Type: Private, specialized university
Founded: 1910 (as Melbourne College of Divinity), became a university in 2012
Location: Headquartered in Melbourne, Victoria, but has partner colleges across Australia
Specialty: Theology, ministry, philosophy, spiritual care, ethics, and related disciplines
Offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and research degrees
Known for theological depth and inter-denominational partnerships
Degrees are typically offered through its colleges and affiliated institutions, rather than through a central campus
Whitley College (Baptist tradition)
Trinity College Theological School (Anglican)
Catholic Theological College
Pilgrim Theological College (Uniting Church)
Yarra Theological Union
And others representing a broad range of Christian traditions
Undergraduate: Diploma, Associate, Bachelor of Theology, etc.
Postgraduate Coursework: Graduate Certificate/Diploma, Master of Theological Studies, Master of Divinity, etc.
Research Degrees: Master of Philosophy, Doctor of Theology (ThD), Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Australia's only university wholly focused on theological education
Strong research output in theology and religious studies
Community-oriented and values-based education
Opportunities for interfaith dialogue and ecumenical learning
These programs are ideal if you're beginning your theological or philosophical studies.
Undergraduate Certificate in Theology
Diploma in Theology
Advanced Diploma in Theology and Ministry
Bachelor of Theology (BTheol)
Core foundational program in theology, biblical studies, ministry, and church history
Bachelor of Ministry (BMin)
Focuses more on practical ministry and pastoral formation
Bachelor of Counselling
Combines spiritual and psychological perspectives
These are suited for professional development, specialization, or those entering theological study from other fields.
Graduate Certificate in Divinity
Graduate Certificate in Theology
Graduate Certificate in Spiritual Care
Graduate Certificate in Biblical Languages
Graduate Diploma in Theology
Graduate Diploma in Spiritual Direction
Graduate Diploma in Pastoral Care
Master of Theological Studies (MTS)
Master of Divinity (MDiv)
A more intensive, professional degree for ministry and ordination
Master of Spiritual Direction
Master of Professional Supervision
These degrees are for those wanting to contribute original research to theology, ministry, or related fields.
Master of Philosophy (MPhil)
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Doctor of Theology (ThD)
These programs typically require a strong academic background in theology or related disciplines, and a research proposal.
Program Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees per Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Bachelor of Theology (BTheol) |
3 years |
~$13,200 – $14,500 |
|
Bachelor of Ministry (BMin) |
3 years |
~$13,200 – $14,500 |
|
Bachelor of Counselling |
3 years |
~$14,500 – $15,000 |
|
Advanced Diploma in Theology & Ministry (Note: pathway to Bachelor) |
1.5 years |
~$13,000 |
Program Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees per Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Master of Theological Studies (MTS) |
1.5 – 2 years |
~$13,200 – $14,500 |
|
Master of Divinity (MDiv) |
3 years |
~$13,200 – $14,500 |
|
Master of Spiritual Direction |
3 years (part-time) |
~$6,600 – $7,200 (part-time) |
|
Master of Pastoral Care |
1.5 – 2 years |
~$13,200 – $14,500 |
|
Master of Professional Supervision |
1.5 years (part-time) |
~$6,600 – $7,200 (part-time) |
|
Master of Counselling |
2 – 2.5 years |
~$14,500 – $15,500 |
|
Master of Theology (Research) |
2 years |
~$12,000 – $13,500 |
|
Master of Philosophy (MPhil – Research) |
2 years |
~$12,000 – $13,500 |
Program Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees per Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) |
3 – 4 years |
~$10,000 – $11,500 |
|
Doctor of Theology (ThD) |
3 – 4 years |
~$10,000 – $11,500 |
|
Doctor of Ministry (DMin) (by coursework + research) |
3 – 4 years (part-time/full-time) |
~$10,000 – $12,000 |
The University of Divinity welcomes international students from all over the world to study theology, ministry, philosophy, and related disciplines. It’s a specialist university, with a focus on Christian theological education and a diverse, ecumenical environment.
International students can apply for:
Undergraduate degrees (e.g. Bachelor of Theology, Bachelor of Ministry)
Postgraduate coursework (e.g. Master of Divinity, Master of Theological Studies)
Research degrees (e.g. PhD, ThD, MPhil)
Completion of equivalent qualifications to Australian Year 12 for undergraduate entry
A bachelor’s degree for postgraduate coursework entry
Honours or master's degree (or equivalent) for PhD/ThD programs
If English is not your first language, you will need to meet one of the following:
IELTS: Overall 6.5 (no band less than 6.0)
TOEFL iBT: Minimum 79
PTE Academic: Minimum score of 58
Some colleges may assess language skills individually.
International students study at one of the partner colleges located in major Australian cities such as:
Melbourne (main hub)
Adelaide
Sydney
Each college represents a different Christian tradition (Anglican, Catholic, Baptist, Uniting, etc.)
The University of Divinity does not provide on-campus accommodation, but colleges assist students with:
Finding nearby housing
Recommendations for homestay, rentals, and shared accommodation
To study in Australia, international students must apply for a Subclass 500 Student Visa. You’ll need:
A Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from the University of Divinity
Proof of English proficiency
Evidence of financial capacity
OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover)
Limited scholarships are available, especially for research students. Some partner colleges offer partial fee waivers or bursaries based on need or academic merit.
Orientation programs
Academic support services
Pastoral care and spiritual formation
Visa and welfare assistance
The University of Divinity has a centralized academic structure but students apply through one of its partner colleges, each offering different programs and areas of theological focus.
Browse available programs (e.g. Bachelor of Theology, Master of Divinity, PhD, etc.)
Select a partner college aligned with your interests, denomination, or location
See list of colleges here
Undergraduate: Equivalent to Australian Year 12
Postgraduate: A recognized undergraduate degree (in theology or related field for most courses)
Doctoral (PhD/ThD): Honours or Master’s degree with a research component
For international students:
IELTS: 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0)
TOEFL iBT: Minimum 79
PTE Academic: Minimum score of 58
You will typically need:
Academic transcripts and certificates
English language test results (if applicable)
Passport (for international students)
CV (for postgraduate or research applicants)
Statement of Purpose / Faith (may be requested by some colleges)
Research Proposal (for PhD/ThD)
Apply directly to your chosen college (not through a centralized portal)
Complete the Application for Admission Form
Submit all required documents
The college will assess your application
If successful, you'll receive:
Letter of Offer
Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) (for international visa applications)
Sign and return your Letter of Offer
Pay any required deposit or first tuition payment
Apply for your Student Visa (subclass 500) if you're an international student
Attend orientation sessions at your college
Begin classes as per the academic calendar
The University of Divinity follows a semester-based academic calendar:
Intake |
Start Month |
Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|
|
Semester 1 |
Late February / Early March |
December – January (prior year) |
|
Semester 2 |
Mid to Late July |
May – June |
International students are encouraged to apply at least 3 months in advance to allow time for visa processing and travel arrangements.
Some research programs may offer rolling intakes throughout the year, depending on supervision availability.
Academic Requirements:
Successful completion of Australian Year 12 or equivalent international qualification (e.g. high school diploma, A-levels, IB)
Some programs may accept mature-age students (21+) based on experience or previous study
English Language Requirements:
IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall (no band less than 6.0)
TOEFL iBT: 79+
PTE Academic: 58+
Academic Requirements:
A bachelor’s degree (AQF Level 7 or international equivalent)
– Not necessarily in theology for some programs like the Master of Divinity
– Advanced standing may be available based on prior theological studies
English Requirements: Same as undergraduate (IELTS 6.5, etc.)
Academic Requirements:
A relevant Master’s or Honours degree with a research component
A viable research proposal
Evidence of capacity for independent research (e.g. academic writing samples)
English Language Requirements:
May be slightly higher or more strictly assessed for research students
IELTS 6.5 (writing band may require 6.5–7.0)
Scholarship Name |
Level of Study |
Benefit / Coverage |
|---|---|---|
|
University of Divinity Research Scholarship |
Doctoral (PhD, ThD) |
Partial tuition fee waiver; based on academic merit and research area |
|
College-Specific Bursaries (varies by college) |
Undergraduate / Postgraduate |
Fee reduction or support for living expenses; need or merit-based |
|
Overseas Student Scholarship (limited) |
Postgraduate / Doctoral |
Partial tuition support for international students |
|
Indigenous Theological Scholarship |
Undergraduate / Postgraduate |
Full or partial tuition support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students |
|
Jean Thompson Scholarship |
Postgraduate |
Awarded for excellence in theological research (usually women in theology) |
|
Yarra Theological Union Bursary |
Undergraduate / Postgraduate |
Tuition fee support; based on need or pastoral potential |
|
Whitley College Scholarships (e.g., Hardie, Hender, etc.) |
N/A |
Merit or ministry-based scholarships for students enrolled at Whitley |
Partner College / Location |
City |
Accommodation Type |
Estimated Cost/Week (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Whitley College (with UoM) |
Melbourne, VIC |
Access to University of Melbourne colleges or nearby rentals |
$230 – $450+ |
|
Catholic Theological College |
Melbourne, VIC |
Private rental or student housing near CBD |
$250 – $400 |
|
Trinity College Theological School |
Melbourne, VIC |
On-campus residential options at Trinity College (UoM) |
$350 – $550 |
|
Yarra Theological Union |
Box Hill, VIC |
Shared housing, homestays, or private rental |
$200 – $350 |
|
Pilgrim Theological College |
Melbourne, VIC |
Student apartments or nearby rentals |
$250 – $400 |
|
Australian Lutheran College |
Adelaide, SA |
On-campus hostel-style accommodation |
$180 – $280 |
|
St Barnabas College |
Adelaide, SA |
Private/shared rental in nearby suburbs |
$180 – $300 |
Student life here is deeply shaped by a sense of community, faith, and shared values. Whether you're studying theology for ministry, academic interest, or personal growth, you’ll find an environment that fosters reflection, discussion, and meaningful relationships.
There are regular chapel services, prayer gatherings, and worship opportunities hosted by each college. Many students are actively involved in churches, chaplaincy, or community service, which forms a core part of both academic life and personal formation.
Classes are smaller, which allows for deep engagement with faculty and fellow students. You’ll experience:
Interactive discussions
Ecumenical dialogue (across different Christian denominations)
Guest lectures and seminars on theology, ethics, spirituality, and social justice
While the university is Christian in foundation, students come from a variety of denominations, countries, and cultural backgrounds. This diversity enriches classroom conversation and community life, especially in postgraduate and research programs.
Because colleges are located in Melbourne, Adelaide, and Sydney, students get to enjoy everything these vibrant cities have to offer — cafes, libraries, museums, and multicultural food scenes. Most programs are offered in flexible formats (in-person, online, or hybrid), which helps students balance study, ministry, and life.
While there aren’t massive student clubs like at big unis, each college has its own student association, which runs:
Social events
Public lectures
Faith-based discussions
Support and networking opportunities for students preparing for ministry or chaplaincy
Many students are preparing for:
Ordained ministry (Anglican, Catholic, Uniting, Baptist, etc.)
Chaplaincy roles (hospital, prison, school)
Counselling and pastoral care
Academic and theological research
These paths often shape their day-to-day life with internships, field placements, or spiritual direction integrated into study.
Graduates from the University of Divinity typically go into:
Ordained ministry (e.g. Anglican, Catholic, Baptist, Uniting Church)
Chaplaincy (in hospitals, prisons, schools, defence force)
Pastoral and spiritual care
Religious education (schools, theological colleges, seminaries)
Counselling and spiritual direction
Community development and NGO roles
Academic research and teaching (especially for PhD/ThD graduates)
While there is no "centralized placement cell," the University offers strong vocational preparation through:
Field education or supervised ministry placements (included in many theology and ministry programs)
Connections to denominational bodies for ordination and employment
Support from college chaplains and academic advisors for career discernment
Professional development workshops and ministry formation programs
Mentorship and supervision for those pursuing spiritual direction or pastoral care
The University of Divinity has one of the highest student satisfaction rates in Australia, particularly in engagement, teaching quality, and graduate outcomes (as per Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching – QILT).
Many graduates are already engaged in ministry or related fields while studying, or step directly into roles in their church or denomination upon graduation.
For academic pathways, many research students pursue further postdoctoral research or faculty roles in theological institutions, both in Australia and internationally.
High (Approx. 80–90%)
The University of Divinity has a relatively inclusive admissions policy, especially for applicants who meet the academic and English language requirements. The university’s focus is on theological education and vocational formation, not on being highly selective or competitive.
It’s a specialist university in theology, ministry, and philosophy — not a general institution.
Admissions are based on suitability and preparedness, not competitive quotas.
Many students are mature-aged, ministry-bound, or already working in faith-based contexts.
The university values personal vocation, community contribution, and pastoral calling as much as academic excellence.
Most of the University’s partner colleges are located in and around Melbourne.
Whitley College – Parkville (near University of Melbourne)
Trinity College Theological School – Parkville (University of Melbourne campus)
Catholic Theological College (CTC) – East Melbourne
Pilgrim Theological College – Parkville
Yarra Theological Union (YTU) – Box Hill
St Athanasius Coptic Orthodox Theological College – Donvale
Australian Lutheran College (ALC) – North Adelaide
St Barnabas College – Torrens Park, Adelaide
Some courses and research supervision are available through distance learning or intensive programs, but no full-time campus exists here yet.
