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Engineering Courses in Australia
Reviewed by Mohammad Saghir Khan, Registered Migration Agent (MARN 1170510)Last reviewed:
A Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Australia usually takes 4 years. Graduates of a degree accredited by Engineers Australia can use the simpler Australian qualification pathway for their skills assessment. Graduates of other degrees use a Washington, Sydney or Dublin Accord pathway or a Competency Demonstration Report (CDR). Civil, Electrical and Mechanical Engineer and many other engineering occupations are on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List, and the 44-week Engineering Professional Year can add 5 points.
Engineering Courses at a Glance
| Common qualifications | Bachelor of Engineering (Honours); Master of Engineering; Bachelor of Engineering Technology |
|---|---|
| Typical length | Bachelor (Honours) usually 4 years; master 1 to 2 years, set by the provider |
| Skills assessment | Engineers Australia: Professional Engineer, Engineering Technologist, Engineering Associate or Engineering Manager |
| Pathways | Australian accredited qualification; Washington, Sydney or Dublin Accord; Competency Demonstration Report (CDR) |
| Professional Year | Engineering Education Australia: 44 weeks (32 weeks of classes plus a 12-week internship), worth 5 points |
| After you graduate | Temporary Graduate visa (485), Post-Higher Education Work stream |
Course Options by Study Level
| Qualification | Level | Typical length | What it leads to |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree of Engineering | AQF 6 | 1.5 to 2 years | Engineering Associate roles. Since 1 Sep 2024 only Engineers Australia accredited ones use the Australian pathway |
| Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) | AQF 8 | Usually 4 years | Professional Engineer roles in civil, electrical, mechanical, chemical and more |
| Master of Engineering | AQF 9 | 1 to 2 years | Specialisation, or a professional engineering qualification for graduates of related degrees |
Why Engineers Australia Accreditation Matters
If your Australian degree is accredited by Engineers Australia, you can be assessed on your qualification alone. If it is not accredited, or you nominate an occupation that does not match your degree title, you will usually need a Competency Demonstration Report: 3 career episodes, a summary statement and a list of your continuing professional development. Check accreditation before you enrol.
Engineering Professional Year
The Professional Year in Engineering is run by Engineering Education Australia, part of Engineers Australia. It runs for 44 weeks, with 32 weeks of classes and a 12-week internship. Completing it in Australia gives 5 points on the skilled visa points test if it relates to your nominated occupation.
Choosing an Engineering Course
- Check accreditation on the Engineers Australia website and the course on CRICOS.
- Pick a specialisation linked to an occupation in demand, such as civil, electrical or mechanical engineering.
- Look for work-integrated learning: engineering employers value Australian experience.
Careers and Skilled Occupation Lists
These engineering occupations are commonly linked to engineering degrees. List status is from our Occupation Finder data, checked 15 October 2026.
| Occupation | ANZSCO | Skilled lists (15 Oct 2026) | Skills assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Civil Engineer | 233211 | MLTSSL, CSOL | Engineers Australia |
| Electrical Engineer | 233311 | MLTSSL, CSOL | Engineers Australia |
| Mechanical Engineer | 233512 | MLTSSL, CSOL | Engineers Australia |
| Engineering Technologist | 233914 | MLTSSL, CSOL | Engineers Australia |
| Engineering Manager | 133211 | MLTSSL, CSOL | Engineers Australia or IML |
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 Engineers Australia accreditationAn accredited degree lets you use the Australian qualification pathway instead of writing a CDR.
- 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 shortlist accredited engineering degrees that match your background, check credit for previous study, and handle your application and Student visa. After graduation our Registered Migration Agent can plan your 485, Engineers Australia assessment and points.
Free tools for students
Related courses and visas
Not sure which engineering course or provider suits your goals? Get free course advice, plus Student visa help from a Registered Migration Agent.
Get course adviceSources: Engineers Australia migration skills assessment · Engineering Professional Year · Home Affairs points table · Study Australia: postgraduate study
Frequently Asked Questions
Plain-English answers to the questions we are asked most often.
How long is an engineering degree in Australia?
A Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) usually takes 4 years. A Master of Engineering usually takes 1 to 2 years depending on the provider and your previous study.
What is a CDR?
A Competency Demonstration Report is how Engineers Australia assesses people whose qualification is not accredited or recognised under an Accord. It includes 3 career episodes, a summary statement and a list of professional development.
Do I need a CDR if I study engineering in Australia?
Not if your degree is accredited by Engineers Australia and matches the occupation you nominate. You can then use the Australian qualification pathway.
Is engineering on the skilled occupation list?
Yes. Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical and many other engineering occupations are on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List as at 15 October 2026.
What is the Engineering Professional Year?
A 44-week program run by Engineering Education Australia with 32 weeks of classes and a 12-week internship. It gives 5 points on the skilled visa points test.
Can I study engineering after a diploma?
Yes. Many universities give credit for a related diploma or advanced diploma, which can shorten your degree. We can check the credit you might get.
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