Bachelor of Design/Bachelor of Business (CRICOS course code 088391G) is a Bachelor Degree delivered by Swinburne University of Technology over 4 years. This dual qualification combines creative design skills with business acumen, preparing graduates for roles where design thinking and commercial strategy meet. Registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS), this course is available to international students at Swinburne's Hawthorn Campus in Melbourne, Victoria. As a HeadStart Academy resource, we provide CRICOS-verified data to help you make informed decisions. Australia offers over 26,433 courses across 1,556 CRICOS-registered providers, and this particular double degree is designed to meet the growing demand for professionals who understand both the creative and business sides of innovation. Whether you aspire to become a design manager, entrepreneur, or creative director, this course lays the foundation. All data here is sourced from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026, ensuring accuracy and trustworthiness.
This course falls under the field of education 'Graphic and Design Studies' (code 100500) at AQF Level 7. As a Bachelor Degree, it typically equips graduates with systematic knowledge of design principles, creative problem-solving, and business management. Students explore areas such as visual communication, user experience (UX) design, branding, marketing, entrepreneurship, and strategic management. The dual qualification structure means you graduate with two separate degrees — a Bachelor of Design and a Bachelor of Business — in a condensed four-year period. This is distinct from a double major within a single degree; you receive two testamurs, enhancing your employability across multiple industries. The curriculum blends studio-based projects, business case studies, and real-world applications. While specific units vary, graduates generally develop skills in design research, project management, and cross-disciplinary collaboration. Practical assessments, portfolio work, and group projects are common. As with all CRICOS-registered courses, Swinburne must meet national quality standards under the ESOS Act, ensuring that international students receive a high-quality education.
The course duration on the CRICOS register is 4 years (208 weeks). Instruction is in English, with full-time study expected. As a dual qualification, students undertake both design and business subjects concurrently, typically completing core units in each discipline before moving to electives. This structure is designed for students who want a comprehensive skill set without extending their overall study time. Unlike a single-specialisation degree, you emerge with two accredited AQF Level 7 qualifications. The course is delivered face-to-face at the Hawthorn Campus, providing access to Swinburne's design studios, business labs, and library resources. International students must maintain full-time enrolment (minimum 20 contact hours per week) to comply with Student visa (Subclass 500) conditions. Part-time study is generally not permitted for visa holders.
Tuition fees for this course are A$171,560 for the full program (indicative, sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026). Non-tuition fees are listed as A$0, but this excludes other costs. You should budget for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), which is mandatory for the duration of your stay, currently around A$600–A$800 per year for singles. Living costs in Melbourne (including Hawthorn) are approximately A$30,000–A$40,000 per year, covering weekly rent (A$300–A$600), groceries (A$80–A$150), and transport (A$50–A$100). The Student visa application charge is A$1,600 (as of 2026). Always confirm the latest fees directly with Swinburne University of Technology at their international website: https://www.swinburne.edu.au/international. Fees are set by institutions and subject to change.
International applicants typically need English proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0–6.5 overall, with no band below 5.5–6.0 (varies by provider). Swinburne may accept other tests like TOEFL or PTE. Academically, you are expected to have completed secondary schooling equivalent to Australian Year 12, with sufficient grades in relevant subjects (e.g., English and Mathematics). For this double degree, a portfolio of design work may be required. Foundation or pathway programs are available if you don't meet direct entry; check Swinburne's options. HeadStart Academy does not assess individual qualifications — always confirm with the provider. Under the ESOS Act, institutions must ensure students have the necessary English and academic skills to succeed.
No work component: This course does not include a mandatory work component. However, Swinburne may offer optional internships or industry projects. International students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. Work rights are tied to visa conditions, not the course itself.
The course is delivered at Swinburne University of Technology's Hawthorn Campus, located at John Street, Hawthorn, Victoria. Hawthorn is a vibrant inner-city suburb of Melbourne, approximately 6 km from the CBD. Melbourne is home to over 170,000 international students and more than 20 CRICOS-registered providers, offering a rich study environment. The campus is accessible by tram (routes 16, 72, 75) and train (Glenferrie station on the Belgrave/Lilydale lines). Living costs in Hawthorn are slightly above Melbourne average due to proximity to the city. The area boasts cafes, parks, and student accommodation options. As a CRICOS-registered provider, Swinburne ensures all facilities meet Australian quality standards.
To study this course, you need a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key requirements include: genuine temporary entrant (GTE) criterion, evidence of financial capacity (tuition, living costs, OSHC), and English proficiency. OSHC is mandatory — providers like Allianz, Medibank, or BUPA offer coverage (around A$700/year for singles). Work rights: 48 hours/fortnight during term, unlimited during holidays. The visa application charge is A$1,600 (subject to change). You must maintain enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course and notify your provider of any changes. HeadStart Academy does not provide migration advice — consult a MARA-registered agent or visit homeaffairs.gov.au.
Follow these three steps to apply: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers – Use HeadStart Academy to filter courses by level, field, and city. Confirm that Swinburne University of Technology is registered (CRICOS 00111D) and that the course (088391G) is active. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution – Visit Swinburne's international website (https://www.swinburne.edu.au/international) to check entry requirements, English test scores, and application deadlines. Prepare your academic transcripts, English test results (e.g., IELTS), and a portfolio if required. Submit your application online. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa – Once Swinburne issues your CoE, you can apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500) via the Department of Home Affairs. Provide evidence of OSHC, financial capacity, and GTE. Book a visa appointment or apply online.
Ready to take the next step? Use HeadStart Academy to compare this course with other Bachelor Degrees in Victoria, or contact Swinburne directly via their international admissions page.
Bachelor of Design/Bachelor of Business 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.