| Course Level: | Bachelor's | |
|---|---|---|
| Course Duration: | 4 Years | |
| Course Language: | English | |
| Required Degree | Class 12th | |
| Course Level: | Bachelor's | |
|---|---|---|
| Course Duration: | 4 Years | |
| Course Language: | English | |
| Required Degree | Class 12th | |
Founded: 1962
Location: Waurn Ponds, Geelong, Victoria
Type: Independent, not-for-profit
Focus Areas:
Agribusiness
Agriculture
Equine Business Management
Delivery: Offers both on-campus and online/distance education
Bachelor of Business (Agribusiness)
Combines business skills with practical agribusiness knowledge.
Diploma of Agribusiness
A one-year intensive program, often used as a pathway to the Bachelor program.
Bachelor of Business (Agriculture)
Focuses on farm management, production systems, and sustainability.
Diploma of Equine Management
Designed for careers in the horse industry—breeding, training, and business.
Postgraduate Programs
Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma in Agribusiness available for professionals seeking to upskill.
Strong ties to the agricultural industry and rural communities.
Practical, hands-on education with a real-world focus.
Small class sizes, strong student support, and experienced lecturers.
Excellent employment outcomes and industry reputation.
Graduates often pursue careers in:
Farm and station management
Agribusiness finance and consultancy
Agritech and sustainability roles
Horse industry operations and management
Policy and agribusiness marketing
Duration: 3 years (can be accelerated to 2 years)
Focus:
Agribusiness strategy
Marketing and economics
Business management and finance
Supply chain and risk management
Delivery: On-campus (Waurn Ponds)
Career Paths: Agribusiness consultant, farm finance advisor, rural banker, supply chain analyst
Duration: 3 years (can be accelerated)
Focus:
Sustainable agriculture practices
Farm and property management
Precision agriculture
Agricultural technology and innovation
Delivery: On-campus
Career Paths: Farm manager, rural property manager, agricultural analyst, agritech entrepreneur
Duration: 1 year (intensive)
Focus:
Business principles in agriculture
Intro to agribusiness marketing and finance
Communication and leadership skills
Great For: School leavers or people looking to enter the agri-sector
Pathway: Can be used to enter the Bachelor of Business (Agribusiness)
Duration: 1 year
Focus:
Equine science and health
Business and management in the equine industry
Hands-on training with horses
Delivery: On-campus with real-life stable work
Career Paths: Stud manager, horse trainer, bloodstock agent, equine event coordinator
These are aimed at professionals seeking to upskill or shift into leadership roles:
Duration: 6 months part-time
Online Delivery: Yes
Focus:
Strategic planning
Risk and financial management
Agribusiness innovation
Duration: 12 months part-time
Online Delivery: Yes
Focus:
Advanced agribusiness strategy
Leadership and policy
Global markets and trade
Course Program Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees per Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Bachelor of Business (Agribusiness) |
3 years (can be accelerated to 2 years) |
~$33,000 – $35,000 USD |
|
Bachelor of Business (Agriculture) |
3 years (can be accelerated) |
~$33,000 – $35,000 USD |
Course Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees per Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Graduate Certificate in Agribusiness |
6 months (part-time) |
~$7,200 – $7,500 USD (total cost) |
|
Graduate Diploma of Agribusiness |
12 months (part-time) |
~$14,500 – $15,000 USD (total cost) |
Marcus Oldham College is a unique and highly respected independent institution located in Geelong, Victoria, that welcomes international students who are passionate about agriculture, agribusiness, or the equine industry. Though small in size, the college offers a very specialized and practical learning environment with strong ties to industry.
International students can apply for:
Bachelor of Business (Agribusiness)
Bachelor of Business (Agriculture)
Diploma of Equine Management
Diploma of Agribusiness
Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma in Agribusiness (online delivery)
Tuition fees for international students are typically:
Around AUD $50,000 per year, which is approximately USD $33,000–$35,000, depending on exchange rates.
Graduate Certificate and Diploma programs range between USD $7,000–$15,000 total, delivered online.
Marcus Oldham provides on-campus accommodation for students, with meals and support services included. Living on campus allows international students to be part of a close-knit and supportive community.
Geelong is also a peaceful, student-friendly city located just outside Melbourne, with a lower cost of living compared to major cities.
Practical, hands-on education with direct links to the agriculture and equine industries.
Small class sizes and personalized attention.
Excellent employment outcomes and industry recognition.
Access to global agricultural networks and study tours.
Safe, supportive campus environment with modern facilities.
A high school qualification equivalent to Australian Year 12 for undergraduate entry.
English language proficiency (e.g., IELTS 6.0+ or equivalent).
For postgraduate courses, a bachelor’s degree or relevant work experience is required.
International students studying full-time on-campus programs must apply for a Student Visa (subclass 500). Marcus Oldham provides assistance with Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and visa guidance once you're accepted.
Graduates from Marcus Oldham are highly employable and often go into roles such as:
Agribusiness management
Farm and property management
Equine industry leadership
Rural finance and consultancy
Agritech and sustainable agriculture
Start by selecting the course you want to apply for. Popular programs include:
Bachelor of Business (Agribusiness)
Bachelor of Business (Agriculture)
Diploma of Equine Management
Diploma of Agribusiness
Graduate Certificate / Graduate Diploma in Agribusiness (online)
Completion of Australian Year 12 or equivalent (e.g., high school diploma).
Demonstrated interest in agriculture or agribusiness (work experience is a bonus).
English language proficiency for international students:
IELTS: Minimum 6.0 overall (with no band less than 5.5)
Or equivalent TOEFL / PTE scores
A relevant undergraduate degree or substantial industry experience.
English language requirements as above.
Typical documents needed:
Academic transcripts (translated if not in English)
Proof of English language proficiency
Resume (especially for postgraduate or mature-age applicants)
Personal statement or letter of intent
Passport copy (for international students)
Letters of reference (if required)
Applications are submitted directly through the Marcus Oldham College website.
Visit: https://marcusoldham.vic.edu.au
Each course page includes an “Apply Now” link. There is no centralized application system like other Australian universities (e.g., no use of VTAC for undergrad).
Some applicants may be invited to attend an interview — in person, over the phone, or via video call — especially for equine or agriculture programs. This helps assess your motivation and suitability.
If successful, you’ll receive a Letter of Offer from the college. This may be:
Conditional (pending final results, English scores, etc.)
Or Unconditional (if all requirements are met)
To secure your place, accept the offer in writing and pay any required tuition deposit. For international students, this step also leads to the issuance of your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
Once you have your CoE:
Apply for an Australian Student Visa (subclass 500)
Provide proof of financials, health insurance (OSHC), and identity documents
Marcus Oldham supports incoming students with:
Orientation information
Accommodation setup
Airport pick-up (if applicable)
Access to student support services
Marcus Oldham College generally has one main intake per year for most programs:
February (Semester 1)
Most undergraduate and diploma courses begin in late January or early February each year.
Orientation usually occurs a week before classes start.
Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma in Agribusiness may have multiple intakes per year depending on demand, as they are delivered online and part-time.
Important: Application deadlines are usually a few months before the course start date, so it’s best to apply early (especially for international students needing a visa).
Completion of Australian Year 12 or international equivalent (e.g., high school diploma).
Mature-age entry is available based on relevant work experience.
A demonstrated interest or background in agriculture, agribusiness, or related industries is beneficial.
English language proficiency for international students:
IELTS: Overall 6.0 (no band lower than 5.5)
Or equivalent TOEFL/PTE scores
High school completion (or equivalent)
Interest or experience in horses (for Equine Management)
Interview may be required
English proficiency (same as above)
A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field
OR
Significant industry experience (often accepted in place of formal qualifications)
These programs are online and part-time, ideal for working professionals
English proficiency applies for international students
Scholarship Name |
Eligible Programs |
Value (AUD) |
Open to International Students |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Marcus Oldham Foundation Scholarship |
All full-time courses |
$10,000 – $20,000 |
Yes |
|
Dr Alastair Mackenzie International Scholarship |
Bachelor of Business (Agribusiness) |
$15,000 – $25,000 |
Yes |
|
Royal Agricultural Society of NSW Foundation Scholarship |
Bachelor of Business (Agriculture/Agribusiness) |
$5,000 – $10,000 |
Yes |
|
Horizon Scholarship (in partnership with AgriFutures) |
Bachelor of Business (Agriculture) |
$10,000 (over 2 years) |
No (Australian citizens only) |
|
Thoroughbred Industry Careers Scholarship |
Diploma of Equine Management |
N/A |
Yes |
|
NAB Agribusiness Scholarship |
Bachelor of Business (Agribusiness) |
$10,000 – $15,000 |
Yes |
|
Marcus Oldham Old Collegians Scholarship |
All programs |
$5,000 – $10,000 |
Yes |
|
Farm Management 2020 Scholarship |
Bachelor of Business (Agriculture) |
$10,000 |
Yes |
Facility/Feature |
Details |
Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Campus Location |
Waurn Ponds, Geelong, Victoria (near Deakin University campus) |
N/A |
|
Campus Type |
Rural campus with modern academic and residential facilities |
N/A |
|
On-Campus Accommodation |
Fully catered residential college (single rooms with shared facilities) |
~$18,000 – $20,000 per year |
|
Room Type |
Private single bedrooms with shared bathrooms and common areas |
Included in above |
|
Meals |
3 meals per day provided (fully catered) |
Included in accommodation fee |
|
Laundry Facilities |
On-site laundry included |
Included |
|
Wi-Fi and Utilities |
Free high-speed internet, electricity, water, etc. |
Included |
|
Security & Support |
24/7 on-campus support, student welfare services |
Included |
|
Recreational Facilities |
Common rooms, gym, sporting fields, BBQ area |
Included |
|
Equine Facilities (for Equine students) |
Stables, riding arenas, horse yards, tack rooms |
Included in course/subject fees |
|
Library & Study Spaces |
On-campus library, computer labs, quiet study areas |
Included |
|
Parking |
Free student parking available on campus |
Free |
Life at Marcus Oldham is unique compared to traditional universities. Because it's a specialist, independent college, the community is smaller, more personal, and closely connected — both academically and socially. Students often say it feels more like a family than a campus.
The college is located in Waurn Ponds, just outside Geelong in regional Victoria. It's set on a beautiful, rural property surrounded by open fields, equine facilities, and farm landscapes. The setting reflects the college’s focus on agriculture, agribusiness, and equine management.
The campus is modern, well-kept, and features everything students need: lecture halls, computer labs, library, equine training areas, student lounges, and sports fields — all in walking distance.
Most students live on campus in single rooms within the college’s residential facilities. It’s fully catered, with three meals provided daily, shared common areas, and strong support systems. Living on campus builds friendships fast — students study together, eat together, and even manage projects together.
Social life at Marcus is lively and full of events, including:
College dinners and formal nights
Intercollege sports and friendly competitions
Rural leadership and networking events
Study tours, industry visits, and field trips
Student-organized events like themed parties, quiz nights, and BBQs
There’s a real sense of teamwork, especially because students come from all over Australia and overseas, often with shared interests in farming, animals, and agribusiness.
Because Marcus Oldham is tightly connected to the industry, students regularly attend:
Industry networking nights
Guest lectures from business and agricultural leaders
Work placements and practical training
Alumni mentorship programs
This practical engagement means student life also includes real-world experience, making study feel very relevant to future careers.
International students are well supported, with help settling in, visa advice, and pastoral care. The community is welcoming, and because it's a small campus, no one gets lost in the crowd.
Students can explore Geelong for shopping, cafes, and beachside fun, and Melbourne is only an hour away by train or car. Weekends might involve surf trips, visits to local farms, or relaxing on campus with friends.
Marcus Oldham has an excellent reputation for producing job-ready graduates, and its graduate employment rate is among the highest in Australia for agricultural education. The college's strong industry links, practical learning model, and focus on leadership mean students are well-prepared for the workforce.
Most full-time programs include industry placements, typically arranged as part of your coursework:
Agribusiness & Agriculture students complete professional placements on farms, agribusiness firms, banks, or corporate agri-enterprises.
Equine Management students gain hands-on experience in stables, racehorse training centers, breeding studs, or international equine businesses.
Placements usually occur in:
Australia’s top agribusiness and rural enterprises
International locations (New Zealand, UK, US, Asia, depending on program and availability)
Corporate partners and alumni-run businesses
Marcus Oldham has strong ties with:
Rabobank, NAB Agribusiness, Elders, Nutrien Ag Solutions
Leading farm management consultancies
Agricultural startups and ag-tech firms
Thoroughbred and sport horse industries
International agribusiness networks
Many of these organizations recruit directly from the college or offer internships that turn into job offers.
Around 95%+ of graduates are employed or running their own businesses shortly after finishing their course.
Many go on to roles in:
Agribusiness banking and finance
Farm and station management
Rural property and asset management
Equine business operations
Agricultural policy and agritech
Marcus Oldham offers:
Resume building and interview workshops
Career coaching and job prep
Industry guest speakers and alumni panels
Networking events and career expos
A powerful alumni network that supports new grads
With thousands of graduates across the globe, the Marcus Oldham alumni network is incredibly influential in the agri-sector. Many alumni actively mentor students and offer internships or job placements.
Marcus Oldham may not be a large university, but it punches well above its weight when it comes to job placements and career success — especially in agriculture, agribusiness, and equine industries. The focus on leadership, entrepreneurship, and real-world learning gives graduates a serious edge.
The acceptance rate at Marcus Oldham College, Australia, is not publicly published like it is for larger universities, but based on its admissions approach and student cohort size, the estimated acceptance rate is moderately high — around 70–80%.
Marcus Oldham is a specialized, independent college with a focus on agriculture, agribusiness, and equine management.
It admits small, focused cohorts each year (typically fewer than 200 new students across all programs).
The college emphasizes quality over quantity, looking for genuine passion, motivation, and industry interest, rather than just academic grades.
This means:
If you meet the academic and English language requirements,
And you demonstrate interest or experience in the relevant field (especially for equine and agriculture programs),
You have a strong chance of being accepted.
Address:
145 Pigdons Road, Waurn Ponds VIC 3216, Australia
Region:
Geelong – the second-largest city in Victoria
(about 75 km southwest of Melbourne)
Setting:
Rural/agricultural surroundings
Peaceful, green campus environment
Near Deakin University’s Waurn Ponds campus
Close to farmland, equine facilities, and tech parks
Transport Access:
~1-hour drive or train ride from Melbourne
Regular buses to Geelong city center
Nearby to Waurn Ponds Train Station
Approx. 30 minutes to Great Ocean Road and surf beaches
