Associate Degree of Commerce (Applied) (CRICOS course code 073181G) is a Associate Degree delivered by Box Hill Institute over 2 years. This program is designed for international students seeking a strong foundation in commerce, management, and business principles. As a CRICOS-registered qualification (provider 02411J), it meets Australian quality standards and allows you to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500). Located in Melbourne, Victoria, Box Hill Institute offers this course at three campuses: Box Hill, City (Flinders Lane), and Lilydale. With over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers across Australia, HeadStart Academy helps you navigate your options. This page provides key details on fees, entry requirements, and how to apply.
| Metric | Value |
|---|
The Associate Degree of Commerce (Applied) is an AQF Level 6 qualification in the field of Management and Commerce (08). It typically covers fundamental business disciplines such as accounting, economics, marketing, and management, preparing graduates for entry-level roles or further study. Delivered by Box Hill Institute, a government-owned TAFE, the course ensures practical skills combined with theoretical knowledge. As a CRICOS-registered course, international students are protected under the ESOS Act, guaranteeing quality education and consumer rights. Melbourne, home to over 200 CRICOS-registered providers, offers a vibrant student community with excellent public transport to all campuses. According to the official CRICOS register (April 2026), the course duration is 104 weeks (2 years), with English as the language of instruction.
This Associate Degree focuses on broad commerce competencies within the Management and Commerce field of education. Students can expect to develop skills in business communication, financial analysis, organisational behaviour, and strategic thinking. While the exact curriculum is set by Box Hill Institute, typical subjects include introductory accounting, business law, economics, marketing principles, and quantitative methods. The course is designed to provide a pathway to a bachelor's degree or direct employment in business administration, retail management, or government roles. It does not include a mandatory work component, but students may seek part-time work (up to 48 hours per fortnight during term) under Student visa conditions. Melbourne's economy, strong in finance and professional services, offers ample internship and job opportunities.
The course runs for 2 years (104 weeks) as recorded on the CRICOS register. It is a single qualification (no dual award) and is not a foundation studies program. The language of instruction is English. Students must maintain full-time enrolment to meet visa requirements. The course does not include a work component, but students can work part-time as per visa conditions. Melbourne's campuses are well-connected by trains, trams, and buses, making commuting manageable. Living costs in Melbourne are estimated at A$25,000-30,000 per year, including rent (A$200-350/week for shared accommodation), groceries (A$80-120/week), and transport (A$40-50/week). These are indicative only and not included in the course fees.
The indicative tuition fee for the Associate Degree of Commerce (Applied) is A$36,096 total, with no additional non-tuition fees listed on the CRICOS register. This brings the estimated total to A$36,096. Please note: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and visa application charges are not included. OSHC costs approximately A$600-1,000 per year depending on single or family cover. Always confirm current fees directly with Box Hill Institute at www.boxhill.edu.au, as fees are subject to change. HeadStart Academy sources data from the official CRICOS register (April 2026) but does not set fees. The course offers excellent value compared to many bachelor's degrees in Melbourne.
English language requirements vary by provider — typically IELTS 5.5–7.0 overall depending on course level. For an Associate Degree (AQF 6), Box Hill Institute likely requires IELTS 6.0 or equivalent (e.g., TOEFL, PTE). International students should also have completed Year 12 or equivalent (Australian Year 12 or overseas qualification) and may need to meet prerequisite subjects (e.g., mathematics). Foundation or pathway programs are available if you do not meet direct entry — contact the provider for details. Always check the latest entry requirements on Box Hill Institute's website. Note: HeadStart Academy does not assess individual eligibility; we recommend consulting the provider or a registered education agent.
No work component. This course does not include a mandatory work component. However, international students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions. The course structure allows time for part-time work, which can help with living costs and gain Australian work experience. Melbourne has a strong job market for students, especially in retail, hospitality, and administration. Remember that work rights are tied to your visa — always comply with condition 8105 (work limitations).
Box Hill Institute delivers this course at three campuses in Victoria: 1) Box Hill Institute of TAFE - 465 Elgar Rd, Box Hill VIC (main campus) 2) City Campus - 253 Flinders Lane, Melbourne VIC (central business district) 3) Lilydale Lakeside Campus - 1 Jarlo Dr, Lilydale VIC. All are easily accessible by public transport. Box Hill is a bustling eastern suburb with a large Asian community, while the City Campus is in the heart of Melbourne, close to shopping, dining, and cultural venues. Lilydale is a growing outer suburb in the Yarra Valley. Each campus offers modern facilities, libraries, and student support services. Melbourne itself has over 200 CRICOS-registered providers, attracting more than 200,000 international students annually. The city's student population is diverse, with excellent infrastructure for study and leisure.
International students studying this CRICOS-registered course are eligible to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key requirements include: Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion, sufficient financial capacity (tuition, OSHC, living costs, travel), and OSHC insurance. With this visa, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. Dependents (if any) may have work rights as per visa conditions. The ESOS Act protects your tuition fees and ensures education quality. For visa applications, consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or the Department of Home Affairs. HeadStart Academy provides guidance but does not offer immigration advice.
Follow these three steps to secure your place: 1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers** – Filter by course level (Associate Degree), field (Management and Commerce), and city (Melbourne). Use HeadStart Academy’s database to compare options. 2. **Apply directly to Box Hill Institute** – Check entry requirements, provide English test scores (e.g., IELTS), submit academic transcripts, and meet application deadlines. Apply via the provider’s international admissions portal. 3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500)** – Once accepted, Box Hill Institute will issue a CoE. Then lodge your visa application with Department of Home Affairs, paying the visa fee (currently A$650) and arranging OSHC. Ensure you meet all GTE and financial requirements.
Melbourne is consistently ranked as one of the world’s most livable cities, with a vibrant arts scene, diverse food culture, and strong economy. For commerce students, Melbourne’s status as a financial hub (home to major banks, consulting firms, and startups) provides excellent networking and career opportunities. The city has over 200 CRICOS-registered providers, so you’ll have many course options. Living costs are higher than some regional areas but manageable on a budget. Public transport is extensive, with free tram zones in the CBD. Consider your preference for campus location: Box Hill (suburban), City (urban), or Lilydale (semi-rural). Each offers a different lifestyle. HeadStart Academy recommends visiting Melbourne’s tourism website and Box Hill Institute’s campus tours to get a feel.
Start your journey to studying commerce in Melbourne — compare CRICOS-registered Associate Degrees now with HeadStart Academy.
Associate Degree of Commerce (Applied) is a CRICOS-registered programme at Box Hill Institute. 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.