La Trobe University is a public, well-established university in the city of Melbourne in the state of Victoria. The university's main campus is located in the metropolitan city suburb of Bundoora. The university is midsize with around 36,000 students, out of which many are international. The admissions competitiveness is low, with an acceptance rate of 100%. The areas of specialization are in Health Sciences, Education, Psychology, Business, and Law. The six-year graduation rate is around 75%, and the graduates of La Trobe University earn around INR 42,00,000 in terms of median salary ten years after graduation (converted from ~AUD 75,000 in terms of median earnings).
Swinburne University of Technology is an established public university in Victoria in the inner-city precinct of the city center of Melbourne. The university is small with a total of around 20,000 students. The admissions are fairly competitive, with a rough acceptance rate of 70%, but some of the STEM majors will be more competitive. Some common majors are Computer Science, Engineering, Business, Design, and Media & Communications. The six-year graduation rate is around 74%, and the graduates of Swinburne University continue to earn approximately INR 44,00,000 salary after being out of school for ten years (~AUD 78,000 in median wages).
| La Trobe University | Swinburne University of Technology | |
|---|---|---|
| Collegedunia Score | 4.3 Out of 10 | 4.2 Out of 10 |
| ranking (overall) | # 233 QS World University 2026 # 251 Times Higher Education 2026 # 217 QS World University 2025 | # 251 Times Higher Education 2026 # 294 QS World University 2026 # 251 Times Higher Education 2025 |
| Subject Strength | # 251 for Engineering by Times Higher Education 2023 # 201 for Medicine by QS World University 2025 # 176 for Law by Times Higher Education 2025 | # 176 for Engineering by Times Higher Education 2025 # 601 for Medicine by QS World University 2025 # 201 for Law by Times Higher Education 2025 |
| Programs | UG Programs -87 PG Programs -71 Doctorate Programs -2 | UG Programs -90 PG Programs -39 Doctorate Programs -9 |
| Acceptance Rate | 0.0 % | 70.0 % |
| Exam Score | IELTS-6.5 PTE-58 TOEFL-79 | IELTS-5.5 PTE-42 TOEFL-65 |
| Cost to Study | Average Tuition Fees 25418 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 26496 [For PG Program] | Average Tuition Fees 18844 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 25635 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 3600 Per Year |
| placement (average package) | La Trobe University is one of the top public universities in Melbourne, Australia. It is ranked #316 in QS World University Rankings 2023.
| Average graduate salary for the degrees are as follows: MBA: $66,000 Masters: $64,000 BBA: $52,000 Master in Science: $51,000 |
| application requirements | Academic transcripts; Proof of English language proficiency; Personal Statement; International Coursework Application Form (for UG program); Supplementary Application Form (for required PG programs); Work experience (if any). | Submit official transcripts of all your previous education Submit English language proficiency test scores Check program specific requirements |
| CollegeDunia Reviews | 7.2/10 Read 15 reviews | 7.5/10 Read 19 reviews |
Top Courses Comparison
| ranking | # 251 for Computer Science by Times Higher Education 2025 # 351 for Computer Science by QS World University 2025 | # 151 for Computer Science by Times Higher Education 2025 # 301 for Computer Science by QS World University 2025 |
| exam scores | IELTS - 6.0/9PTE - 50/90TOEFL - 64/120 | Duolingo - 105/160IELTS - 6/9PTE - 50/90TOEFL - 64/120 |
| cost to study | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -37400 | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) - |
| application dates | Jun 21, 2024 (Application Deadline For 2024 semester 2) Jan 22, 2025 (Application Deadline For 2025 semester 1) | Jul 30, 2025 (Semester 2 Application Deadline For 2026 Intake) Feb 26, 2026 (Semester 1 Application Deadline For 2026 Intake) |
Other Popular Comparisons
| General Facts | La Trobe University | Swinburne University of Technology |
|---|---|---|
| Type of University | University | University |
| Established | 1964 | 1908 |
| Student:Faculty Ratio | 31.2:1 | 25:1 |
| Male:Female | 36% Male, 0% Female | 62% Male, 38% Female |
| Location Facts | 7 physical campuses- Melbourne (main campus), Bendigo, Albury-Wodonga, City, Mildura, Shepparton, Sydney; an online campus; Melbourne campus situated on a 267 hectares land featuring parkland, waterways and wildlife sanctuary. | University has three campuses based in Melbourne, located in Hawthorn, Croydon and Wantirna, and one in Sarawak, Malaysia. Close to public transport, the campuses offer state-of-the-art facilities and unique learning environments to support students in their studies. |
| Library | 1,121,216 Books; 1,389,039 Digital Books; 115,420 Digital Journals; 235 Physical Journals. | The library of the university provides various resources like databases, journals, e-books etc. Other supports like IT services, research services are also provided at the university. |
| Campus Life | Agora Cinema and Theatre; University Cafes & Bakeries- Bachelor of Coffee, Bake N Bean, Cafe Spine, Eagle Bar; indoor, outdoor and off-campus sports & recreation facilities- Courts, Playing Fields, Rock climbing wall; Agribio Atrium; Rabelais Student Media (Student Newspaper). | Swineburne is a dynamic, innovative, and ever-evolving institution. The focus of the institution is on making students career-ready. The university is internationally recognised for high-impact research, with eight of its STEM research fields ranked well above the world standard. |
| Hostel | - | #Campus housing - $1000 #Homestay (rent/month) - $1200 #Sharing rental - $600 #One bedroom (rent/month) - $800 |
| Famous Alumni | Jacinta Allan, Ben Carroll, Matthew Guy & Robin Scott (Members of Victorian Parliament & Ministers); Tim Flannery (Climate scientist); Mary Delahunty (Journalist); Fran Kelly (ABC radio presenter); Tim Ross (Comedian & TV presenter); Corinne Grant (Lawyer & comedian); Sri Vinod Kumar Yadav (Chairman of Indian Railways); Geoff Raby (Australian Economist) | Garth Davis: film director |
| City Life | Melbourne is the coastal capital of Victoria; Unemployment rate- 6.0%; Hosts several cultural festivals such as Melbourne International Arts Festival, Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Melbourne Fringe Festival and Moomba; Famous tourist attractions include Federation Square, Queen Victoria Market, Crown Casino, National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne Museum, Melbourne Observation Deck, Melbourne Cricket Ground, Luna Park. | When you’re living in Melbourne, there is never a shortage of things to do — and many of the options won’t cost you a cent. Spend your days exploring the city's famous laneways, museums, parks and sporting events. Once your feet get sore, hop on the free City Circle tram and jump off at some of the city’s major attractions including Federation Square, Princess Theatre, Melbourne Aquarium, shops and cafes. Once the sun sinks beneath the horizon, the city takes on another life. Live music and theatre, entertaining buskers, a buzzing bar scene and some of Australia’s best restaurants all come to life. When you’re living in Melbourne, you have a wonderful base for day trips and extended holidays to the Great Ocean Road, Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula, Phillip Island, Mount Dandenong, Macedon Ranges and more. With bus, rail and plane connections close by, exploring the rest of Australia is easy to do. |
| Weather |
La Trobe University vs Swinburne University
Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)
Both La Trobe and Swinburne are reputable Australian universities with distinctive academic profiles that have growing international reputations. Both universities rank in the same category in the QS World University Rankings 2026 with La Trobe ranking at number 233 and Swinburne at number 294. The ranking is reciprocal in the U.S. News Global Rankings with Swinburne ranking number 146, while La Trobe is at number 278. Both universities are clustered in the same THE band in the Times Higher Education rankings at 251–300.
In terms of subject areas, La Trobe is strong in health sciences, life sciences, and education, with many programs in the top 200 worldwide. The academic specializations of Swinburne are in the disciplines of engineering, technology, and design, and it is well-known across the world for the focus on innovation, digital literacy, and applied research. While La Trobe is more oriented in the conventional academic disciplines, Swinburne is more desirable for the tech-centric or industry-related programs.
General Information
La Trobe University, established in 1964, is larger and more comprehensive with multiple campuses in Victoria and around 36,000 students. It spans the entire possible program range from undergraduate through research, especially in public health, teacher education, and humanities. Swinburne University of Technology, with approximately 22,000 students, is smaller but more focused with specializations in STEM, design, and digital design. Its campus is in Hawthorn, the vibrant inner-city Melbourne suburb.
Acceptance Rate & Admissions
Both institutions also have reputations for providing inclusive routes into post-secondary learning. La Trobe's admissions policy is open, with an acceptance rate of near 100%, so it is well suited for any number of students, from the traditional as well as the alternative routes. Swinburne's admissions policy is more stringent, with an acceptance rate of approximately 70%, particularly in the more demanding programs such as in engineering, animation, and information technology.
Research Impact & Facilities
La Trobe has established a reputation in research, especially in health, biosciences, and environmental research, with support from collaborations with major hospitals, governments, and global networks. The school's facilities comprise cutting-edge laboratories, clinical training sites, and rural health campuses. Swinburne, on the other hand, is famous for applied research in space science, artificial intelligence, and high-end manufacturing.
Cost & Financial Aid
La Trobe's average annual fees are approximately AUD 25,418, depending on the program and study level. Swinburne is relatively cheaper, with average fees of about AUD 18,844 per year. Both universities provide numerous scholarships, grants, and bursaries, both needs-based and merit-based.
Career Outcomes & Alumni Success
La Trobe alumni are numerous in public health, primary and secondary school teaching, community services, and research, and many become employed in the public sector, NGOs, and academe. Swinburne graduates are respected in IT, design, engineering, and digital media due to the university's keen focus on preparing graduates for the workplace, including through internships and close partnerships with employers.
