Graduate Diploma of Information Technology

The Graduate Diploma of Information Technology is a one-year qualification for people who want a strong grounding in IT without committing to a full master's degree. It suits career changers who already hold a bachelor's degree in another field, and IT professionals who want to formalise their skills or move into a new area. You'll study the core of computing, programming, databases, networking, systems analysis and project management, and build the technical vocabulary and habits that Australian employers expect.

The course is delivered over one year of full-time study, typically two semesters or three trimesters. You'll complete a set of core units and choose electives, with each unit carrying credit points that count toward the diploma. Assessment is a mix of exams, assignments, group projects and practical work. Some units include a capstone or industry project where you apply what you've learned to a real problem. The exact unit list and credit-point values are set by the institution, check the official course page for the current structure.

Skills you'll gain include writing and debugging code, designing and querying databases, configuring networks, gathering requirements from clients, and managing IT projects. You'll also practise working in teams, documenting technical decisions and presenting to non-technical audiences. These are the same skills that appear in job ads for developer, analyst and support roles across Australia.

As a graduate diploma, this sits at AQF Level 8, above a bachelor degree, below a master's. It's a shorter, more focused option than a two-year master's, and it can be a stepping stone if you later decide to articulate into a master's programme with credit for your completed units. The Australian Institute of Technology and Commerce Pty Ltd delivers the course, and it is registered on CRICOS for international students (CRICOS course code 109116E).

If you're an international student, you'll need to meet English requirements, IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall is the common standard for coursework postgraduate courses, with TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and the institution's own English programmes accepted as equivalents. The Department of Home Affairs sets a separate English threshold for the Student visa. While you study, your visa allows you to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during the semester. After you finish, you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream, which lets you stay and work in Australia for a period that depends on your qualification level. Confirm all details, including tuition, on the official CRICOS register and the institution's course page.

• IT support officer or help desk analyst, in managed service providers, government departments and large organisations
• Junior software developer or programmer, in software companies, banks, retailers and startups
• Database administrator or data analyst, in finance, health, education and logistics
• Network administrator or systems administrator, in mining, telecommunications and professional services
• Business analyst or systems analyst, in consulting firms, insurers and public sector agencies
• Project coordinator or IT project officer, in construction, engineering and government IT projects