Graduate Diploma in Computer Science (CRICOS course code 105122F) is a Graduate Diploma delivered by Flinders University over 1 year. This AQF Level 8 program falls under the field of Computer Science (020199) and is designed for students who hold a prior degree and wish to deepen their computing knowledge. Delivered at Flinders City Campus in Adelaide's CBD and at Tonsley in Clovelly Park, the course provides a pathway to IT careers and further study. As a CRICOS-registered course (provider CRICOS 00114A), international students benefit from the protections of the ESOS Act, ensuring quality education and consumer rights. Flinders University is a government-funded institution with a strong reputation in technology and innovation. With no work component, students can focus on their studies while enjoying Adelaide's affordable living costs—estimated at around A$500-600 per week for rent, groceries, and transport. This page provides indicative fees, entry requirements, and application steps to help you plan your study in Australia.
| Metric | Value |
|---|
The Graduate Diploma in Computer Science (CRICOS 105122F) is an AQF Level 8 qualification offered by Flinders University, a government-owned CRICOS-registered provider (00114A). It is part of the field of Information Technology (02) with a focus on Computer Science (0201). This program is designed for graduates from any discipline who want to acquire foundational and advanced skills in computer science, including programming, algorithms, and systems design. The course is delivered over 52 weeks full-time, with English as the language of instruction. It is a single qualification with no dual or foundation components. Students study at Flinders City Campus in Adelaide's central business district or at Tonsley, a technology precinct in Clovelly Park. All CRICOS-registered courses in Australia are subject to the ESOS Act, which guarantees tuition protection and a national complaints process. HeadStart Academy sources all data from the official CRICOS register (April 2026), ensuring accuracy and trust.
Students in a Graduate Diploma in Computer Science typically engage with core topics such as programming fundamentals, data structures, software engineering, database management, and computer networks. The curriculum is designed to bridge the gap between a non-computing undergraduate degree and a master's-level IT qualification. You will develop problem-solving skills, learn to design and implement software solutions, and understand the theoretical underpinnings of computing. This level of study (AQF Level 8) assumes prior learning at bachelor level and aims to produce graduates capable of professional practice or further research. While the specific syllabus is determined by Flinders University, graduates generally emerge with skills in high demand across Australia's growing tech sector.
The Graduate Diploma in Computer Science is scheduled for 1 year full-time study, equating to 52 weeks on the CRICOS register. All instruction is delivered in English. This is a single qualification only (no dual award). Students are expected to commit approximately 40 hours per week including classes, independent study, and assessments. The course does not include a foundation studies component, assuming prior tertiary education. International students should be aware that the course length meets the requirements for a Student visa (Subclass 500) and that satisfactory course progress is mandatory for visa compliance.
Indicative fees for the Graduate Diploma in Computer Science as per the CRICOS register (April 2026) are as follows: Tuition fee: A$35,500; Non-tuition fee: A$789; Estimated total: A$36,289. These fees are set by Flinders University and are subject to change. The non-tuition fee may cover administration, materials, or student services. Please note that Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs (e.g., rent, food, transport), and the student visa application charge are not included. For current fee information, always confirm directly with Flinders University via their website at http://www.flinders.edu.au/. Additional costs include textbooks (approx. A$500-1,000 per year) and personal expenses.
Applicants typically need an IELTS overall score of 5.5-6.0 (or equivalent) for English proficiency. Prior completion of a bachelor's degree in any discipline is expected; however, some background in mathematics may be beneficial. Flinders University may consider relevant work experience. If you do not meet the direct entry requirements, pathway or foundation options may be available—check with the provider. All entry requirements are set by the institution and subject to change. Prospective students should review the official course page on Flinders University's website for exact prerequisites. Note that satisfying entry requirements does not guarantee admission; a competitive selection process may apply.
This course does not include a mandatory work component. Students are not required to undertake internships, placements, or work experience as part of the program. However, international students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) have permission to work up to 48 hours per fortnight while the course is in session and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. Work is optional and should not interfere with study commitments. Any work undertaken must comply with visa conditions, including not impacting course progress.
The Graduate Diploma in Computer Science is delivered at two locations in South Australia: Flinders City Campus in Adelaide's central business district (CBD) and Tonsley in Clovelly Park, about 12 km south of Adelaide. Flinders City Campus is located at 182 Victoria Square, providing easy access to public transport (trams, buses) and Adelaide's amenities. Tonsley is a purpose-built innovation precinct with modern facilities and links to industry. Adelaide is a cost-effective city for students, with average weekly rent around A$350-450, groceries A$80-120, and a public transport pass about A$50-70. Both campuses are well-served by buses and trains. Studying in Adelaide means joining a student community of over 40,000 international students across multiple universities and colleges.
International students enrolled in this CRICOS-registered course are eligible to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key requirements include providing evidence of genuine temporary entrant (GTE) status, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of stay, and sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and travel. As of 2026, the student visa application fee is approximately A$650 (subject to change). Students are permitted to work 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited during recognised holidays. It is important to maintain satisfactory course attendance and progress to comply with visa conditions. HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice; consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or the Department of Home Affairs at homeaffairs.gov.au.
Applying for this course involves three simple steps: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers – Filter by course level (Graduate Diploma), field (Information Technology), and city (Adelaide) on HeadStart Academy to find this course. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution – Visit Flinders University's website, check entry requirements (including English test scores), gather your academic transcripts, and submit your application before the deadline. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500) – Once accepted, you will receive a CoE. Use this to apply for your visa online through ImmiAccount, ensuring you have OSHC and sufficient funds.
Ready to start your application? Follow the three steps above to apply for the Graduate Diploma in Computer Science at Flinders University. Always check the provider's website for the latest details.
Graduate Diploma in Computer Science is a CRICOS-registered programme at Flinders University. 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.