Why choose VU Brisbane

Image Top 2% of universities worldwide
Top 2% of universities worldwide
Image Award-winning VU Block Model®
Award-winning VU Block Model®
Image #1 for professional skills^
#1 for professional skills^

Ranked in the top 2% of universities worldwide, we are revolutionising education in Australia with our new way to do uni. This includes the VU Block Model, where we teach one unit at a time, rather than several at once.

Our focus on student success will give you skills for a 21st century career.

THE VU BLOCK MODEL

With VU's award-winning Block Model, you study one subject at a time for four weeks (undergraduate courses), or two subjects at a time for eight weeks (postgraduate courses). Each four-week or eight-week 'block' includes all assessments, allowing you to focus on one or two subjects at a time and receive your results before moving onto the next block.

As an example, international students at VU Sydney are performing particularly well under the Block Model. Students are achieving average pass rates of 90%, with over 40% receiving distinctions and high distinctions without a change to the assessments given.

All courses are taught under the Block Model at VU Brisbane.

BENEFITS OF THE BLOCK MODEL

Better results

Under the Block Model, not only are you more likely to pass, you're more likely to get better grades. Completing one or two subjects at a time helps build your confidence and see results from day one.

Smaller classes

Smaller class sizes mean more one-on-one time with your learning facilitators for a personalised education. Studying with one group at a time will help you to adjust to university life in Australia and form better connections with your classmates and mentors.

Less stress

By focusing on one or two subjects, you can deeply immerse yourself in your studies without having to juggle other subjects with conflicting deadlines and assessments.

Greater flexibility

Teaching sessions are available in multiple combinations (morning, mid-morning, afternoon and evening), allowing you to plan your work and other activities. We also have multiple entry points and the option to fast-track or catch up on your studies during our winter and summer blocks.

Simple timetables

Each unit has three face-to-face teaching sessions per week, scheduled over three days. Teaching sessions don't run on more than two consecutive days, so you will have one gap day between teaching sessions and two gap days each week.

Early assessments

Assessments have been redesigned for quicker completion within each block, with most of your work completed in class so you can achieve your best through early and ongoing feedback. You'll have a great sense of how you're progressing in your course, with final grades for units available soon after each block finishes.

Job & future-ready graduates

Our industry and government partnerships add value to our courses and ensure our graduates are job-ready, with many of our courses professionally recognised and accredited. Courses are tailored to meet industry needs, and students undertake real-world projects, as well as meaningful and engaging internships and work placements.

Our graduates have the creative, problem-solving and technical skills required to thrive in a fast-changing world. Practical learning, designed with our industry partners, is reinforced through industry application and supported by skills in communication, collaboration and leadership.

Our teaching spaces are optimised for contemporary learning, and you will be supported by a team of experienced academics who are committed to ensuring you graduate with the skills and knowledge to succeed in and beyond your degree.

A world-class university

Our rankings, research, facilities, partnerships and alumni network are all part of our world-class international reputation.

We are ranked:

  • top 2% of universities in the world, according to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 
  • =10th in the world for peace, justice and strong institutions, for our research on peace and justice, participation as advisers for government and policies on academic freedom. (Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2021)
  • 56th in the world in the Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 2020
  • 51st (out of more than 300 universities) in the Times Higher Education Asia–Pacific University Rankings 2019.

These rankings are the only international assessment of universities across their core missions of teaching, research, knowledge transfer and international outlook.

Our alumni network of more than 240,000 includes 30,000 professionals living and working around the world, while employers of our alumni include the London Ambulance Service, Indonesia's Ministry of Finance, Facebook and NASA.

Safe & supportive community

We are a welcoming and inclusive university in one of Australia's highest-ranked student cities. Australia is also ranked the safest country in the world for women, according to the 2019 Global Wealth Migration Review.

At VU, we celebrate cultural diversity and provide opportunities for all students to take part in community and social activities. We have a vibrant social calendar, programs to promote student leadership, and activities to support community engagement.