Our story

Explore our history and find out what sets us apart from other universities.

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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.

Our predecessors include the Ballarat School of Mines, Ballarat Teachers' College, State College of Victoria, Ballarat Institute of Advanced Education, Ballarat College of Advanced Education, Ballarat University College, Wimmera Institute of TAFE, Monash University Gippsland Campus, Gippsland Institute of Advanced Education and the University of Ballarat.

Today, Federation is regional Victoria’s largest education institution, with campuses in Ballarat, Berwick, Gippsland and the Wimmera. We’re dual sector, which means we offer both higher education and TAFE courses.

What sets us apart from other universities? Our dedication to diversity and inclusion, equitable entry, industry connection and student support.

Closer to home

We have seven campuses across Victoria, which means you can study close to where you live and work.

Accelerated learning

Our courses link directly to current industry trends, and our new co-op model of education means paid work experience.

Equitable entry

Everyone should be able to access tertiary education, which is why we have pathway options, scholarships and lower ATAR entry.

Student support

No matter what your situation, we’ll help you reach your study goals. Our support services are free and easy to access.

Community and belonging

Diversity and inclusion is part of who we are. We want every student to feel like they belong at Federation.

I discovered Federation is one of the only universities that offers an entry pathway without steep fees (no tuition fees, actually!) with guaranteed entry into any undergraduate degree. "

— Beatrice Carreras, Federation Access Studies (FAST) and Bachelor of Psychological Science 

Our history

Geoffrey Blainey Research Centre

Historical interactive timeline

Place names at Federation

Federation University Australia acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands and waters where our campuses, centres and field stations are located and we pay our respects to Elders past and present, and extend our respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and First Nations Peoples.

Indigenous matters Reconciliation matters