Associate Degree of Business (CRICOS course code 068407D) is a 2-year Associate Degree delivered by Group Colleges Australia Pty Ltd (CRICOS 02571D), a private higher education provider. This course is designed for international students seeking a solid foundation in business management, leading to further study or entry-level roles in Australia and globally. Group Colleges Australia operates campuses in Melbourne VIC, Regency Park SA, and Sydney NSW through its trading names including Universal Business School Sydney (UBSS) and Group Colleges Australia. This page provides detailed information on fees, location, entry requirements, and the student visa process, all sourced from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026. HeadStart Academy is a free resource to help you compare Australia's 1,556 CRICOS-registered providers and 26,433 courses.
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Associate Degree of Business (CRICOS course code 068407D) is a 2-year (104 weeks) Associate Degree at AQF Level 6, delivered by Group Colleges Australia Pty Ltd. The course falls under the field of Management and Commerce (broad field 08), specifically Business Management (080301). It is a single qualification (no dual award) and does not include a work component or foundation studies. The language of instruction is English. This course is open to international students holding a Student visa (Subclass 500) and provides a pathway to a Bachelor degree or direct employment. All data is sourced from the CRICOS register, ensuring accuracy and trust. HeadStart Academy notes that CRICOS registration is the primary trust signal — only registered providers can enrol international students, and ESOS Act protections apply.
The Associate Degree of Business provides a broad introduction to business and management principles. Students typically study subjects such as accounting, economics, marketing, organisational behaviour, and business law. The program develops skills in critical thinking, data analysis, communication, and teamwork — essential for management roles. Graduates may progress to a Bachelor of Business or pursue roles in administration, sales, or small business management. Note that this description is general guidance; the exact syllabus is set by Group Colleges Australia and may vary by campus.
The course duration is 2 years, equivalent to 104 weeks on the CRICOS register. It is delivered full-time in English. The qualification is a single Associate Degree — not a dual or combined award. No foundation studies or work component is included.
Tuition fees are indicative at A$40,000 for the entire program. Non-tuition fees (such as materials, library, and student services) are estimated at A$5,200, bringing the estimated total to A$45,200. These fees do NOT include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, or the visa application charge. Always confirm current fees with Group Colleges Australia (www.ubss.edu.au or www.gca.edu.au) as fees are set by the institution and subject to change. Living costs in Australia vary by city — see the 'Is this location right for you?' section below.
English language requirements vary by provider — typically IELTS 5.5–7.0 overall (or equivalent) depending on course level. For this Associate Degree, a minimum IELTS 6.0 with no band below 5.5 is common, but confirm with Group Colleges Australia. Prior academic qualifications expected include completion of Australian Year 12 or equivalent (e.g., International Baccalaureate, or a recognised foundation program). Some providers consider work experience. HeadStart Academy recommends checking the provider's website for detailed entry criteria.
This course does not include a mandatory work component. However, international students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) are generally permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks (subject to visa conditions). Any work must not compromise study.
Group Colleges Australia delivers this course at three campuses: Level 2, 222 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC (UBSS Melbourne campus); Level 3, 137 Days Road, Regency Park SA 5010; and Universal Business School Sydney (UBSS Sydney) in Sydney NSW. Each city offers a distinct student experience. Melbourne has over 30,000 international students (2026) and a vibrant central business district with excellent public transport. Regency Park is a quiet suburban campus near Adelaide — living costs are lower (approx. A$400/week rent vs. A$500+ in Melbourne/Sydney). Sydney has Australia's largest international student population (over 40,000). Consider transport costs and lifestyle when choosing a location.
International students require a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study this course full-time. You must meet Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirements, hold adequate Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), and demonstrate financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs (A$21,041/year as of 2026), and travel. Work rights: 48 hours/fortnight during term, unlimited during scheduled breaks. After graduation, you may apply for a Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) depending on your qualification level. HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice — consult a registered MARA agent or the Department of Home Affairs.
Victoria is home to over 60 CRICOS-registered providers offering business courses. Melbourne's multicultural environment, affordable transport, and strong job market in professional services make it a popular choice. Living costs for a single student in Melbourne are around A$600–A$1,000/week including rent. The Bourke St campus is central, close to Flinders Street Station and tram stops. However, if you prefer a quieter, more affordable lifestyle, the Regency Park campus in South Australia offers lower costs (approx. A$400/week rent) and easy access to Adelaide's city centre. Sydney's UBSS campus offers proximity to the business hub but higher living costs. Weigh your budget, career goals, and lifestyle preferences.
Follow these three steps: 1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers** – Use HeadStart Academy to filter courses by level (Associate Degree), field (Business Management), and city (Melbourne, Regency Park, or Sydney). Ensure the provider is CRICOS-registered (02571D). 2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution** – Visit www.ubss.edu.au or www.gca.edu.au. Check entry requirements, submit academic transcripts, English test results (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE), and a passport copy. Note application deadlines — apply at least 2–3 months before course start. 3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa** – Once accepted, you'll receive a CoE. Apply for a Subclass 500 visa online via the Department of Home Affairs, attaching your CoE, OSHC evidence, financial documents, and GTE statement. Allow 4–8 weeks processing.
Start your application today: visit Group Colleges Australia's website to check entry requirements and apply. Use HeadStart Academy to compare other Associate Degree courses in Business Management across Australia.
Associate Degree of Business is a CRICOS-registered programme at Group Colleges Australia Pty Ltd. 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.