Excelsia University College (Sydney): 2026 Fees, Courses & Guide for International Students

Excelsia University College is a Christian higher education provider based in Macquarie Park, Sydney. It is registered by TEQSA in the university college category, a step between institute of higher education and university. It offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in business, accounting, information technology, counselling, social work, education, music, drama, and screen production. Its published 2026 fees are moderate for Sydney. This guide covers official 2026 international fees, courses, and what international students should check.

Quick facts snapshot

• Institution: Excelsia University College, a Christian higher education provider in Sydney
• Status: registered by TEQSA as a university college (PRV12064)
• Location: Macquarie Park, Sydney
• 2026 international fees (Excelsia's official fee schedule, listed course fees): Bachelor of Business (Accounting), Bachelor of Management and Entrepreneurship, and Bachelor of Information Technology A$49,200 each (144 credit points, A$2,050 per unit)
• Other bachelor's degrees 2026: Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Birth to 5) A$63,200; Bachelor of Screen Production A$67,152; Bachelor of Music A$69,720
• Postgraduate 2026: Master of Counselling A$44,288; Master of Social Work (Qualifying) A$43,200; Master of Professional Accounting A$36,960; Master of Business Administration A$24,756 (72 credit points); Master of Music A$41,664
• Scholarships: Excelsia lists scholarships including an early-offer award of 20% off first-year tuition; eligibility varies

Rankings and reputation

Excelsia is a university college, not a university, so it is not ranked globally. Its courses are TEQSA-accredited, and professional courses such as counselling, social work, and teaching need accreditation from the relevant professional bodies. Check each course's professional accreditation.

Academics and signature programs

Excelsia offers business, accounting, management, and IT degrees, counselling and social work, early childhood and teacher education, and creative arts in music, drama, and screen production, with Christian values integrated into its approach. Postgraduate options include the MBA, Master of Professional Accounting, Master of Counselling, Master of Social Work (Qualifying), and research degrees. Ask about placements and accreditation.

Admissions and international eligibility

Entry depends on academic results and English, and some creative courses require auditions or portfolios. After an offer, you receive a Confirmation of Enrolment and apply for a student visa.

English language requirements

• English requirements depend on course; check Excelsia's requirement
• Counselling, social work, and teaching usually require higher scores
• Postgraduate academic skills bridging units are available
• Confirm the requirement for your course

Application checklist

A typical application includes transcripts, English results, and passport details, plus an audition or portfolio for creative courses. Ask whether the listed fee covers the whole course and how payments are scheduled.

Tuition, living costs, and scholarships

Excelsia's official 2026 schedule lists international fees for each course and unit. Bachelor's degrees in business, accounting, management, and IT are listed at A$49,200 for 144 credit points (A$2,050 per unit), the Bachelor of Music at A$69,720, and the Bachelor of Screen Production at A$67,152. The Master of Counselling is listed at A$44,288 and the MBA at A$24,756. Confirm the total and payment schedule in your offer letter, and add Overseas Student Health Cover and Sydney living costs.

Estimated living costs

• Australian student visa applicants must show they can afford tuition, travel, and living costs
• Overseas Student Health Cover is compulsory for the length of the visa
• Student visa holders can work a limited number of hours in term under current rules
• Public transport concession fares are available in most cities
• Rents have risen in most Australian cities, so book housing early

Scholarships

Excelsia lists scholarships including an early-offer award of 20% off first-year tuition and academic scholarships, though some awards are for domestic students only. Ask which scholarships international students can receive.

Campus life and student support

Excelsia's Macquarie Park campus is in a business and technology district in northern Sydney, near Macquarie University and Macquarie Centre, with metro links to the city. It has teaching rooms, music and performance spaces, and a library.

Career outcomes and post-study work rights

Excelsia graduates work in business, accounting, IT, counselling, social work, education, and the creative industries. Counselling and social work graduates need professional registration or membership to practise. Ask about placements and outcomes.

Australia's Temporary Graduate visa

Eligible international graduates can apply for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485), which allows them to live and work in Australia after their studies, generally for two years after a bachelor's or coursework master's degree and longer after research degrees, with an age limit and study-requirement conditions. Rules change often, so confirm eligibility and current conditions with the Department of Home Affairs before relying on the visa.

What university college status means

Australia's higher education providers are registered by TEQSA in categories. A university college meets higher standards than an institute of higher education, including research and scholarship, but is not yet a university. Excelsia's courses are accredited through TEQSA. You can check its registration on TEQSA's national register.

Counselling and social work

Excelsia's Master of Counselling and Master of Social Work (Qualifying) include supervised placements. To practise, counsellors usually seek membership of bodies such as PACFA or the ACA, and social workers need a degree accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers. Check each course's accreditation status.

Music, drama, and screen production

Excelsia's creative arts courses include performance, composition, worship music, dramatic art, and screen production. They are more expensive than business degrees because of studio and equipment costs. Ask about auditions, portfolios, and industry links.

Living in Macquarie Park

Macquarie Park is a busy business district in northern Sydney, with offices, shopping, and metro stations. Rents are lower than inner Sydney but still high. Australia's student visa requires evidence of funds for living costs.

Health insurance and pre-arrival preparation

Arrange Overseas Student Health Cover, prepare evidence of funds, and be ready to show you are a genuine student when applying for the visa. Budget for the visa application charge, flights, and a housing deposit.

What to expect in your first months

The first weeks involve orientation, enrolment, and learning how Australian assessment works, with tutorials, assignments, and exams. Students who use academic support and English workshops early adjust faster.

A realistic budget

If the listed A$49,200 is the full course fee for a three-year business degree, tuition would average about A$16,400 a year, and with about A$30,000 a year in Sydney living costs, three years could cost about A$140,000.

Questions to ask before you accept an offer

• Is the listed fee for the whole course?
• Is my course professionally accredited?
• Which scholarships can international students receive?
• Does my course include placements?
• Does it qualify for the Temporary Graduate visa?
• How are Christian values reflected in teaching?

Who Excelsia suits best

Excelsia suits students who want a small Christian higher education provider in Sydney with counselling, social work, education, creative arts, or business courses at moderate fees. It may suit less well students who want a large university or a secular setting.

Excelsia compared with Sydney universities

Sydney universities offer broader facilities and brand recognition, usually at higher fees, while Excelsia offers smaller classes and a values-based approach. Compare accreditation, fees, and outcomes.

Step-by-step application roadmap

1. Choose your course and check accreditation and fees.
2. Confirm the English requirement and book a test if needed.
3. Apply with transcripts and passport details.
4. Accept your offer, pay the deposit, and receive your Confirmation of Enrolment.
5. Apply for your student visa and arrange Overseas Student Health Cover.
6. Book housing and attend orientation.

Preparing your documents early

Gather certified transcripts, English results, passport, and financial evidence several months before your intake. Keep written confirmation of fees, scholarships, and any pathway credit.

Education and early childhood

Excelsia offers early childhood education and teacher education, including the four-year Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Birth to 5), listed at A$63,200 for international students in 2026. Teaching in Australia requires registration or approval by state authorities. Check accreditation and placement requirements.

A step-by-step checklist before paying

Confirm whether the listed fee covers the whole course, check professional accreditation, confirm scholarship eligibility, check Temporary Graduate visa rules, and read the refund policy.

Questions for current students

If possible, speak with current Excelsia students about class sizes, placements, community life, and travel to Macquarie Park. Their experience can help you judge whether it suits you and what to budget for in the first year.

Support for international students

Excelsia offers orientation, academic skills support, pastoral care, and help with accommodation for international students.

Frequently asked questions