The scandal-plagued Sage Institute has confirmed it will close its Victorian campuses after suspending classes and leaving hundreds of students in the lurch.
The private training college announced last week that it would cease trading in Sydney and Brisbane after administrators failed to find a buyer.
Students in Melbourne were initially told that their classes had been cancelled for seven days while administrators Ferrier Hodgson were "exploring opportunities".
But Ferrier Hodgson has now told students that all Victorian operations have also ceased. It has closed its campuses in Geelong, Richmond, Elsternwick and Collins Street, and now 140 Victorian employees and around 800 students are scrambling for solutions.
Victorian Training Minister Gayle Tierney said the state government would support all affected students and help them complete their training elsewhere.
"This is an incredibly difficult time for students and we will help them complete their training by transitioning them to a TAFE or another training provider contracted by the Department of Education and Training," she said.
She said most students affected by the closure were funded through Commonwealth government student loans.
Charlotte Hunt, who was completing a diploma of early childhood at Sage, said she was "incredibly disappointed".
The 21-year-old started studying at the private college just three weeks ago and is now $500 out of pocket. She also signed up for a federal loan, and is hoping she will avoid incurring a debt.
Ms Hunt is trying to transfer to another college to complete her course.
"I know a lot of people who were quite close to finishing," she said. They are disappointed and scrambling to find new places to finish."
The Australian Careers Institute, which owns Sage, went into voluntary administration in February.
Students with incomplete qualifications have been told that they must pay "outstanding fees" if they want to receive their certificates to continue their aborted studies.
The college earned more than $32 million over two years through the now-scrapped Commonwealth government VET FEE-HELP loan scheme, with only 45 per cent of students graduating. The college was heavily promoted by Steve "Commando" Willis from the Biggest Loser.