Whether you’re starting a tech career, changing careers, or upskilling in your current role, training options for regional Victorians have improved significantly.

Here’s my comprehensive guide for 2026.

University Options

Federation University

Campuses: Ballarat, Gippsland, Berwick (plus online)

Relevant programs:

• Bachelor of Information Technology
• Bachelor of Business (Information Systems)
• Master of Technology (various specialisations)
• Graduate certificates in data analytics and cybersecurity

Strengths: Regional focus, industry connections, pathway programs for career changers.

Consider if: You want a full degree with regional study options.

La Trobe University

Campuses: Bendigo, Shepparton, Mildura (plus Melbourne and online)

Relevant programs:

• Bachelor of Cybersecurity
• Bachelor of Information Technology
• Master of Data Science
• Various graduate certificates

Strengths: Multiple regional campuses, strong online delivery, good research connections.

Consider if: You’re in northern Victoria or want flexible online study with occasional campus access.

Deakin University

Campuses: Geelong, Warrnambool (plus Melbourne and online)

Relevant programs:

• Bachelor of Information Technology
• Bachelor of Computer Science
• Graduate programs in data analytics, cybersecurity, AI
• Deakin Credentials (shorter certifications)

Strengths: Strong online delivery, industry partnerships, shorter credential options.

Consider if: You want flexible online study with practical focus.

Swinburne University

Campus: Online (with some regional study centres)

Relevant programs:

• Bachelor of Computer Science
• Graduate programs in data science, cybersecurity
• Short courses and professional certificates

Strengths: Industry-connected, good online delivery.

Consider if: You want industry-focused programs accessible from anywhere.

TAFE Options

TAFE Gippsland

Relevant programs:

• Certificate and Diploma of Information Technology
• Network administration pathways
• Web development courses

Bendigo TAFE (now part of GOTAFE)

Relevant programs:

• Information technology certificates and diplomas
• Practical IT skills courses

Gordon Institute (Geelong)

Relevant programs:

• IT certificates and diplomas
• Cybersecurity training
• Short courses

Federation TAFE

Relevant programs:

• IT certificates linked to Federation University pathways
• Trade-oriented IT training

TAFE Strengths Generally

• Practical, job-ready skills
• Shorter timeframes than degrees
• Lower cost
• Often available part-time
• Pathway to university if desired

Consider TAFE if: You want practical skills quickly, or want to test interest before committing to degree.

Bootcamps and Intensive Programs

General Assembly

Delivery: Online (accessible from regional Victoria)

Programs:

• Software engineering bootcamp
• Data science bootcamp
• UX design bootcamp

Duration: 12-24 weeks full-time, longer part-time

Cost: $15,000-20,000

Consider if: You want intensive career change program with employer connections.

Coder Academy

Delivery: Online and some in-person intensives

Programs:

• Full-stack web development
• Cybersecurity

Duration: 6-12 months

Cost: $15,000-20,000

Consider if: You want structured bootcamp with payment plan options.

Academy Xi

Delivery: Online

Programs:

• Data analytics
• UX/UI design
• Software engineering

Duration: 10-24 weeks

Cost: $3,000-10,000 depending on program

Consider if: You want focused skills training without full bootcamp commitment.

Free and Low-Cost Options

FreeCodeCamp

Free, self-paced web development and programming curriculum. Globally recognised certifications.

Coursera and edX

University courses from global institutions. Many free to audit; certificates cost $50-300.

LinkedIn Learning

Professional skills courses across technology topics. Often available free through public libraries.

Microsoft Learn

Free training for Microsoft technologies including Azure certifications.

Google Skillshop

Free training for Google tools and platforms.

AWS Training

Free foundational courses for Amazon Web Services.

Certifications Worth Pursuing

For Cybersecurity

• CompTIA Security+
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Various vendor certifications (Microsoft, Cisco)

For Data

• Microsoft Power BI certification
• Google Data Analytics certificate
• Various cloud platform certifications

For Development

• AWS Certified Developer
• Microsoft Azure Developer
• Various framework-specific certifications

For IT Administration

• CompTIA A+ and Network+
• Microsoft 365 certifications
• Cisco certifications

Choosing Your Path

Consider Your Situation

Career changers: Bootcamps offer fastest path to new career. University for comprehensive foundation.

Career advancers: Certifications and short courses to add specific skills.

Career starters: University or TAFE for foundational education.

Employed upskilling: Online programs that fit around work.

Consider Your Learning Style

Structured learners: University or TAFE with scheduled classes Self-directed learners: Online courses at own pace Intensive learners: Bootcamps with immersive experience Practical learners: Project-based courses, TAFE options

Consider Your Resources

Time: Full-time study, part-time around work, or casual self-study? Money: Free resources to $50,000+ degrees Support: Do you need structure and support, or can you motivate independently?

Funding Options

For University/TAFE

• HECS-HELP (pay later through tax system)
• FEE-HELP for some programs
• Scholarships (check each institution)

For Other Training

• VET Student Loans for eligible diploma programs
• Skills First subsidised training (Victorian government)
• Payment plans from many providers
• Employer support (ask before assuming none available)

Recommendations

For complete beginners: Start with free resources to test interest before investing money.

For career changers: Bootcamps if you need fast results; university if you have time and want comprehensive education.

For upskilling: Certifications and short courses targeted at specific skills.

For regional workers: Online delivery is your friend. Don’t limit options to what’s physically nearby.

The barriers to tech training have never been lower for regional Victorians. The challenge isn’t access—it’s choosing the right option and committing to completion.

For regional businesses wanting to upskill teams in AI and technology, these AI specialists can help identify appropriate training pathways and practical applications.