Federation University Australia

Federation University Australia (FedUni).

Photo credit: B&T

Federation University Australia is a regional Victorian university based in Ballarat (around 100 km from Melbourne). FedUni is a dual-sector institution that also offers TAFE vocational courses. It sets low tuition fees and is popular with international students. If you're a FedUni student or a former student (including of the University of Ballarat, as FedUni was once known), you're welcome to post a review.

FedUni Rating

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User Rating 3.11 (108 votes)
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Student Reviews

26 Responses

  1. Nazih
    | Reply

    Amazing

    I recently completed the VicRoads LVT Program and assessment which was conducted by Paul Dowling. Paul was a great teacher and explained the material extremely well. He certainly made the experience a positive and memorable one. I highly recommend doing this course at the Federation University (Ballarat) with Paul.

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  2. nothappy
    | Reply

    Don't do psych honours here

    It really feels like the funding has been cut or something, because the courses are so disorganised, mini-lectures are recycled from years ago, and at times the learning material is taken from web sources / google. The teaching team is tiny, some of the course coordinators are still students themselves – with little experience in the field – and release assignments where it is clear that they themselves still don’t understand the material properly.
    Many of the staff are lovely, but unfortunately this course seems too lacking in resources to be properly delivered.

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    • Psychhonoursstudent
      | Reply

      Choose elsewhere if you can

      I came here to say the exact same thing. I did my 3-year undergrad at the University of Tasmania and the difference in the quality of the course is enormous and so disappointing. I would absolutely not recommend doing psychology here either.

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    • Fiona
      | Reply

      AVOID AVOID

      Totally agree, I was enrolled to do Bachelor of community and human services this year 2024, absolute dogs breakfast this university. Federation University seriously need a good overhaul, since starting my enrolment Ive had one thing happen after the other, glitch in the system, had to call numerous times. At one stage I was hung up on during mid discussion, then enrolment, choosing classes, got sent to the school to enrol there and still no different, the only thing that went off without a hitch was me driving home. Choosing classes was a nightmare as well….then comes the, oh apply for a scholarship, it’ll help, I did just that only to be mucked around for three weeks and then told I wasn’t eligible due to be an up and coming student, come on guys!!!! You had my details for three weeks!!! I did mention several times I was commencing on the 4/3/2024……why approve it then? , only and hour later declined…Absolute nightmare of a university!!!!
      I have never dealt with such an disorganised institution, Ive studied with NMIT and RMIT and this is by far a joke…how are you still in operation?
      After nearly enrolling in 2015 only to be told that I would have to repeat my classes, after getting high distinctions…..I figured its a money grab and withdrew then, should have taught me a lesson after the first time, no different, it worse actually….
      If you can go elsewhere, do so…….avoid this institution at all costs
      Ive withdrawn my enrolment…good riddance, never ever will I enrol or study with this university ever again.

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  3. Sunita
    | Reply

    Never again !!Horrible university in the whole world

    horrible university a total nightmare ,Dean, staff ,faculty everyone probably did not find any job anywhere bunch of illerates . I am a very frustrated student and is writing a genuine review save yourself and spend your money wisely.all that I can say as an international student .don’t join here at all.

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  4. Alady NearHorsham
    | Reply

    Horsham Campus DogsBreakfast

    A few years ago I sat an hour long literacy and general education type test before I could apply to do nursing at Horsham campus. It was mid 2018.
    I am highly literate. The final part of the test which I went into the campus to complete in their “computer lab”, well it was to write 500 words or so on a technological innovation that could potentially change the way nursing is done.
    I wrote about AI as I was doing a lot of reading about it and found it interesting.
    Well would you believe it..?
    The test was failed. I was told by a lady in the Nursing Administration office that I didn’t pass.
    I nearly fell over.
    Anyway I rang head office of Nursing and told this helpful guy about it.
    He said they had absolutely no authority to do that and that the test was actually successful and I could definitely apply.
    I got such a bad feeling from the closed shop vibe of the women running the show at Horsham I didn’t apply in the end.
    It was very unprofessional and unpleasant to experience.
    Small town mentality.

  5. Currentfedstudent
    | Reply

    Mediocre

    The definition of mediocre. It feels like the funding has been cut recently, because there are still a couple of great lecturers, with new ones who don’t have the knowledge and would not be able to get work at other universities.

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  6. No
    | Reply

    DO NOT DO NURSING HERE

    Worst university ever especially for nursing, no communication, barely any student support, I was given a placement 4 days before I start (Friday the week before) I get emailed about a blood test needed before commencement.. the test takes days to finalise, not from my the uni but the placement facility. If I do not have the test results by Monday I cannot attend placement. This uni sucks

  7. Anonymous
    | Reply

    Dumbest University in the Whole World!

    In my first semester, I was doing really well in all four of my classes. I was planning to study for the exams until I realised that there was another course, ITECH3000/7000. There was only one assignment called “Professional engagement” in this particular course that has no credit points but it is still compulsory. If students do not complete it, they cannot graduate. WHICH IS DUMB! Basically, students must engage in an IT workplace and document their experience. I’m pretty sure the whole point of universities is to get a job once you graduate. Nobody is going to hire me if I do not have a degree. Getting a job while studying at university defeats the bloody purpose. I’m supposed to pass four courses but for some reason, there is a separate course that is not included in my enrolment. WHY IS THIS HIDDEN COURSE COMPULSORY!? There is no classes or exams on it. I guess I have no choice but to drop out. Four months of my life have been wasted. I wish I can avoid paying off the tuition fees. This university is TRASH!

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    • anonymous
      | Reply

      frustrated student

      I agree with it , My previous review has disappeared, this university has given my so much mental stress, and nothing new to learn very lazy , it has ruined my career, didn’t give me good placement, i have so many things to say , the reason I am taking time and typing here is you can understand how frustrated i would be, not organised , don’t care for student future , don’t explain there assignment properly. waste of energy time and life, personal and professional ,,so many things to say not enough please don’t go here

  8. Macy Sullivan
    | Reply

    Don't do nursing here

    Fed Uni nursing; none of the campuses is helpful.
    The most unsupportive place I have been.
    Inflexible and not very empathetic.
    Nursing profession can be stressful and apparently cut-throat or at least that is what they are trying you for.
    It doesn’t matter if you are doing great academically and you have an above 6 GPA.
    If life puts you down and you ask for support with studies so you maintain those good grades, it won’t happen.

    Go to another university that is helpful and supportive of your career aspirations. Fed uni is horrible and I should have listened to everyone that said go to RMIT instead.

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  9. Anonymous
    | Reply

    Best Decision I Ever Made

    Federation University is probably one of the best educational institutions in the world. It’s lack of recognition on the internet astounds me. You are offered support from before you apply, to after you graduate and everything in between. Need a mentor to guide you when you start – done; Need academic help – you got it; Mental and physical wellbeing – check. Disability and Learning Access – they already have it covered.
    They have pathways for everything, and support where you need it. You can always achieve your dream, even if you never thought you could. They have your back.
    FedUni was the best decision I ever made, and I will never look back. Coming from myself, family and friends that have been to some of the other ‘top’ universities in Australia and the world – they just do not compare to FedUni. I have completed my undergraduate degree, and two postgraduates with them, and if I ever need to study again, I know where to go.
    Highly recommend, you won’t regret it.

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    • Aunty Jane Marshall
      | Reply

      FEDERATION UNIVERSITY IS A SCAM

      I would happily wager my full tax refund that this review is fake.
      Federation university is a total scam.

  10. Zali Williams
    | Reply

    Terrible University

    I completed a Diploma of Community Services with Federation University TAFE and I would never recommend it to anyone. My first year teacher was wonderful but the rest of the university staff had poor communication and very unorganised. Second year we had 3 different teachers 2 were unorganised and seemed to not care about our learning at all. The last one was great but was put under great stress from having to teach 2 classes at once due to lack of teachers. After completing the Diploma, I heard nothing about my certificate and had to chase it up whereas every other student in my class was emailed to let them know their certificate was ready to be picked up. I was told my placement hours were still not finalised after 4 months yet the graduation officer said my certificate was ready. In less than 24 hours I was told my hours were not finalised then when I asked why not, then she said oh they are finalised. Major lack of communication going on at the expense of students learning. Would never recommend this University or TAFE.

    I am currently doing an accounting degree with Swinburne University and the difference between Swinburne and Federation is night and day. They are easy to contact and always on top of things, the teachers are wonderful, helpful and very knowledgeable. Avoid Federation University at all costs.

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  11. Rj longford
    | Reply

    Avoid at all costs.

    Shocking university. Incredibly poor communication and typically (as with all universities) the nursing course is filled with 70% percent of crap that we will never use. They’ve set very high benchmarks that are not supported. The expenses are outrageous and crippling for most doing it tough. Staff are rude and have the human emotion of a wet dishrag. And then to top it off we are forced to have the covid injection or no placements. How dare you put my life at risk. From start to resignation it was appalling. This uni offers no inspiration, no encouragement or support and no future. The reputation of the uni is accurate. They are only in it for the money. You can find better. I did.

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  12. Damian
    | Reply

    LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE FedUni!!!!!

    Especially with COVID, FedUni has made the shift to online learning so easy for me…teachers are super understanding with everyone’s situation and they make sure that everyone is supported by providing financial assistance to those who are affected by COVID (Not sure if other unis do this). Although online classes are much more boring than face to face, the option of listening to the recorded lectures is a big help for me as i work and am not able to attend some lectures…therefore i am able to catchup with work i missed out on during the live lectures/classes.

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  13. Jelena Matthias
    | Reply

    BEST UNI (PERSONALLY)

    ***FEDUNI BERWICK***

    For me personally, the student services are very helpful and are always willing to lend a helping hand when needed!

    Tutors, lecturers and all academic advisors are super friendly and are always checking up on students to ensure that we get the best results.

    Compared to other unis and institutes I’ve been to, FedUni has conducted safety procedures much better. They have everything prepared beforehand so that students are not stressing over what to do when emergencies or hickups come about.

    I highly recommend this Uni to students who want to study in a friendly and safe learning environment.

    P.S- I’ve heard lots of negative things about Fed from other people saying that teachers are too strict, however, be mindful that this is Uni not primary school where you get everything handed to you! You either work or you don’t graduate!!!

  14. Anonymous
    | Reply

    Master of Social Work Experience

    1/5 stars.

    I attended a post graduate course at FedUni Berwick campus. I have professional experience in the education field and have a solid understanding of what should be happening behind the scenes in order to run a successful educational institution. I am very unimpressed by what I saw here. Despite some staff trying their best and trying to make innovative changes within certain areas of the course I took here, the majority of staff are not passionate about what they are doing and as a result the academic integrity of the subjects I took here really lacked any kind of consistency and substance.

    Practicums and the organisation behind them are frankly terrible. The university is so unorganised that most students will need to extend their degree by six months or more because the staff are so slow at organising practicum placements for students. Limited connections within the community lead to this as well, and unfortunately most students get placed in organisations don’t hold any integrity and have no shame in putting students to work in simple reception roles instead of what is required by AASW standards. After bringing this up in a meeting with the course coordinator, I was given the generic response “oh that shouldn’t be happening”. No attempt to investigate this issue further was undertaken.

    Racism is still very prominent here at the Berwick Campus and I was told by a staff member that any students with “Indian sounding names” are automatically docked assessment points.

    Overall incredibly unorganised staff, subjects are inconstant and the university isn’t willing to change it.

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  15. Tom John
    | Reply

    Personally, I have studied at FedUni for almost 3 years and I have found that FedUni is a great place for your studies. I am studying B.A in international studies and you have opportunities to travel to other countries. FedUni have the greatest place to study such as, library, 24 hours study space and other Campus facilities. It is so quite and the computer is so fast due to strong connection. FedUni also have the special program called student engagement, it develops your leadership and personality skill.

    Since I have studied in FedUni, I am having a great experience because there are so many student supports such as, writing space – where you can drop your assignment and somebody will correct your grammar, Pass program – where you can learn to improve your understand in a particular subject and Library stuff – they are so friendly so you can ask questions regarding of your research topic then they will help you to get the right resources.

    International Students also have a great chance to study and improve their English in the same time. FedUni is a regional university, mainly Aussie. This chance will be helpful for international and CALD students to learn Aussie cultures. It is a great experience.

    Other things are health center, student connect, where you can ask any questions in relation to what problems you have. Student connect also is a program to allow students in finding volunteer jobs and also careers you want to do.

    Thank so much for FedUni. I really love this place. Quite place is a good space to study remember everyone 🙂

  16. Kea
    | Reply

    Not recommended on any level. Any Uni would be a better uni.

  17. NeverFedUniAgain
    | Reply

    never again! never ever never!!!
    -School Admins(head of school,dean etc) will offer you so many program changes by saying this degree is better why you are not changing to it and at the end they will give you a new COE and they will charge you from new year prices. Your Tuition fee will almost double up. Don’t be a part of this dirty game. They are like phone scammers. Never trust them!
    -Improve your hindu, chinese in lectures which you think that they will be delivered in English!

    Study FedUni if you want to:
    -enjoy Racist Teachers failing you no matter what you did due to your African skin color, asian looking, or religion or ethnicity (have all related documents I can send if anyone needs)
    -get no jobs and waste your years
    -follow up fake job ads, go to fake student career office and make fake Resume/CV and fake Cover letters and still can’t get their fake Low Paid Internships
    -Pay a Massive Tution fee (it will be wasted to feed admins in their every 2nd-day high class cocktail parties and you are not invited/allowed to join as a student they will enjoy their cold beers, pizzas and finger food)
    -Not wishing to improve yourself amongst millions of memorising and passing students
    -But improve your Indian, Sri Lankan and Chinese language in lectures which you expect them to be delivered in English! (better study chinese and urdu before you enrol in otherwise you may fail in many subjects lol)
    -Get Parking Fines on your car for parking in the forest(!) to suck your money properly (they are soo serious to get your last cent in your underwear)
    -If you are smoking (You may get a smoking fine due to smoking 5 kilometres away from the campus)
    -Ballarat! average annual temperature is under 0. Get ready to freeze !

  18. jne
    | Reply

    I am in the new nursing program, it has some serious flaws with the face-to-face only averaging around 7 hours, making it very hard for labs that do require hands on work and practice with equipment. This can be hard for some students to deal with and the fail rate for some classes(especially labs) can be very high. I’m also on residence and let me just say that this is an absolute trap, while i’m housed with very nice people(and many aren’t), there are sneaky costs you aren’t told until it is too late and some rules are not upheld. You get your offer for accomodation on the same day you get accepted into the Uni, you have three days to accept. However there was a $500 acceptance fee to accept your place(after paying $70 to have your application processed) that was never mentioned, so there goes the food budget for the first semester. Put yourself in the position of someone who can’t drive, you pretty much have to accept this hidden cost as it’s too hard to find a rental in a strange town in that time. One of their bragging points with Res is that there’s ammenities included and they have WiFi, the first week there was freezing, but we couldn’t turn our heaters on because they weren’t going to be turned on until june or something. The internet was a joke, for a week or so it didn’t work at all, then it would cut out randomly, I was doing my first online quiz/assessment when it went out, i contacted the head of the subject so i could reattempt the quiz, while I was still able to do it I was told that I needed to find reliable internet because it wasn’t a good excuse and an exception probably wouldn’t happen again. It took months(at least 3) for it to become reliable. The showers ran cold(and boiling for a few seconds) for at least two months. So I share a regular fridge with 10 people, a toilet/shower with 6 people and the shower is cold, I have no heating and no cooling(there is no air con in the entire hot house) and the internet is dodgy

  19. Bday
    | Reply

    pretty good uni. I enjoyd my bsc

  20. Mina
    | Reply

    I’ve completed a Business degree with a few Arts electives there and I must say, the school of Arts staff are much more pleasant than the Business staff who seem like a bunch of clapped out misfits who failed at their own careers so they have a chip on their shoulders. There’s one lecturer in particular who rambles on so much that he forgets what he was originally trying to say and he needs to stop for a few minutes to gather his thoughts. He has also been known to lose work.

    Went back to do a Science degree and the staff are great. The uni can be a little bit disorganised and the lecture notes half the time are pulled off the net. But staff overall are so friendly and will help you out if stuck. You can just walk into their office. The science building is a shiny, brand new addition to the campus and it’s quite cool. Gives a more academic feel to the place.

    So I think the uni just does the best with what it has. Also, I haven’t met an unfriendly student yet. Everyone is quite social.

    Just don’t study business there. Seriously.

  21. aby
    | Reply

    worst university ever especially for international I was in Ballarat for few semesters , one day I gave my course coordinator a medical certificate saying that im suffering from anxiety the next day the CC was calling me in front my my classmates ” oh so you suffering from anxiety because you are slacker ”
    worst uni ever and they will take advantage of you because you are international student and the know all international dont know they Australian system properly..

  22. Mock Men
    | Reply

    I completed a Masters Degree there a few years ago. I found that as an Australian full fee paying student l was treated as less than an international student. A view shared buy by most local post grad students. The structure of the degree was set up for international students and the standards expected of international students was less than for Australian students. I once notified lecturers of international students plagiarising within a group work assignment and provided the proof. I was told by a lecturer that the university didn’t wish to upset the students so they gave them a warning. I was told that my grade was being dropped from a HD to a D to give the impression to international students that isn’t wasn’t all about them. In hindsight l should have kept my mouth shut. I have very mixed feelings about the uni.

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