’s people choosing to support one another.
Australia has given me acceptance, and the best way I can honour that is by passing it on.
[On-screen text: Victorian International Education Awards 2025, Presented by Study Melbourne (logo), Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne]
[Background music ends.]
[End of transcript.]
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 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
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.
The International Student Lounge Geelong
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
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.
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