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IT & Cyber Security Courses in Australia
Reviewed by Mohammad Saghir Khan, Registered Migration Agent (MARN 1170510)Last reviewed:
International students usually study IT through a 3-year Bachelor of Information Technology or Computer Science, or a Master of IT or Cyber Security, which most providers run over 1 to 2 years. IT occupations such as Software Engineer, Developer Programmer, ICT Business Analyst and ICT Security Specialist are on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List, and the Australian Computer Society (ACS) is the skills assessing authority. ACS does not require an English test, and the ACS Professional Year in ICT can add 5 points to a skilled visa score.
IT & Cyber Security Courses at a Glance
| Common qualifications | Bachelor of Information Technology or Computer Science; Master of Information Technology; Master of Cyber Security; Diploma of Information Technology |
|---|---|
| Typical length | Bachelor 3 years; master 1 to 2 years, depending on the provider and your previous study |
| Skills assessment | Australian Computer Society (ACS). No English test is required for the ACS assessment |
| Professional Year | ACS Professional Year in ICT: 32 weeks of classes plus a 12-week internship, worth 5 points |
| Example occupations | Software Engineer 261313, Developer Programmer 261312, ICT Business Analyst 261111, ICT Security Specialist 262112, Cyber Security Analyst 262116 |
| After you graduate | Temporary Graduate visa (485), Post-Higher Education Work stream, if you meet the 2-year Australian study requirement |
Course Options by Study Level
| Qualification | Level | Typical length | What it leads to |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diploma of Information Technology | AQF 5 (VET) | 1 to 2 years | Entry-level IT support roles, or credit towards a bachelor degree |
| Bachelor of IT or Computer Science | AQF 7 | 3 years | Software, network, data and security roles; ACS assessment as a graduate |
| Master of Information Technology | AQF 9 | 1 to 2 years | A career change into IT for graduates of other fields, or specialisation |
| Master of Cyber Security | AQF 9 | 1 to 2 years | Cyber security analyst, engineer and governance roles |
How the ACS Skills Assessment Works
For a skilled visa, ACS checks whether your qualification is closely related to your nominated occupation and how much skilled work you have. A qualification counts as an ICT major when IT units make up at least a third of a bachelor degree, or at least half of a 2-year postgraduate degree. ACS then sets a Skill Level Requirement Met Date: only work after that date counts as skilled employment for points.
- Bachelor with a closely related ICT major: 2 years of relevant work in the last 10 years, or 4 years at any time.
- Bachelor with an ICT major that is not closely related: 4 years.
- Post Australian Study pathway: for graduates of Australian ICT qualifications. Completing the ACS Professional Year counts as 1 year of work experience for this pathway.
Cyber Security and Data Occupations
ACS now assesses seven cyber security occupations and the Data Analyst (224114) and Data Scientist (224115) occupations. Most of these new codes are on the Core Skills Occupation List, which suits the employer-sponsored Skills in Demand (482) visa. For points-tested visas, check the occupation you plan to nominate before you choose your course.
Choosing an IT Course
- Check the course is registered on CRICOS and that the units match the job you want.
- A master's degree for graduates of other fields is a common route into IT, but check the IT content is high enough for an ACS major.
- Internships and industry projects matter: employers and ACS look for real experience.
Careers and Skilled Occupation Lists
These IT occupations are commonly linked to IT and cyber security degrees. List status is from our Occupation Finder data, checked 15 October 2026.
| Occupation | ANZSCO | Skilled lists (15 Oct 2026) | Skills assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software Engineer | 261313 | MLTSSL, CSOL | ACS |
| Developer Programmer | 261312 | MLTSSL, CSOL | ACS |
| ICT Business Analyst | 261111 | MLTSSL, CSOL | ACS |
| ICT Security Specialist | 262112 | MLTSSL | ACS |
| Cyber Security Analyst | 262116 | CSOL | ACS |
| Data Scientist | 224115 | CSOL | ACS |
Lists: MLTSSL (Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List), STSOL (Short-term Skilled Occupation List), ROL (Regional Occupation List), CSOL (Core Skills Occupation List for the 482 and 186 visas). Check any occupation in our Occupation Finder.
How to Start
- Choose your course and levelTell us your previous study, English results, budget and career goal. We shortlist courses and providers that fit.
- Match the course to an occupationCompare the units with the ACS major requirements for the occupation you might nominate, such as Software Engineer or ICT Security Specialist.
- Check the provider on CRICOSInternational students must study a course registered on CRICOS. The CRICOS duration also matters for the 485 visa, which needs at least 2 academic years (92 weeks) of study in Australia over at least 16 months.
- Apply and accept your offerApply with your documents, accept the offer, pay the deposit and arrange Overseas Student Health Cover. The provider then issues your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
- Apply for your Student visaLodge your Student visa (subclass 500) with evidence of funds, English and the Genuine Student requirement. Since 2 October 2026 most applicants must apply from outside Australia. See our Student visa guide.
How Aussie ASEAN Can Help
We compare IT and cyber security courses at universities and colleges across Australia, check that the course content suits the occupation you are aiming for, and help with your offer, Confirmation of Enrolment and Student visa. When you graduate, our Registered Migration Agent can advise on the 485 visa, the ACS assessment and your points.
Free tools for students
Related courses and visas
Not sure which it and cyber security course or provider suits your goals? Get free course advice, plus Student visa help from a Registered Migration Agent.
Get course adviceSources: ACS skills assessment · ACS Post Australian Study pathway · ACS Professional Year · Home Affairs points table · Study Australia: postgraduate study
Frequently Asked Questions
Plain-English answers to the questions we are asked most often.
Is IT a good course for PR in Australia?
Several IT occupations, including Software Engineer, Developer Programmer, ICT Business Analyst and ICT Security Specialist, are on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List used for the 189, 190 and 491 visas. IT is competitive, though, and invitation scores are often well above the pass mark of 65, so experience, English and a Professional Year all matter.
Who assesses IT occupations for migration?
The Australian Computer Society (ACS) assesses most IT occupations, including the newer cyber security and data occupations. ACS checks how closely your qualification relates to your occupation and when you met the skill level.
Do I need IELTS for the ACS skills assessment?
No. ACS does not require an English test for the skills assessment. You still need English test results for your course, your Student visa and any skilled visa.
What is the ICT Professional Year?
It is a structured program run by ACS: 32 weeks of classes and a 12-week internship. Finishing an approved Professional Year in Australia gives 5 points on the skilled visa points test, if it is in your nominated occupation or a closely related one.
How long is a Master of IT in Australia?
Most providers run it over 1 to 2 years. Graduates of a related bachelor degree can sometimes get credit and finish sooner. The course length on CRICOS also affects whether you meet the 2-year study requirement for the 485 visa.
Can I study cyber security as an international student?
Yes. Many universities offer a Bachelor or Master of Cyber Security. Cyber security occupations such as Cyber Security Analyst are on the Core Skills Occupation List, and ICT Security Specialist is on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List.
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