Graduate Certificate of Software Development (CRICOS course code 118038F) is a Graduate Certificate delivered by SAE Institute Pty Ltd over 33 weeks (~8 months). This AQF Level 8 qualification focuses on Information Technology (field 0299 - Other Information Technology), providing graduates with skills in software design, development, and project management. SAE Institute is a private CRICOS-registered provider (CRICOS 00312F) with five campuses across Australia. As a HeadStart Academy resource, we source all data from the official CRICOS register (April 2026) to help you compare courses and plan your study journey. This course is ideal for professionals seeking to upskill in software development or transition into the IT sector. It is delivered in English and does not include a mandatory work component. All international students enrolled in this course are protected under the ESOS Act, and student visa (Subclass 500) conditions apply.
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This Graduate Certificate covers a broad range of topics within Information Technology, with a focus on software development. Students typically learn programming languages, software design principles, database management, and project management. The curriculum is designed to equip graduates with practical skills to develop software solutions in various industries. While the exact syllabus is set by SAE Institute, graduates of this level often pursue roles such as software developer, systems analyst, or IT project coordinator. The course is part of the broader field of 'Other Information Technology' (0299), which encompasses emerging areas not covered by specific IT disciplines. HeadStart Academy recommends verifying the full subject list directly with SAE Institute before applying.
The Graduate Certificate of Software Development has a CRICOS-registered duration of 33 weeks (~8 months). It is delivered in English, and it is a single qualification (no dual award). The course is offered on a full-time basis, typically requiring 20-25 hours of study per week. As with all CRICOS-registered courses, international students must maintain satisfactory attendance to comply with visa conditions. SAE Institute may offer flexible study modes; contact the provider for details. HeadStart Academy reminds students that the duration on the CRICOS register is the minimum required to complete the course.
Based on the CRICOS register (April 2026), the indicative tuition fee for this course is A$12,000. Non-tuition fees are listed as A$498, making the estimated total A$12,498. Please note that these fees are indicative and subject to change by the institution. Additional costs not included are Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and the visa application charge. For current fees, always confirm with SAE Institute at www.sae.edu.au. HeadStart Academy advises that cost of living varies by campus city; for example, average weekly rent in Sydney is around A$350-600, while in Adelaide it is A$300-450. Use our cost of living guides for detailed estimates.
Entry requirements for Graduate Certificate courses typically include a bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification. English language proficiency is required; most providers ask for IELTS 5.5-7.0 overall, depending on the course level. SAE Institute may accept other English tests (e.g., TOEFL, PTE) — check their website. This course does not offer foundation studies or pathway programs listed on the CRICOS register. International students must also meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement and demonstrate financial capacity. HeadStart Academy is not a migration agent; consult a MARA-registered agent for individual eligibility.
No work component is included in this course. The CRICOS register indicates no mandatory work or internship hours. However, student visa holders (Subclass 500) can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. This work right is separate from the course curriculum. Always check your visa conditions on the Department of Home Affairs website.
SAE Institute delivers the Graduate Certificate of Software Development at five Australian campuses: SAE Adelaide (Adelaide, SA), SAE Brisbane (West End, QLD), SAE Melbourne (South Melbourne, VIC), SAE Perth (Northbridge, WA), and SAE Sydney (Chippendale, NSW). Each campus is located in a major city with a large international student population and good public transport. For example, Adelaide has over 40,000 international students and affordable living costs, while Sydney and Melbourne have higher living costs but more job opportunities. All campuses are CRICOS-registered and meet ESOS requirements. HeadStart Academy's location guides can help you choose the best city for your studies.
International students enrolled in this course can apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500). Eligible students can work 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. To maintain the visa, students must meet attendance and course progress requirements. You must also maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay. The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion requires you to demonstrate that you intend to stay temporarily for study. HeadStart Academy provides a detailed visa guide at /visa/student-visa-subclass-500. Note: We are not a migration agency; consult a MARA agent or the Department of Home Affairs for personalised advice.
Follow these three steps to apply for the Graduate Certificate of Software Development at SAE Institute Pty Ltd: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy's course search to filter by course level, field, and city. Confirm that SAE Institute (CRICOS 00312F) is currently registered for this course (CRICOS 118038F). 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Visit SAE Institute's website (www.sae.edu.au) to review entry requirements, English language evidence, and application deadlines. Submit your application with required documents including academic transcripts and English test results. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): After acceptance, SAE Institute will issue a CoE. Use this to apply for your visa through ImmiAccount. Ensure you have OSHC and sufficient funds. HeadStart Academy's visa guide can assist.
Software development is a dynamic field with high demand in Australia. Before enrolling, consider the following: job market trends (Australia's tech sector grew 8% in 2025), campus location (proximity to tech hubs like Sydney's Tech Central or Melbourne's Docklands), and course content (specialisations like web development, mobile apps, or data science). The Graduate Certificate is a shorter qualification compared to a master's, ideal for career changers. Also factor in living costs: Sydney is the most expensive, while Adelaide and Perth offer more affordable options. HeadStart Academy has detailed guides for each city to help you decide.
Start your journey to studying software development in Australia — explore more courses on HeadStart Academy.
Graduate Certificate of Software Development is a CRICOS-registered programme at SAE Institute 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.