Program Overview

Overview

The Graduate Diploma in Computer Science is designed for applicants with a bachelor's degree in computer science or information technology (or a related field). This program is ideal for computing professionals looking to upgrade, update, or deepen their knowledge of rapidly evolving technologies.

Program Details

• The program code for the Graduate Diploma in Computer Science is 5520.
• The program is offered at the St Lucia campus.
• The duration of the program is 1 year full-time (or part-time equivalent).
• The start semester for the program is Semester 1 (23 Feb, 2026) or Semester 2 (27 Jul, 2026).
• The AQF level of the program is 8.

Entry Requirements

To be eligible for entry, applicants must have:

• A bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in computer science or software engineering, or
• A bachelor's degree (or equivalent) which includes all of the relevant discipline content, or
• Completed post-secondary studies and 2 years full-time equivalent relevant work experience. Applicants must have a grade point average (GPA) of 4.5 on a 7-point scale in their previous qualification.

Relevant Disciplines for Previous Qualifications

If the bachelor's degree was not awarded in computer science or software engineering, applicants must have successfully completed all of the following discipline content in their tertiary studies:

• Data structures and algorithms
• At least 2 programming courses
• Discrete mathematics or algebra
• At least 3 from the following:
  • Computer organisation or computer architecture or computer systems
  • Computer networks or communication networks
  • Operating systems
  • Databases or information systems
  • Probability and statistics

Relevant Work Experience

Relevant work experience includes professional experience in software development or engineering, cyber security analysis or architecture, data engineering or science, machine learning, computer networks, or statistical analysis that involves programming experience and work experience in at least two of the following areas:

• Computer organisation or computer architecture or computer systems
• Computer networks or communication networks
• Operating systems
• Databases or information systems
• Probability and statistics

Fees and Scholarships

• The indicative annual fee for domestic students is $9,540 (2026).
• The indicative annual fee for international students is $58,056 (2026).
• Scholarships are available for eligible students.

Program Highlights

• Complete your choice of courses that cover topics from advanced computer science, software engineering, information systems, communication systems, interaction design, research, and more.
• Undertake a research project that addresses a specific topic or problem from the broad fields of electrical, computer systems, or software engineering.
• Benefit from a program that offers a flexible study plan, allowing you to tailor your studies to suit your interests, industry, or career goals.

Career Possibilities

Postgraduate study can lead to various career paths, including:

• Business analyst
• Data scientist
• Digital analyst
• Market analyst
• Big data architect
• Data migration specialist
• Social media data strategist
• Information architect
• Cloud architect
• IT support officer

How to Apply

All international applications should be submitted to UQ. Domestic applications should also be submitted to UQ. The program code for the Graduate Diploma in Computer Science is 5520.

English Language Requirements

Applicants must meet the English language requirements, which include:

• IELTS overall 6.5; reading 6; writing 6; speaking 6; listening 6.
• TOEFL iBT (including Paper Edition) - Overall 87, listening 19, reading 19, writing 21, and speaking 19.
• PTE Academic - Overall Score of 64 and 60 in all sub-bands.
• BE - A minimum overall grade of 4 plus a minimum grade of C in all macro skills.
• CES - Overall 176 and 169 in all sub-bands.

Inherent Requirements

To complete this degree, applicants must meet the inherent requirements by demonstrating essential skills and attributes. The inherent requirements for this program include:

• Audiology
• Computing and information technology
• Counselling
• Dentistry
• Dietetics
• Education
• Engineering
• Exercise physiology and exercise science
• Human movement and nutrition sciences
• Nursing and midwifery
• Occupational therapy
• Pharmaceutical industry practice
• Professional pharmacy
• Physiotherapy
• Psychology (undergraduate)
• Psychology (postgraduate)
• Social work
• Speech pathology
• Sports coaching
• Sustainable energy
• Veterinary science

Student Visas

International students who are accepted into full-time study in the Graduate Diploma in Computer Science are eligible to apply for an Australian student visa (subclass 500). There are several requirements that must be satisfied before a visa is granted, including the Genuine Student (GS) requirement.