Graduate Certificate in Information and Communications Technology (CRICOS course code 116441M) is a Graduate Certificate delivered by Polytechnic Institute Australia Pty Ltd over 26 weeks (~6 months). This AQF Level 8 course falls under Information Technology (Field 02) and is designed for international students seeking advanced ICT knowledge. Polytechnic Institute Australia (CRICOS 03535M) is a private provider with campuses in Parramatta, West Melbourne, Geelong, and Sydney. All data is sourced from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026. HeadStart Academy is a free resource covering 26,433 courses across Australia—every listed provider is CRICOS-registered, ensuring ESOS Act protections. Fees shown are indicative and subject to change; always confirm with the institution.
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This course falls under the field of Information Systems (0203) and covers broad ICT topics such as systems analysis, database management, networking, and IT project management. Graduates gain skills to take on leadership roles in technology environments. The curriculum is designed to provide practical knowledge applicable to real-world business challenges. While specific units vary, the Graduate Certificate level typically involves core coursework and may include elective modules. For exact syllabus details, refer to Polytechnic Institute Australia. This qualification can also serve as a pathway to higher-level study, such as a Graduate Diploma or Master's degree in ICT.
The course duration is 26 weeks (approximately 6 months) on a full-time basis, as recorded on the CRICOS register. Instruction is entirely in English. This is a single qualification with no dual or integrated pathways—students complete only the Graduate Certificate. There is no mandatory work component or foundation studies. The study mode is on-campus face-to-face at one of the four delivery locations. Polytechnic Institute Australia may offer part-time options subject to visa conditions; international students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) must generally maintain full-time enrolment.
The indicative tuition fee for this course is A$10,000, with non-tuition fees of A$250, totalling an estimated A$10,250. Please note that this does not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses (rent, food, transport), or the student visa application charge. OSHC typically costs between A$600 and A$800 per year for a single student. Fees are set by Polytechnic Institute Australia and are subject to change. Always confirm current fees directly on the provider's website at http://www.pia.edu.au/ before applying. As a HeadStart Academy user, you can trust that fee data is sourced from the CRICOS register (April 2026).
English language requirements vary by provider; typically, a Graduate Certificate expects an IELTS overall band score of 5.5 to 7.0 (or equivalent) depending on the course level and provider policies. Polytechnic Institute Australia generally requires a bachelor's degree or equivalent in a related field for admission. Some students with professional experience may be considered. There are no foundation studies embedded in this course. Ensure you check the provider's specific entry criteria for your country of origin. For visa purposes, you must also meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement and have sufficient financial capacity.
This course has no mandatory work component. International students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) are eligible to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during the academic term and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks, subject to visa conditions. This work option can help offset living costs, but it should not be relied upon as primary financial support. Always check your visa conditions on the Department of Home Affairs website.
Polytechnic Institute Australia delivers this course at four campuses across NSW and VIC: - 107 George Street, Parramatta NSW 2150 (Parramatta) - Level 1, 363 King Street, West Melbourne VIC 3003 (West Melbourne) - Level 1, West, 237 Ryrie Street, Geelong VIC 3220 (Geelong) - Level 16, 233 Castlereagh Street, Sydney NSW 2000 (Sydney)
Each location offers good public transport access. Parramatta is a major business hub in Western Sydney with over 30 registered providers. Sydney has over 200 CRICOS providers and a vibrant tech scene. West Melbourne is close to the CBD, while Geelong is a regional city with lower living costs. Indicative weekly rent: Sydney ~A$600, Melbourne ~A$450, Geelong ~A$350, Parramatta ~A$450. Groceries and transport vary. Studying in a tech-rich city can offer networking opportunities.
International students require a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study this course. Key requirements include: meeting the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion, maintaining approved Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay, and demonstrating sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs (estimated at A$21,041 per year), and travel. Student work rights allow up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. Dependants on a Student visa may also have work rights. For detailed guidance, consult the Department of Home Affairs or a registered MARA migration agent. HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice.
Follow these three steps to apply for the Graduate Certificate in Information and Communications Technology at Polytechnic Institute Australia: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to filter by course level (Graduate Certificate) and field (Information Technology). Verify that Polytechnic Institute Australia (CRICOS 03535M) is registered to enroll international students. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Review entry requirements, prepare English language test scores (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.), and submit your application by the intake deadline. Polytechnic Institute Australia sets its own admission criteria, so check their website for application forms and required documents. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once accepted, the provider will issue a CoE. With this, you can lodge your visa application online. Include evidence of OSHC, financial capacity, and GTE statement. Processing times vary, so apply well in advance.
Consider your career goals in ICT: a Graduate Certificate can open doors to roles like IT manager, systems administrator, or network specialist. It also provides a stepping stone to further study. Location matters—Sydney and Melbourne offer large tech communities but higher living costs, while Parramatta and Geelong provide more affordable options with good transport links. If you prefer a regional lifestyle, Geelong's smaller class sizes and lower cost of living may appeal. Compare your options using HeadStart Academy's tools. Remember, all providers listed are CRICOS-registered, and ESOS Act protections ensure your rights as an international student.
Ready to apply? Start your journey today by researching CRICOS providers or contacting Polytechnic Institute Australia directly.
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Graduate Certificate in Information and Communications Technology is a CRICOS-registered programme at Polytechnic Institute Australia 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.