Diploma of Music Production (CRICOS course code 104438E) is a Diploma delivered by Australian College of the Arts Pty Ltd over 1 year. This AQF Level 5 qualification is designed for students who want to launch a career in music production, audio engineering, or sound design. Located in Melbourne’s vibrant creative hubs of Collingwood and Fitzroy, the course offers hands-on learning in state-of-the-art studios. As a CRICOS-registered provider (03392K), Australian College of the Arts meets the high standards required to enrol international students. Whether you're a budding producer or a seasoned musician looking to formalise your skills, this program provides the technical and creative foundation needed in today's music industry. HeadStart Academy brings you this detailed guide based on the official CRICOS register (April 2026) – all data is sourced from the Australian Government.
Diploma of Music Production (CRICOS course code 104438E) is a Diploma (AQF Level 5) delivered by Australian College of the Arts Pty Ltd (CRICOS 03392K) over 1 year (52 weeks). The field of education is 10 - Creative Arts, specifically 1007 - Communication and Media Studies (100701 - Audio Visual Studies). This course is a single qualification with no dual or foundation studies component. It is not a VET course, so no VET national code applies. The language of instruction is English. Importantly, this course does not include a mandatory work component. Students will develop skills in recording, mixing, mastering, music production techniques, and studio management, preparing them for roles such as music producer, audio engineer, or sound designer.
This Diploma covers the essential disciplines of audio visual studies, including sound recording, digital audio workstations, mixing, mastering, music theory for producers, and studio workflow. Graduates typically gain a comprehensive understanding of the music production process from concept to final product. They learn to operate industry-standard equipment and software, collaborate with artists, and manage recording sessions. The curriculum balances technical proficiency with creative expression, ensuring students can produce high-quality audio content across various genres. While the specific syllabus may vary, this level of study equips students with the skills needed to work in recording studios, live sound, film and TV post-production, and digital media.
The Diploma of Music Production is delivered over 1 year (52 weeks) as recorded on the CRICOS register. The course is taught in English, the sole language of instruction. It is a single qualification – not a dual or packaged program – and does not include foundation studies. Students are expected to attend classes full-time at one of the three Melbourne campuses (see Delivery Locations below). International students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) must maintain full-time enrolment to comply with visa conditions.
The indicative tuition fee for the Diploma of Music Production at Australian College of the Arts Pty Ltd is A$29,080. Non-tuition fees are listed as A$0, giving an estimated total of A$29,080 for the 1-year program. Please note: these fees do NOT include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs (accommodation, food, transport), or the visa application charge. International students should budget approximately A$21,041 per year for living costs (as per Department of Home Affairs guidelines for Victoria) plus OSHC (approx. A$500–A$700 per year) and the visa application fee (currently A$1,600). Always check the provider's website (www.collarts.edu.au) for the most current fee schedule, as fees are set by the institution and subject to change. Course fees shown are indicative only and sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026.
For international applicants, Australian College of the Arts requires proof of English language proficiency: typically IELTS 5.5 to 6.0 overall (or equivalent). Applicants should have completed an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent) or possess relevant work experience. It is common for Diploma courses to require completion of senior secondary schooling (AQF Level 4 or equivalent). Some pathways may be available for students who do not meet direct entry – contact the provider for details. Note: This course does not include a foundation studies component. All entry requirements are set by the provider; always confirm with Australian College of the Arts directly and prepare supporting documents such as academic transcripts, English test results, and a portfolio (if applicable).
This course has no mandatory work component. Students are not required to complete an internship or practical placement as part of the curriculum. 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. This can help gain industry experience while studying. Note: The absence of a work component does not affect eligibility for the post-study work visa (Temporary Graduate visa Subclass 485) as long as the course meets the required duration and outcomes.
The Diploma of Music Production is delivered at three campuses of Australian College of the Arts, all located in the vibrant inner-north of Melbourne, Victoria:
Collingwood and Fitzroy are renowned creative precincts, home to numerous music venues, recording studios, and art spaces. Melbourne's student population exceeds 250,000, with over 90 CRICOS-registered providers in the city offering more than 3,500 courses. Public transport is excellent – trains, trams, and buses connect these campuses easily from the CBD (around 15–20 minutes). Living costs in inner Melbourne are around A$350–A$500 per week for rent, A$80–A$120 for groceries, and A$40–A$60 for public transport. These vibrant neighbourhoods offer a unique cultural experience that complements music production studies.
International students enrolling in this course must apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows full-time study at a CRICOS-registered provider. Visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks. To obtain a visa, students must meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, demonstrate financial capacity (tuition, living costs, OSHC, and dependant costs), and maintain valid OSHC for the entire stay. Financial capacity is generally A$29,080 (tuition) + A$21,041 (living) + A$600 (OSHC) + A$1,600 (visa application) per year. Note: This indicative total is provided for planning purposes. HeadStart Academy recommends consulting a registered migration agent (MARA) or visiting the Department of Home Affairs website for personalised advice. All CRICOS-registered courses are protected under the ESOS Act, ensuring tuition assurance and refund protections.
Follow these three steps to apply for the Diploma of Music Production at Australian College of the Arts Pty Ltd:
1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers**: Use HeadStart Academy to browse courses and compare providers. Filter by field (Creative Arts), course level (Diploma), and location (Victoria). Confirm the provider's CRICOS registration (03392K) and the course code (104438E).
2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution**: Visit Australian College of the Arts' website (www.collarts.edu.au) to review specific entry requirements, English language levels, and application deadlines. Prepare your academic transcripts, English test results (IELTS 5.5-6.0), and any requested portfolio. Submit your application online or through an authorised education agent.
3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500)**: Once accepted, the provider will issue a CoE. Use this to apply for a Student visa through the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you have OSHC arranged and funds for tuition and living costs. Visa processing times vary, so apply early.
Melbourne is consistently ranked among the world's most liveable cities and is Australia's undisputed music capital. With over 40% of Australians living in Victoria, the state hosts hundreds of festivals, live venues, and recording studios. For music production students, Melbourne offers unparalleled networking opportunities, from community radio stations to major labels. The cost of living is moderate: expect to pay A$350–A$500 per week for a room in share housing near Collingwood or Fitzroy, plus A$80–A$120 for groceries and A$40–A$60 for public transport. Combined with the city's multicultural food scene and vibrant nightlife, it's an inspiring environment for creative study. However, consider that the field is competitive – having a strong portfolio and technical skills is essential. Talk to current students or alumni to get a realistic picture.
Ready to take the next step? Visit Australian College of the Arts' official website for current fees, application deadlines, and to start your application. Use HeadStart Academy to explore more CRICOS-registered courses in music production across Australia.
View the full Australian College of the Arts Pty Ltd profile →
Diploma of Music Production is a CRICOS-registered programme at Australian College of the Arts Pty Ltd. 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.