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Study in Australia: Popular Courses
Reviewed by Mohammad Saghir Khan, Registered Migration Agent (MARN 1170510)Last reviewed:
International students in Australia must study a CRICOS-registered course at a university, TAFE or private college. The most popular choices for students who also want a career pathway are courses linked to occupations in demand: nursing, aged care, early childhood education, social work, IT, accounting, engineering, construction trades and commercial cookery. Aussie ASEAN gives free course and provider advice, and our Registered Migration Agent helps with your Student visa and post-study options.
Health & care
NursingVET + UniDiploma, Bachelor and Master of Nursing, with Ahpra registration and ANMAC assessment.
Aged care & disabilityVETCertificate III and IV in individual and ageing support, with 120 placement hours.
PsychologyUniAPAC-accredited psychology degrees and the 5+1 and master's pathways to registration.
Occupational therapyUniAccredited Bachelor and Master of Occupational Therapy degrees.
Lab medicineVET + UniAIMS-accredited medical laboratory science degrees and laboratory diplomas.Education & community
Business, IT & engineering
IT & cyberUniSoftware, data and cyber security degrees, with the ACS skills assessment pathway.
AccountingUniAccounting degrees that meet CPA, CA ANZ and IPA skills assessment requirements.
Business & MBAVET + UniLeadership diplomas, business degrees, MBAs and business analytics.
EngineeringUniEngineers Australia accredited degrees and the Professional Engineer pathway.Trades & hospitality
Building & carpentryVETCarpentry trade qualifications and building and construction diplomas.
PlumbingVETPlumbing trade qualifications and the path to registration and licensing.
AutomotiveVETLight vehicle mechanic trade qualifications, diagnosis and automotive technology.
Welding & fabricationVETFabrication, welding and mechanical fitting trade qualifications.
Painting & tilingVETFinishing trade qualifications in painting, tiling and plastering.
Commercial cookeryVETCertificate III and IV cookery and hospitality management diplomas.Courses by Study Level
Diploma and VET Courses
Vocational education and training (VET) courses are practical, job-focused qualifications from Certificate III to Advanced Diploma, delivered by TAFEs and registered training organisations. Many trade and care occupations need a VET qualification plus a skills assessment.
| Course area | Qualification | Typical length |
|---|---|---|
| Nursing | Diploma of Nursing (HLT54121) | 1 to 2 years |
| Aged care | Certificate III in Individual Support (CHC33021) | 1 to 2 years |
| Aged care | Certificate IV in Ageing Support (CHC43015) | 6 months to 2 years |
| Early childhood education | Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC30125) | 1 to 2 years |
| Early childhood education | Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC50125) | 1 to 2 years |
| Social work and community services | Diploma of Community Services (CHC52025) | 1 to 2 years |
| IT and cyber security | Diploma of Information Technology | 1 to 2 years |
| Accounting | Diploma of Accounting | 1 to 2 years |
| Engineering | Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree of Engineering | 1.5 to 2 years |
| Business | Diploma of Leadership and Management (BSB50420) | 1 to 2 years |
| Business | Advanced Diploma of Leadership and Management (BSB60420) | 1.5 to 2 years |
| Commercial cookery | Certificate III in Commercial Cookery (SIT30821) | 1 to 2 years, often packaged with Certificate IV |
| Commercial cookery | Certificate IV in Kitchen Management (SIT40521) | 6 months to 2 years, usually after or with Certificate III |
| Commercial cookery | Diploma of Hospitality Management (SIT50422) | 1 to 2 years |
| Commercial cookery | Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management (SIT60322) | 1.5 to 2 years |
| Building and construction | Certificate III in Carpentry (CPC30326) | Check the CRICOS duration |
| Building and construction | Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) (CPC50220) | 1 to 2 years |
| Psychology | Diploma of Counselling (CHC51015) or Diploma of Mental Health (CHC53315) | 1 to 2 years |
| Teaching | Certificate IV in School Based Education Support (CHC40225) | Check the CRICOS duration |
| Occupational therapy | Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance (HLT43021) | Check the CRICOS duration |
| Laboratory medicine | Certificate III in Pathology (HLT37525) | Check the CRICOS duration |
| Laboratory medicine | Diploma of Laboratory Technology (MSL50122) | Usually 2 years |
| Automotive | Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology (AUR30620) | Check the CRICOS duration |
| Automotive | Certificate IV in Automotive Mechanical Diagnosis (AUR40226) | About 6 months to 1 year |
| Automotive | Diploma of Automotive Technology (AUR50216) | About 1 year |
| Plumbing | Certificate III in Plumbing (CPC32420) | Check the CRICOS duration |
| Plumbing | Certificate IV in Plumbing and Services (CPC40920) | About 1 year |
| Metal fabrication and welding | Certificate III in Engineering - Fabrication Trade (MEM31925) | Check the CRICOS duration |
| Metal fabrication and welding | Certificate III in Engineering - Mechanical Trade (MEM30219) | Check the CRICOS duration |
| Metal fabrication and welding | Certificate IV in Engineering (MEM40119) | About 1 year |
| Metal fabrication and welding | Diploma of Engineering - Technical (MEM50222) | 1 to 2 years |
| Painting, tiling and plastering | Certificate III in Painting and Decorating (CPC30620) | Check the CRICOS duration |
| Painting, tiling and plastering | Certificate III in Wall and Floor Tiling (CPC31320) | Check the CRICOS duration |
| Painting, tiling and plastering | Certificate III in Solid Plastering (CPC31020) | Check the CRICOS duration |
| Painting, tiling and plastering | Certificate III in Wall and Ceiling Lining (CPC31220) | Check the CRICOS duration |
Bachelor Degrees
A bachelor degree (AQF level 7) usually takes 3 to 4 years and is the standard entry qualification for professions such as nursing, accounting, IT, engineering and teaching. Graduates may qualify for 2 years on the Temporary Graduate visa.
| Course area | Qualification | Typical length |
|---|---|---|
| Nursing | Bachelor of Nursing | 3 to 4 years |
| Early childhood education | Bachelor of Early Childhood Education | 3 to 4 years |
| Social work and community services | Bachelor of Social Work | 4 years |
| IT and cyber security | Bachelor of IT or Computer Science | 3 years |
| Accounting | Bachelor of Accounting or Commerce | 3 years |
| Engineering | Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) | Usually 4 years |
| Business | Bachelor of Business | 3 years |
| Building and construction | Bachelor of Construction Management | 3 to 4 years |
| Psychology | Bachelor of Psychological Science (APAC-accredited) | 3 years |
| Psychology | Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) or fourth-year Graduate Diploma of Psychology | 1 year (or 4 years for a combined degree) |
| Teaching | Bachelor of Education (Primary or Secondary) | 4 years |
| Occupational therapy | Bachelor of Occupational Therapy | 4 years |
| Laboratory medicine | Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (AIMS-accredited) | 3 to 4 years |
Master Degrees
A coursework master's degree (AQF level 9) usually takes 1 to 2 years after a bachelor degree. Some, such as the Master of Nursing (graduate entry) or Master of Social Work (Qualifying), let graduates of other fields move into a new profession.
| Course area | Qualification | Typical length |
|---|---|---|
| Nursing | Master of Nursing (graduate entry) | 1 to 2 years |
| Social work and community services | Master of Social Work (Qualifying) | 2 years |
| IT and cyber security | Master of Information Technology | 1 to 2 years |
| IT and cyber security | Master of Cyber Security | 1 to 2 years |
| Accounting | Master of Professional Accounting | 1 to 2 years |
| Engineering | Master of Engineering | 1 to 2 years |
| Business | Master of Business Administration (MBA) | 1 to 2 years |
| Business | Master of Business Analytics | 1 to 2 years |
| Psychology | Master of Professional Psychology | 1 year |
| Psychology | Master of Clinical, Counselling, Educational or Organisational Psychology | 2 years |
| Teaching | Master of Teaching (Primary or Secondary) | 2 years |
| Occupational therapy | Master of Occupational Therapy (graduate entry) | 2 years |
| Laboratory medicine | Master of Laboratory Medicine or similar (AIMS-accredited) | Usually 2 years |
Useful Links
Tell us your background, budget and career goals and we will shortlist suitable courses and providers, then help with your Student visa.
Get course adviceSources: CRICOS · Study Australia · Home Affairs: 485 study requirement · Home Affairs skilled occupation list
Frequently Asked Questions
Plain-English answers to the questions we are asked most often.
Which course is best for PR in Australia?
No course guarantees PR. Courses linked to occupations on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List, such as nursing, engineering, IT, accounting, social work, early childhood teaching, carpentry and cookery (Chef), give the clearest pathways, but you also need a skills assessment, English and enough points or a nomination.
How long are courses in Australia?
As a guide, a Certificate III takes 1 to 2 years, a Diploma 1 to 2 years, a Bachelor degree 3 to 4 years and a coursework master's degree 1 to 2 years. The exact length is set by each provider and shown on CRICOS.
What is CRICOS?
CRICOS is the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. International students on a Student visa must study a CRICOS-registered course.
Can I work after my course?
Many graduates can apply for a Temporary Graduate (485) visa. Bachelor and master's graduates use the Post-Higher Education Work stream. Diploma and trade graduates use the Post-Vocational Education Work stream, which needs an occupation on the Medium and Long-term list and a skills assessment. You must also meet the 2-year Australian study requirement.
Is course advice from Aussie ASEAN free?
Yes. Our course and provider advice for international students is free. Visa services by our Registered Migration Agent are quoted separately.
Can I change my course after I arrive?
Often yes, if your current Student visa still covers the new course. You need a new Confirmation of Enrolment and must keep meeting your visa conditions, and moving provider in the first 6 months of your main course usually needs a release from your current provider. Since 2 October 2026, if the change means you need a new Student visa, most students can no longer apply from inside Australia and must apply from outside. A change can also affect the 485 study requirement, so speak with us before you change.
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