Automotive Electrician Courses in Australia for International Students

Good at fiddling with wires without electrocuting yourself?

If you said yes, why not try an automotive electrician course?

It’s a high-demand trade course in Australia. Plus, Automotive Electricians (ANZSCO 321111) are on the Skilled Occupation List. 

If you love troubleshooting cars, or if you’re shortlisting practical courses to give you a shot at PR in Australia, then you might want to read on in this guide.

Here, we’ll cover all about automotive electrical courses, job opportunities, and how to spark your pathway to PR.

(If you have any specific questions in mind about this course, or if you want to apply, let us help you!)

In Australia, most automotive electrical courses for international students are offered as nationally accredited certificates under the Vocational Education and Training (VET) system. These include Certificate II and Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology. 

Below, you’ll know more about each course. 

Certificate II in Automotive Electrical Technology

Key Facts

• Course Duration: 12-24 months

• Delivery Mode: In-person (face-to-face on campus)

• Average Fees: Approximately AUD $5,000–$5,500

Course Overview

If you’re just starting out and don’t have any experience with cars, you’ll start with this beginner course. It’s made for students who want to learn the basics of working with vehicles, especially electrical stuff. 

Here, you’ll study how to do simple repairs, service car batteries, install basic wiring and accessories, and run easy diagnostic tests.  

Who is this for?

International students who:

• Have little to no prior experience in automotive work

• Want to build confidence before starting the more advanced Cert III

Course Outcomes

After completing the course, you’ll receive a nationally recognised Certificate II (AUR20420), opening the door to roles such as:

• Automotive Electrical Trainee or Assistant

• Accessory Fitter

• Electrical Component Installer

It also puts you in a strong position to apply for apprenticeships in automotive, electrical or general mechanics.

Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology

Key Facts

• Course Duration: 1 to 1.5 years full-time

• Delivery Mode: In-person (on-campus with practical workshop training)

• Average Fees: Around AUD $19,530 - $26,258 for international students

Course Overview

If you already know some basics or have finished a Certificate II, this course takes things up a gear. It’s perfect for students who want a career as an auto electrician and are ready to learn more complex skills. 

Who is this for?

International students who:

• Have finished Year 12 or equivalent

• Want to skip the beginner-level Cert II and go straight into hands-on training

• Want to become a qualified automotive electrician in Australia

Course Outcomes

When you finish this course, you’ll get a Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology (AUR30320). This means you can apply for jobs like:

• Automotive Electrician

• Vehicle Technician

• Car Wiring Installer

Sources: TAFE QLD, TAFE WA, Box Hill Institute

Wondering where you can study Automotive Electrical Technology?

Below, we list the institutions in Australia that offer this course.

Here’s something most students don’t realise.

Not every automotive course in Australia is open to international students. Others might be full or only accept local students for the moment.

But hey, don’t be discouraged! There are still a lot that accept international students.

Want to find them?

IDP works with a wide range of TAFEs and colleges across Australia, and we can check which automotive electrical courses are open to international students right now.

Want to study somewhere with lower fees? Prefer a location with good job opportunities or great student support? We’ll help you compare your options and pick what fits you best.

And yes, it’s free to chat with us.

I want to enquire about my course

As an international student, you’ll need to pay full tuition fees.

Here’s a general idea of what to expect:

• Certificate II: Around AUD $5,000–$5,500

• Certificate III: Around AUD $19,530 - $26,258

There are also extra costs you need to plan for. These might include:

• Tools for workshop training

• Uniforms or safety gear like boots or gloves

• Learning materials such as textbooks

It’s important to check with your chosen provider for a full breakdown of fees and what’s included. Planning for these extra costs will help you avoid surprises later.

Ask about your full course fees

To study automotive electrical courses in Australia, there are a few requirements you need to meet:

• Age: You must be at least 18 years old when the course starts.

• Education: You need to have finished Year 10 to Year 12..

• English test: Most schools require IELTS 5.5 or a similar English test score. This shows you can understand lessons and safety instructions.

• Physical fitness: You don’t need to be an athlete, but you should be comfortable using tools, standing for long hours, and doing hands-on work.

Each school might have slightly different rules, so it’s a good idea to check their website or talk to an IDP counsellor for help.

Your entry requirements might be different

If you’re looking at all these requirements and thinking, “Wait, do I need all this?”—don’t worry, that’s what we’re here for.

IDP can help check what you need based on your background. 

We’ll explain it step-by-step, so you don’t waste time applying for courses you’re not eligible for (or missing out on the ones you are!).

We make it clearer, quicker, and a lot less stressful. Let’s figure it out together.

I want to know my entry requirements

After finishing your course, you’ll be ready to work in the automotive industry, which is growing fast in Australia. Here are some jobs you can apply for:

• Automotive Electrician – Work with car batteries, lighting systems, and wiring.

• Vehicle Diagnostic Technician – Use special tools to find and fix electrical problems in cars and trucks.

You can work in places like:

• Car repair shops

• Vehicle manufacturing companies

• Mining and heavy vehicle industries

Most full-time workers in this trade earn between AUD 60,000 to 85,000 a year. With more experience, you could earn even more.

Every training provider in Australia may have slightly different subjects, but most Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology courses include the same core skills. 

These units are made to help you understand how cars work, especially their electrical systems, and give you hands-on experience in a real workshop.

Here’s a general list of what you’ll study:

• Workplace safety and sustainability
  Learn how to follow safe work practices and care for the environment in an automotive workshop.

• Using tools and test equipment

Use special tools to test, fix, and maintain car electrical systems.

• Wiring and circuits
  Learn to install lights and wiring, fix harnesses and looms, solder wires, and repair basic circuits.

• Batteries and power systems
  Test, charge, and replace car batteries. Learn how to jump-start vehicles.

• Diagnosing and repairing systems
  Find and fix problems in:

  • Ignition systems

  • Charging systems

  • Starting systems

  • Warning lights and instruments

  • Electronic body systems

  • Engine management systems (both petrol and diesel)

• Understanding engines
  Learn how petrol and diesel engines work, and how they connect with electrical systems.

• Diagnostic strategies
  Use diagnostic tools and methods to solve complex electrical problems.

• Servicing engines
  Learn how to inspect and carry out basic engine servicing tasks.

These units prepare you to work as an automotive electrician in many areas of the industry, from small car workshops to big companies that manage trucks and heavy vehicles.

Planning to stay in Australia after your studies?

While no course can guarantee permanent residency (PR), training as an Automotive Electrician can improve your chances, especially if you follow the right steps after graduation.

Here’s how the pathway can work:

1. Start on a student visa
Enrol in a Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology at a CRICOS-approved institution. This gives you the qualifications and training required to enter the trade.

2. Apply for a Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)
After completing your course, you may be eligible for the Graduate Work stream of the 485 visa. This visa lets you stay in Australia for up to 18 months (or longer, if extensions apply) to gain local work experience in your trade.

3. Find a job and start working
Use this time to find work as an automotive electrician. Gaining full-time work experience helps you meet eligibility criteria for skilled migration visas and makes your application more competitive.

4. Apply for General Skilled Migration (GSM) visas
Once you have enough work experience and meet other requirements (like age, English level, and a positive skills assessment), you can apply for visas such as:

• Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)

• Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)

• Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491)

5. Get a skills assessment
To apply for GSM visas, you’ll need a positive skills assessment for the occupation of Automotive Electrician. This is usually done through Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) and may require post-study work experience in your field.

Want to plan your PR pathway? Here's a pro tip for you!

This guide is general information, and does not substitute a personal migration advice.

The best pathway to PR? It’s the one tailored to you.

At IDP, we’ve helped thousands of international students stay in Australia. Our experts work closely with licensed migration agents and stay up to date with real-time policy changes before they're even available online.

We can help you plan your PR according to recent migration updates and according to your needs and goals.

Talk to an IDP migration expert today to find out what might work best for you.

Choosing a trade course like Automotive Electrical Technology isn’t just about building a career.

It’s about getting your foot in the door.

If you're still unsure whether this is the right move, just know: you don’t need to have it all figured out right now. What matters is taking that first step.

From finding the right course to understanding visa options and mapping out your next move after graduation, IDP is here to help you get started with clarity and confidence. 

We work with trusted institutions across Australia and can guide you through your options, based on where you are today and where you want to be next.