History

Catholic Theological College was established in 1972 by a group of dioceses and religious orders which agreed to act together as a confederated body in academic matters. This federation currently comprises the archdioceses of Melbourne and Hobart, the dioceses of Ballarat, Sandhurst and Sale, the Oblates of Mary Immaculate, the Salesians of Don Bosco, the Conventual Franciscan Friars, and the Dominican Friars.

Membership of the institute—named Catholic College first in 1972, but changed shortly after to its present title—was primarily of seminarians preparing for priesthood. However, from the start, CTC was open to private students, male and female, as well as to members of other religious congregations. By the end of the nineteen eighties, lay enrolments outnumbered those of seminarians.