Degree Transfer Program Standard - Information Technology (CRICOS course code 0101441) is a Non AQF Award delivered by The University of Adelaide (Adelaide) over 1 year. This program is designed for international students who want to pursue a degree in Information Technology but first need to meet academic and English language entry requirements for direct entry into undergraduate programs. The University of Adelaide, a prestigious Group of Eight university, offers this pathway through its college in Adelaide and also at its Melbourne campus. As a Non AQF Award, it is not a standalone qualification but a preparatory course that enhances your skills in IT and academic English. Upon successful completion, you can progress to selected bachelor degrees at the University. The CRICOS registration (00123M) ensures that this course meets Australian quality standards for international students. With 1,556 CRICOS-registered providers offering over 26,000 courses, Australia is a top destination for IT studies. Adelaide, the capital of South Australia, is known for its affordable living costs and vibrant student community. Melbourne, on the other hand, offers a bustling multicultural environment. This page provides all you need to know about the Degree Transfer Program Standard in Information Technology at The University of Adelaide – from fees and duration to entry requirements and visa steps.
| Metric | Value |
|---|
Information Technology (IT) is a broad field encompassing computer systems, networks, databases, cybersecurity, programming, and more. This Non AQF Award is designed to prepare students for undergraduate study in IT. While the exact curriculum is set by the provider, typical subjects include academic English, mathematics for IT, introduction to programming, database concepts, and communication skills. The program builds foundational knowledge and study skills necessary for university-level education. Graduates will be able to demonstrate problem-solving skills, basic programming abilities, and understanding of IT principles. This pathway is ideal if you have completed high school but need additional preparation to meet entry requirements for bachelor's degrees in IT fields such as software engineering, computer science, or information systems.
The Degree Transfer Program Standard - Information Technology is a 1-year program (52 weeks) as recorded on the CRICOS register. The language of instruction is English. It is a single qualification program (no dual qualification) and is not a foundation studies course. Students study full-time on campus. The course does not include a work component. Delivery locations are at The University of Adelaide College in Adelaide, SA, and The University of Adelaide's Melbourne Campus in Victoria. Both campuses offer modern facilities and support services for international students. The program typically runs over two semesters with intakes in February and July. Check with the provider for exact trimester dates.
The indicative tuition fee for this course is A$43,800 per year, as sourced from the CRICOS register. In addition, non-tuition fees amount to A$940, giving an estimated total of A$44,740. It is important to note that these fees do not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, or the visa application charge. OSHC costs approximately A$600–A$1,000 per year depending on provider. Living expenses in Adelaide are estimated at around A$1,500–A$2,000 per month, while Melbourne is slightly higher. Always confirm current fees directly with The University of Adelaide (adelaide.edu.au) as fees are subject to change. The CRICOS register provides indicative figures but should not be treated as guaranteed prices. HeadStart Academy recommends budgeting for at least A$21,041 per year for living costs (as per Department of Home Affairs financial capacity requirements).
Entry requirements vary by provider and are set by The University of Adelaide (Adelaide). Generally, for Non AQF Awards at this level, you need to have completed high school (Year 12 or equivalent) with satisfactory grades, particularly in mathematics and English. English language proficiency is required – typically an IELTS score of 5.5 to 7.0 overall depending on the course level. For this program, a common requirement is IELTS 5.5 (with no band less than 5.0) or equivalent. Some applicants may need to undertake a foundation program or meet additional prerequisites. The University of Adelaide may also consider previous study or work experience. Since this is a pathway program, upon completion you must meet the entry requirements for your target bachelor's degree. Always check the provider's official website for the most up-to-date admission criteria.
No work component. This course does not include a mandatory work component. However, as an international student holding a Student visa (Subclass 500), you are permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions. This can help cover living expenses and gain work experience. Remember that your primary purpose is to study, and work must not interfere with your course progress.
This course is delivered at two locations: The University of Adelaide College in Adelaide, South Australia, and The University of Adelaide's Melbourne Campus in Melbourne, Victoria. Adelaide is the capital of South Australia, known for its affordability and high quality of life. It has a student population of over 70,000 international and domestic students across multiple universities. The University of Adelaide College is located in the city centre, close to public transport, shops, and accommodation. Melbourne, on the other hand, is a larger, multicultural city with a vibrant arts scene and a high concentration of international students. The Melbourne campus offers a similar pathway program in a different environment. Both locations provide access to university facilities, libraries, and student support services. Choosing between Adelaide and Melbourne depends on your personal preference for city size, climate, and lifestyle.
To study this course, you will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows full-time study and work rights. You must meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, which assesses your intentions to stay temporarily in Australia for study. You also need to maintain adequate Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay. Financial capacity must be demonstrated – you need to show you can cover tuition fees, living costs, and travel expenses. The Department of Home Affairs requires evidence of sufficient funds. Additionally, you must accept your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from The University of Adelaide before applying for the visa. The course's CRICOS registration (0101441) ensures it is eligible for student visa applications. Always check current visa conditions on the Home Affairs website. HeadStart Academy is not a migration agent; seek advice from a registered MARA agent if needed.
Follow these three steps to apply for this course: Step 1: Research CRICOS-registered providers. Use HeadStart Academy to search for courses using filters like course level, field, and city. Ensure the provider is registered on CRICOS – The University of Adelaide (CRICOS 00123M) is registered. Step 2: Apply directly to your chosen institution. Visit the University of Adelaide website (adelaide.edu.au) to review entry requirements, English test scores, and application deadlines. Submit your application online with supporting documents (transcripts, English test results, personal statement). Some programs may have a separate application for the pathway college. Step 3: Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your student visa. Once accepted, the university will issue a CoE. Use this to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500) online through the Department of Home Affairs. Include your OSHC policy and financial evidence. We recommend starting the visa process at least 3 months before your course starts.
Adelaide, the capital of South Australia, is a popular destination for international students due to its relatively low cost of living and high-quality education. With over 70,000 students, the city has a friendly and safe environment. The University of Adelaide is a member of the prestigious Group of Eight (Go8) and is consistently ranked among the world's top 100 universities. The city's economy is growing in sectors like technology, defence, and health, offering future job prospects. Adelaide's multicultural society means you'll find diverse cultural events and cuisine. Public transport is efficient, with trams, buses, and trains connecting the city to suburbs. The cost of living is lower than in Sydney or Melbourne: indicative weekly rent for a shared apartment is around A$150–A$250, groceries A$80–A$120, and transport A$30–A$50. These estimates are guides only. If you prefer a bigger city, the Melbourne campus is an alternative. Consider your lifestyle preferences when choosing where to study.
Ready to take the next step? Follow our how-to-apply guide and start your journey to studying IT in Australia.
View the full The University of Adelaide (Adelaide) profile →
Degree Transfer Program Standard - Information Technology is a CRICOS-registered programme at The University of Adelaide (Adelaide). Use this register extract [CRICOS register, Apr 2026] to cross-check codes, duration and indicative fees before you apply.
This page is general information only and not migration advice. Confirm Student visa (Subclass 500) requirements with the Department of Home Affairs.