Victoria University has a range of study options that can be completed within months – and sometimes days.

These include work-focused learning through VU Polytechnic, diverse 4-week university subjects (single units of study), university certificates, and targeted professional short courses. Many are offered online, or in a blend of online (real-time or self-paced) and in-person classes.

Read about our short courses and apply to study with us today!

illustration of student wearing a t-shirt with the aboriginal flag, studying online

Many of our short courses can be studied online, or in a blend of in-person and online learning.

Short VU Polytechnic courses

Duration: A few hours to several weeks
Qualification type: Non-accredited | industry accredited, eg First Aid; Construction Induction (White Card)
Eligibility: Open | prerequisites may apply
Fee type: Varies
Delivery: On-campus & online classes 

Professional & personal development

We offer a broad range of short courses to teach you new skills for the workplace, or develop an area of personal passion.

These courses are quick and affordable – letting you upskill in a few hours or a few weeks.

Workplace essentials such as Induction Construction (White Card), First Aid and machinery operation keep your professional paperwork in order. And management and digital-technology courses (such as Excel) help you perform and progress in the office.

Or, study just for you, with courses like creative writing or perfect makeup.

Find short TAFE courses

Industry & workplace training

robots used in learning environment

Duration: A few hours to a few weeks
Qualification type: Non-accredited short courses | accredited qualifications
Eligibility: Varies | open
Fee type: Full fee
Delivery: Online | workplace | on-campus

Award-winning learning design

We provide customised workplace training and professional development through Victoria University Polytechnic, linked to industry standards.

Training encompasses: on-campus and workplace training, non-accredited short courses, accredited qualifications, mentoring, language and numeracy teaching and more.

Our speciality is creating visually engaging and interactive learning resources to meet the needs of educational, industry and not-for-profit organisations. We can incorporate technology into your learning, including virtual reality, humanoid robots and 3D printing. 

Find industry learning

Single units of study

Duration: 4–8 weeks
Qualification type: No qualification, but may count towards a degree
Eligibility: Australian residents & citizens (domestic students) | tourist visa < 3 months | prerequisites may apply
Fee type: Full fee
Delivery: On-campus & online classes

Study one subject from a course

VU's single units of study let you update your professional knowledge, dive deeper into an area of personal fascination or take a step towards further study.

From screen media to law, choose from our units in the arts, business, engineering and IT, health, sport and more, to upskill in as little as 4 weeks. Credits from these units can count towards a university degree, and are often available as credits to students from other universities (cross-institutional study).

If you're studying for professional development, your employer may even sponsor your unit. 

Find a single unit

SAP certifications

Duration: 5–29 days
Qualification type: Preparation for SAP Certification
Eligibility: Australian residents & citizens (domestic students)
Fee type: Full fee
Delivery: On-campus & online classes

SAP certifications

SAP’s professional short courses provide a reliable method of preparing for a range of SAP certifications – to help you launch the next stage of your career.

We are proud to be the first university in Australia to partner with SAP to deliver the organisation's globally recognised certifications.

There is significant market demand for SAP-certified consultants, due to a local and global shortage. Boost your career with a well-known, valued professional certification, or become adept at using SAP software, for greater confidence in your current role.

Find SAP certifications