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Automotive and Motor Mechanic Courses in Australia
Reviewed by Mohammad Saghir Khan, Registered Migration Agent (MARN 1170510)Last reviewed:
International students usually train as a mechanic through the Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology (AUR30620), often packaged with the Certificate IV in Automotive Mechanical Diagnosis, which is now AUR40226 (it replaced AUR40216 on 17 March 2026). Motor Mechanic (General) 321211 is on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List and the Core Skills Occupation List as at 15 October 2026. Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) assesses mechanics. Recent Australian graduates usually get a Provisional Skills Assessment for the Temporary Graduate (485) visa, then complete the Job Ready Program.
Automotive Courses at a Glance
| Qualifications | AUR30620 Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology; AUR40226 Certificate IV in Automotive Mechanical Diagnosis (replaces AUR40216); AUR50216 Diploma of Automotive Technology |
|---|---|
| Skills assessment | Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) |
| Graduate pathway | Australian CRICOS graduates: TRA Provisional Skills Assessment, then the 485 visa (Post-Vocational Education Work stream) and the Job Ready Program |
| 485 visa | Needs an occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List, such as Motor Mechanic (General) 321211, plus 2 academic years (92 weeks) of CRICOS study |
| Example occupations | Motor Mechanic (General) 321211, Diesel Motor Mechanic 321212, Automotive Electrician 321111 |
Course Options by Study Level
| Qualification | Level | Typical length | What it leads to |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology (AUR30620) | AQF 3 (VET) | Check the CRICOS duration | Light vehicle mechanic roles; the trade qualification TRA lists for Motor Mechanic (General) |
| Certificate IV in Automotive Mechanical Diagnosis (AUR40226) | AQF 4 (VET) | About 6 months to 1 year | Advanced diagnostic work. Entry needs an automotive mechanical Certificate III or equivalent skills |
| Diploma of Automotive Technology (AUR50216) | AQF 5 (VET) | About 1 year | Diagnosing, evaluating and modifying vehicle systems. Entry needs a relevant automotive Certificate IV |
Current Course Codes
The Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology AUR30620 is still current (Release 5, 9 July 2026). It has 36 units (20 core and 16 electives) and no entry requirements. The Certificate IV in Automotive Mechanical Diagnosis AUR40216 was replaced on 17 March 2026 by AUR40226, which is mapped as equivalent. Many colleges package the Certificate III and IV together, so the total CRICOS duration can reach the 2 academic years (92 weeks) the 485 visa needs.
Practical Training Matters
A mechanic qualification is only as useful as your workshop skills. TRA and employers expect real hands-on experience, so ask each provider how much time you will spend in a working workshop, what vehicles and equipment they use, and whether they cover hybrid and electric vehicle systems. Work on vehicle air-conditioning also needs a refrigerant handling licence from the Australian Refrigeration Council, and some states license motor vehicle repairers.
Skills Assessment and the 485 Visa
Trades Recognition Australia assesses Motor Mechanic and related trades. If you studied in Australia at a CRICOS-registered provider, you usually apply for a Provisional Skills Assessment (PSA). You need a PSA to apply for the Temporary Graduate (485) visa in the Post-Vocational Education Work stream. That stream only accepts occupations on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). Motor Mechanic (General), Diesel Motor Mechanic and Automotive Electrician are on it. Vehicle Body Builder and Vehicle Trimmer are not, so they cannot be used for this stream. Units granted through recognition of prior learning are not accepted for the PSA.
The Job Ready Program
After the PSA, most graduates complete the TRA Job Ready Program while on the 485 visa. It involves at least 12 months of full-time (or equivalent part-time) paid work in your trade with an employer TRA approves, a workplace assessment after at least 6 months, and a final assessment. A successful result is the skills assessment you can use for permanent skilled visas such as the 190 or 491.
Careers and Skilled Occupation Lists
These occupations are linked to automotive courses. List status is from our Occupation Finder data, checked 15 October 2026.
| Occupation | ANZSCO | Skilled lists (15 Oct 2026) | Skills assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Mechanic (General) | 321211 | MLTSSL, CSOL | TRA |
| Diesel Motor Mechanic | 321212 | MLTSSL, CSOL | TRA |
| Automotive Electrician | 321111 | MLTSSL, CSOL | TRA |
| Motorcycle Mechanic | 321213 | MLTSSL, CSOL | TRA |
| Small Engine Mechanic | 321214 | MLTSSL, CSOL | TRA |
| Panelbeater | 324111 | MLTSSL, CSOL | TRA |
Lists: MLTSSL (Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List), STSOL (Short-term Skilled Occupation List), ROL (Regional Occupation List), CSOL (Core Skills Occupation List for the 482 and 186 visas). Check any occupation in our Occupation Finder.
How to Start
- Choose your course and levelTell us your previous study, English results, budget and career goal. We shortlist courses and providers that fit.
- Check the workshop and course packageAsk how much hands-on workshop training is included, whether the course delivers AUR30620 and the new AUR40226, and whether the total CRICOS duration meets the 92-week 485 study requirement.
- Check the provider on CRICOSInternational students must study a course registered on CRICOS. The CRICOS duration also matters for the 485 visa, which needs at least 2 academic years (92 weeks) of study in Australia over at least 16 months.
- Apply and accept your offerApply with your documents, accept the offer, pay the deposit and arrange Overseas Student Health Cover. The provider then issues your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
- Apply for your Student visaLodge your Student visa (subclass 500) with evidence of funds, English and the Genuine Student requirement. Since 2 October 2026 most applicants must apply from outside Australia. See our Student visa guide.
How Aussie ASEAN Can Help
We compare automotive providers on their workshops, practical training and total course length, help with your application and Student visa, and our Registered Migration Agent can plan your TRA Provisional Skills Assessment, 485 visa and Job Ready Program.
Free tools for students
Related courses and visas
Not sure which automotive course or provider suits your goals? Get free course advice, plus Student visa help from a Registered Migration Agent.
Get course adviceSources: AUR30620 on training.gov.au · AUR40226 on training.gov.au · AUR50216 on training.gov.au · TRA Provisional Skills Assessment · TRA Job Ready Program · Home Affairs: 485 Post-Vocational Education Work stream
Frequently Asked Questions
Plain-English answers to the questions we are asked most often.
Is motor mechanic on the skilled occupation list?
Yes. Motor Mechanic (General) 321211 is on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List and the Core Skills Occupation List as at 15 October 2026. Diesel Motor Mechanic 321212 and Automotive Electrician 321111 are on the same lists.
Is AUR30620 still the current mechanic qualification?
Yes. AUR30620 Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology is current, with Release 5 published on 9 July 2026.
What replaced AUR40216?
AUR40226 Certificate IV in Automotive Mechanical Diagnosis replaced AUR40216 on 17 March 2026. The two are mapped as equivalent.
Who assesses mechanics for migration?
Trades Recognition Australia (TRA). Recent Australian CRICOS graduates usually start with a Provisional Skills Assessment and then complete the Job Ready Program.
Can I get a 485 visa after a mechanic course?
Possibly, through the Post-Vocational Education Work stream. You need an occupation on the Medium and Long-term list, such as Motor Mechanic (General), a TRA Provisional Skills Assessment, and at least 2 academic years (92 weeks) of CRICOS study in Australia. The first-applicant charge is AUD 5,750 from 1 July 2026.
How long is the Job Ready Program?
It takes at least 12 months of full-time (or equivalent part-time) paid work in your trade with a TRA-approved employer, followed by a workplace assessment and a final assessment.
Do I need a licence to work as a mechanic?
It depends on the state and the work. Some states license motor vehicle repairers, and vehicle air-conditioning work needs a refrigerant handling licence. Check the rules where you plan to work.
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