Bachelor of Arts (Professional) (CRICOS course code 088394E) is a Bachelor Degree delivered by Swinburne University of Technology over 3 years 6 months (~182 weeks). This program is designed for international students seeking a comprehensive liberal arts education with a strong professional focus, including a substantial work-integrated learning component. Swinburne, a government-owned institution with CRICOS code 00111D, delivers this course at its Hawthorn Campus in Melbourne, Victoria. As a CRICOS-registered provider, Swinburne meets the Australian Government’s standards for international student education, and all students are protected under the ESOS Act. The course combines theoretical study in Society and Culture with practical workplace experience, preparing graduates for diverse careers. Melbourne, home to over 200,000 international students, offers a vibrant cultural scene and a relatively high cost of living: average weekly rent for a one-bedroom unit is around A$400–500, plus A$150 for groceries and A$50 for public transport. HeadStart Academy provides this information as a free resource, sourced directly from the official CRICOS register (April 2026), to help you make informed decisions.
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Bachelor of Arts (Professional) (CRICOS course code 088394E) is a Bachelor Degree delivered by Swinburne University of Technology over 3 years 6 months (~182 weeks). It sits at AQF Level 7 and belongs to the field of Society and Culture (0903 - Studies in Human Society). This course includes a mandatory work component of 52 weeks at 40 hours per week (approximately 2080 total hours), which distinguishes it from a standard Bachelor of Arts. The work component typically involves an industry placement or internship, giving students real-world experience in Australia. All study is face-to-face at the Hawthorn Campus, with English as the medium of instruction. Swinburne University of Technology is a government-owned provider (CRICOS 00111D) and has been educating international students for decades. As a CRICOS-registered course, this program meets the requirements for a Student visa (Subclass 500). The indicative total tuition fee is A$106,000, with no additional non-tuition fees listed on the register. However, students should budget for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and visa application fees. HeadStart Academy notes that fees are set by the institution and subject to change; we recommend visiting Swinburne’s website for the most current information.
This course is classified under the field of Studies in Human Society (090300). At the Bachelor Degree level, students develop a broad understanding of social structures, cultural dynamics, and human behaviour. While HeadStart Academy does not provide a specific syllabus, typical curricula for such degrees include foundational subjects in sociology, anthropology, political science, and cultural studies, as well as advanced electives and research methods. The 'Professional' component adds practical skills through project-based learning and the aforementioned work placement. Graduates of this level are expected to demonstrate critical thinking, effective communication, and the ability to analyse complex social issues. The course also emphasises employability, with the work component allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge in a professional setting. Swinburne may offer specialisations in areas like community development, social policy, or international relations, but students should confirm exact stream options with the provider.
The Bachelor of Arts (Professional) has a CRICOS-registered duration of 3 years and 6 months, equivalent to approximately 182 weeks. This includes the 52-week work component, which is integrated into the program rather than added on. The course is delivered in English, and there is no dual qualification or foundation studies attached. Students study full-time on campus at Swinburne’s Hawthorn location. The structure likely follows semesters with breaks, during which student visa holders may work unlimited hours. The longer duration compared to a standard 3-year Bachelor reflects the intensive professional placement. As with all CRICOS-registered courses, this duration is used for visa grant purposes, so students must maintain enrolment for the entire period to comply with their visa conditions.
The indicative tuition fee for the Bachelor of Arts (Professional) is A$106,000 for the full program. Non-tuition fees listed on the CRICOS register are A$0, meaning no compulsory additional institutional charges are reported. However, this does not include other mandatory costs: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for a single student is approximately A$600–700 per year, totalling around A$2,100–2,450 for the full duration. Living expenses in Melbourne are estimated at A$1,500–2,000 per month, including accommodation, food, and transport. The student visa application charge is currently A$1,600 for the main applicant. These figures are indicative and subject to change. HeadStart Academy strongly recommends confirming tuition and OSHC fees with Swinburne University of Technology before applying. All fee data is sourced from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026 and may be updated by the provider.
For international students, entry to this Bachelor Degree typically requires successful completion of an Australian Year 12 qualification or equivalent overseas secondary schooling. English language proficiency is demonstrated via IELTS with an overall score of 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or equivalent tests like TOEFL or PTE. Some applicants may need to complete a foundation program if they do not meet direct entry requirements; Swinburne offers its own foundation pathways. Students should check specific academic prerequisites for the Arts faculty, as some courses may require prerequisite subjects. Note that entry requirements are set by the provider and may vary. HeadStart Academy advises consulting Swinburne’s international admissions page for precise criteria. As a CRICOS-registered provider, Swinburne must ensure all international students meet genuine student requirements under the Department of Home Affairs.
This course includes a mandatory work component of 52 weeks at 40 hours per week, totalling approximately 2080 hours. This is a hallmark of the 'Professional' variant, providing an extended industry placement or internship. The work component typically occurs in the final year and is designed to give students practical experience in an Australian workplace relevant to their field of study. Placements may be in government agencies, non-profit organisations, or private sector companies. Students are responsible for securing their placement with guidance from the university. This component also counts towards the CRICOS duration, meaning visa conditions apply throughout. During the work placement, student visa holders must continue to meet attendance and progress requirements. The work component enhances graduate employability and may lead to job offers upon completion.
The Bachelor of Arts (Professional) is delivered entirely at Swinburne University of Technology’s Hawthorn Campus, located at John Street, Hawthorn, Victoria 3122. Hawthorn is an inner-eastern suburb of Melbourne, approximately 5 kilometres from the CBD. The campus is easily accessible by tram, train, and bus, with Hawthorn railway station a short walk away. Melbourne is Australia’s second-largest city with a diverse population and a thriving arts and culture scene. The city has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses, and Hawthorn itself hosts several institutions. Living in Melbourne offers students a vibrant lifestyle, though the cost of living is relatively high. Average weekly rent for a room in a shared house is around A$250–350, and a monthly Myki pass for unlimited public transport is about A$160. The campus includes modern facilities, libraries, and student support services.
International students enrolling in this course must apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500). The visa requires a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from Swinburne, which will be provided upon acceptance. Students must satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, demonstrating their intention to stay in Australia temporarily for study. Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory for the duration of the visa, and students must show evidence of financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and travel. While on a Student visa, holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during course terms and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. The ESOS Act protects international students' rights, including course refund policies and access to complaints processes. HeadStart Academy is not a registered migration agent; we recommend consulting a MARA-registered agent or visiting the Department of Home Affairs for personalised visa advice. Visa conditions may change, so always check the latest requirements.
Melbourne is consistently ranked among the world’s most liveable cities, with a robust economy, diverse culture, and excellent educational infrastructure. For students pursuing a Bachelor of Arts (Professional), Melbourne offers numerous networking opportunities through industries such as government, social services, and the arts. The city’s public transport system is extensive, making the Hawthorn Campus easily reachable. However, international students should consider the cost of living, which is higher than in smaller Australian cities. Weekly expenses for a single student range from A$400–600 for accommodation, food, and transport. Part-time work is available, but students should budget for at least the first few months without employment. Melbourne’s climate is temperate, with cool winters and warm summers. The city is also home to many CRICOS-registered providers, giving students options for further study. Ultimately, the choice depends on your personal preferences and career goals. HeadStart Academy provides this information as a general guide.
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Bachelor of Arts (Professional) 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.