Excelsia University College

Excelsia University College: Courses, Fees, Entry Requirements & Student Life in Australia

Excelsia University College is an Australian higher-education provider based in Sydney, New South Wales. The institution offers undergraduate, postgraduate and professional-development programs across areas including business, counselling, education, social work, creative and performing arts and related disciplines.

Excelsia describes itself as a Christian higher-education provider and places emphasis on whole-person education, mentorship, community and graduate employability. Its academic environment combines formal study with practical and professional development, giving students opportunities to build both subject knowledge and transferable skills.

The institution's current campus is located at 1 City View Road, Pennant Hills, NSW, following its move to the Pennant Hills campus in July 2025. Excelsia is registered with the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) as a higher-education provider and is registered to enrol international students under CRICOS Provider Code 02664K.

For international students, Excelsia provides a range of study options across professional disciplines and also offers an English for Academic Purposes pathway through its ELICOS program.

What Is Excelsia University College Known For?

Excelsia is particularly known for:

• Business education
• Counselling
• Education
• Social work
• Creative and performing arts
• Professional development
• English language preparation
• Christian higher education
• Mentorship
• Practical learning
• Student support
• Career preparation
• Undergraduate and postgraduate study

Excelsia states that it offers bachelor's, master's, certificate and online short-course options across its academic schools. Its current academic areas include Business, Creative & Performing Arts, Counselling, Education, Social Work and Professional Development.

This makes Excelsia suitable for students who want a more focused institution rather than a large Australian university with hundreds of unrelated disciplines.

Business

Business is one of Excelsia's established areas of study.

Business education can help students understand how organisations operate and how leaders make decisions in changing environments.

Students can develop knowledge in areas such as:

• Management
• Leadership
• Organisational behaviour
• Business strategy
• Governance
• Entrepreneurship
• Business research
• Organisational change

At postgraduate level, Excelsia's research-oriented business offerings include the Master of Business (Research) and Graduate Certificate in Business Research. Its published fee information also lists a Doctor of Philosophy in Organisational Leadership.

Business study can therefore be relevant to students interested in management, organisational leadership, professional services and research.

Counselling

Counselling is another important area within Excelsia's academic portfolio.

Counselling education is designed for students interested in supporting individuals and communities through professional helping practices.

Students can develop knowledge related to:

• Human behaviour
• Communication
• Counselling practice
• Professional ethics
• Mental wellbeing
• Relationships
• Professional practice
• Research

Excelsia's counselling programs are designed within its broader educational philosophy, which combines professional preparation with a Christian worldview.

Students considering counselling should check the exact professional and accreditation requirements for their intended career because completing an academic qualification does not automatically guarantee eligibility for every professional role.

Education

Education is a significant study area at Excelsia.

The institution offers teacher-education programs designed to prepare students for professional teaching careers.

Current programs include:

• Early childhood education
• Primary teaching
• Secondary teaching
• Related education qualifications

Excelsia's Master of Teaching (Primary), for example, is a postgraduate program accredited by NESA and listed at AQF Level 9. The current international tuition fee is AUD $11,600 per semester, with a total tuition fee of AUD $46,400.

The Master of Teaching (Secondary) is also listed as NESA-accredited and currently carries an international tuition fee of AUD $11,600 per semester, or AUD $46,400 total.

Teacher education can therefore be a suitable pathway for students who want to work in Australian education, subject to the applicable professional registration requirements.

Social Work

Excelsia also provides education in social work.

Social work focuses on supporting individuals, families and communities and addressing social challenges.

Students can develop knowledge related to:

• Social welfare
• Community services
• Human behaviour
• Social policy
• Professional practice
• Advocacy
• Ethics
• Community development

Social-work education combines academic knowledge with professional preparation.

Students interested in becoming practising social workers should check the current professional accreditation and registration requirements associated with their selected qualification.

Creative and Performing Arts

Creative and performing arts form another part of Excelsia's academic identity.

The institution provides study options connected with areas such as:

• Music
• Drama
• Performance
• Creative practice
• Performing arts

Some creative programs have additional admission requirements.

Excelsia specifically states that applicants to selected Music and Drama courses may need to provide supplementary information and may be required to attend an audition.

This makes these programs different from standard academic admissions.

Students interested in performing arts should therefore prepare portfolios, auditions or other supplementary material where required.

Professional Development

Excelsia also provides professional-development opportunities through shorter forms of study.

These can be useful for professionals who want to develop specific skills without necessarily committing to a complete bachelor's or master's degree.

Professional development can support areas such as:

• Leadership
• Communication
• Business
• Education
• Professional practice
• Academic development

The availability and structure of professional-development courses can change, so students should check the current course catalogue.

English for Academic Purposes

International students who need additional academic English preparation can consider Excelsia's English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program.

The EAP course is designed for overseas students from non-English-speaking backgrounds and aims to prepare students for academic and professional English contexts.

The program includes three levels:

• EAP 1 – Intermediate
• EAP 2 – Upper Intermediate
• EAP 3 – Advanced

Each level is structured around a ten-week period, with the overall course available for up to 30 weeks. The current published structure specifies face-to-face delivery at 20 hours per week and a maximum class size of 18 students.

This can be useful for international students who want to strengthen academic English before or alongside their higher-education journey.

Academic Environment

Excelsia emphasises personalised education and mentorship.

The institution highlights:

• One-to-one tutoring
• Academic mentoring
• Student community
• Graduate employability
• Whole-person education

Excelsia states that students can receive mentorship and one-on-one tutoring from academics while developing skills for graduate employment.

This approach can appeal to students who prefer closer academic interaction rather than a very large university environment.

Quick Facts

• Institution: Excelsia University College
• Location: Pennant Hills, Sydney, New South Wales
• Current campus: 1 City View Road, Pennant Hills, NSW
• Country: Australia
• Provider type: Higher Education Provider
• TEQSA Provider Number: PRV12064
• CRICOS Provider Code: 02664K
• Major study areas: Business, Counselling, Education, Social Work, Creative & Performing Arts
• International students: Yes
• Currency: AUD
• ELICOS: Yes

Excelsia's official website confirms its current Pennant Hills campus and its TEQSA and CRICOS registration details.

Student Life at Excelsia

Student life at Excelsia is designed around academic development, community and personal growth.

The institution's orientation program introduces students to:

• Student experience
• Graduate attributes
• Academic and professional staff
• Student success and wellbeing
• Academic skills
• Administrative matters
• Student rights and responsibilities
• Course requirements
• Recreational spaces
• Local amenities
• Public transport
• Social activities

This orientation can be particularly useful for international students who are unfamiliar with the Australian education system.

Students can also build relationships through academic activities, social events and the wider Excelsia community.

Pennant Hills Campus

Excelsia's current campus is located at:

1 City View Road, Pennant Hills, NSW.

The institution states that it moved to the Pennant Hills campus from July 2025.

This is an important update for prospective students because older online material may still refer to previous Excelsia locations.

Students should always use the current official campus information when planning accommodation, transport and campus visits.

Pennant Hills is part of Sydney's northern suburbs and provides access to local amenities and public transport connections.

International Student Experience

Excelsia is registered to provide education to international students under CRICOS Provider Code 02664K.

International students can apply across eligible programs and need to meet the relevant academic, English-language and visa requirements.

Excelsia also provides international-student application processes and supporting documentation requirements.

International students should prepare:

• Passport
• Academic transcripts
• English-language evidence
• Certified documents
• Course-specific documents
• Visa-related documentation

Excelsia states that international applicants must provide certified copies of required documents during the application process.

Excelsia Courses

Excelsia's academic portfolio covers several professional disciplines.

Business

Suitable for students interested in management, leadership and organisational development.

Counselling

Suitable for students interested in professional counselling and helping professions.

Education

Suitable for students seeking teacher-education and related qualifications.

Social Work

Suitable for students interested in community, welfare and professional social-work practice.

Creative and Performing Arts

Suitable for students interested in music, drama and creative performance.

English for Academic Purposes

Suitable for international students who need additional English preparation.

The exact course list and available intakes can change, so students should check the current course catalogue before applying.

What Are the Best Programs at Excelsia?

The best course depends on the student's career objective.

Business

Best suited to students interested in:

• Management
• Leadership
• Business
• Organisational development

Education

Suitable for students who want to pursue teaching and education-related careers.

Counselling

Suitable for students interested in counselling and professional helping roles.

Social Work

Suitable for students interested in community services, social welfare and professional social work.

Creative and Performing Arts

Suitable for students who want careers involving music, drama and performance.

Students should compare course accreditation, professional registration requirements, fees and career outcomes before choosing.

Practical Learning

Excelsia's teaching philosophy combines academic study with practical and professional development.

This is especially visible in professional programs such as teaching, counselling and social work.

For example, the Master of Teaching programs include practical professional experience as part of the course structure. Excelsia describes its Master of Teaching (Primary) as hands-on, combining foundation units with curriculum studies.

This practical component helps students understand how theoretical knowledge applies to real professional situations.

Mentorship and Academic Support

Mentorship is one of the features Excelsia highlights most strongly.

The institution promotes one-to-one tutoring and mentoring from academics as part of its student experience.

Academic support can be useful for students who need help with:

• Assignments
• Academic writing
• Research
• Study planning
• Course requirements
• Professional development

Students can also access academic-skills programs as part of the wider student-support environment.

Careers and Employability

Excelsia places emphasis on preparing students for graduate employment.

The institution describes its approach as job-ready education, with students guided through the steps needed to gain a competitive edge for graduate employment.

Career outcomes depend on the qualification.

Business Careers

Potential areas include:

• Business administration
• Management
• Leadership
• Human resources
• Organisational development
• Business research

Education Careers

Depending on the qualification and professional requirements:

• Early childhood education
• Primary teaching
• Secondary teaching
• Education support
• Curriculum-related roles

Counselling Careers

Potential areas can include counselling and community-based support roles, subject to the applicable professional requirements.

Social Work Careers

Potential areas include:

• Community services
• Social welfare
• Case management
• Social work
• Community development

Creative Careers

Potential areas include:

• Music
• Drama
• Performance
• Creative production
• Arts-related work

Students should always verify professional registration or accreditation requirements for regulated careers.

Industry and Professional Experience

Professional experience is particularly important in fields such as education, social work and counselling.

Students need opportunities to apply their academic knowledge in real or simulated professional environments.

Excelsia's teacher-education programs include professional experience components, while its broader academic model emphasises practical preparation.

For students considering a professional qualification, it is important to check exactly how placements, practical hours and accreditation requirements apply to the chosen course.

Tuition Fees

Excelsia charges tuition according to the units students take during each study period.

The institution's current fees page explains that course fees are charged by undergraduate or postgraduate course units taken during a study period.

Fees vary significantly between courses.

For example, Excelsia currently lists international tuition for its:

Master of Teaching (Primary):

• AUD $11,600 per semester
• AUD $46,400 total tuition

Master of Teaching (Secondary):

• AUD $11,600 per semester
• AUD $46,400 total tuition

The 2025 published fee schedule also provides course-level figures for research programs, including:

• Master of Business (Research): AUD $44,000 international tuition
• Graduate Certificate in Business Research: AUD $11,000
• Doctor of Philosophy (Organisational Leadership): AUD $74,675

Because fees differ by program and can change, students should use the current course page and offer letter for their exact tuition amount.

Additional Study Costs

Tuition is not the only expense students need to consider.

Students may also need to budget for:

• Accommodation
• Food
• Transport
• Overseas Student Health Cover
• Books
• Equipment
• Learning materials
• Visa costs
• Personal expenses

Excelsia specifically notes that additional costs can include textbooks, equipment and other learning materials.

International students should prepare a complete budget before travelling to Australia.

Scholarships

Excelsia offers several scholarship opportunities.

Its current fees and scholarships page lists a 20% Early Offer Scholarship for eligible Year 12 applicants applying through the Early Offer program.

It also lists undergraduate academic scholarships for eligible applicants.

In addition, Excelsia highlights Commonwealth Teaching Scholarships, with current information indicating opportunities of up to:

• AUD $40,000 for eligible new undergraduate students
• AUD $20,000 for eligible new postgraduate students

Scholarship availability and eligibility depend on the specific scholarship and applicant circumstances.

International students should check which scholarships are actually available to them rather than assuming that every listed scholarship is open to overseas applicants.

Entry Requirements

Excelsia accepts applicants through several admission pathways.

These include:

• Recent secondary education
• Work and life experience
• Previous higher education
• VET or TAFE study
• Bridging or enabling courses

Applicants with recent secondary education are generally assessed based on completion of Australian Year 12 or an equivalent qualification.

Applicants with previous higher education or VET study may also be assessed based on their previous qualifications.

Some courses have additional requirements such as:

• Interviews
• Auditions
• Referee reports
• Portfolios
• Supplementary forms

Excelsia specifically identifies Music, Drama, Education and Counselling as areas where additional application information may be required.

English Language Requirements

Excelsia's courses are taught in English.

Applicants whose first language is not English generally need to demonstrate English proficiency either through evidence that their previous secondary or tertiary education was conducted in English or through an accepted English-language test.

Excelsia currently provides comparative minimum scores for recognised tests.

For example:

IELTS Academic	PTE Academic	Cambridge CAE
6.0	50	52
6.5	58	58
7.0	66	68
7.5	73	74

The required level depends on the selected course.

Some programs have higher requirements. For example, Excelsia's Master of Teaching (Secondary) information identifies specific English requirements and notes that applicants with an IELTS average of 6.5, including 7.0 in speaking and listening with no band below 6.5, may be considered for a conditional offer.

Students should therefore check the exact English requirement for their course.

Age Requirements

Excelsia states that undergraduate applicants would normally have reached 18 years of age during the year in which their studies commence.

Students who are younger should check the current admission framework before applying.

Credit and Recognition of Prior Learning

Students with previous education or relevant experience may be eligible for credit or Recognition of Prior Learning.

Excelsia states that applicants can apply for credit or RPL after successfully accepting their offer and written agreement.

Current students applying for formal credit need to provide supporting evidence such as:

• Certified academic transcripts
• Unit outlines
• Learning outcomes
• Assessment information

Excelsia advises that credit applications should be submitted before the end of the first week of the relevant semester.

International students should carefully consider visa implications before accepting credit because their visa may still require them to maintain a full study load.

How to Apply

The general application process is:

• Select your Excelsia course.
• Review the course entry requirements.
• Check English-language requirements.
• Prepare your academic documents.
• Prepare your passport and identification documents.
• Prepare any portfolio, audition or supplementary information if required.
• Complete the application form.
• Submit certified supporting documents.
• Pay any applicable fees.
• Wait for the admissions assessment.
• Receive an offer if successful.
• Accept the offer and written agreement.
• Apply for credit or RPL where appropriate.
• Complete enrolment.
• Arrange Overseas Student Health Cover if required.
• Prepare the student-visa application where applicable.
• Arrange accommodation and travel.
• Attend orientation.

Excelsia's official application process confirms these broad stages and states that international applicants need to provide certified copies of required documents.

Orientation

Excelsia's orientation program helps new students understand the institution and prepare for study.

The current orientation information includes:

• Student experience
• Graduate attributes
• Academic and professional staff
• Student success
• Wellbeing
• Academic skills
• Administrative requirements
• Student rights
• Course requirements
• Recreational spaces
• Local amenities
• Public transport
• Social activities

This can help international students become familiar with both the campus and Australian academic expectations.

English Pathway for International Students

Students who need additional academic English preparation can consider Excelsia's ELICOS program.

The English for Academic Purposes program provides up to 30 weeks of study across three levels, with 20 hours of face-to-face classes per week.

The current published EAP fees include:

• AUD $300 enrolment fee
• AUD $300 materials and textbook fee
• AUD $250 weekly tuition

Students should confirm current pricing and pathway arrangements before enrolling.

The Honest Verdict – Is Excelsia Worth Considering?

Excelsia University College can be a strong option for students looking for a smaller, focused Australian higher-education environment with programs in professional disciplines.

Excelsia May Be a Strong Choice If You...

• Want to study Business
• Are interested in Education
• Want to study Counselling
• Are interested in Social Work
• Want Creative or Performing Arts
• Prefer a supportive academic environment
• Value one-to-one mentoring
• Want a Christian higher-education environment
• Want professional-focused education
• Want to study in Sydney
• Need an English preparation pathway

It May Not Be the Right Fit If You...

• Want a very large public university
• Want hundreds of academic disciplines
• Prefer a research-intensive university environment
• Want engineering or medicine
• Prefer a large residential campus
• Do not want a Christian educational environment

Excelsia's distinctive identity is important to consider when choosing the institution.

Frequently Asked Questions About Excelsia University College

What is Excelsia University College?

Excelsia University College is an Australian higher-education provider offering undergraduate and postgraduate programs across business, counselling, education, social work, creative and performing arts and other professional areas.

Where is Excelsia University College located?

Its current campus is at 1 City View Road, Pennant Hills, NSW. The institution moved to its Pennant Hills campus from July 2025.

Does Excelsia accept international students?

Yes. Excelsia is registered to enrol international students under CRICOS Provider Code 02664K.

What can I study at Excelsia?

Major areas include Business, Counselling, Education, Social Work and Creative & Performing Arts. Excelsia also offers professional development and English-language study.

What IELTS score do I need?

The requirement depends on the course. Excelsia provides course-specific English requirements, with IELTS 6.0, 6.5, 7.0 and 7.5 corresponding to different PTE and Cambridge scores depending on the required level.

Does Excelsia offer teaching degrees?

Yes. Excelsia offers teacher-education programs including Master of Teaching (Primary) and Master of Teaching (Secondary). Both are listed with NESA accreditation.

How much does the Master of Teaching cost?

The current international tuition fee for both the Master of Teaching (Primary) and Master of Teaching (Secondary) is listed as AUD $11,600 per semester or AUD $46,400 total.

Does Excelsia offer scholarships?

Yes. Excelsia lists scholarships including its 20% Early Offer Scholarship, undergraduate academic scholarships and Commonwealth Teaching Scholarships.

Does Excelsia offer English courses?

Yes. Its English for Academic Purposes program offers three levels from Intermediate to Advanced and is available to international students.

Can I receive credit for previous study?

Potentially. Excelsia allows eligible students to apply for credit and Recognition of Prior Learning based on previous study or experience.

Does Excelsia have additional admission requirements?

Some courses do. Music, Drama, Education and Counselling programs may require additional information, interviews, auditions, portfolios or supplementary forms depending on the course.

Is Excelsia a Christian university?

Excelsia describes itself as a leading Australian Christian higher-education provider and states that its education is grounded in a Christian worldview.

A Final Word – Why Excelsia University College Deserves Consideration

Excelsia University College provides a distinctive option for students seeking professional higher education in Sydney.

Its strongest feature is the combination of a focused academic portfolio with a student-centred educational philosophy. Rather than trying to cover every possible discipline, Excelsia concentrates on areas such as Business, Counselling, Education, Social Work and Creative & Performing Arts.

For students interested in education, the institution offers teacher-training programs with professional experience and NESA accreditation. The current Master of Teaching programs provide a clear pathway for graduates who want to pursue teaching careers, subject to the relevant registration requirements.

For international students, the English for Academic Purposes program provides an additional pathway for strengthening academic English before progressing into higher education.

Excelsia also emphasises mentorship, one-to-one tutoring, community and graduate employability. These features can be particularly valuable for students who prefer a more personalised learning environment.

The move to the Pennant Hills campus is another important current development. Students should use the 1 City View Road, Pennant Hills location when planning their study and accommodation arrangements rather than relying on older Excelsia information found online.

International applicants should carefully compare course fees, English requirements, professional accreditation, scholarship eligibility and living costs before applying. Fees vary considerably between programs, and professional courses can have additional entry or registration requirements.

Overall Verdict: Excelsia University College is worth considering for students seeking focused, professionally oriented education in Business, Education, Counselling, Social Work or Creative and Performing Arts. Its personalised learning environment, mentoring approach, Sydney location, international-student registration and range of professional programs make it a relevant option for students looking for an alternative to Australia's larger traditional universities.