Are you an international student looking to advance your engineering career in Australia? The Graduate Diploma of Engineering (Civil Structures) (CRICOS course code 085745M) is a 1-year program delivered by Swinburne University of Technology (CRICOS 00111D) at its Hawthorn campus in Melbourne, Victoria. This AQF Level 8 qualification focuses on advanced civil structures, preparing graduates for professional roles or further study. Australia offers over 26,000 CRICOS-registered courses across 1,556 providers, and Swinburne is one of the most respected public universities in Victoria. This page provides a complete guide to this course, including indicative fees, entry requirements, student visa details, and how to apply. All data is sourced from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026, ensuring you get the most reliable information. Whether you're exploring postgraduate pathways or seeking industry-relevant skills, this Graduate Diploma could be your next step. Read on to find out if it's the right fit for you.
Graduate Diploma of Engineering (Civil Structures) (CRICOS course code 085745M) is a Graduate Diploma delivered by Swinburne University of Technology over 1 year. This program is designed for international students seeking advanced knowledge in civil structures, covering areas such as structural analysis, design, and project management. As a CRICOS-registered course at a government-funded university, it adheres to Australian quality standards and the ESOS Act, which protects international students' rights. Swinburne University of Technology (CRICOS 00111D) has a strong reputation in engineering education and is located in Hawthorn, a vibrant suburb of Melbourne. The course is classified under the field of Engineering and Related Technologies (03), specifically Other Engineering and Related Technologies (0399). With over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers in Australia, Swinburne stands out for its industry connections and modern facilities. HeadStart Academy provides this information as a free resource, directly from the CRICOS register, to help you make informed decisions.
This Graduate Diploma sits within the broad field of Engineering and Related Technologies (03), specifically in Other Engineering and Related Technologies (0399). At this AQF Level 8, students typically develop advanced technical skills and theoretical knowledge in civil structures, including structural mechanics, materials, and design principles. Graduates are prepared for roles such as civil engineer, structural designer, or project manager in construction and infrastructure sectors. While the exact curriculum is set by Swinburne, you can expect a mix of coursework and practical projects that build on undergraduate engineering foundations. This level also serves as a pathway to master's programs. Always confirm the specific subjects and learning outcomes with the provider, as CRICOS registration ensures the course meets national standards but does not dictate syllabus details.
The course duration is 1 year (52 weeks) as recorded on the CRICOS register. It is delivered full-time in English, with no dual qualification or foundation studies component. This is a single qualification program, meaning you will focus solely on the Graduate Diploma. Swinburne typically offers this program on campus at its Hawthorn facility, requiring face-to-face attendance for most units. International students must maintain full-time enrolment to comply with Student visa (Subclass 500) conditions. If you need flexibility, check with Swinburne about any online or blended options, though the CRICOS entry reflects on-campus delivery.
The indicative tuition fee for this course is A$29,000 per year, with no additional non-tuition fees listed on the CRICOS register, bringing the estimated total to A$29,000. However, these fees are indicative only and sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026. They are set by Swinburne University of Technology and subject to change – always visit the provider's website for current fees. Additional costs not included are Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and the visa application charge. For Melbourne, average living costs are around A$25,000 per year (including rent, groceries, and transport). OSHC costs approximately A$500–700 annually for single cover. The Student visa (Subclass 500) application fee is currently A$1,600. We recommend budgeting carefully and confirming all costs with Swinburne and the Department of Home Affairs.
Entry requirements for this Graduate Diploma typically include an IELTS overall band score of 5.5–6.0 (or equivalent), plus a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related discipline. Swinburne may also accept relevant work experience or pathway programs. Since this is a postgraduate-level course, applicants are expected to have foundational engineering knowledge. Some students may qualify for English language waivers or conditional offers. For the most accurate requirements, refer to Swinburne's international admissions page. HeadStart Academy recommends contacting the provider directly or consulting a registered education agent for personalised guidance. Remember, meeting these requirements does not guarantee admission – the provider makes the final decision.
This course does not include a mandatory work component. However, as an international student on a Student visa (Subclass 500), you are allowed to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. This work must not interfere with your studies. While the course itself does not offer an internship or placement, Swinburne's career services can help you find part-time work in Melbourne's dynamic economy. Always comply with visa work conditions and ensure you maintain satisfactory course progress. For more on student work rights, see our Student Visa guide.
This course is delivered at Swinburne University of Technology's Hawthorn Campus, located at John Street, Hawthorn, Victoria 3122. Hawthorn is a well-connected inner suburb of Melbourne, just 6 km from the city centre. Students can easily access the campus via Glenferrie train station (Belgrave/Lilydale lines) or multiple tram routes. Melbourne is home to over 250,000 international students and more than 200 CRICOS-registered providers, making it a top study destination. The city offers a high quality of life, with a multicultural environment, excellent public transport, and a strong engineering job market. Living costs in Melbourne are moderate – average weekly rent for a shared apartment is A$250–350, groceries A$80–100, and transport A$50–60. The campus itself features modern labs, libraries, and student support services.
To study this course, you will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key requirements include: genuine temporary entrant (GTE) declaration, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay, and evidence of sufficient funds to cover tuition, living costs, and travel. As of 2025, the annual living cost requirement is A$29,710 for a single student. You must also maintain full-time enrolment and satisfactory academic progress. International students have work rights as described above. All CRICOS-registered courses are protected under the ESOS Act, ensuring tuition assurance and refund protections. For detailed visa guidance, visit our Student Visa page or consult a registered migration agent (MARA). HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice.
Follow these three steps to apply for Graduate Diploma of Engineering (Civil Structures) at Swinburne University of Technology:
1. Research CRICOS-registered providers – Use HeadStart Academy to filter by course level (Graduate Diploma), field (Engineering), and location (Victoria). Compare providers and ensure they are CRICOS-registered.
2. Apply directly to Swinburne – Prepare your academic transcripts, English test scores (e.g., IELTS), and any other required documents. Check application deadlines – Swinburne typically has multiple intakes per year. Submit your application online through the provider's portal.
3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500) – Once accepted, Swinburne will issue a CoE. Use this to apply for your visa, arranging OSHC and demonstrating financial capacity. The visa processing time varies – apply early. For step-by-step visa help, see our Student Visa guide.
Melbourne is consistently ranked as one of the world's most liveable cities, making it an excellent choice for international students. With over 200 CRICOS-registered providers, you'll find a wide range of engineering courses. The city's economy is strong in construction, infrastructure, and technology, offering good graduate employment prospects. Public transport is extensive, with trains, trams, and buses connecting all suburbs. For this course at Hawthorn, you'll enjoy a leafy campus environment with easy access to the city. Living costs are manageable – budget around A$25,000–A$30,000 per year for rent, food, and transport. Melbourne also has a vibrant multicultural community, with festivals, markets, and diverse cuisine. However, consider your preferences for climate (cool winters, mild summers) and lifestyle. HeadStart Academy can help you explore other cities like Sydney, Brisbane, or Perth if Melbourne isn't your first choice.
Graduate Diploma of Engineering (Civil Structures) 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.