If you have recently completed an IT degree in Australia, you may be looking at the Professional Year as your next step.
But before you enrol, you probably want to know one thing:
How much does Professional Year cost in Sydney?
In 2026, the cost depends on your provider, payment option and location.
For students considering the IT Professional Year in Sydney, QIBA currently charges $8,000 for upfront payment or $8,650 through its fee-free instalment plan.
But the course fee is only one part of your total budget.
You also need to consider living costs, transport, food, accommodation and other expenses while you complete the program.
This guide explains the Professional Year Sydney fees you should expect in 2026 and what you get for your investment.
How much does Professional Year cost in Sydney in 2026?
QIBA currently lists the following fees for its IT Professional Year in Sydney:
| Payment option | Cost |
| Upfront payment | $8,000 |
| Instalment plan | $8,650 |
| Difference | $650 |
All fees are in Australian dollars. QIBA’s current instalment plan starts with a $1,650 payment and then $1,400 payments at weeks 4, 8, 12, 16 and 20, bringing the total to $8,650.
If you have the funds available, the upfront option costs less.
If you prefer to spread your payments across the program, the instalment option gives you a way to manage the course cost over time.
Check the current QIBA course page before enrolling because fees and payment arrangements can change.
Why do Professional Year fees vary between providers?
You may see different Professional Year prices when you compare providers.
That is normal.
ACS states that accredited providers set their own Professional Year fees. ACS recommends contacting providers in your area and comparing their fee structures, start dates, internship arrangements and other program details before you enrol.
Do not compare providers based only on the cheapest advertised price.
Look at the complete program.
You should compare:
- Course fees
- Payment options
- Internship arrangements
- Internship support
- Campus location
- Class schedules
- Career support
- Networking opportunities
- Provider experience
- Host company network
A lower course fee does not automatically give you better value.
What does your Professional Year fee cover?
Your Professional Year is more than classroom study.
The ACS Professional Year in IT includes work-readiness training, professional development, mentoring and a minimum 12-week local IT internship.
At QIBA, the IT Professional Year includes a 44-week program with a minimum 220-hour internship in an Australian workplace. QIBA states that the internship generally runs for three days per week over at least 12 weeks.
Your program helps you develop skills such as:
- Australian workplace communication
- Teamwork
- Professional behaviour
- Resume preparation
- Interview skills
- Networking
- Workplace confidence
- Practical IT experience
You are paying for a structured program that connects professional training with workplace experience.
What is included in the QIBA IT Professional Year?
QIBA’s current IT Professional Year includes:
- Professional workplace training
- A minimum 220-hour Australian IT internship
- ACS online Professional Environments course
- Professional development
- Career preparation
- Networking opportunities
- Access to a network of internship host companies
- Study options across multiple Australian locations
QIBA delivers the IT Professional Year with ACS and currently offers the program in Sydney, Brisbane, Canberra and Hobart.
Is the internship included in the Professional Year fee?
Yes.
The internship forms part of the Professional Year program.
QIBA requires IT candidates to complete a minimum 220 placement hours in an Australian workplace. The placement generally runs for at least 12 weeks over three days per week.
QIBA works with approved Professional Year host employers across different professional companies and organisations. Its current host employer network supports the internship component of the program.
This matters because Australian workplace experience is one of the main reasons IT graduates choose Professional Year.
You can use your internship experience when applying for future IT jobs.
QIBA Professional Year Sydney: What are you paying for?
When you compare the $8,000 upfront fee with other education options, remember what the program provides.
You are not simply paying for another academic qualification.
You are completing a professional program designed to help you move from university into the Australian workplace.
The program includes professional training and an Australian IT internship.
You also get opportunities to develop your professional network.
For an international IT graduate who has a degree but limited Australian workplace experience, this combination can provide useful career preparation.
QIBA’s 40+ years of experience
Your choice of provider matters.
QIBA has been operating in Australian education since 1986, giving it more than 40 years of experience.
That history matters when you are choosing a provider for a program that plays an important role in your transition from university to professional work.
QIBA has also supported more than 30,000 graduates across its education programs.
You are joining an established education community rather than starting from scratch.
A large network of Professional Year host companies
The internship is one of the most important parts of your Professional Year.
QIBA has developed a network of approved host companies and organisations for its Professional Year internship program.
This gives eligible students access to opportunities to gain practical experience in Australian workplaces.
Your placement depends on your skills, background, availability and the available opportunities.
The goal is to help you put your knowledge into practice and understand how Australian workplaces operate.
Networking opportunities beyond the classroom
Your IT career is not only about technical skills.
You also need professional connections.
During your Professional Year, you meet other IT graduates, trainers, industry professionals and workplace supervisors.
ACS also highlights networking and mentoring as key parts of its Professional Year program. Students can build connections through their internship, trainers, mentors and fellow participants.
QIBA’s established education network and host company connections give you additional opportunities to meet people and understand the Australian IT industry.
Can Professional Year help with skilled migration?
This is another reason many international IT graduates consider the Professional Year.
Under the current migration regulations, an eligible Australian professional year in the nominated skilled occupation or a closely related skilled occupation can provide five points under the points test, subject to the relevant requirements.
ACS also states that graduates of the ACS Professional Year in IT may be able to claim five points toward skilled migration under an eligible IT skilled occupation.
However, Professional Year does not guarantee permanent residency.
It does not guarantee an invitation for a skilled visa either.
Your migration options depend on your individual circumstances and the requirements that apply when you apply.
Upfront payment vs instalments
Which payment option should you choose?
Upfront payment
QIBA currently charges $8,000 for upfront payment.
This option saves $650 compared with the instalment plan.
It makes sense if you have enough funds available and want to pay the course fee at the start.
Instalment payment
QIBA’s current instalment option costs $8,650.
You pay $1,650 upfront and then $1,400 at weeks 4, 8, 12, 16 and 20.
This option spreads your course payments across the program.
The instalment plan costs more overall, but it gives you more flexibility with your cash flow.
Is QIBA Professional Year in Sydney worth the cost?
The answer depends on what you want from the program.
Professional Year can make sense if you:
- Recently completed an Australian IT degree
- Need Australian workplace experience
- Want to complete an IT internship
- Want to improve your professional communication
- Want to develop your resume
- Want to build an Australian professional network
- Want to explore skilled migration options
- Meet the Professional Year eligibility requirements
QIBA adds several factors that students should consider when comparing providers.
You get a provider with more than 40 years of education experience, more than 30,000 graduates, a broad host company network and multiple Professional Year locations across Australia.
Who can apply for QIBA’s IT Professional Year in Sydney?
QIBA currently accepts eligible international ICT graduates who meet its entry requirements.
You generally need:
- An eligible ICT-related bachelor’s or master’s degree from an Australian institution
- At least two years of full-time study in Australia
- A valid subclass 485 visa or eligible Bridging Visa
- English language evidence meeting the required standard
- The required identity and academic documents
- Successful completion of the pre-enrolment interview
QIBA’s current eligibility requirements are listed on its IT Professional Year course page.
ACS also requires applicants to hold a valid visa with full work and study rights, have completed an IT-related Australian degree, meet the Australian Study Requirement and demonstrate Competent English.
Check your eligibility before paying any course fees.
When should you apply?
Do not wait until your visa is close to expiry.
QIBA states that applications must be submitted no later than three working days before the intake start date.
You should start earlier.
This gives you time to:
- Check your eligibility
- Prepare your documents
- Complete your English requirements
- Attend the pre-enrolment interview
- Choose an intake
- Plan your finances
- Arrange your work and study schedule
What should you compare before choosing a Professional Year provider?
ACS recommends that students compare accredited providers before enrolling.
Look at these factors:
- Total course fee
Check the upfront price and instalment price.
- Internship
Ask how the provider handles internship placements.
- Host company network
A broad network gives you more opportunities to find a suitable placement.
- Location
Choose a campus that works with your career and personal plans.
- Class schedule
Check whether weekday or weekend classes fit your work commitments.
- Professional development
Look at the workplace and career skills included in the program.
- Provider experience
Consider how long the provider has operated and its experience with international graduates.
- Networking
Look at the opportunities you have to meet professionals, mentors and other graduates.
Professional Year Sydney fees: QIBA at a glance
| Feature | QIBA Sydney IT Professional Year |
| Upfront fee | $8,000 |
| Instalment fee | $8,650 |
| Internship | Minimum 220 hours |
| Typical internship period | Minimum 12 weeks |
| Provider experience | 40+ years |
| Graduates | 30,000+ |
| Host company network | Broad network of approved host employers |
| ACS | Delivered with ACS |
| Program location | Sydney |
| Other QIBA PY locations | Brisbane, Canberra and Hobart |
Current fees and program details are subject to change. Check the QIBA course page before you enrol.
