The Postgraduate Qualifying Program (CRICOS course code 0101744) is a Non AQF Award delivered by Swinburne University of Technology over 26 weeks (~6 months). This program is designed for international students who hold a three-year bachelor’s degree or equivalent but need additional academic preparation to meet entry requirements for a master’s degree in Australia. It serves as a pathway program, strengthening research, academic writing, and critical thinking skills. As a CRICOS-registered course (provider 00111D), it meets Australian Government standards for international student enrolment. Located at Swinburne’s Hawthorn Campus in Melbourne, Victoria, the program offers a supportive environment for students transitioning to postgraduate studies. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses, and this program is one of many options for students seeking to upgrade their qualifications. HeadStart Academy sources data directly from the CRICOS register (April 2026) to ensure accuracy. Always confirm details with Swinburne University of Technology before applying.
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The Postgraduate Qualifying Program (0101744) is a Non AQF Award under the field of education 12 - Mixed Field Programmes, specifically 1201 General Education Programmes (120199 n.e.c.). This course does not lead to a formal Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) award but provides the necessary academic foundation for entry into a postgraduate degree. It is not a foundation studies program (NS) and not a dual qualification (N). The language of instruction is English, and the course duration is 26 weeks (approximately 6 months). There is no work component included. The program is delivered at two locations: the Hawthorn Campus (John Street, Hawthorn) of Swinburne University and the Swinburne College campus also in Hawthorn. Hawthorn is a vibrant inner-city suburb of Melbourne, Victoria, home to a large student population and excellent public transport links. Melbourne has over 200 CRICOS-registered providers and a diverse international student community. Living costs in Melbourne are estimated at around A$1,700–A$2,200 per month (excluding rent) as a guide, according to official sources. The course is covered by the ESOS Act, ensuring international students have legal protections regarding tuition fees and course quality.
As a Non AQF Award in General Education Programmes, the Postgraduate Qualifying Program focuses on developing academic skills essential for success in postgraduate studies. Students typically engage in modules covering academic English, research methodologies, critical analysis, report writing, and subject-specific introduction courses. The curriculum is designed to bridge gaps between an undergraduate degree and the expectations of a master's program. While the exact syllabus is set by Swinburne University of Technology, common outcomes include improved ability to evaluate sources, construct arguments, and communicate effectively in an academic context. This program does not confer specific vocational skills but rather prepares students for further study. Graduates are equipped to meet the academic demands of a master's degree in fields such as business, IT, engineering, or health. The field code 120199 indicates a general preparatory program not elsewhere classified.
The Postgraduate Qualifying Program has a duration of 26 weeks (~6 months) as recorded on the CRICOS register. It is a single qualification program with no dual award. The language of instruction is English, so students must demonstrate English proficiency for admission. The program is typically delivered full-time, on-campus at the Hawthorn Campus. Online or blended options may be available—check with Swinburne for the latest delivery mode. This duration allows for intensive academic preparation without extending overall study timelines significantly. Melbourne’s semester system aligns well with this timeline, often allowing students to progress directly into a master’s program starting in the following semester.
The indicative tuition fee for the Postgraduate Qualifying Program is A$16,890 for the full 26-week period. There are no mandatory non-tuition fees listed (A$0), bringing the estimated total to A$16,890. Please note: these fees are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are indicative only. Swinburne University of Technology sets its own fees and may adjust them at any time. Additional costs not included: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) – approximately A$600–A$800 per year depending on the policy; living expenses – estimated at A$21,041 per year (Department of Home Affairs 2025 figure, subject to change); and the student visa application charge (currently A$1,600, but verify on homeaffairs.gov.au). Always confirm current fees on the Swinburne website at swinburne.edu.au/international before applying.
Entry requirements for the Postgraduate Qualifying Program vary by provider and course level. For this program, Swinburne typically expects applicants to hold a three-year bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a recognised institution. English language proficiency is required—commonly IELTS 5.5 to 7.0 overall with no band below 5.5–6.0, depending on the intended master’s program. Other tests like TOEFL, PTE, or Cambridge are also accepted. For pathways, students who do not meet direct entry requirements may consider foundation programs or English language courses. It is essential to check specific entry criteria on the Swinburne international website or contact their admissions team. HeadStart Academy does not determine entry requirements; we recommend consulting the provider for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
This course does not include any mandatory work component. As per the CRICOS register, the work component is recorded as 'No work component'. Therefore, the program consists solely of academic coursework without a practicum, internship, or placement requirement. International students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) may still be eligible to work part-time during their studies: up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. Work rights are subject to visa conditions—always refer to the Department of Home Affairs for current rules.
The Postgraduate Qualifying Program is delivered at two locations: 1) Hawthorn Campus, John Street, Hawthorn, Swinburne University of Technology – Melbourne, Victoria; and 2) Swinburne College Pty Ltd, Hawthorn Campus, John Street – Hawthorn, Victoria. Both locations are in the suburb of Hawthorn, approximately 6 km east of Melbourne's CBD. Hawthorn is a bustling student hub with easy access via tram (routes 70, 75, 16) and train (Glen Waverley line, Hawthorn station). The area offers a wide range of accommodation, cafes, libraries, and student services. Melbourne's international student population exceeds 250,000, and the city has numerous CRICOS-registered providers. Living costs in Melbourne are typically higher than in other Australian cities—rent for a shared apartment may range from A$200–A$350 per week, groceries around A$80–A$120 per week, and public transport about A$45 per week with a student concession card. These figures are indicative and subject to change.
International students enrolling in the Postgraduate Qualifying Program will need a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study in Australia. This visa requires applicants to meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion, demonstrate sufficient financial capacity for tuition, living costs, and dependents (if any), and maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of their stay. The visa also allows part-time work: 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks. To apply, you must first receive a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from Swinburne University of Technology. The Department of Home Affairs assesses each application individually. HeadStart Academy is not a migration agent; for detailed visa advice, consult a registered MARA agent or visit homeaffairs.gov.au.
Follow these three steps to apply for the Postgraduate Qualifying Program at Swinburne University of Technology: Step 1: Research CRICOS-registered providers. Use HeadStart Academy to compare courses and providers. This program is registered under CRICOS code 0101744 at Swinburne (Provider: 00111D). Filter by course level, field, and city to find suitable options. Step 2: Apply directly to your chosen institution. Visit the Swinburne International website at swinburne.edu.au/international to review entry requirements, submit your academic transcripts, English test results, and meet application deadlines. Some programs may require a personal statement or interview. Step 3: Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500). After Swinburne issues your CoE, you can lodge a visa application online via the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you have OSHC, sufficient funds, and meet GTE requirements. Check the visa processing times and apply well in advance.
All institutions and courses listed on HeadStart Academy are CRICOS-registered with the Australian Government. The Postgraduate Qualifying Program is offered by a government-owned university, Swinburne University of Technology (CRICOS 00111D), which must comply with the ESOS Act 2000. This provides international students with tuition protection, refund rights, and access to a complaints process. Australia has 1,556 CRICOS-registered providers offering 26,433 courses (April 2026). HeadStart Academy is a free resource with no commission or referral fees—we do not sell courses. Data is sourced from the official CRICOS register, ensuring accuracy. For current information, always verify directly with the provider and the Australian Government websites.
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Postgraduate Qualifying Program is a CRICOS-registered programme at Swinburne University of Technology. 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.