Excelsia College is a Christian-based, private higher education provider located in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. It is known for offering degrees in the creative and performing arts, counselling, business, education, and social work.
Location: 69–71 Waterloo Road, Macquarie Park, Sydney, NSW 2113
Established: Originally in 1983 (formerly Wesley Institute)
Website: N/A
A supportive, community-oriented environment with small class sizes
Emphasis on creativity, academic excellence, and spiritual development
Offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees
Welcomes students from all faiths and backgrounds
Located in Sydney's growing educational and tech precinct near Macquarie University
Undergraduate Programs:
Bachelor of Music
Bachelor of Dramatic Art (Acting)
Bachelor of Screen Production
Bachelor of Business
Bachelor of Early Childhood Education
Bachelor of Social Work
Postgraduate Programs:
Master of Counselling
Master of Education
Master of Business (Research or Coursework)
Master of Teaching (Primary and Secondary)
Master of Social Work (Qualifying)
Excelsia welcomes students from across the world.
Programs are approved for international student visas.
Support services include academic help, counselling, pastoral care, and accommodation assistance.
Combines creative arts and professional disciplines with ethical and faith-based learning
Focus on industry-ready training in media, teaching, business, and counselling
Located in a safe, green, and accessible part of Sydney
Affiliated with the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU)
Excelsia offers a mix of creative, professional, and community-focused programs, all within a supportive and values-based learning environment.
Program |
Field |
|---|---|
|
Bachelor of Business |
Business & Management |
|
Bachelor of Music |
Creative Arts (Music) |
|
Bachelor of Dramatic Art (Acting) |
Performing Arts |
|
Bachelor of Screen Production |
Film, Media & Production |
|
Bachelor of Early Childhood Education |
Education (Teaching) |
|
Bachelor of Social Work |
Human Services |
Program |
Field |
|---|---|
|
Master of Business Administration (MBA) |
Business |
|
Master of Education |
Education (Leadership, Teaching) |
|
Master of Teaching (Primary) |
Teacher Preparation |
|
Master of Teaching (Secondary) |
Teacher Preparation |
|
Master of Counselling |
Psychology & Counselling |
|
Master of Social Work (Qualifying) |
Human Services |
Program |
Field |
|---|---|
|
Master of Business (Research) |
Business & Leadership |
|
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) |
Education, Business, or Arts (based on research area) |
Excelsia may also offer certificate-level or bridging programs in areas like:
Counselling foundations
Music performance
Teacher training support
(Availability may vary based on demand and term.)
Program Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees/Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Bachelor of Business |
3 years |
~$11,500 |
|
Bachelor of Music |
3 years |
~$12,800 |
|
Bachelor of Dramatic Art (Acting) |
3 years |
~$13,500 |
|
Bachelor of Screen Production |
3 years |
~$12,800 |
|
Bachelor of Early Childhood Education |
4 years |
~$13,200 |
|
Bachelor of Social Work |
4 years |
~$13,200 |
Program Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees/Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Master of Business Administration (MBA) |
2 years (full-time) |
~$13,200 |
|
Master of Education |
1.5 years |
~$13,200 |
|
Master of Teaching (Primary) |
2 years |
~$13,200 |
|
Master of Teaching (Secondary) |
2 years |
~$13,200 |
|
Master of Counselling |
2 years |
~$13,800 |
|
Master of Social Work (Qualifying) |
2 years |
~$13,800 |
Excelsia College, based in Sydney, is a highly supportive and values-driven institution that warmly welcomes students from around the world. It’s especially well-suited for those who want a creative, community-focused, and faith-friendly learning environment.
Whether you're interested in business, education, counselling, creative arts, or social work, Excelsia provides quality academic programs along with a nurturing atmosphere to help international students adjust and thrive.
All programs at Excelsia are CRICOS-registered, which means they are approved for international student visas (Subclass 500). You can apply from overseas and be confident that your course meets Australia's international education standards.
Small class sizes and personal attention from academic staff
A close-knit, multicultural campus community
Programs that combine academic theory with practical skills and real-world placements
English language support, academic mentoring, and counselling services
A campus located in Macquarie Park, Sydney, close to tech hubs, public transport, and student housing
Open to students of all faiths and backgrounds – Excelsia is Christian in ethos but inclusive in practice
Sydney is one of the most livable and student-friendly cities in the world. At Excelsia, you get the advantage of studying in a safe, green, and vibrant suburb just outside the central city. The college is near Macquarie University, major shopping centres, and beautiful parks.
International students can also work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and full-time during breaks, helping you manage living expenses while gaining work experience.
Excelsia understands the unique needs of students from overseas and provides a range of tailored support services, including:
Pre-departure guidance and visa assistance
Orientation programs upon arrival
English language and academic skills workshops
Career services and internship assistance
On-campus chaplaincy and emotional wellbeing support
Bachelor of Business
Bachelor of Music or Dramatic Art
Master of Counselling
Master of Teaching (Primary/Secondary)
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) – in fields like education, business, and creative arts
Start by selecting the course that matches your academic and career goals. Excelsia offers:
Undergraduate programs (e.g., Business, Music, Social Work)
Postgraduate coursework (e.g., Counselling, Teaching, MBA)
Research degrees (e.g., PhD in Education, Arts, or Business)
All programs are CRICOS-registered and open to international students.
Academic Requirements:
For Bachelor programs: Completion of high school (equivalent to Australian Year 12)
For Master’s programs: A completed Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field
For PhD: A Master’s degree with a research component, and a suitable research proposal
English Language Requirements:
IELTS 6.0 – 6.5 overall (depending on program), with no band lower than 6.0
TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and Cambridge English scores are also accepted
You'll need:
Certified academic transcripts (translated into English if needed)
English test results
Valid passport
Statement of Purpose or research proposal (for postgraduate or PhD)
Letters of reference (for postgraduate research applicants)
You can apply:
Online via the
Or through an authorized international education agent
There’s no application fee for most courses.
If you meet the entry requirements, Excelsia will issue a Letter of Offer and Written Agreement. This outlines your course, tuition fees, conditions (if any), and visa eligibility.
Sign and return the Written Agreement
Pay the initial tuition deposit (usually the first semester)
Once payment is confirmed, Excelsia will issue your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
With your CoE, apply for the Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500) through the Department of Home Affairs.
You’ll also need:
Your GTE (Genuine Temporary Entrant) statement
Financial documents
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
Organize accommodation and flights
Attend orientation week
Finalize enrolment and meet your lecturers
Excelsia’s student services team will help you settle into life in Sydney, both academically and personally.
Excelsia College offers multiple intakes per year, depending on the program.
February (Semester 1 – primary intake)
July (Semester 2 – mid-year intake)
Some postgraduate and research programs may also have rolling or flexible intakes, particularly for PhD and research degrees (subject to supervisor availability).
Tip: It’s best to apply at least 3–4 months in advance to allow time for visa processing and travel arrangements.
For Bachelor’s Degrees:
Completion of Year 12 (or equivalent) in your home country
Recognized high school qualifications such as:
A-Levels, IB Diploma
CBSE/ISC/State Boards (India)
U.S. High School Diploma
Other international equivalents
For Master’s Degrees:
A completed Bachelor’s degree (in a relevant field) from a recognized institution
For PhD Programs:
A Master’s degree (preferably with a research component)
A well-developed research proposal
Academic supervisor approval
Minimum scores vary slightly by program:
Undergraduate & Most Master’s Programs:
IELTS: 6.0 overall (no band less than 6.0)
TOEFL iBT: 60–78
PTE Academic: 50
Counselling, Social Work, and Teaching Programs (higher English required):
IELTS: 6.5 overall (no band less than 6.0)
TOEFL iBT: 79+
PhD:
IELTS: 6.5 overall (some flexibility depending on research area)
If you do not meet the English requirement, Excelsia may recommend an English pathway course before entry.
Scholarship Name |
Eligibility |
Value |
Applicable Programs |
|---|---|---|---|
|
International Scholarship |
All new international students meeting entry requirements |
Up to 20% tuition fee reduction |
Undergraduate and Postgraduate coursework |
|
Academic Merit Scholarship |
High academic achievers with strong previous results |
Partial tuition fee waiver |
Selected Bachelor's and Master's programs |
|
Creative & Performing Arts Scholarship |
Talent-based applicants in music, drama, or screen production |
(based on audition/portfolio) |
Bachelor of Music, Dramatic Art, or Screen Production |
|
Faith & Service Scholarship |
Students with a strong background in community or church service |
(case-by-case basis) |
All programs |
Category |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Campus Location |
69–71 Waterloo Road, Macquarie Park, Sydney, NSW 2113, Australia |
|
Campus Facilities |
- Modern lecture rooms and rehearsal studios |
|
Transport Access |
- 5-minute walk to Macquarie Park Train Station |
|
On-Campus Accommodation |
Not available (No on-campus housing) |
|
Off-Campus Accommodation Options |
Shared apartments, homestays, private rentals |
|
Estimated Weekly Cost (AUD) |
AUD $250 – $450/week (shared housing to student apartments) |
|
Estimated Monthly Cost (USD) |
USD $660 – $1,200/month (based on 1 AUD ≈ 0.66 USD) |
|
Accommodation Support |
- Excelsia provides guidance for finding housing |
Scape Sydney Central – Premium studios and shared rooms
Urbanest North Ryde – Close to Macquarie Park area
Unilodge @ Macquarie – Student-specific housing with amenities
Australian Homestay Network (AHN) – Live with a local family, meals included
Student life at Excelsia College is unique, especially if you're someone who values creativity, connection, and personal growth. As a smaller, faith-aligned institution in Sydney’s Macquarie Park, Excelsia offers a tight-knit, welcoming community where you're more than just a student number.
If you're studying in the arts—like music, drama, or screen production—you’ll be surrounded by like-minded creatives. The campus regularly hosts student showcases, performances, and film screenings, giving students the chance to express themselves and build confidence. Collaboration across departments is encouraged, so a business student might work on a project with a film student, for example.
With smaller class sizes, students enjoy one-on-one attention from lecturers and staff. The college places a strong emphasis on academic support, mentorship, and professional development. Students also have access to career guidance, tutoring, and counselling services throughout their studies.
Excelsia is a Christian college, but it’s open to students of all beliefs and backgrounds. There’s a strong culture of respect, compassion, and inclusiveness, which is reflected in how people interact and support each other. Optional chapel services, prayer groups, and spiritual development activities are available for those who wish to participate.
The campus is located in Macquarie Park, a leafy and modern suburb in northern Sydney, close to shopping centres, public transport, parks, and student housing. While it’s not a massive campus with dormitories and nightlife, it’s peaceful, clean, and connected to the rest of the city by train or bus.
Off-campus, students can explore everything Sydney has to offer—beaches, festivals, food, art galleries, and part-time work opportunities. Many international students work part-time while studying, and Excelsia’s location makes it easy to commute to jobs in nearby suburbs or the city.
Excelsia’s student body includes people from all over the world—Asia, Africa, Europe, South America, and the Pacific. It’s a culturally diverse and inclusive environment where students learn from each other’s experiences. Cultural events and international student activities help everyone feel at home and connected.
Even though it’s a smaller college, Excelsia focuses heavily on employability and industry experience. Programs like teaching, counselling, social work, and business include placements, internships, or real-world projects to prepare you for the workforce. The creative arts students build portfolios and perform for live audiences, giving them a head start in their industries.
Excelsia College does not offer guaranteed job placements, but it strongly emphasizes career readiness, industry engagement, and practical experience as part of its programs — especially in fields like teaching, counselling, social work, business, and the creative arts.
Many courses include internships, professional placements, or industry projects, helping students gain real-world experience before graduating.
Here’s how Excelsia prepares students for the workforce:
Teaching Programs: Include compulsory school placements in Australian primary or secondary schools.
Counselling & Social Work: Require supervised placements in mental health clinics, community centres, or welfare organizations.
Business Programs: Offer project-based learning and exposure to real-world case studies, with optional internship support.
Creative Arts: Students regularly perform, produce, and exhibit their work publicly — building portfolios and professional networks in music, drama, and film.
These experiences are built into the course structure, ensuring graduates have hands-on experience when they enter the job market.
Excelsia offers a range of career support services to help students prepare for life after graduation:
Career counselling and guidance sessions
Resume and cover letter assistance
Interview preparation workshops
Networking events and guest speaker sessions
Access to job boards and internship opportunities
LinkedIn profile building and personal branding support
While Excelsia doesn’t publish official placement statistics like large universities, many graduates go on to work in:
Education and schools
Community health services and counselling centres
Nonprofits and NGOs
Music, theatre, and media industries
Small businesses and startups
Students in teaching, counselling, and social work are often in demand, especially in Australia’s growing mental health and education sectors.
As an international student, you are allowed to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods. Sydney offers many casual job opportunities in retail, hospitality, and admin roles, which students often take advantage of for extra income and experience.
Excelsia offers internships and professional placements as part of many programs
Strong focus on career readiness and practical skills
Career support is available throughout your studies
Students graduate with real-world experience and industry exposure
Approximately 80% – 90%
Excelsia is a private higher education provider, focused on accessibility and student support rather than competitive entry.
The college welcomes students from diverse academic backgrounds and provides support for those who may not have traditional qualifications.
Entry is based on:
Meeting minimum academic standards (e.g. completion of Year 12 or a Bachelor’s degree for postgraduate entry)
Achieving English language proficiency
Submitting required documents (like transcripts, passport, etc.)
Strong academic records
A clear Statement of Purpose (for postgraduate or scholarship applicants)
Demonstrated interest in your chosen field
Meeting all visa and financial requirements
Excelsia College
69–71 Waterloo Road
Macquarie Park, Sydney, NSW 2113
Australia
5-minute walk from Macquarie Park Train Station
Well-connected to Sydney’s public transport system (train + bus)
30–40 minutes by train to Sydney CBD
Close to Macquarie Centre shopping mall, restaurants, parks, and major employers
Macquarie Park is a safe, green, and student-friendly suburb
Known as a growing education and technology hub in Sydney
Nearby institutions include Macquarie University, CSIRO, and tech companies like Microsoft and Optus
Plenty of nearby student housing, cafes, gyms, and part-time job opportunities
