EIT’s History – A Timeline

In this concise journey, we will explore the history and remarkable milestones that have shaped the Engineering Institute of Technology (EIT). From the pioneering online learning platform to fully accredited qualifications, and burgeoning professional development, we will discover the transformative impact of EIT on engineering education.


EIT has always been at the forefront of engineering education. We embrace cutting-edge technologies and emerging trends, ensuring that our programs stay ahead of the curve. Through our dynamic and interactive online learning platforms, students from around the globe can access our courses, and those in Australia can study on-campus. Let us dive into the history of EIT.

1986

Boston Technology is founded by Dr. Steve Mackay – his first company – established to sell data communication and industrial automation products internationally. It continues to tick over.

1991

IDC Technologies is then registered, with the aim of providing short courses and workshops for engineers and technicians, typically lasting two to five days and delivered face-to-face.

These workshops covered a wide range of engineering disciplines; they were offered publicly in cities worldwide and on work sites for companies like NASA, Rio Tinto, Rolls Royce, and many others. IDC continues today, but in a slightly different guise.

2008

IDC Technologies becomes an Australian Registered Training Organisation (RTO).

2009

The Engineering Institute of Technology (EIT) is born, and the RTO is moved under the EIT umbrella to offer accredited vocational qualifications, including diplomas and advanced diplomas.

An innovative online learning platform is established, with a live and interactive virtual classroom, where students meet their teachers and fellow students in real-time. The learners access remote and virtual labs for their practical applications, and dedicated Learning Support Officers guide students from onboarding through to graduation.

2013

The first advanced diploma, the Advanced Diploma of Industrial Automation is accredited by Engineers Australia it gains recognition under the Dublin Accord – the required educational base for ‘Engineering Technician’. This is a key foundation for practice in each of the countries or territories covered by the Accord. In each of the countries or territories covered by the Accord.

2014

This dedication to quality engineering education is rewarded; EIT is registered as an Australian Higher Education Provider and launches its first Master’s degree, the Master of Engineering (Industrial Automation). Four Bachelor’s degrees follow and further Master of Engineering programs.

2015

Iris Invigilation, initially developed as a joint venture between EIT and Curtin University, is an innovative solution to monitor and ensure the integrity of EIT’s online exams.

2018

EIT obtains CRICOS status, allowing the institute to provide its higher education programs to international students oncampus, in Australia. In February 2018, EIT welcomes its first cohort of international students to the Perth Campus.

2019

Due to increasing demand for quality education in engineering and technology, EIT opens a second campus in Melbourne, offering postgraduate degrees in Industrial Automation, Electrical Systems, Mechanical, and Civil and Structural Engineering.

EIT takes over the development and management of IRIS Invigilation. It is commercialised and is now being used by several large academic institutions; one notable user is a mega-university, the University of South Africa (UNISA), with over
420,000 students.

2021

EIT wins the national International Education and Training Award at the 59th Australian Export Awards.

EIT wins the national International Education and Training Award at the 59th Australian Export Awards. And in the annual Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) Student Experience Survey (an Australian Government endorsed survey of current higher education students in Australia). EIT is ranked #1 for overall undergraduate student experience and #2 for overall postgraduate student experience (based on aggregated data 2020/2021).

2023

EIT has more than 1800 part-time and full-time students from over 140 countries. Students are enrolled in microcredentials for professional development and in qualifications – diplomas and degrees – all of which focus on engineering and technology.

EIT offers globally-based students a life-long learning journey. Look at our study pathways for more.

You can view our accredited qualifications here: https://www.eit.edu.au/why-eit/accreditation/

With a strong commitment to practical, industry-focused training, EIT equips students and professionals with the skills needed to succeed in the ever-evolving engineering landscape. At EIT we are very excited about the future of engineering education and training and we look forward to what comes next.

Engineering Institute of Technology