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About us

Federation is regional Victoria's largest education institution. We have campuses in Ballarat, Berwick, Gippsland and the Wimmera. We’re a university and a TAFE. We offer a range of courses that link directly to current industry trends. But what we’re most proud of is our diverse student community.  

Our story

Federation University started as The School of Mines in Ballarat in 1870. Since then, we’ve grown and changed, merged with other institutions, established local and global partnerships, and produced over 123,000 graduates.  
School of Mines buildings 
Mt Helen campus grounds
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Our vision

We aim to transform lives and enhance communities. Diversity, inclusivity and broad access to education is vital. 

Careers at Federation 

Work for us

Commercial services

Our services are open to everyone, offering great value across retail, hospitality, sport, childcare, accommodation and more. Plus, every dollar of profit supports our students.

Explore commercial services

Our campuses 

Photo of back of building A at SMB Campus with trees next to the building.
Ballarat

We have four campuses in Ballarat. Each location has discipline-specific facilities, a tight-knit community of students...

Ballarat
Photo of Berwick campus from outside.
Berwick

Berwick is all landscaped grounds and modern architecture, but it’s only 40km from the Melbourne CBD. You can study in...

Berwick
Photo of Gippsland campus from outside. There are people sitting on the grass in the foreground.
Gippsland

Gippsland is set on 60 lush hectares (yes, there’s a lake), and Churchill is right next door (it'll only take you about...

Gippsland
Outside photo of Federation University Melbourne City Campus with people passing on the street.
Melbourne City

The Melbourne City Campus is located in the heart of Melbourne’s vibrant CBD....

Melbourne City
Photo of Horsham Campus from outside.
Wimmera

Wimmera has a vocational training focus. There’s a hairdressing salon, a nursing training centre, construction workshops...

Wimmera

Our awards 

We don’t tend to shout about our achievements, but it is nice to be recognised for the things we do well.   
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#175
in the Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 2024.
An icon of three people.
#1
in Australia for first-generation student enrolments.
An icon showing five stars
5 stars
and #1 in Victoria for social equity.
An icon of coins.
#1
in Victoria for undergraduate starting salary.
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Our structure

Leadership 
Read about the people who make the big decisions at Federation. 
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Institutes and schools 
Our academic disciplines are grouped under our three institutes and two schools.  
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Governance 
View our governance structure and read about the role of the Academic Board and Council. 
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