The Centre for Adult Education (CAE), originally founded in 1947 as the Council for Adult Education, is a Victorian-based adult education institution. It is funded by the Adult Community and Further Education Division (ACFE).
An integral part of the Melbourne community, CAE delivers the majority of its courses from three central campuses. These include the well-known 253 Flinders Lane and 21 Degraves Street locations - in the heart of the arts and café precinct of the CBD. In October 2009 CAE increased its presence in the Flinders Lane precinct with the opening of new premises at 278 Flinders Lane – with a focus on Business, ICT and independent learning facilities. CAE administers a globally delivered Occupational English Test (OET) through The OET Centre and also offers courses at the Ola Cohn Centre located at Gipps Street East Melbourne. The heritage listed property was the studio and home of prominent sculptor Ola Cohn and was bequeathed to the organisation in 1964.
CAE’s founding director was Colin Badger and the founding chairman, the Honourable Frank Crean. The current CEO is Denise O'Brien.
CAE’s mission is to transform lives through the power of learning and is a leading provider of Adult and Community Education (ACE) in Victoria.