A Bachelor of IT in Australia was on my shortlist before I eventually chose a different path for my Master’s. I spent weeks researching entry requirements, comparing fees across universities, and trying to figure out whether the job market would actually absorb another international graduate. The information online was either outdated, overly optimistic, or clearly written by someone trying to sell me a course.
Three years later, I’ve watched dozens of IT students go through the system. Some landed graduate roles at big tech companies. Others struggled for months before finding anything. The difference wasn’t always the university they attended or even their grades. It came down to choices they made during their degree that nobody warned them about.
So here’s everything I know about studying a Bachelor of IT in Australia as an international student, including the stuff education agents won’t tell you.
Entry Requirements for Bachelor of IT in Australia
Let’s start with what you actually need to get in. Requirements vary between universities, but most follow a similar pattern.
Academic Requirements
Most Australian universities require the equivalent of Year 12 completion with decent grades. For international students, this means your home country’s secondary school qualification needs to meet their standards. Each uni has conversion tables for different countries, so check their specific requirements.
Generally, you’re looking at:
- Group of Eight universities (Melbourne, Sydney, UNSW, etc.): Higher entry scores, typically equivalent to ATAR 80-90+
- Other established universities (UTS, QUT, RMIT, etc.): Mid-range scores, roughly ATAR 65-80
- Regional and newer universities: More flexible entry, sometimes ATAR 60 or equivalent
Some universities also want to see maths or science subjects in your transcript. Not all of them require this, but if your maths background is weak, it might limit your options or make first-year subjects harder than they need to be.
English Requirements
This is non-negotiable. Every university requires proof of English proficiency, usually through IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE.
Typical requirements for IT degrees:
| Test | Minimum Score |
| IELTS Academic | 6.0-6.5 overall (no band below 5.5-6.0) |
| TOEFL iBT | 70-90 depending on university |
| PTE Academic | 50-58 overall |
Higher-ranked universities tend to ask for higher scores. Some also have minimum requirements for individual sections, not just the overall score. I’ve seen students get caught out because their overall IELTS was fine but one band was too low.
⚠️ Heads up: If your English score is slightly below the requirement, many universities offer pathway programs or packaged English courses. These add time and cost, but they’re an option if you’re close but not quite there.
Alternative Pathways
If your grades aren’t strong enough for direct entry, you’ve got options. Diploma programs at university-affiliated colleges can lead into second year of a bachelor degree. Foundation programs work similarly for students who need more preparation.
I’ve compared the trade-offs in my guide on bachelor vs diploma pathways. The short version: pathways take longer but can work well if direct entry isn’t realistic.
Fees for Bachelor of IT Degrees in Australia
This is where it gets painful. International student fees for IT degrees are not cheap, and they vary significantly between universities.
Fee Ranges by University Type
Here’s what you’re realistically looking at for 2026:
| University Type | Annual Fees (AUD) | 3-Year Total |
| Group of Eight (Go8) | $42,000 – $52,000 | $126,000 – $156,000 |
| Other metro universities | $32,000 – $42,000 | $96,000 – $126,000 |
| Regional universities | $25,000 – $32,000 | $75,000 – $96,000 |
These are tuition fees only. You still need to budget for living expenses, health insurance (OSHC), textbooks, a decent laptop, and all the random costs that add up throughout the year.
Specific University Examples
To give you concrete numbers, here are some actual 2025/2026 fees I pulled from university websites:
- University of Melbourne: Around $49,000/year for their computing degrees
- UNSW Sydney: Approximately $48,000/year for Computer Science
- University of Technology Sydney: Around $42,000/year for IT
- RMIT University: Approximately $38,000/year for IT
- Deakin University: Around $35,000/year for IT
- Charles Sturt University: Approximately $28,000/year for IT
These numbers change yearly, so always check the official university fee calculator before making decisions. But the pattern is clear: prestige costs money.
Is a Cheaper University Worth It?
Honestly? For IT specifically, I think yes. More than most fields, IT hiring focuses on what you can actually do rather than where you studied. A portfolio of projects, GitHub contributions, and internship experience matters more than having a sandstone university on your resume.
I’ve seen graduates from regional universities land better jobs than Go8 graduates because they had stronger practical skills. The degree gets you in the door, but everything after that depends on you.
If budget is tight, check out my guide on cheapest bachelor degrees in Australia by state. Regional options can save you $50,000+ over three years.
What You’ll Actually Study
IT degrees in Australia typically cover a mix of programming, systems, databases, and elective specialisations. The first year is usually foundational stuff that everyone takes, with more flexibility in years two and three.
Common Core Subjects
Most programs include:
- Programming fundamentals: Usually Python or Java to start, sometimes both
- Database systems: SQL, data modelling, database design
- Networking: How the internet actually works, network security basics
- Systems analysis: Understanding business requirements, project planning
- Web development: Front-end, back-end, or full-stack depending on the program
Popular Specialisations
By second or third year, you’ll typically choose a major or specialisation. The ones I see most often:
Software Development: The classic path. Lots of coding, software engineering principles, app development. Strong job market if you’re actually good at it.
Cybersecurity: Growing demand, decent salaries, but requires genuine interest in security concepts. Not just “I want a secure job” motivation.
Data Science / Analytics: Hot field right now, but increasingly competitive. Requires comfort with statistics and maths, not just programming.
Cloud Computing: AWS, Azure, Google Cloud. Practical skills that employers want, but the certifications often matter as much as the degree content.
Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning: Exciting but often requires postgraduate study to do seriously. Undergraduate AI subjects give you foundations, not expertise.
Choose based on genuine interest, not just what seems trendy. I’ve met too many students who picked data science because it sounded good, then struggled because they actually hated statistics.
The IT Job Market in Australia: What’s Real
Let me be straight with you. The IT job market in Australia is decent but not the gold rush some people make it out to be. The pandemic-era hiring frenzy has calmed down significantly.
Graduate Employment Reality
IT graduates generally find work faster than average, but “finding work” and “finding good work” are different things. Many graduates start in help desk roles, junior support positions, or contract work before moving into proper development or analyst roles.
Realistic timeline based on what I’ve observed:
- Strong graduates (good grades, projects, internship): Often have offers before graduation or within 1-3 months
- Average graduates (okay grades, some projects, no internship): 3-6 months of serious job hunting
- Unprepared graduates (just the degree, nothing else): Can take 6-12 months, sometimes longer
The students who struggle most are the ones who treated the degree as a passive experience. They attended classes, passed exams, and assumed the degree would do the heavy lifting. It doesn’t work that way anymore.
Starting Salaries
Graduate IT salaries in Australia typically range from $60,000 to $80,000, depending on the role, location, and company. Here’s a rough breakdown:
| Role Type | Starting Salary Range |
| Help Desk / IT Support | $55,000 – $65,000 |
| Junior Developer | $65,000 – $80,000 |
| Graduate Program (Big 4, Banks) | $70,000 – $85,000 |
| Junior Data Analyst | $60,000 – $75,000 |
| Cybersecurity Entry Level | $65,000 – $80,000 |
Sydney and Melbourne generally pay more than other cities, but living costs eat into that difference. A $70,000 salary in Adelaide goes further than $80,000 in Sydney.
What Employers Actually Look For
I’ve talked to recruiters and hiring managers through networking events and informational interviews. Here’s what they consistently mention:
Must-haves:
- Actual coding ability (sounds obvious, but many graduates can’t code independently)
- Communication skills (can you explain technical concepts clearly?)
- Problem-solving approach (how do you tackle something you haven’t seen before?)
Strong differentiators:
- Personal projects on GitHub
- Internship or work experience
- Relevant certifications (AWS, Azure, etc.)
- Contributions to open source
Nice to have but not essential:
- Prestigious university
- Perfect grades
- Multiple programming languages
The pattern is clear: demonstrated ability beats credentials. I’ve written more about this in my guide on what IT recruiters actually look for in Australia.
How to Actually Get Hired After Graduation
This is where I see students make the biggest mistakes. They focus entirely on coursework and assume the job will sort itself out. It won’t.
Start Building Your Portfolio Early
From first year, start working on personal projects. They don’t need to be revolutionary. A simple web app, a data visualisation project, a small automation tool. Something that shows you can apply what you’re learning.
By graduation, you want a GitHub profile with several completed projects and evidence that you actually code outside of assignments. Hiring managers check these things.
Get Experience Before You Graduate
Internships are the single biggest predictor of graduate employment in IT. Full stop. Students with internship experience find jobs faster and start at higher salaries.
Options include:
- Summer internships: The traditional path, competitive but valuable
- Part-time work in your field: Even 10 hours a week at a small company counts
- University IT departments: Your own uni probably has IT roles for students
- Freelance projects: Build real things for real clients, even if the pay is modest
I’ve covered strategies for this in my guide on building local experience without a full-time job. Start thinking about this in first year, not third year.
Network While You Study
Join clubs and societies related to tech. Attend meetups (Melbourne and Sydney have heaps). Connect with people on LinkedIn. Most jobs aren’t advertised publicly, and knowing someone on the inside makes a massive difference.
This feels awkward at first. I get it. But every student I’ve seen land a good graduate role had some form of connection that helped, whether it was a referral, a tip about an opening, or just advice on how to apply.
For more on landing that first professional role, check out my guide on getting your first IT job in Australia as an international student.
Comparing Universities for IT Degrees
Choosing between universities isn’t just about rankings. Here are factors that actually matter for IT specifically.
Industry Connections
Some universities have stronger relationships with tech companies, leading to more internship opportunities and graduate recruitment. UTS, RMIT, and QUT are known for industry partnerships. Monash and UNSW have good corporate connections. Research which companies recruit from each university.
Practical vs Theoretical Focus
Some programs lean heavily academic (more theory, research preparation). Others focus on practical skills (more project work, industry tools). Neither is wrong, but know what you’re signing up for. If you want to work in industry immediately, a practical program probably serves you better.
Location Matters
Being in Melbourne or Sydney gives you access to more tech companies, meetups, and internship opportunities. But you’ll pay significantly more for rent and living costs. Regional universities cost less but have fewer local opportunities, meaning you might need to relocate for internships or jobs anyway.
I’ve covered university selection in more detail in my guide on how to choose the right Australian university.
Living Costs While Studying IT
Tuition is only part of the equation. You need to budget for actual life.
Rough monthly costs for a student in Melbourne (my city, so I know it best):
- Rent (share house): $800 – $1,200/month
- Groceries: $250 – $400/month
- Transport: $100 – $150/month (with concession where available)
- Utilities and internet: $80 – $150/month (your share)
- Phone: $30 – $50/month
- OSHC: ~$50/month (annual payment divided)
- Random expenses: $200 – $300/month
Total: roughly $1,500 – $2,300/month depending on your lifestyle and location.
For a detailed breakdown, read my guide on cost of living in Melbourne for international students. Sydney is similar or slightly more expensive. Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth are generally cheaper.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Bachelor of IT worth it in Australia for international students?
It can be, but it depends on what you do with it. The degree alone isn’t enough anymore. Students who build projects, gain experience, and network during their studies generally do well. Students who just complete coursework and expect jobs to appear often struggle. The investment is significant, so go in with realistic expectations and a plan.
What’s the difference between IT and Computer Science degrees?
Computer Science tends to be more theoretical, covering algorithms, computational theory, and mathematical foundations. IT degrees are usually more applied, focusing on systems, networks, and practical business technology. For most industry jobs, either works fine. Computer Science might be better if you’re interested in research or highly technical roles.
Can I work while studying an IT degree in Australia?
Yes, your student visa allows 48 hours of work per fortnight during semester and unlimited hours during breaks. Many IT students work part-time, though demanding subjects can make this tricky. I’d recommend keeping work to 15-20 hours per week during semester if possible. More on this in my guide on balancing study and work hours in Australia.
How long does it take to find a job after graduating with an IT degree?
Varies hugely. Students with internship experience and strong portfolios often have offers within weeks of graduation. Those without practical experience might take 3-6 months or longer. The median is probably around 2-4 months for students who are actively job hunting and have reasonable skills.
Do I need to know programming before starting an IT degree?
No, most programs assume no prior knowledge and start from basics. But having some familiarity with coding logic definitely helps. If you’re starting from zero, consider doing some free online courses (Codecademy, freeCodeCamp) before semester begins. It’ll make first year less overwhelming.
Are online IT degrees respected by employers?
Increasingly yes, especially since COVID normalised online learning. But fully online degrees can make networking and internships harder. Many employers still value the connections and experiences that come with on-campus study. If you go online, you’ll need to work harder to build your network independently.
Final Thoughts
A Bachelor of IT in Australia can be a solid investment if you approach it strategically. The degree opens doors, but what you do during those three years matters just as much as the qualification itself. Build projects, gain experience, make connections, and don’t treat coursework as the only thing that matters.
The job market is competitive but not impossible. International students land good IT roles every year. The ones who succeed are usually the ones who started preparing for employment from day one, not the ones who waited until final year to think about it.
If you’re still comparing options, check out my overview of best bachelor degrees in Australia for international students or my guide on scholarships for IT and engineering students. And if you’re worried about affording it all, read up on financial requirements for student visas to make sure you’ve got a realistic budget.
A Bachelor of IT in Australia isn’t a guaranteed path to success. But for students willing to put in the work beyond just passing exams, it’s a genuine opportunity to build skills that employers actually want.