Bachelor of Songwriting and Music Production (CRICOS course code 090757J) is a Bachelor Degree delivered by Melbourne Polytechnic over 3 years. This course falls under the field of education of Performing Arts (Music) at AQF Level 7, preparing students for careers in songwriting, music production, and the broader creative industries. Melbourne Polytechnic is a government-owned, CRICOS-registered provider (00724G) with a strong reputation in vocational and higher education in Victoria. The course is delivered at the Fairfield Campus, located in the vibrant city of Melbourne, which boasts the highest concentration of CRICOS-registered providers in Australia—over 350 institutions. International students choosing this course will benefit from Australia's robust student protections under the ESOS Act and can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time. With indicative tuition fees of A$78,000 over three years, this program offers a pathway to a creative career in Australia's thriving music scene. All information is sourced from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026.
This Bachelor Degree in Songwriting and Music Production is designed to equip students with practical and theoretical skills in music creation, audio engineering, and performance. While the specific curriculum is set by Melbourne Polytechnic, graduates of similar AQF Level 7 programs in Music typically develop competencies in music composition and arrangement, digital audio workstation (DAW) operation, music theory and harmony, songwriting techniques, music business and marketing, and collaborative performance. Students engage in studio-based learning, live performance projects, and industry placements where applicable. The course aims to prepare graduates for roles such as songwriter, music producer, sound engineer, or artist manager. Melbourne’s thriving live music scene and proximity to recording studios provide an ideal environment for hands-on learning. As a CRICOS-registered course, it meets Australian quality standards for international education.
The Bachelor of Songwriting and Music Production has a standard duration of 3 years (156 weeks) on the CRICOS register. This is a full-time, face-to-face program taught entirely in English. There is no work component or dual qualification integrated into this course. Students are expected to attend classes at the Fairfield Campus and participate in practical workshops and rehearsals. The course is a single qualification, meaning it does not include embedded foundation studies or VET components. International students should plan for the full duration and ensure they maintain valid enrolment and attendance as per student visa conditions. Australia's 1,556 CRICOS-registered providers offer over 26,000 courses, and this program is one of many Bachelor Degrees available in Victoria.
Indicative tuition fees for this course are A$78,000 total, with no additional non-tuition fees listed on the CRICOS register. This brings the estimated total to A$78,000. Please note these fees are indicative and set by Melbourne Polytechnic; they are subject to change. Additional costs not included are Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and the visa application charge. For reference, the Department of Home Affairs estimates living costs at approximately A$21,041 per year for a single student, plus OSHC which can vary. Students should budget for rent (around A$250–400 per week in Melbourne), groceries, transport, and study materials. Always confirm current fees directly with Melbourne Polytechnic on their website. HeadStart Academy is a free resource — we do not collect referral fees.
Entry requirements for this Bachelor Degree generally include the completion of Australian Year 12 or equivalent (AQF Level 6 or higher), plus English language proficiency. The indicative English requirement for international students is IELTS 6.0–6.5 overall with no band below 5.5–6.0 (or equivalent test scores). Some students may need to complete foundation or pathway programs if they do not meet direct entry criteria. Melbourne Polytechnic may also consider work experience or prior learning. Since entry requirements are set by the provider, applicants should check the institution's website for the most current requirements. Note that these are indicative only; actual requirements are determined by Melbourne Polytechnic. For visa purposes, you must also meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion.
There is no mandatory work component included in this course. However, international students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) are permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions. This allows students to gain valuable industry experience in Melbourne's creative sector while studying. Many students find part-time work in music venues, recording studios, or retail. It is important to balance work and study commitments to meet course requirements. Always check the Department of Home Affairs for current work rights and visa conditions.
The Bachelor of Songwriting and Music Production is delivered at Melbourne Polytechnic's Fairfield Campus, located in the suburb of Fairfield, approximately 10 kilometres north-east of Melbourne's central business district. Fairfield is known for its leafy streets, the Yarra River, and a vibrant community. The campus is well-connected by public transport, including trains and trams, making it accessible from across Melbourne. Melbourne itself is Australia's second-largest city with a population of over 5 million, and it is home to more than 350 CRICOS-registered providers. The city is a cultural hub with a renowned live music scene, festivals, and recording industry, offering students numerous opportunities to network and practice their craft. Students can explore other Bachelor degrees in Victoria via HeadStart Academy.
International students enrolling in this course require a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key visa conditions include maintaining full-time enrolment, satisfactory course attendance and progress, valid Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of stay, and sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and travel. Students must also meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, demonstrating a genuine intention to study in Australia. Work rights allow up to 48 hours per fortnight during course sessions and unlimited hours during holidays. Visa applications are processed by the Department of Home Affairs. HeadStart Academy is not a registered migration agent; we recommend consulting a MARA-registered agent for visa advice.
Melbourne is consistently ranked as one of the world's most liveable cities and is a premier destination for international students in Australia. With over 350 CRICOS-registered providers, it offers the highest concentration of study options in the country. The city's creative arts scene is unmatched, with numerous live music venues, recording studios, and festivals such as the Melbourne International Music Festival. Living costs in Melbourne are moderate compared to Sydney, with indicative weekly rent for a share house around A$200–350. Public transport is extensive, with trams, trains, and buses connecting all suburbs. As a student, you can also access healthcare under OSHC. Consider whether the urban lifestyle and creative community align with your personal and academic goals.
Ready to apply? Follow these steps: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to filter by course level, field, and city. Compare course details and entry requirements. 2. Apply directly to Melbourne Polytechnic: Submit your application including academic transcripts, English test scores (IELTS or equivalent), and any required portfolio or audition (if applicable). Check application deadlines on their website. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once Melbourne Polytechnic issues your CoE, you can lodge your visa application. Ensure you have OSHC and financial evidence ready.
Ready to start your journey? Explore CRICOS-registered providers and find your perfect course today. Start with HeadStart Academy — your free study hub.
Bachelor of Songwriting and Music Production is a CRICOS-registered programme at Melbourne Polytechnic. 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.