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In short
Marcus Oldham College is Australia's premier independent institution for agribusiness education, offering a unique, practical learning experience with strong industry connections. Prospective international students should budget approximately AUD 24,000-30,000 annually for tuition.
Key facts
- Type
- Private
- Founded
- 1962
- Students
- 300
- International students
- 20
- Acceptance rate
- 70%
- Tuition (intl)
- €16–20k/yr
- Languages
- EN
- Location
- Geelong, Australia
Marcus Oldham College is Australia's only independent college specializing in agribusiness and agricultural business management. Established in 1962 in Waurn Ponds near Geelong, the college has a strong national and international reputation for developing leaders in the farming and agribusiness sectors. As a registered charity, Marcus Oldham focuses on providing higher education to students passionate about agriculture. The college emphasizes a unique educational experience with small class sizes, extensive lecturer contact, and a strong connection between theoretical knowledge and practical application. Students are encouraged to gain industry experience before enrollment, fostering a mature and committed learning environment. The curriculum is developed in close consultation with industry partners, integrating new trends and technologies. Marcus Oldham offers bachelor's degrees in Agriculture and Agribusiness, along with postgraduate studies and professional development programs. The college is dedicated to fostering community engagement and continuous education to support sustainable agricultural practices.
Why study here
- Gain a business-focused education tailored for leadership roles in agriculture and agribusiness.
- Benefit from small class sizes and direct access to experienced lecturers, ensuring personalized support.
- Apply theoretical knowledge through experiential learning, case studies, and industry tours.
- Join a network of successful alumni leading in farming, agribusiness, and equine management sectors globally.
- Access scholarship opportunities to support your studies and career aspirations in rural and regional Australia.
Student life
Students at Marcus Oldham College experience an on-campus lifestyle with dedicated living and recreational facilities. The college emphasizes a strong sense of community, connecting individuals from diverse farming systems and regions across Australia. Graduates often maintain strong connections, sharing experiences and camaraderie within the extensive Marcus network both locally and internationally.
Fees
InternationalInternational students should expect annual tuition of approximately AUD 24,000-30,000 per year. Contact the college directly for current fee schedules.
HomeDomestic students pay similar fees; limited government-backed loan schemes may apply for private colleges.
LivingOn-campus boarding is available. Living costs in Geelong are generally lower than Sydney or Melbourne.
Marcus Oldham College does not receive government funding; all income from fees supports operations, teaching, and learning programs. Specific tuition fees are not provided and may vary by program.
Admissions
Prior ExperienceA number of years working in industry is encouraged.
English ProficiencyInternational applicants must demonstrate English proficiency; IELTS 6.0 or equivalent is recommended.
IELTS6.0 overall
TOEFL79 iBT
University scholarships
The Mutooroo Pastoral Company2x $25,000 AUD
Dairy Australia Scholarship2x $25,000 AUD
Excel Farms Scholarship$30,000 AUD
RC & EC (Cappur) Webb Trust$30,000 AUD
Greenham Final Year Scholarship$20,000 AUD
Accreditation
Marcus Oldham College is registered as a Higher Education Provider with TEQSA (Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency, Australia).
For international students
AustraliaStudent visa & funds
International students need the Student visa (subclass 500), which requires a Confirmation of Enrolment from a CRICOS-registered provider, Overseas Student Health Cover, and a health and character check. Since May 2024 applicants must show financial capacity of at least AUD 29,710 for one year of living costs, plus first-year tuition and around AUD 2,500 for travel. Since March 2024 all applicants must also satisfy the Genuine Student (GS) requirement, which replaced the former Genuine Temporary Entrant test.
Working while you study
Student visa holders may work a maximum of 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session — a cap re-introduced in July 2023 — and unlimited hours during official scheduled course breaks. Students enrolled in a master’s by research or a doctoral degree have no work-hour limit at any time. Work must not begin before the course start date.
After you graduate
Eligible graduates may apply for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) within six months of completing their studies. In the Post-Higher Education Work stream, bachelor’s and master’s (coursework) holders receive up to two years and master’s (research) or doctoral holders up to three years; regional study and the Australia–India trade agreement can add further time. The general age limit is under 35 at the time of application, rising to under 50 for research-degree holders.
English tests
- IELTSUG 6.0–6.5; PG 6.5–7.0; Group of Eight typically 6.5–7.0 with no band below 6.0
- TOEFL iBT79–100; UG 79–90, PG 90–100
- PTE Academic50–65; UG 58+, PG 65+
Main intakes
FebruaryJuly
Typical living cost
€1,600/month
Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.
SourcesDepartment of Home Affairs — Student visa (subclass 500) · Study Australia — Student visa (subclass 500) work rights · Study Australia — Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) · IDP IELTS — Minimum IELTS scores for Australian universities · AECC — Cost of living in Australia for international students
Programs
a selectionMarcus Oldham College · Australia
Bachelor of Business (Agribusiness)
In a globalised world facing challenges in food and fibre security, professionals with strong agribusiness skills are in high demand. Agribusiness encompasses all industries involved in the production, processing, and distribution of food and fibre products, including the necessary inputs and services. Successful agribusiness managers excel at setting clear objectives, strategic planning, effective leadership, managing changing priorities, and evaluating outcomes. Marcus Oldham's Agribusiness program equips graduates with the essential skills to navigate future agribusiness challenges. With the continuous rise in global demand for protein and energy, graduates who are leaders in agribusiness systems are highly sought after. Marcus Oldham graduates are consistently recognised as top candidates across all industry sectors. The program's structure, including pre-entry experience requirements, close industry consultation, business visits, a 10-week practical placement, case studies, and innovative tours, ensures students are professionally prepared for the workforce. The Bachelor of Business (Agribusiness) and Advanced Diploma courses are available to both Australian and international applicants.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
36 mo
Duration
Marcus Oldham College · Australia
Bachelor of Business (Agriculture)
The Bachelor of Business (Agriculture) program is designed in collaboration with industry leaders and educational experts to provide students with the most current knowledge in agricultural production. It aims to equip graduates with the skills to manage and operate within diverse agricultural and horticultural systems, focusing on real-world applications and case studies. The curriculum emphasizes financial management, marketing, technology adoption, and risk management, preparing students for roles in domestic and international agricultural businesses. The program highlights the growing demand for skilled professionals in the primary production sector due to increasing global food needs. Practical experience, industry consultations, farm visits, an 11-month industry placement, and international study tours are integral to ensuring graduates are professionally prepared for the workforce. This degree is suitable for individuals aspiring to be leaders in the agricultural sector, offering a blend of business acumen and practical agricultural knowledge. The program is open to both Australian and international applicants.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
36 mo
Duration
Scholarships
for Australia
full fundingAustralian Government - Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Australia Awards)
ASEAN-Australia Awards Scholarships
Open to citizens of eligible ASEAN countries (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and Timor-Leste) applying for a master's degree by coursework or research at an Australian university. Applicants need a strong academic record, leadership potential, relevant work experience and English proficiency, and must meet Australian visa and health requirements. Exact terms are set each cycle by the Australian Government.
full
Funding
€120k
Max
Apr 30, 2027
Deadline
full fundingForrest Research Foundation (Minderoo Foundation)
Forrest Research Foundation Post-doctoral Fellowships
Open to early-career post-doctoral researchers of any nationality and from all academic disciplines. Applicants must be in the final year of their PhD or no more than two years past PhD completion at the time of taking up the fellowship, be proficient in English, and meet the employment-eligibility conditions of the host Western Australian university. Fellows must reside at Forrest Hall in Perth for the full term and commit to mentoring Forrest Scholars, undertaking ambassadorial duties and providing leadership within Forrest Hall.
full
Funding
€90k
Max
May 31, 2027
Deadline
full fundingUniversity of Melbourne
Hansen Scholarship at the University of Melbourne
Australian citizens, permanent residents or holders of an Australian temporary or permanent protection visa who are enrolled in an Australian Year 12 or IB programme, aged 16-20 at application, with a predicted ATAR of 90+ (or IB equivalent) and demonstrated financial hardship (e.g. a family receiving Centrelink benefits). Asylum seekers are eligible for full fee remission.
full
Funding
€65k
Max
Mar 31, 2027
Deadline
full fundingAustralian Government (Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade)
Australia Awards Scholarships
Open to citizens of ~30+ eligible developing countries (mostly the Indo-Pacific), who are not married to/engaged to an Australian or NZ citizen, meet academic and English requirements, and commit to returning home for at least 2 years after study. Fields must align with the partner country's development priorities.
full
Funding
€60k
Max
Apr 30, 2027
Deadline
full fundingUniversity of Sydney
University of Sydney International Research Scholarship (USydIS)
For international students undertaking a postgraduate research degree (a master's by research or a PhD) at the University of Sydney. It covers tuition fees and a living-allowance stipend; applicants need a strong research background and a confirmed place and supervisor for their research project.
full
Funding
€45k
Max
Sep 30, 2026
Deadline
full fundingUniversity of Melbourne (School of Computing and Information Systems)
University of Melbourne CIS PhD Scholarship
Open to domestic and international students of all nationalities. Applicants must hold a Master of Computer Science from the University of Melbourne, apply for the Doctor of Philosophy – Engineering and IT (Computing and Information Systems) programme (DR-PHILEIT), and demonstrate strong academic performance, leadership, and research potential. A research proposal, a personal statement, and a letter of support from the proposed PhD supervisor are required.
full
Funding
€42k
Max
-18d left
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What is Marcus Oldham College?
+
Marcus Oldham College is Australia's only independent college specializing in agribusiness and agricultural business management. It offers higher education programs focused on developing leaders in the farming and agribusiness sectors.
What are the approximate tuition fees for international students?
+
International students can expect annual tuition fees to be approximately AUD 24,000-30,000 per year. It is recommended to contact the college directly for the most current fee schedules.
What are the English language proficiency requirements for international students?
+
International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency. An IELTS score of 6.0 overall or an equivalent TOEFL score of 79 iBT is recommended.
Does Marcus Oldham College offer on-campus accommodation?
+
Yes, on-campus boarding is available for students. Living costs in Geelong are generally lower than in major cities like Sydney or Melbourne.
What kind of scholarships are available for students?
+
Marcus Oldham College offers several scholarships, including The Mutooroo Pastoral Company, Dairy Australia Scholarship, Excel Farms Scholarship, RC & EC (Cappur) Webb Trust, and the Greenham Final Year Scholarship, with amounts ranging from $20,000 to $30,000 AUD.
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