There are 486 Advanced Diploma courses offered by 239 CRICOS-registered providers across Victoria. An Advanced Diploma is an AQF Level 6 qualification that prepares you for skilled work or further study at university level. Whether you're looking to advance your career in management, engineering, IT, or creative arts, Victoria offers a diverse range of options. Melbourne, as the state capital, hosts the majority of these providers, including public institutions like Melbourne Polytechnic and RMIT, as well as many private colleges. With tuition fees ranging from A$3,500 to A$62,500 and durations from 24 weeks to over 3 years, there's a program to suit your budget and timeline. All courses listed are CRICOS-registered, ensuring they meet Australian quality standards for international students. Read on to find the right Advanced Diploma for you.
An Advanced Diploma is an AQF Level 6 qualification that sits between a Diploma (AQF Level 5) and a Bachelor degree (AQF Level 7). It typically requires a higher level of theoretical and practical knowledge than a Diploma and is designed to prepare you for skilled work, supervisory roles, or further study at university. Entry requirements often include completion of Year 12 or equivalent, plus an English language proficiency test such as IELTS. Many Advanced Diploma programs offer pathways to the second or third year of a related Bachelor degree. In Victoria, you can choose from 11 broad fields of education, including Management and Commerce, Engineering, Information Technology, and more.
Tuition fees for Advanced Diploma courses in Victoria vary widely depending on the provider and field of study. Indicative annual fees range from A$3,500 to A$62,500. Duration ranges from 24 weeks to 3 years and 1 month (approximately 160 weeks). Below is a breakdown by field of education. Note that fees are indicative only and subject to change. Non-tuition costs such as Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), accommodation, and living expenses are separate. In Melbourne, the average weekly rent for a student is around A$250–A$400, while groceries and transport add approximately A$200 per week.
Several CRICOS-registered providers stand out for their Advanced Diploma offerings. **Melbourne Polytechnic (00724G)** is a government provider with 10 courses, based in Melbourne's northern suburbs, strong in trades and business. **Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (00122A)** offers 9 courses, known for its city campus and industry connections in engineering and design. **Star Gazers Education Pty Ltd (02996A)** is a private college with 8 courses, focusing on management and IT. **Academies Australasia Polytechnic Pty Limited (02439G)** has 7 courses, with campuses in Melbourne and Sydney, specialising in business and hospitality. **Britts College Pty Ltd (04061K)** offers 6 courses, located in Melbourne's CBD, with a focus on management. Other notable providers include Nortwest Pty Ltd (03256G), ANIT Australia Pty Ltd (03553J), and Datum College Pty Ltd (03979E), each with 5 courses.
Victoria offers Advanced Diploma courses across 11 broad fields of education. **Management and Commerce** (08) is the most popular, with courses in accounting, business management, and marketing. **Engineering and Related Technologies** (03) includes civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering. **Information Technology** (02) covers networking, software development, and cybersecurity. **Creative Arts** (10) offers courses in graphic design, animation, and performing arts. **Health** (06) includes nursing, paramedical, and community services. **Architecture and Building** (04) provides pathways to construction management and design. Other fields include Agriculture, Society and Culture, Education, Mixed Field Programmes, and Food, Hospitality and Personal Services. Each field has multiple specialisations, so you can tailor your studies to your career goals.
To enrol in an Advanced Diploma in Victoria, international students typically need an IELTS score of 5.5 to 6.0 overall (with no band less than 5.0 to 5.5). Some providers may accept equivalent scores from TOEFL iBT or PTE Academic. Note that requirements vary by institution and course – always check directly with your chosen provider. If your English level is below the threshold, many providers offer English language preparatory courses (ELICOS) that can help you meet the entry standard.
International students studying an Advanced Diploma in Victoria require a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa requires you to be enrolled in a CRICOS-registered course, demonstrate genuine temporary entrant (GTE) status, and show sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and OSHC. You must also maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay. For detailed visa guidance, refer to our [Student Visa Subclass 500 page](/visa/student-visa-subclass-500). Remember, HeadStart Academy does not provide migration advice – consult a registered MARA agent or the Department of Home Affairs for personalised assistance.
Follow these three steps to start your journey:
1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers** – Use the CRICOS register to filter by course level, field, and location. HeadStart Academy's free search tool can help you find providers in Victoria offering Advanced Diplomas.
2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution** – Check entry requirements, English language scores, and application deadlines. Submit your academic transcripts, English test results, and any other documents as requested.
3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa** – Once accepted, your institution will issue a CoE. Use this to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500) through the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you have OSHC and sufficient funds.
Victoria, particularly Melbourne, is Australia's most multicultural city and a hub for international students. With over 200,000 international students from 170 countries, you'll find a vibrant community. Melbourne consistently ranks as one of the world's most liveable cities, with excellent public transport, diverse food scenes, and a strong economy. The state also offers regional areas like Geelong and Ballarat, where the cost of living is lower. Studying here gives you access to industry networks, internships, and beachside or countryside escapes on weekends. All providers are CRICOS-registered, so your studies are protected under the ESOS Act.
Ready to start your Advanced Diploma journey in Victoria? Use our free search tool to explore 486 courses from 239 CRICOS-registered providers.
Showing 80 advanced diploma courses from 26 CRICOS providers in Victoria.
Counted from the official register for VIC: 662 non-expired CRICOS courses across 295 providers.
Most common course levels
Planning baseline from the CRICOS register [CRICOS register, Apr 2026]. Confirm fees, intakes and visa settings with the provider and government sources before applying.