Australia is considered one of the top destinations for international students to pursue diploma courses due to its high-quality education system and strong job prospects. According to a recent report by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, individuals with a non-school qualification, such as a diploma or certificate, are more likely to be employed (79%) compared to those without a higher education beyond school.
If you are looking for the top diploma courses in Australia that lead to in-demand jobs and provide a pathway to permanent residency, this guide has you covered.
Why Study Diploma Courses in Australia?
- Australia is currently facing skill shortages in various industries, as per the Australian government. Many of these can be addressed by pursuing targeted diploma courses like nursing. For international students, these skill shortages present an opportunity to complete diploma courses in high-demand fields and secure a job quickly.
- Diploma courses in Australia are career-focused courses. They emphasize on practical training, ensuring students acquire job-ready skills.
- Completion of diploma courses in Australia may lead to a post-study work visa, but only if the occupation associated with the diploma is listed on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). Unlike Australia, countries like the US and the UK generally do not offer post-study work visas for diploma holders, as their work visas are typically given to bachelor’s or higher degree holders.
Get a complete guide to Study in Australia after 12th.
Top Diploma Courses in Australia for Easy PR
Below is a list of top diploma courses in Australia for international students, aligned with in-demand jobs. Remember, all these courses are related to the occupations listed on the MLTSSL list, thereby making international students eligible for the post-study work visa and a pathway to permanent residency.
Diploma in Software Engineering
Software engineers are in high demand because of the growing tech boom in Australia. According to a report, Australia is facing a shortage of skilled software engineers or developers. It is estimated that Australia needs 156,000 developers by 2025 to keep pace with the rapid transformation of the business landscape. A diploma in software engineering can be a stepping stone to fill these jobs.
| Course Duration | 1 year or more |
| College | The University of New South Wales (Diploma in Engineering in Software Engineering) Macquarie University (Diploma of Software Engineering) |
| Fees | AUD 36,000 – AUD 46,080 |
| Job Outcome and Salary | Software Engineer: Average Salary AUD 110,000 to AUD 125,000 per year |
| Intakes | January, Feb, May, and August |
Diploma in Nursing
Nurses are in high demand because Australia is facing a significant shortage of nurses, with projections indicating a shortage of up to 100,000 nurses by 2025, as per Health Workforce Australia. Among these, Registered Nurses are in the highest demand. A diploma in nursing, combined with a bachelor of nursing, is one of the best options to become a Registered Nurse in Australia.
| Course Duration | 18 months |
| College | University of Wollongong Australia |
| Fees | AUD 34,992 |
| Job Outcome and Salary | Registered Nurse: Average Salary AUD 85,000 to AUD 90,000 per year |
| Intakes | Feb and July |
Diploma in Electrical Engineering
Electrical Engineering Technicians are in high demand in Australia, as they are listed on the Skills Priority List by the Australian government due to a severe shortage of skilled workers. A diploma in electrical engineering with relevant internship experience can lead to electrical engineering technician jobs.
| Course Duration | 1 to 2 years |
| College | The University of New South Wales (Diploma in Engineering with Electrical Engineering as elective) RMIT University (Advanced Diploma of Engineering Technology – Electrical) |
| Fees | AUD 43,500 – AUD 46,080 |
| Job Outcome and Salary | Electrical Engineering Technician: Average Salary AUD 80,000 to AUD 180,000 per year |
| Intakes | January, Feb, May, July, and August |
Diploma in Hospitality Management
According to a recent report from Jobs and Skills Australia, there is a significant demand for Chefs in Australia due to the growth of the hospitality sector (one of the fastest-growing sectors in Australia) and the expansion of food delivery services. A diploma in hospitality management, combined with cookery certification, can lead to jobs as chefs in restaurants, hotels, and resorts.
| Course Duration | 1 – 2 years |
| College | TAFE Queensland (Diploma of Hospitality Management) William Angliss Institute Australia (Diploma of Hospitality Management Packaged with Certificate 4 in Kitchen Management and Certificate 3 in Commercial Cookery) |
| Fees | AUD 20,600 – AUD 40,450 |
| Job Outcome and Salary | Chef: Average Salary AUD 50,000 to AUD 110,000 per year |
| Intakes | Jan, Feb, April, July, and September |
Diploma of Building and Construction and Certificate 3 in Carpentry (Dual Qualification)
According to a recent report by Australia’s Housing Industry Association, carpentry is one of the fields facing the most acute shortage of skilled tradespeople. This shortage is due to several factors, including a boom in the construction sector and a lack of skilled workforce, and fewer younger people entering this trade. A diploma in building and construction with a carpentry certificate can help international students fill these job roles.
| Course Duration | 107 weeks |
| College | Builders Academy Australia (Diploma of Building and Construction and Certificate 3 in Carpentry) |
| Fees | AUD 30,500 |
| Job Outcome and Salary | Carpenter: Average Salary AUD 40,000 per year |
| Intakes | December |
Diploma of Engineering- Advanced Trade (Diesel/Mechanical Fitting)
Australia is experiencing a significant shortage of skilled tradespeople, especially fitters. As a result, the Australian government has included the fitter job role on the skill shortage list, highlighting it as an in-demand occupation. International students who complete a diploma in Engineering – Advanced Trade (Diesel/Mechanical Fitting) may qualify for job roles in this field, helping to address skill shortages.
| Course Duration | 18 months |
| College | ASG Vocational Education and Training Provider Australia |
| Fees | AUD 22,000 |
| Job Outcome and Salary | Mechanical Fitter: Around AUD 75,000 per year |
| Intakes | April |
Diploma of Telecommunications Engineering
Telecommunication technologist job roles, which fall under the ICT (Information and Communication Technology) sector, are in shortage nationwide due to the rapid expansion of telecommunication infrastructure in Australia and a lack of skilled professionals in this field. A diploma in telecommunications engineering equips students with the necessary skills and qualifications that will help them secure telecommunication technologist jobs.
| Course Duration | 52 weeks |
| College | Abbey College Australia (Diploma of Telecommunications Engineering) |
| Fees | AUD 7,000 |
| Job Outcome and Salary | Telecommunication Technologist: Around AUD 78,000 per year |
| Intakes | The typical intakes include January, April, July, and October |
Eligibility Criteria
Below are the requirements for pursuing a diploma in Australia:
- Successful completion of high school (Australian equivalent of high school) with a minimum of 50% or higher grades. That said, check each course for specific requirements.
- Must meet English language requirements such as IELTS or TOEFL.
- You should be of a minimum age of 18 years.
- You must apply for a student visa.
Also read: Can I Study in Australia without IELTS?
Documents Required for Admission Process
- High school transcripts and certificates
- English language proficiency documents
- Passport and identity documents
- Statement of Purpose
- Letters of Recommendation
- Proof of financial capacity
- Confirmation of enrollment
Conclusion
These diploma courses in Australia can help international students find in-demand jobs that are currently experiencing skill shortages nationwide. Additionally, all of these courses provide pathways to securing a permanent residency in Australia, but only with relevant job experience.
So, what are you waiting for? Choose the right course and take the first step to secure these jobs.
FAQs
Yes, several diploma courses can be completed in one year, including some of the courses mentioned here.
Yes. However, diploma courses can be a stepping stone to obtaining a PR. You need to enroll in diploma courses related to the occupations listed on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills list. After completing a diploma and gaining experience in the relevant occupation, you can apply for PR.
Yes. With Student Visa, international students can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during studies and breaks.
Yes. Some diploma courses like nursing, which is in high demand, can help students get jobs quickly.