Plumbing Courses for International Students in Australia

Want to earn $2,000 a week fixing pipes?

Australia’s plumbing industry is calling! 

A plumbing course might be a good prospect for you if you want to: 

• Find a practical course that leads to a stable job

• Work in trades and get a PR pathway

And it doesn’t just stop there. Here are some more reasons why studying plumbing in Australia could be a great choice:

Article Guide

• Why study plumbing in Australia?

• Plumbing courses in Australia

• Recommended institutions

• Cost for international students

• Entry requirements 

• English test requirements

• What you’ll learn in a plumbing course

• Job outcomes and salary 

• PR pathways for plumbing graduates
  

• Plumbers are in demand

Right now, about 98,000 people in Australia work in plumbing.

• 8,000 new jobs are coming

According to Jobs and Skills Australia, by 2026, there will be around 8,000 new jobs for plumbers in Australia. 

• Job growth is steady

Every year, around 2,600 new plumbing jobs are added.

• Good pay - $2,000 a week 

The average full-time plumber earns $2,000 per week before taxes. 

• Chance to stay in Australia

Plumbing is on the Skilled Occupation List (MLTSSL), which can help you apply for permanent residency (PR) after your course.

Sounds like a great career path? If you’re interested in knowing more, let’s dive next into the plumbing courses you can study, entry requirements, career opportunities, and PR pathways for plumbers. 

Sources: Jobs and Skills Australia, Department of Home Affairs

Certificate II in Plumbing 

Key Facts

• Course Duration: 6 months to 1 year full-time

• Delivery Mode: On-campus or blended learning

• Fees: Around AUD 8,000 to AUD 12,000 (varies by provider)

Course Overview

This course prepares you for entry into a plumbing apprenticeship. You’ll learn basic plumbing skills and workplace safety while better understanding the trade. It’s ideal for students who want to start their plumbing career but haven’t yet secured an apprenticeship.

Who is this for?

• International students who have completed high school (Year 12 or equivalent)

• Those who want to gain foundational plumbing skills before starting an apprenticeship

• Students aiming to improve their chances of getting an apprenticeship by showing some hands-on experience

What You’ll Learn

• Basic plumbing tools and techniques

• Introduction to water, drainage, and gas systems

• Workplace health and safety

• Communication and teamwork skills

• Understanding plumbing regulations and codes

Certificate III in Plumbing 

Key facts 

• Course Duration: 34-  years full-time

• Delivery Mode: on-campus, online

• Fees: AUD 15,000 to AUD 20,000 (fees may vary by school and location) 

Course overview

This course prepares you to become a licensed plumber in Australia. You'll learn how to install and fix pipes, gas systems, drainage, roofing, water tanks, and more. After finishing this course, you can apply for a plumbing licence.

Who is this for?

• International students who have completed high school (Year 12 or equivalent)

• Those who want hands-on training to become a plumber

• Ideal for students looking for a direct, skills-based job outcome

What you’ll learn

• How to install and repair:

  • Hot and cold water systems

  • Gas appliances and pipes

  • Roofs and gutters

  • Stormwater and drainage

  • Pumps, tanks, heaters, and fire safety systems

• Safety and workplace skills

• Communication and teamwork

• How to follow building rules and plumbing laws

Important: You must be employed as an apprentice to enrol in this course. Your employer must be registered to support training. If you don’t have an apprenticeship yet, consider starting with a Certificate II (Pre-apprenticeship) instead.

Note: Not all training providers offer this course to international students. Talk to an IDP counsellor to find the right course and location for you.

Certificate III in Roof Plumbing

Key facts

• Course Duration: 2 years full-time

• Delivery Mode: On-campus, online

• Fees: Varies by provider (typically within AUD 15,000–20,000)

Course overview

This course trains you to become a qualified roof plumber in Australia. You'll get hands-on experience installing, fixing, and maintaining metal roofs, gutters, downpipes, wall cladding, and other rainwater systems.

After completing this course, you can apply to work as a licensed roof plumber.

Who is this for?

• International students who have completed high school (Year 12 or equivalent)

• Those who want to specialise in roof plumbing and enter the construction industry

What you’ll learn

• How to install and repair:

  • Metal roof and wall claddings

  • Gutters, downpipes, and rainwater products

  • Roof flashings and accessories

• How to follow building and safety codes

• Communication and teamwork

• Use of tools and materials for roof plumbing

Certificate IV in Plumbing and Services (main qualification)

Key facts

• Course Duration: 18 months full-time or up to 3 years part-time

• Delivery Mode: On-campus or online (some providers use video conferences or eLearning)

• Fees: Varies by provider (typically starts from around AUD 15,000)

Course overview

This course is for registered plumbers or final-year apprentices who want to upgrade their skills and qualify for a plumbing licence. 

After completing this course, you may be able to start your own plumbing business, supervise apprentices, or take on more complex projects.

Who is this for?

• Students who have completed Certificate III in Plumbing

• Qualified plumbers who want to specialise in areas like drainage, gasfitting, or hydraulic design, or take on supervisory roles

• Those looking to meet the licensing requirements in some Australian states

What you’ll learn

• Advanced skills in:

  • Plumbing design and systems

  • Drainage, gas, roofing, and fire protection

  • Hydraulic services

• How to supervise apprentices and trades assistants

• Safety, regulations, and licensing rules

• Business and contracting knowledge

Certificate II in Plumbing

Certificate III in Plumbing

Certificate III in Roof Plumbing

Certificate IV in Plumbing & Services

Plumbing Licensing

Disclaimer

Some courses are not available for international students, depending on the institution.

Contact our IDP education experts to know whether your target plumbing course is available for international students.

Unlike domestic students, international students are not eligible for government-subsidised rates, concession discounts, or Free TAFE programs.

This means you’ll be enrolling as a full-fee paying student.

Your tuition can vary depending on the education provider and course level.

Here’s a general breakdown of what to expect:

Sources: TAFE SA Plumbing Course Fees, Victoria University - Plumbing

Enquire about your course fees

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Below is a list of core units commonly delivered across major training providers in Australia like RMIT, Victoria University, and TAFE SA.

1. Workplace Safety & Communication

• Work safely at heights

• Work safely on roofs

• Carry out WHS requirements

2. Tools, Materials & Basic Construction Skills

• Handle and store plumbing materials

• Use plumbing hand and power tools

• Read plans, calculate quantities and mark out material

3. Water Systems

• Set out and install water services

• Install and commission water heating systems and adjust controls and devices

• Install water pumpsets

• Install backflow prevention devices

• Connect and install storage tanks to a domestic water supply

• Install and fit off sanitary fixtures, water services and adjust water service controls

4. Sanitary & Drainage Systems

• Install discharge pipes

• Plan layout and install below ground sanitary drainage systems

• Install stormwater and sub-soil drainage systems and drain work site

• Locate and clear blockages

• Install prefabricated inspection openings and inspection chambers

• Install trench support

• Plan the layout of a residential sanitary plumbing system and fabricate and install sanitary stacks

• Install on-site domestic wastewater treatment plants and disposal systems

5. Gas Systems

• Install gas pressure control equipment

• Install gas appliance flues

• Purge consumer piping

• Disconnect and reconnect Type A gas appliances

• Calculate and install natural ventilation for Type A gas appliances

• Size and install consumer gas piping systems

• Install LPG storage of aggregate storage capacity up to 500 litres

• Install and commission Type A gas appliances

6. Roof Plumbing

• Collect and store roof water

• Fabricate and install roof drainage systems

• Fabricate and install external flashings

• Flash penetrations through roofs and walls

• Install roof components

7. Advanced Pipework & Systems

• Weld polymer pipes using fusion method

• Fabricate and install non-ferrous pressure piping

• Fabricate and install fire hydrant and hose reel systems

Sources: Victoria University, TAFE SA, RMIT University 

To enrol in a plumbing course as an international student, you’ll generally need to meet the following requirements:

• Academic qualification: Completion of Australian Year 12 (or equivalent international qualification)

• English language proficiency: IELTS score of 5.5 to 6.0 (or equivalent TOEFL/PTE score), depending on the provider.

• Age requirement: Must be at least 18 years old at the time of course commencement

• Visa eligibility: Hold (or be eligible to apply for) a student visa (subclass 500)

Additional course-specific requirements include:

• You must be employed as an apprentice (for Certificate III in Plumbing and Certificate III in Roof Plumbing)

• You must have a contract with a licensed employer who is registered to support apprenticeships (for Certificate III in Plumbing and Roof Plumbing)

• You do not need to be employed to study a Certificate II in Plumbing (Pre-Apprenticeship)

• You must have completed Certificate III in Plumbing (for Certificate IV in Plumbing and Services)

• You may need to complete a Pre-Training Review (PTR) and a literacy/numeracy assessment (for some providers offering Certificate III)

• Non-apprenticeship pathways may require at least 2 years of work experience and current employment in the industry (offered by select providers for Certificate III)

Tip: If you’re just starting out and don’t yet have an employer, consider enrolling in Certificate II in Plumbing. It’s a great entry point to gain basic skills and increase your chances of getting hired for an apprenticeship.

English test requirements

Most TAFEs and training providers require a minimum:

• IELTS score of 5.5 to 6.0 overall, with no individual band lower than 5.0

Some courses or institutions may have slightly different score requirements, so it's best to check directly with your chosen provider or speak to an IDP counsellor for guidance.

IELTS is the most trusted English test by TAFE institutions

Need to take an English test to apply for a plumbing course?

Let’s make it easy for you!

We got everything you need—from free preparation materials to booking and finding a test centre near you.

Plus, with IELTS you won’t have to worry about the acceptance of your score. Over 12,500 organisations, including TAFE institutions, trust IELTS for its reliability and accuracy in determining a student’s real-life language skills.

So, whenever you’re ready to cross off English test in your checklist of requirements, book your IELTS with us. 

When you study plumbing in Australia as an international student, you usually hold a Student Visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows you to study full-time and work part-time during your course.

After completing your plumbing qualification, you may be eligible to apply for a visa that leads to permanent residency (PR).

Common visa options after studying plumbing include:

• Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485): This visa lets you stay and work in Australia for 18 months to 2 years after finishing your course. It gives you valuable time to gain work experience in your field.

• Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) or Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190): These are points-based visas for skilled workers. You can apply if your occupation is listed on the SOL and you meet the requirements, such as work experience, English proficiency, and age.

• State or Territory Sponsored Visas: Some states or territories sponsor plumbing professionals if they have shortages in the trade.

It’s important to plan ahead. Immigration rules can change, and visa applications may be complex.

Tip: Talk to our IDP counsellors to get the most up-to-date advice on visa pathways. They can guide you through the process from your student visa to permanent residency step by step.

Ready to apply to a plumbing course?

Just like a well-fitted pipe, your pathway needs to be precise and stress-free. That’s where IDP comes in.

We’ll help you find the right plumbing course at a trusted TAFE or college, guide you through your visa application, and even support you with IELTS testing and preparation. 

Basically, we handle the tough stuff so you can focus on your future.

With IDP, you get free, personalised counselling from friendly experts who truly get what you need—and what the Australian job market wants. So whether you're just curious or ready to jump in, we're here to help you take one step closer to your dreams.

Got more questions about studying plumbing in Australia? Or ready to apply?

Chat with one of our IDP counsellors today and let’s get your plumbing journey started!