St Athanasius College

St Athanasius College (SAC) is a Coptic Orthodox theological college that offers units in theology, biblical studies, ancient languages, missiology, religious education, ethics, counselling, and Coptic Studies. Units are taught from a Christian Orthodox perspective.

SAC was founded in 2001 and accredited in 2011 as a college of the University of Divinity.

SAC embraces all those who wish to learn about early Christianity and the richness of Orthodoxy. Students may study either full-time or part-time and we offer undergraduate and postgraduate study options, as well as HDR awards. Classes are delivered in both online and blended modes and face to face components take place at either our Donvale campus, located at 100 Park Road, Donvale, Melbourne, or at our city campus located at 285 La Trobe Street in Melbourne’s CBD.

The College supports local and international students as they journey towards a deeper understanding of Orthodox Christianity and spirituality, helping them grow in their faith as they prepare for diverse fields of ministry.

Christian fellowship, liturgical worship and learning are at the heart of our community. SAC provides a supportive learning environment nurturing spiritual growth and cultivating the gifts of each individual. The College equips students with the ministry skills and confidence to serve in the priesthood and religious life, as well as prepares lay people to serve in various roles in mission and ministry such as religious educators, youth leaders, and counsellors.

Our College is named after St Athanasius who was the 20^th patriarch of Alexandria, and is known as the great pillar of Orthodoxy and defender of the Scriptural doctrine of Christ. We follow in the footsteps of St Athanasius by preserving the Gospel truth now and for future generations.

We invite you to become part of our community.

SAC Campus

SAC has two campuses. The primary campus is at 100 Park Road, Donvale in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs and is located on 22 acres of beautiful bushland. The secondary campus is located at 285 La Trobe Street in Melbourne’s CBD. Opened in 2017, this site contains state of the art technology and presents new learning opportunities for students.

SAC is located on the sovereign and unceded country of the Wurundjeri nation. We pay our respects to their elders, who have cared for this country since its creation, and commit ourselves to work towards a more just settlement for all Indigenous people.

Facilities available to students

Donvale Campus (Primary Campus)

• Student Lounge with Kitchenette
• Tea and Coffee making facilities
• Library with individual work spaces for students
• Free WiFi
• Chapel 
• Outdoor space for walking and seating
• Student accommodation – Individual bedrooms with shared bathroom, kitchen and lounge

Eporo Campus CBD (Secondary Campus)

• Student Lounge with Kitchenette
• Tea and Coffee making facilities
• Individual work spaces for students
• Free WiFi
• Chapel 

St Athanasius College (SAC) Library

St Athanasius College (SAC) Library was established to support students of the College in their studies of Orthodox faith traditions and broader theological subjects. The Library also welcomes students from the wider University of Divinity community.

The Library’s print collection consists of around 6,000 books and journals housed at the Donvale campus. Faculty and students are also supported in their research and studies by an expanding collection of selected and subscription eBooks, journals, and other electronic resources on the University’s Library Hub.

Collection Strengths and Specialties

The Library has a significant collection of Coptic and other Oriental and Eastern Orthodox resources, and numerous monographs supporting studies in Patristics, Iconography, and the Early Church.