Advanced Diploma of Information Technology

The Advanced Diploma of Information Technology at The Imperial College of Australia is a two-year qualification for people who want practical IT skills and a recognised Australian credential. It sits at the diploma/advanced diploma level of the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), below a bachelor degree. You study core areas such as networking, systems administration, programming fundamentals, database work, cybersecurity basics and supporting users in an organisation. Assessment is competency-based, so you are judged on whether you can actually do the tasks, not just pass exams.

How the course is structured

Australian vocational qualifications are built from units of competency, each carrying credit points. The exact unit list and credit values are set out on the CRICOS register and the college's official course page, so confirm them there before you enrol. Delivery is typically over two years, often across semesters or trimesters, with a mix of classroom teaching, lab work and project-based assessment. Some providers include a work placement or industry project as part of the course; check the official page to see whether this applies to your intake.

What you learn

You come out able to install and configure systems, troubleshoot networks, write and test basic code, manage data, apply security practices, and work in a team on an IT project. The focus is on doing the job, not just theory. Many students use the qualification to enter the workforce or to pathway into a bachelor degree with credit for prior study, depending on the receiving institution's rules.

Who it suits

This course suits school leavers who want a hands-on start in IT, career changers moving into technology, and international students looking for an Australian qualification that leads to skilled work. If you are an international applicant, you will need to meet the college's English requirement, IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall is the common standard for courses at this level, with TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and the college's own English programmes accepted as equivalents. The Department of Home Affairs also sets a separate English threshold for the Student visa. While you study, your visa generally allows up to 48 hours of work per fortnight. After graduating, you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream, which lets you stay and work in Australia. Always confirm the current rules and course details on the official CRICOS page and with the college.

• ICT support technician
• Network support officer
• Help desk analyst
• Systems administrator (entry level)
• Junior developer or programmer
• Database support assistant
• Cybersecurity support officer

These roles are found across Australian industries including professional services, government, healthcare, education, retail, banking and telecommunications. The qualification can also be a pathway into further study, such as a bachelor degree in information technology or computer science, with credit for prior learning where the receiving institution allows it.