Diploma of Information Technology (Extended)

The Diploma of Information Technology (Extended) at UTS College is a pathway programme for students who want to study IT at university but need extra academic preparation or English language support before they start. It runs for 1.5 years and is delivered by UTS College, the pathway provider connected to the University of Technology Sydney. The extended version gives you more time to build your skills than the standard diploma, which suits students who have not quite met direct entry requirements or who have been out of study for a while.

What you study

You take units of study that cover the basics of information technology: programming, web development, database fundamentals, networking, and systems analysis. The extended format usually spreads these units over additional study periods, so you are not overloaded. Assessment is a mix of exams, assignments, and practical projects. You learn to write code, design simple databases, and understand how networks and operating systems work. Class sizes are smaller than in a full university degree, and teaching staff are used to helping international students adjust to Australian study expectations.

How it fits into the Australian system

The diploma sits at the Diploma level on the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). It is a standalone qualification, but it is also a pathway: if you pass the required units, you can usually articulate into a bachelor degree at UTS with credit for the subjects you have completed. That means you may start the second year of a Bachelor of Information Technology or a related degree, depending on your results and the agreement between UTS College and the university. Credit is expressed in units of study and credit points, not as a vague "advanced standing". The diploma itself is not a degree, but it gets you into one.

English and visa matters

International applicants need to show English proficiency. The common standard for undergraduate and coursework postgraduate courses is IELTS Academic 6.0 to 6.5 overall, though some fields like teaching, nursing, medicine, law, and social work ask for 7.0 to 7.5. UTS College accepts TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced, and its own English programmes as equivalents. The Department of Home Affairs also sets a separate English threshold for the Student visa, so you need to meet both. While you study, your visa usually allows you to work up to 48 hours per fortnight. 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.

Who it suits

This diploma is for you if you are keen on IT but your school results or English score are not quite enough for direct entry to a bachelor degree. It is also a good option if you want a slower start to university life, with more support and a structured introduction to programming and IT systems. The extended duration means you pay for more study periods, but you get more time to build your skills. Tuition is published on the CRICOS register. Check the official UTS College page for the exact unit list, intake dates, and credit arrangements, as these can change.

• IT support officer – providing technical help to staff and customers in organisations of all sizes, from small businesses to government departments.
• Junior web developer – building and maintaining websites for agencies, startups, or in-house digital teams.
• Database administrator (entry level) – helping manage and back up data for companies in finance, retail, or health.
• Network support technician – assisting with the setup and troubleshooting of computer networks in education, mining, or professional services.

These roles are common across Australia, with demand in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and regional centres. Many graduates continue to a bachelor degree to qualify for more senior positions such as software engineer, systems analyst, or cybersecurity specialist.