Graduate Diploma in Information Technology
- Commencing Terms
- Term 1, 2 & 3
- Duration
- 1.7 years FT/3 years PT
- Delivery Mode
- Face-to-face (includes blended)
- Campus
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- Codes
- Program code 5546
- CRICOS code 113778K
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Commonwealth Supported Places are available for this program2025 Indicative CSP first year fee
- $9,500*
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2025 Indicative CSP fee to complete degree
- $14,500*
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2025 Indicative first year full fee
- $58,500*
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2025 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $91,000*
Fees
Fees
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Upskill in IT
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In-demand skills
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Pathway to further study
UNSW is introducing a new academic calendar from 2028.
What does this mean for my studies? UNSW is moving to a new ‘flex-semester’ calendar.
Term 3 2025 applications are closing
Please note, international applications for Term 3 2025 for this program will close at 4pm AEST on Thursday, April 24. If students are unable to apply by this date, we encourage them to apply for Term 1, 2026.
The final offer round for the Master of Information Technology and associated programs for Term 3 2025 will be May Round 4. Current applicants should visit the 2025 International Admissions page for information on offer round dates.
- Overview
- Entry requirements
- What will I study?
- Future careers
- How to apply
- Fees & Scholarships
Overview
If you want to attain a qualification in computing but have little or no background in this area, the Graduate Diploma in Information Technology is designed for you. It also suits those with a bachelor degree in a relevant discipline who want a broader understanding of computing, or students with a bachelor degree in Computer Science or Computer Engineering who wants to specialise further.
This program provides a broad-based IT education and more specialised knowledge in up to two major areas, providing core skills to enable you to work in a range of positions in the IT industry. It’s similar in scope to the Bachelor of Science (Computer Science) undergraduate degree.
Why study at UNSW?
The School of Computer Science and Engineering is a leading provider of world class education and research; specialising in education for both undergraduate and postgraduate students. The School also continues to produce internationally acclaimed research, working closely with industry to provide innovative solutions to the sector.
The Computer Science and Engineering School is part of the Faculty of Engineering, which is ranked #1 in Australia and #25 globally for Engineering and Technology. We're also ranked #4 in Australia for Computer Science. All eight of UNSW's Engineering schools are ranked in the global top 50 with two schools ranked in the global top 10 for Engineering subjects (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2025).
UNSW is known for its graduate employability, with UNSW awarded the Most Employable students for six years in a row (Australian Financial Review (AFR) Top100 Future Leaders Awards, 2020-2025).
When you study with us you’ll benefit from:
- Studying at Australia’s top ranking Engineering faculty
- UNSW’s School of Computer Science and Engineering research is ranked #1 in Australia for Algorithms, Artificial Intelligence, Databases, Embedded & Real-Time Systems and Operating Systems by CS Rankings
- Many lecturers within the School are world-renowned researchers in their field
- Our School is rated five stars by the Australian Research Council for the research field of Information and Computing Sciences
- We leverage our strong industry ties to improve our research, teaching and students’ learning
- Our industry partners include leading companies such as Atlassian, The Commonwealth Bank, Google, Honeywell, Microsoft and WiseTech Global
Want to see more from UNSW Engineering?
Entry requirements
Admissions to the standard 1.7 year program requires the following:
- A minimum AQF Level 7 undergraduate qualification per the Australian Qualifications Framework in a cognate discipline with a minimum 65% average.
Cognate disciplines |
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Recognition of Prior Learning (Credit Transfer)
UNSW recognises that many students have professional experience or relevant previous studies. If you have worked in a relevant industry or have relevant previous study experience, you may be eligible for credit points that would enable you to complete your Master of Engineering Science in as little as one year, or another accelerated option listed below dependent on your previous study and experience.
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An AQF Level 7 undergraduate qualification from any institution in a cognate discipline.
Cognate disciplines
- Computer Science
- Information Technology
- Software Engineering
- Computer Engineering
Admission pathways
7543 Computing, 8543 Information Technology
English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.
If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
For more details, visit the English Language Requirements page.
Admissions to the standard 1.7 year program requires the following:
- A minimum AQF Level 7 undergraduate qualification per the Australian Qualifications Framework in a cognate discipline with a minimum 65% average.
Cognate disciplines |
|
|
|
Recognition of Prior Learning (Credit Transfer)
UNSW recognises that many students have professional experience or relevant previous studies. If you have worked in a relevant industry or have relevant previous study experience, you may be eligible for credit points that would enable you to complete your Master of Engineering Science in as little as one year, or another accelerated option listed below dependent on your previous study and experience.
-
An AQF Level 7 undergraduate qualification from any institution in a cognate discipline
English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
For more details, visit the English Language Requirements page.
Check the specific English language requirements for this program
What will I study?
Program structure
The Graduate Diploma of Information Technology is a 1.7-year program designed for students who want to obtain an IT qualification. The program is open to students with little to no background in computing. The aim of this program is to provide students with a broad-based IT education through a range of core courses.
Full program structure
The Graduate Diploma in Information Technology is a 1.7-year program where you’ll study a variety of core and elective units delivered in a face to face and blended mode.
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- Principles of Programming
- Database Systems
- Data Structures and Algorithms
- Computer Networks and Applications
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You can then choose electives from a range of introductory, intermediate, and advanced courses giving you a wider range of electives to pursue your interests and customise your diploma to your needs. You can choose from electives like:
- User Interface Design and Construction
- Security Engineering and Cybersecurity
- Web Front-End Programming
- Digital Forensics
- Artificial Intelligence
- Machine Learning and Data Mining
- Human Computer Interaction
You’ll also complete three advanced disciplinary knowledge courses where you’ll learn the technical knowledge and skills, while updating your knowledge in cutting-edge areas of Information Technology.
Through your selection of electives and advanced disciplinary knowledge courses you can gain specialised knowledge in up to two areas, enabling you to work in a range of positions in the Information Technology industry.
Future careers
Graduates from UNSW’s Information Technology programs are highly employable, thanks to our strong external partnerships and extensive international alumni networks. This includes valuable industry experience with small start-ups to large companies such as Accenture and the Australian Government Department of Defence.
The roles you can pursue will depend on your prior study and areas of specialisation, currently graduates of Information Technology work in the public and private sectors in a variety of roles.
Our Graduates are Employed at:
- Huawei
- Commonwealth Bank
- Macquarie Group
- Westpac
- Australian Department of Defence
- Amazon Web Services (AWS)
- Telstra
- Microsoft
- EY
- KPMG Australia
- Deloitte Australia
- PwC Australia
- Optus
Potential careers
- Computer science
- IT
- IS
- Software engineer
- Systems administration
How to apply
Applications must be submitted through our Apply Online portal. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term. Some high-demand programs and Faculties with limited places may have an earlier application deadline or commencement date. Find out more.
Ready to start your application?
For most international students, applications are submitted via our Apply Online service. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term. For more information visit our international applicant information page.
UNSW has a quota system, that ensures the faculty's enrolment is maintained at a level that maximises the quality of the teaching and learning experience at UNSW. Please be aware this is a high volume program and UNSW reserves the right to amend the application and acceptance deadline in order the keep within those limits.
Ready to start your application?
Fees & Scholarships
$9,500*
$14,500*
You may be eligible for a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) for this degree. Domestic students who receive a CSP will have a substantial proportion of their fees subsidised by the Australian government. Start your postgraduate application today with our guide on how to apply.
Commonwealth Study Assistance, such as Austudy and Youth Allowance, is available for some master’s degrees. For the most up-to-date information and list of degrees, visit UNSW Current Student Financial Support.
*The indicative Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) fees are an estimate based on the relevant student contribution band/s for a Commonwealth Supported Place undertaking a standard full-time load of 48 units of credit per year (1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load/1 EFTSL). To find out more about Commonwealth Supported Places visit Postgraduate Commonwealth Support.
Indicative fees are a guide only and have been calculated based on the typical enrolment patterns of students undertaking the degree/program. The indicative fee listed here is an estimate for tuition only and excludes non-tuition fees and charges. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year of enrolment, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (48 units of credit (UOC) per year).
You should not rely on indicative fees as fee increases are assessed when required and may exceed the indicative figures listed here. Actual fees are calculated on enrolment. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.
*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only, other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).
Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.
Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed here.
Indicative fees to complete the program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year. To find out more about other costs, visit UNSW International.
Scholarships
At UNSW, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.
Featured scholarship
The UNSW Women in Engineering Research Scholarship was established to assist women of high academic achievement with an interest in a research and/or an academic career in engineering. UNSW Engineering offers two Women in Engineering Top-up Scholarships every semester.
QS World University Rankings, 2025
AFR Top100 Future Leaders Awards, 2020-2025
#1 Australian uni attended by start-up founders
I love that everything in the world is being engineered by somebody.
