Information Technology

Here’s a clear overview of typical course entry requirements for international students wanting to study the Diploma and Advanced Diploma of Information Technology in Australia. Requirements can vary slightly by provider, but the following are the standard expectations:

🎓 Diploma of Information Technology

Academic

• Completion of Year 12 (or equivalent secondary qualification) from your home country is commonly required. Some providers may accept mature-age entry with relevant work experience.

Age

• Generally, students must be at least 18 years old at the time of course commencement.

English Language

• Providers usually expect international students to meet English language proficiency, such as:

  • IELTS (commonly overall 6.0 or equivalent), or another accepted test such as PTE, TOEFL, OET, etc.

  • Some Education Institutions offer an in-house English Placement Test that you can take to meet the English entry requirements.
  • Exemptions apply if:
    – you are a citizen and hold a passport from UK, USA, Canada, NZ or Republic of Ireland
    – you are enrolled in a principal course of study that is a registered school course, a standalone English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS), a course registered to be delivered in a language other than English, or a registered post-graduate research course
    – you have completed at least 5 years of study in English in one or more of the following countries: Australia, UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, or the Republic of Ireland.

Notes

• Some training organisations may include pre-enrolment interviews, LLN (Language, Literacy & Numeracy) assessments, or computer skills checks to gauge your readiness.

🎓 Advanced Diploma of Information Technology

Academic

• Completion of the Diploma of Information Technology (ICT50220) or equivalent is often required before commencing the Advanced Diploma.

• Some providers also accept completion of Year 12 plus relevant work experience in lieu of a diploma.

Age

• Students must be 18 years old or over to start the course.

English Language

• Most providers require a minimum IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) as proof of English proficiency for international students.

  • Some Education Institutions offer an in-house English Placement Test that you can take to meet the English entry requirements.
  • Exemptions apply if:
    – you are a citizen and hold a passport from UK, USA, Canada, NZ or Republic of Ireland
    – you are enrolled in a principal course of study that is a registered school course, a standalone English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS), a course registered to be delivered in a language other than English, or a registered post-graduate research course
    – you have completed at least 5 years of study in English in one or more of the following countries: Australia, UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, or the Republic of Ireland

Entry Assessments

• Many colleges include a pre-enrolment interview and/or LLN assessment to determine suitability for the course.

Other Requirements

• You might need your own laptop or computing device that meets the minimum specifications for coursework.

📌 Important Notes for International Students

• All courses must be listed on CRICOS (Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students) to be eligible for a Student Visa (Subclass 500) in Australia.

• Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee enrolment — individual providers assess each application and may have additional criteria (e.g., interviews or portfolio checks).

• Visa approvals also require you to demonstrate genuine temporary entrant (GTE) intentions, financial capacity, and health insurance (OSHC), separate from course entry conditions.

Graduates of the Diploma or Advanced Diploma of Information Technology gain practical skills for entry-level to intermediate roles in the IT industry. Students learn how to use current tools and technologies across areas such as IT support, software, networks, databases, and cybersecurity.

After completing the course, students may:

• Apply practical IT skills in real workplace settings

• Communicate and work effectively in IT teams

• Solve basic technical problems and support business systems

• Continue into further study or higher-level IT qualifications

Salaries in the IT sector vary widely depending on role, experience, employer, and location.

Entry-level IT support or technician roles typically earn around 65,000 AUD – 80,000 AUD per year, while software developers and other technology professionals often earn higher with average salaries ranging from 100,000 AUD – 150,000+ AUD per year. Highly specialised or senior roles, such as cloud architects or senior IT leaders, may earn significantly more.