About concurrent diplomas

Learn how concurrent diplomas work and how they can improve your employability outcomes.

Key information

A concurrent diploma is a second qualification that you study alongside your undergraduate degree. It allows you to develop expertise in another discipline while completing your main course and can broaden your career opportunities.

The key information below explains how concurrent diplomas are structured and how they fit with your degree.

  • Concurrent diplomas are recognised Higher Education qualifications under the Australian Qualifications Framework
  • They must be studied at the same time as your bachelor degree
  • They typically require 100 credit points
  • They generally add up to one year of full-time study
  • Up to 50 credit points may be cross-credited between your bachelor degree and diploma, depending on course rules
  • You graduate with two qualifications, but both awards must be completed and conferred at the same time.

Eligibility and requirements

To undertake a concurrent diploma you must:

  • Remain enrolled in your main degree throughout your diploma
  • Complete the requirements of both courses before you can graduate
  • Meet any course-specific admission requirements
  • Plan your study carefully to ensure both qualifications can be completed together.

You cannot:

  • Study a concurrent diploma as a standalone qualification
  • Graduate from the diploma before your bachelor degree
  • Graduate from your bachelor degree before completing the diploma.

Planning your application

You can apply for a concurrent diploma at any time before your final semester of study.

If you're interested in a concurrent diploma, contact Stop 1 as soon as possible. Planning early helps you maximise your subject choices and improves your chances of finishing your degree and diploma at the same time.

For current application opening and closing dates, visit the Complete your application webpage.

Deferring or taking leave

You cannot:

  • Defer commencement of a concurrent diploma
  • Take leave of absence during your first semester of diploma enrolment.

If you do not commence in the semester you are offered a place, you will need to apply again.

Cross-crediting subjects

Cross-crediting allows undergraduate students to count an eligible subject towards both their bachelor degree and concurrent diploma.

You can cross-credit up to 50 credit points, reducing the total study required to complete both qualifications.

Cross-crediting guide

  • A subject can only be cross-credited if it is listed in the University Handbook as an approved subject option in both courses.

    Subjects credited from a University of Melbourne overseas study program towards your bachelor degree may also be eligible for cross-crediting towards your concurrent diploma.

  • A cross-credited subject:

    • Counts towards the requirements of both courses
    • Appears under both qualifications on your academic transcript
    • Contributes to the separate WAM for each course.

  • You can cross-credit a maximum of 50 credit points between your bachelor degree and concurrent diploma.

    A bachelor degree typically requires 300 credit points and a concurrent diploma typically requires 100 credit points. By cross-crediting the maximum 50 points, some students can complete both qualifications in 350 points rather than 400.

    Some students choose not to cross-credit subjects so they can complete the full point value of both qualifications.

    1. Complete and pass the subject
    2. Submit an Enrolment Assistance Form at the end of the study period
    3. Request cross-crediting before the census date of the following semester.

  • To be eligible for HECS exemption arrangements, cross-crediting requests should be submitted by the last date to self-enrol in the following semester.

HECS exemption

If you're enrolled in an undergraduate Commonwealth Supported Place and plan to study the Diploma in Languages or Diploma in Mathematical Sciences, you may be able to complete the final 50 points of your diploma without paying fees for those subjects.

This means no student contribution amount, whether paid up front or deferred to your HECS-HELP loan.

Key rules:

  • The HECS exemption applies to a maximum of 50 points
  • HECS exemptions can't be applied to subjects where the census date has passed.

Advanced standing

If you receive advanced standing credit during your diploma, this reduces the points you're exempt from paying HECS for.

For example, if you receive advanced standing for 12.5 points, you can only complete the final 37.5 points without incurring a HECS debt.

Advanced standing includes:

  • Credit for prior study at an external institution
  • Non-award study at the University of Melbourne, including the Community Access Program (CAP) and the University of Melbourne Extension Program (UMEP)
  • Cross-credited subjects
  • Non-partner overseas study
  • Cross-institutional studies.

Advanced standing does not include credit from an Exchange enrolment. Credit points earned through Exchange can still count towards your 50-point HECS exemption, provided those subjects were completed in the final 50 points of your diploma.

To make sure the maximum number of eligible subjects is HECS exempted, cross-credit any completed subjects via an Enrolment Assistance Form by the last date to self-enrol in the following semester.

Other important information

  • Concurrent diplomas are not available to students studying on a student visa or applying for a student visa.

  • You can undertake overseas study while enrolled in a concurrent diploma.

    Subjects completed through an approved University of Melbourne overseas study program and credited towards your bachelor degree may also be eligible to be cross-credited towards your concurrent diploma, provided they meet the relevant course requirements.

  • The same overloading requirements that apply to your bachelor degree also apply to your concurrent diploma.

    If your combined enrolment exceeds 50 credit points in a study period, you must submit an Enrolment Assistance Form to request approval to overload.

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