Diploma of Information Technology (CRICOS course code 113557A) is a Diploma delivered by Southern Lights International Pty Ltd over 1 year 5 months (~75 weeks). This qualification (AQF Level 5) is designed to equip students with practical skills in information systems, preparing them for roles such as IT support, network administration, or further study. Southern Lights International is a private CRICOS-registered provider (04167M) with campuses in Bankstown and Parramatta, NSW. As an international student, you benefit from Australia's ESOS Act protections and access to a high-quality education system with over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses. This course is ideal for those seeking a hands-on IT diploma with a focus on real-world applications, delivered in English over 75 weeks. HeadStart Academy provides this information free of charge, sourced directly from the official CRICOS register (April 2026). Note that this is not a migration advice service; consult a MARA agent for visa queries.
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The Diploma of Information Technology (CRICOS 113557A) is a nationally recognised qualification under the VET National Code ICT50220. It falls under the field of Information Systems (n.e.c.), covering areas such as database management, networking, cybersecurity fundamentals, and systems analysis. This diploma is delivered by Southern Lights International Pty Ltd, a private provider registered on CRICOS (04167M). The course runs for 75 weeks (1 year 5 months) with full-time study in English. There is no dual qualification or foundation studies component. Graduates may articulate into higher-level IT programs or enter the workforce in entry-level IT roles. All CRICOS-registered courses must meet strict Australian Government standards, ensuring quality education and student protections under the ESOS Act. For a complete list of providers and courses, refer to the official CRICOS register.
As a Diploma of Information Technology student, you will develop competencies in information systems design, implementation, and support. Typical learning outcomes include troubleshooting hardware and software issues, managing small-scale networks, applying programming logic, and understanding IT project management. While specific unit outlines are set by the provider, the field of education (020399) emphasises applied skills for business and organisational contexts. This diploma-level course builds on foundational IT knowledge and provides a pathway to advanced diplomas or bachelor's degrees. Australia's VET sector is renowned for its industry alignment, meaning you gain practical skills valued by employers. Southern Lights International may offer specialisations or elective choices; confirm directly with them. Remember, this course is delivered in English, so meeting the language requirement is essential.
The Diploma of Information Technology is a single qualification with a duration of 1 year 5 months (~75 weeks) as recorded on the CRICOS register. All instruction is in English, and the course is offered full-time. There is no work component included in this course, but students may seek part-time work under student visa conditions. The 75-week duration includes scheduled breaks. Study is delivered on-campus at two locations in New South Wales: Bankstown (47 Rickard Rd) and Parramatta (Suite 101, Level 1, 30 Cowper Street). This allows you to choose a campus convenient to your accommodation. Parramatta is a major satellite city with a large student population and excellent public transport links to Sydney CBD. Bankstown is a multicultural hub with affordable living options. Both campuses are well-connected by trains and buses, making commuting manageable for international students.
The indicative tuition fee for Diploma of Information Technology at Southern Lights International is A$13,200, with non-tuition fees of A$800, totaling approximately A$14,000. These figures are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change by the provider. Always verify current fees directly with Southern Lights International. This fee does not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), which is mandatory for student visa holders (approx. A$500–A$700 per year depending on provider). Living costs in NSW vary: average weekly rent in Bankstown is around A$250–A$350, Parramatta A$300–A$400, with additional costs for groceries (A$80–A$150/week) and transport (A$40–A$60/week). The visa application charge (Subclass 500) is currently A$710 (may change). Budget for at least A$21,041 per year for living costs according to Department of Home Affairs guidelines. Financial capacity is a key requirement for student visa grant.
To enrol in this Diploma, international students typically need an IELTS overall score of 5.5–6.0 or equivalent English language proficiency. Prior academic qualifications should be equivalent to Australian Year 12 or a Certificate IV in a related field. This is a diploma-level course, so some previous study in information technology is advantageous but not always mandatory. Southern Lights International may have specific prerequisites; contact them for detailed entry criteria. Foundation or pathway options are not offered with this course, but you may consider an ELICOS program to meet English requirements. Remember, meeting entry requirements does not guarantee a student visa – you must satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion and demonstrate financial capacity. For visa advice, consult a registered MARA agent or the Department of Home Affairs.
This course has no work component, meaning there is no mandatory placement or internship included. However, as an international student holding a Student visa (Subclass 500), you are permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. This work right helps you gain local experience and supplement living costs. The absence of a work component does not prevent you from seeking part-time employment independently. Many students in Bankstown and Parramatta find casual work in hospitality, retail, or administration. Balance work with study to maintain satisfactory course progress, as visa conditions require academic attendance and performance. Always check your visa conditions and adhere to work limitations.
Southern Lights International delivers this course at two campuses in New South Wales: 47 Rickard Rd, BANKSTOWN NSW 2200 (Bankstown) and Suite 101, Level 1, 30 Cowper Street, Parramatta NSW 2150 (Parramatta). Bankstown is a diverse suburb southwest of Sydney, with lower living costs and a large student community. Parramatta is Sydney's second CBD, a major transport hub with numerous restaurants, businesses, and cultural attractions. Both locations offer access to libraries, public transport, and student services. Over 200 CRICOS-registered providers operate in NSW, including many in Parramatta and Bankstown. Choosing a campus close to your accommodation can reduce commute time and costs. Check public transport options: trains from Parramatta to Sydney CBD take about 30 minutes; Bankstown station is on the T3 line. Living costs in Parramatta are slightly higher than Bankstown but still affordable by Sydney standards.
To study this Diploma of Information Technology on campus in Australia, you need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows you to stay in Australia for the duration of your course (75 weeks) plus additional time. Key requirements include: Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from Southern Lights International, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the entire stay, genuine temporary entrant (GTE) statement, evidence of financial capacity (tuition fees + living costs + travel), and English language proficiency. As a student visa holder, you can work 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during breaks. You must maintain full-time enrolment and satisfactory course progress. Your family members may accompany you on a Student Dependent visa. Note that HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice; consult a registered migration agent or visit homeaffairs.gov.au for official guidance. ESOS Act protections ensure your tuition fees are protected and you have access to complaints processes.
Follow these three steps to begin your study journey:
Ready to start your IT journey? Contact Southern Lights International directly to apply. Remember to verify current fees and entry requirements on their official website.
View the full Southern Lights International Pty Ltd profile →
Diploma of Information Technology is a CRICOS-registered programme at Southern Lights International 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.