How to Apply

We offer fully accredited Master of Science in Astronomy, Graduate Diploma of Science in Astronomy and Graduate Certificate of Science in Astronomy programs, as well as individual unit enrolments and an online short course in astronomy.

Enrolments for Semester 2, 2008, have now closed.
Enrolments for Semester 1, 2009, will open on 15 December, 2008.

The 2009 dates are as follows:
Semester 1, 2009, will run from 2 March to 23 May
Semester 2, 2009, will run from 10 August to 31 October
Note that SAO now has 12 week semesters.

Note that all new students must:

(Applications for the Swinburne Astronomy Online short course are handled separately - follow this link for details.)


All our degree programs are fully accredited by Swinburne University of Technology. (For details, see our accreditation page.)

Places in SAO units are not confirmed until payment is received and cleared, and as some classes can fill early, we suggest that you apply and pay as early as possible. Note that payments cannot be accepted until you have been accepted into an SAO program: once accepted into a program, you will be contacted to arrange payment for the forthcoming semester. Payment by Visa and Mastercard credit cards is preferred, however if you need information about other methods of payment, please contact astro@swin.edu.au.

Start-up kits, including instructions on accessing the student website and course content, are emailed to enrolled students prior to each Semester start.


Enquiries about eligibility for entry to the courses (or queries about the course content) should be directed to Dr. Glen Mackie, astro@swin.edu.au, ph +61 3 9214 5743.