Frequently Asked Questions
Who we are
Melbourne School of Theology is proud to be affiliated with the Australian College of Theology.
The ACT is an Australian government approved higher education provider which establishes an accredited, quality assured curriculum for a range of Bible colleges throughout Australia. As a member of the ACT, all courses conducted through Melbourne School of Theology receive recognition throughout Australia.
Melbourne School of Theology is proud to be affiliated with the Australian College of Theology.The ACT is an Australian government approved higher education provider which establishes an accredited, quality assured curriculum for a range of Bible colleges throughout Australia. As a member of the ACT, all courses conducted through Melbourne School of Theology receive recognition throughout Australia.
The Australian College of Theology is a national, co-operative institution working to prepare students enrolled in approved academic awards for Christian ministry, and to promote the study of theology to the wider community.
Both MST and the ACT are committed to offering a quality and equitable program in all awards. The primary means by which this quality assurance is achieved is through the process of moderation. More information on moderation can be found in the Academic Manual (coming soon) or from the Australian College of Theology.
Theological Study
Some people think theological study is only for those wanting to go into full time church or mission work. However, at MST we believe that all Christians will benefit from theological study. We have students from all walks of life, ages and cultural backgrounds studying at MST. While theological education may be a requirement for full time professional ministry, many students come simply out of interest, because they have questions about their faith they want answered, or as a first step in seeing what opportunities for service may be available for them. With this in mind, we offer different levels of study for people with different needs and interests.
If you are interested in theological study we encourage you to check out the different courses. Each of the awards we offer is listed can be found on this site and there are also explanations of what is involved in the course and who it is most suited for. We are also more than happy to discuss with you the particular areas of interest you have and help ascertain what sort of study would be most beneficial for you.
Some of us prefer to begin with a more practical and formational course, without the load of essays and exams, which our partner Eastern offers through the vocational (VET) accredited option.
For the VET Certificate IV in Christian Ministry and Theology, see the course here.
Thinking of Applying
Applications for studying at MST will be accepted up until 30 January for Semester 1 and 30 June for Semester 2 intake each year.
There are a range of study options available to you at MST. If you have a busy lifestyle with work, family and ministry commitments, you may choose to study part time or via Online learning.
For example, if you are enrolled in a Diploma course, it will generally take one full year full time or up to four years part time to complete. Please note that while some courses have a time limit to complete a course, there is no time limit on completing the Diploma.
Bachelor degrees will generally take three years full time and Masters two years of full time study.
We have a wide range of flexible study options, to see what may suit you check out our courses here or have a chat with our enquiries officer.
If you have already completed some course units with other colleges or have relevant experience that means you would not be gaining anything new from sitting a particular subject, you may apply for advanced standing (sometimes known as credit transfer or recognition of prior learning). At the commencement of your course you must complete the credit application form and submit it to the MST Board of Studies along with any supporting documentation such as transcripts, outlines of subjects completed, etc. At the commencement of your course, you should talk with the Dean of Studies. You will need to show past transcripts and evidence of your learning. Credit is only available for studies undertaken within the last 10 years and only up to 1/3 of your degree.
Fees
You are eligible for FEE-HELP assistance for a unit of study if you:
- are enrolled in a course you intend to complete;
- meet the citizenship and residency requirements;
- are enrolled in an eligible unit of study by the census date for the unit;
- are enrolled in a fee paying place for that unit;
- meet the tax file number (TFN) requirements;
- have not exceeded the FEE-HELP limit.
To meet the citizenship and residency requirements for FEE-HELP you must be either:
- an Australian citizen who will be resident in Australia for the duration of at least one unit of study that contributes to your course; or
- the holder of a permanent humanitarian visa who will be resident in Australia for the duration of the unit(s) of study; or
- the holder of a permanent visa who is undertaking bridging study for overseas-trained professionals who will be resident in Australia for the duration of the study.
Tuition costs vary depending on the level of study. You can access a list of course fees here. Most units also require students to purchase one or two additional textbooks. Students need to take these costs into consideration.
Study
Each semester MST has a limited number of second hand books for sale. For all other books, we recommend www.koorong.com as a great place to purchase your textbooks (15% discount for students). Alternatively, if you do not have a theological bookshop nearby, you might consider an online bookshop such as Book Depository, Booko or Fishpond.
If you are unable to hand in an assignment or sit an exam during the specified period due to illness or another compassionate/compelling reason you may apply to sit a supplementary exam. You should apply in writing to the Dean of Studies before or as soon as possible after the exam period with evidence to support your reason.
At the end of each semester students are notified when the results are released.
Grades are accessed on the Paradigm student database by the individual using a password.
The enrolment adjustment form should be used to notify us of your withdrawal. Students should pay attention to the Variation of Enrolment Policy at the back of the Academic Guidelines and note the withdrawal and Census dates for each unit.
Life is not always easy and from time to time emergencies arise (such as the death of a loved one, a serious illness, or the loss of a job). We will be happy to accommodate you in the case of a serious emergency by delaying assessments or making special arrangements. However, you must notify us in writing before the due date. Please contact the Dean of Studies as soon as you are aware of something happening that will affect your study.
Naturally we want to ensure all our records are up to date. Please complete the enrolment adjustment form to let us know of any changes in your circumstances. We especially need to know of any changes to your contact details (email address, mailing address, telephone contacts etc) as these are the main means by which the College will seek to communicate with you during the year.
Get in touch
with us
Our friendly Student Services Team is ready to answer any questions you may have.
You can call us, email us, or pop in for a visit or fill in the form and we will get in touch with you.
- + 613 9881 7800
- info@mst.edu.au
- 5 Burwood Highway, Wantirna, VIC 3152, Australia
