Trade courses for international students in Australia

Australia’s trade-related industries are booming, and that means strong job prospects for trade course graduates.

These industries need more skilled workers by 2034:

Source: Jobs and Skills Australia

With trade courses, you can:

• Learn practical, job-ready skills

• Get into growing industries

• Improve your chances for PR (Permanent Residency)

Yes, international students can study trades in Australia!

Think of it as your shortcut to hands-on skills, real-world experience, and a possible PR pathway.

Trade courses are usually Certificate III or IV level courses offered by TAFEs and private colleges, and they come with practical training built in.

Now, here’s the twist: unlike domestic students, you can’t do a formal apprenticeship or traineeship on a student visa.

Don’t worry, here’s what you can do instead: 

How can you study a trade course as an international student?

In Australia, local (domestic) students can learn a trade by doing an apprenticeship. This means they work and study at the same time and get paid while learning on the job.

But if you're an international student, you can’t do that kind of apprenticeship while you're on a student visa.

Instead, you can take special trade courses made for international students. 

These courses include hands-on training, where you get to practice your skills in real workplaces. It’s a great way to learn and get experience, and it follows the rules of your visa.

Not all trade courses are open to international students. 

Some providers may only offer certain programs to domestic students. Some may have limited spots for international enrolments.

If you're unsure, our friendly education experts at IDP can help. We're official partners with Australia’s top TAFEs, training colleges, and universities. We can check course availability, guide you through entry requirements, and help you apply with confidence.

• Academic Requirements

You must have completed at least Year 10 or the equivalent in your home country. If you are not a recent school-leaver, you may need to show some work experience or previous training to prove you're ready for the course.

• English Language Skills

Most trade courses require an IELTS score of 6.0 overall, with no band lower than 5.5.

• Pre-Training Review (PTR)

Some providers may ask you to do a Pre-Training Review. This helps make sure the course is a good fit for your skills and goals. It often includes a short self-assessment of your language, literacy, and digital skills.

• Age Requirement

You must be at least 17 years old and turning 18 in your first year of study. If you are under 18, you’ll need to have welfare and accommodation arrangements approved under visa rules.

Requirements may vary slightly depending on the course or provider. IDP can help you check what’s needed for your chosen trade course and guide you through the next steps.

Your entry requirements might be different

Entry criteria can change depending on the provider, your country, or your previous study. In some cases, you may even qualify for flexible entry or lower fees based on your background.

At IDP, we can review your qualifications, English scores, and study history to see what options are available to you.

It’s free, personalised, and only takes a few minutes.

I want to check my eligibility

Yes! Many trade occupations are listed on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List. These jobs are in demand and may help you qualify for Skilled Migration visas.

After completing your trade course, you may be eligible for a Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485), which allows you to live and work in Australia while gaining more work experience.

From there, if your occupation remains in demand and you meet the points test, you may be able to apply for permanent residency (PR) through visas like the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189), Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190), or Employer Sponsored options.

Studying a trade course doesn’t guarantee PR. But it’s a strong starting point, especially if you build work experience, improve your English skills, and apply strategically. 

If you need more insights on this, our migration experts at IDP can help you understand how your trade course can help your long-term PR goals.

1. What are the popular trade courses in Australia?

Some of the most popular trade courses are in carpentry, plumbing, electrical, automotive, painting, commercial cookery, and welding.

2. Can I work part-time while studying a trade course in Australia?

Yes, you can. With a student visa, you're allowed to work up to 40 hours every two weeks while your classes are on.

3. Where can I study a trade?

You can study a trade in every state and major city in Australia. Refer to our list of institutions above. 

4. How long does it take to complete a trade qualification?

Most trade courses take about 2 years to finish. Some may be a bit shorter or longer, depending on the course and the school.

5. What visa do I need to study a trade in Australia?

To study a trade course, you will need a Student Visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows you to live, study, and work part-time in Australia while you're enrolled in a course.

Take the First Step. Your Trade Course Starts Here

Thinking about studying a trade in Australia? 

You don’t need to have it all figured out. 

You're still exploring your options, or unsure what course fits you best?

Why not get experts to help you? 

At IDP, we help international students find the right trade course, apply to trusted training providers, and plan the next steps.

Your journey starts with one simple step: having a chat with someone who’s done this thousands of times. Let’s help you get started today.