SWINBURNE University has denied reports that it will not be accepting new students at its Croydon TAFE next year.
In a statement to the Weekly, Swinburne's vice-chancellor Linda Kristjanson said media reports last week that Croydon would not be enrolling any more students were incorrect.
Professor Kristjanson said new students were being accepted in a range of courses including carpentry, bricklaying, building and construction and general education for adults.
"All students who are currently enrolled at Croydon will be able to complete their current course," she said.
However, courses to be cut at Croydon next year include cookery, hospitality, tourism, massage, floristry, government and automotive.
Swinburne is facing a $35 million shortfall next year - the reason behind the course cuts and for the Lilydale campus closing at the end of the year.
Professor Kristjanson said there was no risk of the Croydon campus closing. "Croydon is a key part of Swinburne's TAFE delivery and will continue to be a strong campus into the future."
The campus houses Swinburne's green trades centre, which consolidates teaching of building, plumbing, electrical and engineering trades.
The VET in Schools program is also set to continue to be taught at Croydon. Community services programs previously offered at the campus will be moved to the Wantirna campus.
Professor Kristjanson said TAFE students at the Lilydale campus would be able to continue their studies at Croydon or Wantirna. "In exceptional circumstances where this is not possible, we will work with students to provide an alternative," she said.
The future of the Lilydale campus remains uncertain with Professor Kristjanson maintaining that no decision had been made on plans for the site.
Yarra Ranges Council is approaching other universities to try to keep the site as a higher education facility.