If you're looking to advance your career in information technology with a qualification that combines academic rigour and practical industry experience, the Master of Information Technology (Professional) (CRICOS course code 051581G) offered by Deakin University (Deakin) is a compelling option. This Masters Degree (Coursework) is delivered over 2 years at the Melbourne Burwood Campus in Burwood, Victoria, and includes a substantial work-integrated learning component. As a CRICOS-registered course (provider CRICOS 00113B), it meets Australian Government standards for international student enrolment under the ESOS Act. In this guide, we break down tuition fees, entry requirements, visa steps, and what you can expect from studying IT at one of Australia's leading universities. All data is sourced from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026. HeadStart Academy is your independent resource for comparing CRICOS courses across Australia.
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Master of Information Technology (Professional) (CRICOS course code 051581G) is a Masters Degree (Coursework) delivered by Deakin University (Deakin) over 2 years. This AQF Level 9 qualification sits within the field of Information Technology (Broad Field 02, Narrow Field 0200, Detailed Field 020000). It is designed for students who want to deepen their IT knowledge while gaining hands-on experience through a mandatory work component. The course is delivered face-to-face at Deakin's Melbourne Burwood Campus, with English as the language of instruction. It is a single qualification (no dual award) and does not include foundation studies. Deakin University (CRICOS 00113B) is a government-funded public university consistently ranked among Australia's top institutions for IT and computing. As a CRICOS-registered provider, Deakin can lawfully enrol international students, and all students are protected by the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act. Australia currently has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses – HeadStart Academy gives you a transparent, commission-free view of these options.
As a Master of Information Technology (Professional) student, you will engage with advanced topics in IT, building on your existing undergraduate knowledge. While specific syllabi are set by Deakin, typical learning outcomes at this level include the ability to critically analyse complex IT problems, design and implement innovative solutions, manage IT projects, and lead teams in technology-driven environments. The broad field of Information Technology encompasses areas such as software development, cybersecurity, data analytics, network management, and IT strategy. The coursework component provides theoretical foundations, while the professional component (detailed below) integrates real-world practice. Given Australia's growing demand for skilled IT professionals, graduates of AQF Level 9 programs are well-positioned for senior technical or management roles.
The Master of Information Technology (Professional) is a full-time program lasting 2 years (104 weeks on the CRICOS register). The language of instruction is English, and the course is a single qualification – there is no dual award or embedded foundation studies component. Students are expected to attend classes at the Melbourne Burwood Campus. While the CRICOS register indicates a standard duration, actual progress may vary depending on the individual study plan. International students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) must maintain full-time enrolment as per their Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). Deakin may also offer flexible study options, but the registered duration reflects the typical timeline.
According to the CRICOS register (April 2026), the indicative tuition fee for the Master of Information Technology (Professional) is A$90,176 for the full program. Non-tuition fees are listed as A$0, giving an estimated total of A$90,176. Please note: these are indicative figures and are set by Deakin University – they may change without notice. Additional costs not included in the CRICOS data include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses (accommodation, food, transport), and the student visa application charge. For a single student, living costs in Melbourne are roughly A$400–600 per week for rent, A$80–150 for groceries, and A$30–50 for public transport (with a student concession). Always check the latest fees on Deakin's official website before applying. HeadStart Academy does not charge referral fees and only uses CRICOS-sourced data.
While exact entry requirements are determined by Deakin University, typical expectations for a Master of Information Technology (Professional) include a bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., IT, computer science, or engineering) with a grade equivalent to an Australian equivalent. For international students, English language proficiency is assessed – the CRICOS register indicates an IELTS range of 6.5–7.0 overall (or equivalent). Some applicants may need to complete a pathway or foundation program if they do not meet direct entry criteria; contact Deakin for details. In all cases, you must satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement for the student visa. HeadStart Academy recommends checking the specific entry criteria on the provider's website.
This course includes a mandatory work-integrated learning component: 24 weeks of placement at 38 hours per week (approximately 912 total hours). This is a significant professional experience that typically takes the form of an industry placement, internship, or project-based work with an employer. The placement is designed to apply theoretical knowledge in a real IT environment, develop professional networks, and enhance employability. Under Australian visa conditions, international students on a Subclass 500 visa can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks – however, the structured placement may have its own arrangements. Deakin's career services and industry partnerships assist students in securing suitable placements.
The Master of Information Technology (Professional) is delivered at Deakin University's Melbourne Burwood Campus, located in the suburb of Burwood, Victoria (approximately 15 km east of Melbourne CBD). Burwood is a well-connected area with tram and bus services, and the campus is a vibrant hub for international students. Victoria is home to over 30 CRICOS-registered providers offering IT courses, and Melbourne is consistently ranked as one of the world's most livable cities. Living costs in Melbourne are moderate compared to Sydney – indicative weekly rent for a one-bedroom apartment is A$450–600, but student accommodation and shared housing can be more affordable. The state has a large international student population, with excellent public transport, healthcare, and cultural amenities.
To study this course on campus, international students must apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key requirements include: enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course (which this is), genuine temporary entrant (GTE) declaration, sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, OSHC, and travel, and meeting English language standards (IELTS 6.5–7.0 as a guide). Once enrolled, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions. You must maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay. The ESOS Act ensures consumer protection, including tuition fee refund safeguards. HeadStart Academy is not a migration agent – for visa guidance, consult a registered MARA agent or the Department of Home Affairs.
Applying for the Master of Information Technology (Professional) at Deakin University is straightforward. Follow these three steps: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to filter IT master's courses in Victoria. Check that your chosen provider (Deakin) and course (051581G) are currently registered on the CRICOS register. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Visit Deakin University's website to submit an online application. Prepare required documents such as academic transcripts, English test results (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE), CV, and a statement of purpose. Adhere to application deadlines – typically two to three months before the intake. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa: If accepted, Deakin will issue a CoE. Use this to apply for a Subclass 500 visa online via the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you have OSHC, sufficient funds, and meet the GTE requirement. Our student visa guide provides more detail.
Victoria, particularly Melbourne, is a premier study destination for IT students. With over 30 CRICOS-registered providers offering IT courses, you'll have access to a diverse learning environment. The state's economy is strong in technology, finance, and innovation, providing ample internship and employment opportunities. Melbourne's multicultural society, affordable living (compared to Sydney), world-class food scene, and efficient public transport make it attractive. However, consider climate (temperate with cool winters) and the competitive local job market. If you value a balanced lifestyle with excellent education and career prospects, Victoria is a strong choice. Always verify your provider's CRICOS status and course details before applying.
Ready to apply? Visit Deakin University's website to check entry requirements and start your application. For visa guidance, head to our Student Visa (Subclass 500) page.
Master of Information Technology (Professional) is a CRICOS-registered programme at Deakin University (Deakin). 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.