Associate Degree of Music (Music Business) (CRICOS course code 111593B) is an Associate Degree delivered by The Australian Institute of Music Limited over 2 years. This course is ideal for international students aiming to combine their passion for music with business acumen, covering areas like music marketing, artist management, and the global music industry. Australia is home to over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses, and this program is fully registered and protected under the ESOS Act. Whether you dream of managing artists, producing events, or leading music ventures, this degree provides a solid foundation in both creative and commercial skills. HeadStart Academy helps you navigate your study options using the official CRICOS register — a free, independent resource.
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Associate Degree of Music (Music Business) (CRICOS course code 111593B) is an Associate Degree (AQF Level 6) delivered by The Australian Institute of Music Limited (CRICOS 00665C), a private institution with campuses in Sydney and Melbourne. The program is designed to equip students with practical knowledge in music business, including marketing, management, copyright law, and entrepreneurship. Graduates typically pursue roles in artist management, music publishing, event coordination, or digital music marketing. This course is part of the field of education 100101 (Music) under Creative Arts. As a CRICOS-registered course, it meets Australian standards for international student education, ensuring quality and student protections under the ESOS Act. The provider, AIM, is an established music education institution in Australia.
As a student in this Associate Degree, you will explore the intersection of music and business. The curriculum typically covers core subjects such as music industry fundamentals, artist management, music marketing, finance for music businesses, intellectual property, and live event production. At this level (AQF Level 6), graduates develop broad theoretical and technical knowledge in a field of study, along with cognitive and creative skills to identify, analyse, and solve problems in the music business context. While specific modules are set by the institution, the focus is on preparing you for real-world roles in the music industry. Australia's music sector is vibrant, with Sydney and Melbourne being major hubs for live music, recording, and festivals — providing ample opportunities for practical learning.
The course duration is listed as 2 years (104 weeks) on the CRICOS register. The language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification (no dual qualification) and does not include foundation studies. Students are expected to study full-time on-campus to meet student visa conditions. Australia's student visa (Subclass 500) requires full-time enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course, typically with a minimum of 20 contact hours per week. Make sure to confirm the exact study schedule with The Australian Institute of Music Limited before enrolling.
The indicative tuition fee for Associate Degree of Music (Music Business) is A$54,432 for the full program. Non-tuition fees are listed as A$0. The estimated total cost is A$54,432. Please note that these figures are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change. Additional costs not included are Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and the visa application charge. Living costs in Sydney or Melbourne are estimated at around A$27,000–A$34,000 per year depending on lifestyle. For the most current and accurate fee information, always refer to The Australian Institute of Music Limited's website at www.aim.edu.au.
English language requirements vary by provider, but for this course level, students typically need an IELTS overall score between 5.5 and 7.0 (or equivalent) with no band below 5.5. Prior academic qualifications equivalent to an Australian Year 12 or higher are expected. The Australian Institute of Music Limited may have additional entry criteria such as an audition or portfolio for music programs. Foundation or pathway options may be available if you don't meet direct entry requirements — check with the institution directly. Remember, meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. For precise details, visit the provider's website or contact their international admissions office.
This course does not include a mandatory work component. However, international students on a Student Visa (Subclass 500) are permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. This can be used to gain part-time experience in the music industry, but always ensure work does not compromise your study progress. Work placements, if any, are not part of this program according to the CRICOS register.
This course is delivered at two locations: 66 Harrington St, The Rocks, NSW 2000 — The Rocks, Sydney; and Melbourne Campus, Melbourne, VIC. Sydney's The Rocks is a historic area near the Harbour Bridge and Opera House, well-connected by public transport including trains and buses. Melbourne's campus is in the city, a vibrant arts and music hub. Both cities have large international student communities — Sydney has over 250,000 international students and Melbourne over 230,000. Living costs in Sydney are slightly higher (around A$2,000–A$2,500 rent per month for a one-bedroom) while Melbourne is more affordable (A$1,600–A$2,000). Each city offers unique opportunities for music business students: Sydney's commercial music scene and Melbourne's live music culture.
International students studying this course will need a Student Visa (Subclass 500). To apply, you must have a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from The Australian Institute of Music Limited. Key visa requirements include: Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion, adequate Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and travel. As of 2025, students can work 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited during holidays. Always check the Department of Home Affairs website for latest conditions. HeadStart Academy is not a migration agent — consult a registered MARA agent for personalised advice.
Follow these three steps to start your music business journey at The Australian Institute of Music Limited:
1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to filter by course level (Associate Degree), field (Music), and location (NSW or VIC). Verify that the provider and course are CRICOS-registered.
2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Visit The Australian Institute of Music Limited's website (www.aim.edu.au) and review entry requirements, English test scores, and application deadlines. Submit your application along with required documents (transcripts, English test results, portfolio if needed).
3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once accepted, you'll get a CoE. Use it to apply for your student visa via the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you meet all requirements including GTE, OSHC, and financial evidence.
Both Sydney and Melbourne are excellent choices for studying music business, but each has different characteristics. Sydney is Australia's financial capital and offers strong industry connections in commercial music, publishing, and live event venues like the Sydney Opera House and ICC. Melbourne is widely considered the live music capital of Australia, with iconic venues like the Corner Hotel and a thriving indie scene. Cost of living: Sydney is approximately 10-15% more expensive overall. Public transport is robust in both cities. The number of CRICOS-registered providers in each city is substantial — Sydney has 11 providers offering Music Associate Degrees, while Melbourne has 8. Consider your career goals: if you aim for the corporate side of music, Sydney might offer more internships; for creative and independent music, Melbourne's culture is renowned. Both are safe, multicultural, and offer excellent student support services.
Ready to start your music business journey? Explore more Associate Degree courses in Australia or contact The Australian Institute of Music Limited directly.
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Associate Degree of Music (Music Business) is a CRICOS-registered programme at The Australian Institute of Music Limited. 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.