Advanced Diploma of Information Technology

The Advanced Diploma of Information Technology is a two-year qualification delivered by Skills Australia Institute and Western Australia College International. It sits at the diploma level on the Australian Qualifications Framework, one step below a bachelor degree. Courses at this level are built around units of study, each carrying a set number of credit points. You complete a set number of units to graduate, and the structure is usually split into semesters or trimesters across the two years. The exact unit list and credit point totals are set by the provider, so check the official course page for the current sequence.

What you actually study

Information technology at this level covers the practical side of systems, networks, and support. You work through networking basics, server administration, cybersecurity fundamentals, database design, and web technologies. There is also a strong focus on troubleshooting and client support, because many graduates move into help desk or technician roles. Assessment is mostly hands-on: building and configuring systems, writing scripts, documenting procedures, and working through simulated business problems. Some units may include a work placement or industry project, but you should confirm whether placement is part of this specific course on the official page.

How the qualification fits together

The Advanced Diploma is not a degree. It is a vocational qualification recognised under the AQF, and it can be a stepping stone. Some students use it to enter the workforce directly, while others use it for credit towards a bachelor degree at a university. Credit is granted unit by unit, based on what you have already completed. The two-year duration is full-time; part-time options may exist but will stretch the timeline. If you are an international student, you must study full-time to meet visa conditions. You can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session, and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks.

Who this suits

This course suits people who want practical IT skills without committing to a three-year degree. It works well if you are already working in a technical role and want a formal qualification, or if you are changing careers and need a structured entry point. It also suits students who plan to pathway into a bachelor degree later. English requirements for international applicants are typically IELTS Academic 6.0 to 6.5 overall, or an equivalent test such as TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, or Cambridge C1 Advanced. The Department of Home Affairs sets a separate English threshold for the Student visa. 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 requirements and course details on the official CRICOS register or the provider's page.

• ICT support technician, providing frontline technical help to staff and customers in banks, hospitals, government departments, and retail chains.
• Network administrator, maintaining and troubleshooting local area networks, routers, and switches for small to medium organisations.
• Systems administrator, managing servers, user accounts, and backups in corporate IT departments or managed service providers.
• Help desk analyst, logging and resolving software and hardware issues, often as the first point of contact in an IT support team.
• Web developer (junior), building and updating websites for agencies, small businesses, or in-house marketing teams.
• Database support officer, assisting with queries, data entry, and basic database maintenance in sectors like education, health, and logistics.
• Cybersecurity support, monitoring systems for threats and applying basic security patches under the direction of a security analyst.

Australian industries that hire these roles include information technology services, government, healthcare, education, finance, and retail. Many graduates start in support roles and move into specialist areas after gaining experience.