Advanced Diploma of Information Technology

The Advanced Diploma of Information Technology is a two-year qualification that sits at the diploma level on the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). It's a practical, hands-on course for people who want to work in IT support, networking, systems administration or web development, or who want a recognised Australian qualification before going on to further study. Training Masters Pty Ltd delivers it, and it's registered on CRICOS for international students (course code 106037F).

What you actually study

The course is built around units of study, each with a set credit point value. You'll typically cover areas like networking fundamentals, server administration, cybersecurity basics, database design, web technologies, cloud services and IT project work. Assessment is mostly competency-based: you demonstrate skills through practical tasks, projects and workplace simulations rather than just exams. Because it's an advanced diploma, you go deeper than a certificate IV, more complex troubleshooting, more independent project work, and more responsibility for planning and delivering IT solutions.

How the course is structured

Training is usually delivered over four semesters (or trimesters, depending on the provider's calendar). Each semester you enrol in a set of units. Some units are core, others you may choose from a list of electives. The final part of the course often includes a capstone-style project where you pull together everything you've learned, designing and implementing an IT solution for a real or simulated client. Work-integrated learning or a placement component may be included where the provider has industry partnerships; check the official page for details on placement hours and requirements.

Skills you gain

By the end, you should be able to install and configure networks, manage servers and operating systems, apply basic cybersecurity measures, write scripts, work with databases, and support users in a business environment. You'll also build the soft skills employers ask for: documenting technical work, working in a team, and explaining technical ideas to non-technical people.

Who it suits

This course suits school leavers who want a practical IT qualification without committing to a three-year bachelor degree, career changers who need Australian credentials, and international students looking for a pathway into further study. It also works for people already in entry-level IT roles who want to formalise their skills. If you're an international student, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session, and after graduating you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream, confirm current rules with the Department of Home Affairs.

English requirements for international applicants are set by the provider. The published standard for courses at this level is IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall, or an equivalent TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic or Cambridge C1 Advanced score. The Student visa itself has a separate English threshold set by the Department of Home Affairs. Tuition fees are listed on the CRICOS register. Always check the official course page for the most current information on structure, fees and entry requirements.

• IT support officer / help desk technician, providing first and second-level support in organisations of all sizes, from small businesses to government departments.
• Network administrator, managing and troubleshooting networks in sectors like education, healthcare, finance and professional services.
• Systems administrator, looking after servers, user accounts and backups, often in-house IT teams or managed service providers.
• Web developer / junior developer, building and maintaining websites and web applications for agencies, startups or in-house digital teams.
• Cybersecurity support, assisting with security monitoring, patching and basic incident response, a growing area in banking, retail and government.
• Database support, helping maintain and query databases in organisations that rely on data-heavy systems.
• IT project coordinator, supporting project managers on technology rollouts and upgrades.

Australian industries that hire advanced diploma graduates include information technology services, government administration, healthcare, education, finance, retail and telecommunications. Many graduates start in support roles and move into specialist areas after a few years. The qualification also provides a pathway into bachelor degrees in information technology or computer science, with credit for prior study often available.