Graduate Diploma in Interaction Design (CRICOS course code 053337C) is a Graduate Diploma delivered by The University of Queensland over 1 year. This program is designed for international students seeking advanced skills in user experience and interactive systems, housed within the Creative Arts field. As a CRICOS-registered course at AQF Level 8, it offers a pathway to deeper study or professional roles in Australia's growing design sector. The University of Queensland (CRICOS 00025B) is a leading public research institution, consistently ranked among the world's top 50. With over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers and 26,433 courses available across Australia, this Graduate Diploma stands out for its focus on human-centred design principles. Students benefit from UQ's world-class facilities at the St Lucia campus in Brisbane, Queensland. All international students in Australia are protected under the ESOS Act, ensuring quality education and consumer rights. Whether you aim to enhance your career or pursue further study, this degree offers a solid foundation in interaction design methodology.
Graduate Diploma in Interaction Design (CRICOS course code 053337C) is a Graduate Diploma delivered by The University of Queensland over 1 year (52 weeks). It falls under the field of education code 109999 - Creative Arts, n.e.c., at AQF Level 8. This program is designed for graduates seeking advanced theoretical and practical knowledge in interaction design, including user experience (UX), usability, and interactive system development. The course is conducted entirely in English and is a single qualification — no dual or foundation studies are included. As a CRICOS-registered course, it meets Australian Government standards for international student enrolment. The University of Queensland (CRICOS 00025B) is a public university consistently ranked among the world's top institutions, with a strong reputation in research and teaching. International students choosing this course can expect a rigorous academic experience that prepares them for roles such as UX designer, interaction designer, or product designer. The course does not include a mandatory work component, but students may seek part-time work under student visa conditions.
While specific subject offerings are determined by The University of Queensland, Graduate Diploma in Interaction Design typically covers the principles and practices of designing interactive digital experiences. Students explore areas such as human-computer interaction, user research, prototyping, visual design, and usability testing. The program emphasises both theoretical foundations and practical application, often culminating in a project or portfolio piece. As the field sits within Creative Arts (broad field 10), graduates gain skills applicable to web design, mobile app development, and emerging technologies like AR/VR. Learning outcomes usually include the ability to analyse user needs, design intuitive interfaces, and evaluate interactive systems. These competencies align with growing industry demand in Australia's tech sector, particularly in cities like Brisbane where UQ's St Lucia campus is located. The course is suitable for those with a prior bachelor's degree who wish to specialise or pivot into interaction design without committing to a full master's.
The Graduate Diploma in Interaction Design has a CRICOS-registered duration of 1 year, equivalent to 52 weeks of full-time study. The language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification with no dual awards or foundation studies component. Students are expected to maintain full-time enrolment to satisfy student visa requirements. The program is delivered on-campus at UQ's St Lucia campus in Brisbane, Queensland. Part-time study is not typically available for international students due to visa conditions. There is no VET national code as this is a higher education course. The one-year timeframe allows students to gain advanced skills quickly and transition into either employment or further study, such as a master's program. Brisbane offers a vibrant student lifestyle with relatively lower living costs compared to Sydney or Melbourne, making it an attractive destination for international students.
The indicative tuition fee for Graduate Diploma in Interaction Design is A$47,495 per year, sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026. Non-tuition fees are estimated at A$1,129, bringing the estimated total to A$48,624. These fees are set by the institution and are subject to change — always confirm with The University of Queensland before applying. Please note that Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and the visa application charge are not included. For a single student, OSHC can cost approximately A$500–A$700 per year, and living costs in Brisbane are around A$21,000–A$25,000 annually (including rent, groceries, and transport). The Australian Government requires students to demonstrate sufficient funds for these costs. For the most current fee schedule, visit the UQ website at www.uq.edu.au.
Entry to Graduate Diploma in Interaction Design typically requires completion of a bachelor's degree (AQF Level 7) or equivalent in any discipline. An English language proficiency of IELTS 5.5–6.0 overall (or equivalent) is generally expected, though exact scores are set by the provider. The University of Queensland may also consider relevant work experience in lieu of academic qualifications. Some applicants may be required to submit a portfolio or attend an interview. International students must meet both academic and English requirements to receive a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). Foundation or pathway programs are generally not needed for this level, but students with lower English scores may consider UQ's pathway options or English language courses. Always check the specific entry requirements on the provider's website, as they can change. HeadStart Academy recommends contacting the university directly for personalised advice.
This course has No work component. There is no mandatory internship, placement, or work experience requirement. However, as an international student on a Subclass 500 visa, you may work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions. This allows you to gain local experience and supplement living costs. The lack of a mandatory work component means the program is focused entirely on academic learning. For those seeking hands-on industry experience, voluntary work or extracurricular projects may be pursued outside of study hours.
The Graduate Diploma in Interaction Design is delivered at The University of Queensland's St Lucia Campus in ST LUCIA, QLD 4067. This main campus is located in Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, a city with a large international student population and over 50 CRICOS-registered providers. Brisbane offers a mild subtropical climate, affordable living costs (e.g., average weekly rent A$250–A$350 for shared accommodation), and excellent public transport including buses and ferries connecting St Lucia to the city centre. The campus is situated on a bend in the Brisbane River, providing a scenic study environment. UQ's facilities include modern lecture theatres, libraries, and design labs. With over 50,000 students, St Lucia is a vibrant hub for learning and social activities.
International students enrolling in this course will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key requirements include: a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from The University of Queensland, genuine temporary entrant (GTE) declaration, sufficient funds for tuition fees, living costs (minimum A$21,041 per year), and OSHC for the duration of stay. Work rights: 48 hours per fortnight during term, unlimited during scheduled breaks. Dependents may accompany the student. Post-study work opportunities may be available if you progress to a higher qualification. Always consult the Department of Home Affairs or a registered MARA agent for personalised advice. HeadStart Academy provides general guidance only, not immigration advice. ESOS Act protections ensure your tuition is safeguarded and you have access to complaints processes.
Follow these three steps to apply for Graduate Diploma in Interaction Design at The University of Queensland:
1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to filter courses by level, field, and location. Verify that The University of Queensland (CRICOS 00025B) meets your needs.
2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Prepare your academic transcripts, English test scores (IELTS 5.5-6.0 or equivalent), and any required documents. Submit your application via UQ's online portal before the deadline. Check specific entry requirements on their website.
3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once UQ issues your CoE, submit a visa application to the Department of Home Affairs. Provide evidence of OSHC, financial capacity, and GTE. Await approval and then plan your travel to Brisbane.
HeadStart Academy is a free resource with no referral fees — all data is sourced from the official CRICOS register.
Ready to apply? Start by visiting The University of Queensland's course page for the most current information.
Graduate Diploma in Interaction Design is a CRICOS-registered programme at The University of Queensland. 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.