Top Diploma Courses in Australia

Explore the diverse and affordable diploma courses available in Australia! From vocational training to advanced graduate diplomas, these programs cater to various interests and career goals, offering practical skills and pathways for further study. Check out everything about Diploma courses in Australia.

Australia is renowned for its high-quality education system and attracts international students seeking diploma courses. Diploma courses in Australia perfectly blend practical skills with theoretical knowledge. With different Diploma course options in Australian universities, students can choose programs that align with their career aspirations and academic goals. This article delves into the highlights of diploma courses in Australia, popular fields of study, and the top institutions offering these programs.

Diploma Courses in Australia Highlights

Types of Diplomas in Australia	Diploma, Advanced Diploma and Graduate Diploma
Duration	6 months to 2 years
AQF Level	Level 5, Level 6 and Level 8
Offered at	Australian universities and TAFE institutions
Popular Fields for Diploma Courses	Business, Engineering, Science, Arts & IT
Annual Tuition Fee	AUD 4,000 - AUD 22,000
Admission Requirements	Class 12th scores + IELTS/TOEFL/Duolingo/PTE scores
Australian Universities for Diploma	University of Canberra Australian Catholic University University of Adelaide Flinders University RMIT University
Average Salary	AUD 66,300 approx.
Living Costs	AUD 29,700 annually

What are Diploma Courses in Australia?

Diploma courses in Australia are those courses that are more practical and focus on building the skill set of the applicant. Diploma courses in Australia are a part of VET or vocational education training courses. Usually, the VET courses are offered at TAFE institutions. Each diploma course in Australia is of a different type that falls into different AQF (Australian Qualification Framework) levels of study. Also, the diploma courses in Australia are offered across top Australian universities and TAFE institutions. 

After pursuing a diploma course in Australia, applicants can opt for a higher degree program or begin working. Diplomas usually act as pathway programs for a lot of students and as an enhancement of skill sets for others. Based on the requirements, applicants should pursue a diploma course in Australia. 

Types of Diploma Courses in Australia

There are three types of diploma courses in Australia as per the Australian education system and they are as follows:

1. Diploma Courses: Falling under AQF’s Level 5, diplomas in Australia are theoretical and technical. They are also denoted as UG Diploma courses in Australia. 
2. Advanced Diploma Courses: Level 6 of AQF, focuses on building a professional skill set and applying it theoretically. 
3. Graduate Diploma Courses: The highest among others, is the PG or Graduate Diploma courses in Australia which falls under Level 8. Here, applicants learn to apply their knowledge in the fields of work from whatever they have learnt.

Apart from these, there are also online diploma courses in Australia. The Diploma courses are offered online and applicants can attend them comfortably anywhere in the world. 

These diploma courses in Australia hold different meanings but after qualifying for these courses, a range of opportunities will be available for applicants. 

Difference Between Various Types of Diploma Courses in Australia

While all diploma courses in Australia solve a different purpose, here is a table which differentiates one type of diploma from the other, check them out: 

Feature	UG Diploma	Advanced Diploma	Graduate Diploma
Study Level	Undergraduate	Undergraduate	Postgraduate
Duration	6 months - 1 year	2 years	1 year
Focus	Practical skills and knowledge	Advanced practical skills and knowledge	Specialised knowledge and skills
Entry Requirements	Secondary education or equivalent	Diploma or equivalent	Bachelor's degree or equivalent
Career Pathways	Entry-level positions	Mid-level positions	Specialised roles
Further Study Progression	Bachelor's degree	Graduate diploma or master's degree	Master's degree
Popular Courses	Business Administration Nursing Information Technology	Marketing Management Human Resources Project Management	Accounting Education Engineering

If it is clear which diploma to choose, let’s understand why applicants should pursue a diploma course in Australia. 

Why Study Diploma Courses in Australia?

There are numerous reasons why applicants should consider pursuing a diploma course in Australia. They are as follows:

• Diploma courses in Australia provide practical knowledge with the help of real-world experiences, which are essential for first-year introductory subjects. 
• Diplomas are valuable for upskilling. Plus, they help applicants to excel in their careers. 
• Diploma courses last anywhere between 6 months to 2 years, thus, they are of a shorter duration than other degrees.
• Also, the entry requirements for getting admission to a Diploma course are easier than others, because, there are fewer entry requirements and the competition is also lower. 
• Rather than taking a longer route, applicants who graduate with a Diploma can get job-ready faster and grab job opportunities that are paid well. 
• Diploma courses in Australia are accepted worldwide and are acknowledged for their high academic standards. 
• If applicants don’t want to overwhelm themselves with rigorous coursework, pursuing a Diploma in Australia could be the best option. 

These reasons point towards the fact that applicants interested in studying in Australia can consider pursuing any type of diploma in Australia. 

Top 5 UG Diploma Courses in Australia for Indian Students

Some of the most trending and popularly opted UG Diploma courses in Australia for Indian students are as follows: 

1. Diploma in Engineering

For Diploma in Engineering in Australia there are over 49+ institutions which offer this course. This program can aid students in building their skills for entry-level engineering job roles in Australia or prepare them for a higher degree program like a bachelor's in engineering. Diploma in Engineering is a one-year-long course which costs between AUD 30,000 - AUD 36,000 for international students. This diploma is offered across the following top Australian universities:

• The University of Melbourne
• The University of Sydney 
• The University of Queensland
• The University of Wollongong
• Federation University Australia

2. Diploma in Science

A Diploma in Science in Australia is offered across 30+ institutions including universities and TAFE institutions. This diploma is also one year long and flexibly allows international students to build their skills in various fields of science subjects including medical subjects. A diploma in Science in Australia costs between AUD 9,500 to AUD 35,000. Applicants looking at pursuing a Diploma in Science can check out the top Australian institutions offering this course for international students:

• Deakin University 
• Monash University
• Australian National University 
• University of New South Wales
• Curtin University

3. Diploma in Arts

Diploma in Arts courses in Australia are offered in various subject options, like - travel, tourism, and hospitality. These courses are also one year long and cost less than engineering and science diplomas in Australia. On average an international applicant will spend AUD 8,500 to AUD 27,000 for a Diploma in Arts in Australia. Some of the renowned Australian universities offering this course are as follows:

• La Trobe University
• Griffith University
• Central Queensland University
• University of Tasmania
• The University of Adelaide

4. Diploma in Business

Among other diploma courses in Australia, the Diploma in Business & Management in Australia takes the lead. Some of the popular majors opted under Diploma in Business courses in Australia include - business, accounting, management, and entrepreneurship. The cost of a Diploma in Business in Australia is around AUD 35,000 and is a year-long program. Check out the universities offering this diploma to international students:

• The University of Melbourne
• The University of Sydney
• RMIT University
• University of South Australia
• Victoria University

5. Diploma in Architecture

A Diploma in Architecture in Australia is another popular UG Diploma course opted widely by applicants. Some of the popular majors that are opted for by international students widely are - architecture, planning, building and construction. There are over 20+ universities and institutions which offer a Diploma in Architecture to international students. These courses are also one year long and cost around AUD 12,400 to AUD 38,000. The universities that offer UG Diploma in Architecture are as follows:

• Queensland University of Technology
• University of South Australia
• UTS College
• UNSW College
• Curtin College

Top 10 Cheap Diploma Courses in Australia

Some of the cheap diploma courses in Australia have been tabulated below for international students:

Cheap Diploma Courses in Australia	University	Average Tuition Fees (AUD)
Diploma of Business	TAFE NSW	10,000 - 15,000
Diploma of Education	TAFE Victoria	10,000 - 15,000
Diploma of Marketing	TAFE Tasmania	10,000 - 15,000
Diploma of Hospitality Management	TAFE New South Wales	10,000 - 15,000
Diploma of Information Technology	TAFE Queensland	12,000 - 18,000
Diploma of Human Resources	TAFE Northern Territory	12,000 - 18,000
Diploma of Environmental Science	TAFE Queensland	12,000 - 18,000
Diploma of Nursing	TAFE South Australia	15,000 - 20,000
Diploma of Finance	TAFE Australian Capital Territory	15,000 - 20,000
Diploma of Engineering	TAFE Western Australia	18,000 - 25,000

These are some of the cheap diploma courses in Australia, majorly offered across TAFE institutions. Applicants must note that apart from the above-mentioned average costs, there will be an additional accommodation charge. 

Admission Criteria for Diploma Courses in Australia

For international applicants applying for UG Diploma courses in Australia will have to fulfil the following admission criteria for admissions:

• Applicants should be 17 years of age
• Submit class 12th scores 
• Score 60% and above in class 12th
• GPA scores will vary with course and university

Whether you’re an aspiring engineer, marketer, or healthcare professional, Australia’s UG Diploma courses across different institutions provide numerous opportunities to help you succeed.

Top PG Diploma Courses in Australia

PG diploma courses in Australia are popularly offered in all major fields of study. Some of the most popular PG graduate diploma courses in Australia are as follows: 

1. Graduate Diploma in Information Technology

The Graduate Diploma in Information Technology is a 1 year long, full-time course in Australia. Pursuing this graduate diploma costs between AUD 30,000 - 40,000 per year. Since Information Technology is a popular field of study, a lot of applicants pursue it to hone their skills in technology-related fields. Some of the universities in Australia where Graduate Diploma in Information Technology is offered is as follows:

• University of Melbourne
• Monash University
• Deakin University
• UNSW Sydney
• The University of Queensland

2. Graduate Diploma in Business Administration

Another popular graduate or PG diploma course in Australia is the Graduate Diploma in Information Technology. This is also a 1 year long, full-time course and costs around  AUD 35,000. For applicants aiming for an upgrade in their job roles towards a managerial position, this post graduate diploma course in Australia can be beneficial. Universities offering this PG diploma course in Australia are as follows:

• University of Queensland
• University of Sydney
• Swinburne University of Technology
• La Trobe University
• Charles Sturt University

3. Graduate Diploma in Health Administration

The course Graduate Diploma in Health Administration in Australia is for those looking to increase their knowledge in health administration to undertake professional or highly skilled work or as a pathway for further learning. This postgraduate diploma course in Australia is again 1 year long, full-time course and costs around  AUD 45,000. Universities offering this graduate diploma in Australia are as follows:

• Curtin University
• UNSW Sydney
• Deakin University
• La Trobe University
• Flinders University

4. Graduate Diploma in Project Management

The Graduate Diploma in Project Management in Australia equips students with essential skills in planning, executing, and managing projects across various sectors. Typically lasting one year (full-time), this program costs between AUD 25,000 and AUD 35,000. Notable universities offering this course include the University of Sydney, Queensland University of Technology, and RMIT University. This diploma is ideal for those looking to advance their careers in project management in a global context. Universities offering this course include:

• Charles Sturt University
• RMIT University
• Victoria University
• Curtin University
• Swinburne University of Technology

5. Graduate Diploma in Marketing

The Graduate Diploma in Marketing in Australia prepares students to excel in the dynamic field of marketing through strategic and analytical skills development. Usually offered over one year (full-time), the program costs between AUD 25,000 and AUD 40,000. Prominent universities such as the University of Melbourne, Deakin University, and the University of Technology Sydney provide this course. It’s ideal for professionals aiming to enhance their marketing expertise and career prospects in an increasingly competitive marketplace. Universities offering this course are as follows:

• University of Technology Sydney
• The University of Melbourne
• Curtin University
• Central Queensland University
• University of Tasmania

Cheap Post Graduate Diploma Courses in Australia

For those looking at cheap diploma courses in Australia offered at PG level can opt for any of the following given ones: 

Course	University	Average Tuition Fees (AUD)
PG Diploma in Business Administration	University of Southern Queensland	18,000
PG Diploma in Information Technology	Charles Sturt University	22,000
PG Diploma in Nursing	University of Tasmania	25,000
PG Diploma in Education	University of Western Australia	28,000
PG Diploma in Engineering Management	Queensland University of Technology	24,000
PG Diploma in Marketing	University of Wollongong	21,000
PG Diploma in Human Resources Management	Curtin University	23,000
PG Diploma in Finance	University of New South Wales	26,000
PG Diploma in Hospitality Management	University of Adelaide	20,000
PG Diploma in Environmental Science	University of Melbourne	27,000

All fees mentioned in this article for Diploma courses in Australia will have to have an additional accommodation cost. Ideally, to obtain an Australian student visa, applicants will have to furnish AUD 29,710 as proof of supporting their living costs in Australia. This applies to UG diploma courses, advanced Diploma courses and Graduate Diploma courses in Australia. 

Pursuing a diploma course in Australia equips students with essential skills and expands mindsets towards lucrative career opportunities. With various affordable and cheap Diploma courses in Australia across different fields, international students can find the right fit for their aspirations. By choosing to study Diploma courses in Australia, students can enhance their employability, gain valuable experience, and enjoy a rich cultural experience in one of the world’s most welcoming countries. Whether you're starting your journey or seeking to upskill, Australia's diploma courses are a worthwhile investment in your future.