Griffith College

Your Second Chance, Your Best Chance

Here's a truth bomb that school counselors don't always emphasize enough: your ATAR doesn't define your future. Didn't get the score you needed for your dream Griffith degree? Welcome to Griffith College—where over 14,000 students since 1997 have discovered that pathways exist for everyone who's willing to work hard.

Griffith College operates on a beautifully simple premise: complete a diploma here, and you're guaranteed entry into second year of over 75 different Griffith University bachelor's degrees. Translation? You graduate at exactly the same time as students who entered straight from high school, but you did it with smaller classes, more support, and a proven track record that universities value just as much as an ATAR.

As one graduate perfectly summed it up: "When I didn't get the marks in high school that I needed, Griffith College opened their arms to me. In the small classes you get one-on-one time with your teacher and they can really track and support your progress."

Brand New Digs: The October 2024 CBD Campus

In October 2024, Griffith College made history by relocating from Mt Gravatt to a stunning, state-of-the-art campus right in Brisbane's CBD. And we're not talking about some bland office building—this is a fully restored 117-year-old heritage building at 333 Ann Street that's been completely modernized while maintaining its historic character.

Picture this: You step off the train at Central Station (literally 200 meters away), grab a coffee from the on-site café or one of hundreds of nearby options, take the elevator to your bright, naturally-lit classroom on Levels 5-7, and spend your day learning in a space that feels both historic and cutting-edge. When class wraps, you're steps away from Queen Street Mall, South Bank, the Brisbane River, countless restaurants, entertainment venues, and everything a vibrant capital city offers.

The new campus features:

• Modern classrooms with natural light and latest technology
• Multiple independent learning areas with PCs (plus BYO device capability)
• Student common areas with fully equipped kitchens and recreational facilities
• Ergonomically designed furniture (because comfort matters when you're studying)
• On-site coffee shop (essential for student survival)
• Hundreds of food/retail outlets within 5 minutes' walk
• Dedicated Student Learning Advisors and Counselors available by appointment

Transport couldn't be easier: Central Railway Station is 200m away, bus routes run constantly, and ferries along the Brisbane River provide scenic commutes. No car? No problem. Have a car but no parking? Public and private parking stations are nearby (Cornerstone Parking at 300 Ann Street is closest).

The Griffith University Connection: Your Pathway Guaranteed

Here's what makes Griffith College unique: it's owned and operated by Navitas but exists in official partnership with Griffith University (ranked in the top 2% of universities globally). This isn't some distant relationship—Griffith College students ARE part of the Griffith community from day one.

You get:

• Full access to Griffith University libraries, computer labs, fitness centers, sports facilities, clubs, and student services
• The same credit points as first-year Griffith bachelor's degree students
• Guaranteed pathway to second year at Griffith University upon successful diploma completion
• Advanced standing recognized by many other Australian universities too
• Griffith University resources while learning in smaller, more supportive classes

Think of Griffith College as Griffith University with training wheels—same destination, gentler learning curve.

Programs That Get You Where You're Going

Griffith College offers 11 different Diploma programs, each providing pathways to specific Griffith University degrees:

Diploma of Business (DBUS) - Pathways to Bachelor of Business, Commerce, International Business, Marketing, and more. Learn accounting, economics, business law, management, and marketing fundamentals.

Diploma of Criminology and Criminal Justice (DJ) - Direct pathway to Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice. Study criminal justice systems, crime prevention, policing, corrections, and forensic psychology.

Diploma of Design (DDN) - Pathways to Bachelor of Design (various specializations including Industrial, Interactive, Visual Communication). Develop creative and technical design skills.

Diploma of Educational Studies (DES) - Pathway to Bachelor of Human Services, Early Childhood, Education programs. Build foundational understanding of learning, development, and educational systems.

Diploma of Engineering (DE) - Pathways to Bachelor of Engineering across multiple majors including Civil, Mechanical, Electronic, Environmental, and Software. Study mathematics, physics, engineering principles, and CAD.

Diploma of Health Care (DHC) - Pathways to Bachelor of Nursing, Midwifery, and Paramedicine. Learn anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and healthcare fundamentals.

Diploma of Health Sciences (DHS) - Pathways to Bachelor degrees in Medical Laboratory Science, Nutrition and Dietetics, Exercise Science, and more. Study biology, chemistry, health systems, and research methods.

Diploma of Information Technology (DI) - Pathways to Bachelor of Information Technology, Computer Science, and IT degrees. Learn programming, databases, networking, cybersecurity, and web development.

Diploma of International Tourism and Hotel Management (DITHM) - Pathway to Bachelor of International Tourism and Hotel Management. Study hospitality operations, tourism management, and customer service.

Diploma of Science (DS) - Pathways to Bachelor of Science across various majors including Environmental Science, Marine Biology, Chemistry, and more. Study biology, chemistry, mathematics, and scientific methods.

Diploma of Social and Psychological Science (DSP) - Pathways to Bachelor of Psychological Science, Social Work, Human Services, Counseling. Study psychology foundations, sociology, research methods, and mental health.

Foundation Program - For international students who haven't completed Australian Year 12 equivalent. Bridges secondary school to university, can be packaged with any diploma pathway.

Masters Qualifying Program (MQP) - 4-month program preparing students for postgraduate study at Griffith University. Develops academic skills needed for master's-level work.

Associate Degree in Business - Two-year program providing advanced skills and guaranteed pathways to third year of bachelor's degrees.

Small Classes, Big Support

This is where Griffith College absolutely shines. While first-year university lectures can have 300+ students crammed into theaters, Griffith College deliberately keeps classes small—typically 20-40 students max. The difference is enormous:

• Professors know your name and your learning style
• You can actually ask questions without intimidation
• Individual feedback on assignments helps you improve
• Group discussions are genuine conversations
• Personalized support when you're struggling with concepts

Plus, you get dedicated Student Learning Advisors who help with study skills, essay writing, time management, research methods, and exam preparation. Student Counselors are available for personal support, stress management, and life challenges. These aren't distant resources—they're accessible people committed to your success.

The Gold Coast Option

Don't want CBD hustle? Griffith College also operates a campus at Griffith University's Gold Coast location—one of Australia's most spectacular settings. Think white sandy beaches, surfing culture, subtropical weather, and that famous laid-back coastal lifestyle. Same pathways, same support, different vibe. You choose what fits your life.

What Success Actually Looks Like

Since opening in 1997 with just 98 students across 4 diplomas, Griffith College has grown into a proven pathway serving thousands. The success stories are real:

• Guaranteed progression to Griffith University second year (no re-application needed)
• Academic Merit Scholarships awarded each trimester to top performers (free tuition for second trimester)
• Griffith University Academic Excellence Scholarships available for high-achieving pathway students (GPA 5.5+ on 7-point scale)
• 14,000+ graduates who've successfully transitioned to Griffith degrees
• Flexible study options: full-time, part-time, some online components

Accreditation That Counts

Griffith College is a registered Higher Education Provider with TEQSA (Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency) under PRV12078. All Diploma and Foundation programs are registered with CRICOS (01737F) for international students. The college is authorized to self-accredit Diploma programs at AQF Level 5 and Associate Degree programs at AQF Level 6—meaning quality standards are rigorously maintained.

Academic governance is overseen by an independent Academic Board chaired by Emeritus Professor Helen Huntly, comprising college staff, university staff, industry representatives, and students. This ensures programs stay relevant, rigorous, and responsive to both industry needs and student success.

Living in Brisbane CBD

Brisbane is Queensland's vibrant capital—big enough for serious opportunities, affordable enough to actually live, sunny enough to enjoy year-round outdoor lifestyle (hello, 283+ sunshine days annually). The CBD location means you're surrounded by:

• Student accommodation within walking distance (Student One is 5 minutes away with three towers; multiple other options available)
• Cultural attractions: South Bank Parklands, Queensland Art Gallery, Queensland Museum, QPAC
• Entertainment: Queen Street Mall, Brunswick Street precinct, Fortitude Valley nightlife
• Nature access: Brisbane River walks, City Botanic Gardens, Mt Coot-tha nearby
• Job opportunities: Surrounded by businesses, hospitality, retail—perfect for part-time work while studying

The Navitas Advantage

As part of the Navitas global education network, Griffith College benefits from 30+ years of pathway education expertise across 50+ university partnerships worldwide. Navitas knows exactly what international and domestic students need to succeed in Australian higher education because they've helped hundreds of thousands do exactly that.

Your Future Starts Here

Griffith College isn't about lowering standards—it's about recognizing that different students need different pathways to the same destination. Whether you didn't get the ATAR you wanted, you're an international student adjusting to Australian education systems, you're a mature-age student returning after years away, or you simply learn better in smaller, more supportive environments, Griffith College provides the proven pathway.

The math is simple: one year diploma + two years bachelor's second and third year = same bachelor's degree, same timeframe, better preparation, more support, and guaranteed entry. Plus, you've already been living the university lifestyle from day one.