Who knew learning to fuse metal could also help you fuse your life to Australia?

Construction projects are popping up everywhere in Australia—new roads, train lines, even solar farms! 

You can’t build any of that without someone welding things together. That’s why welders are among the in-demand trade courses in Australia.

In fact, the construction industry is expected to create 162,000 new jobs by 2034.

And the best part? You don’t need a university degree to start. 

With the right welding course, you can learn hands-on, get a well-paying job, and even stay in Australia long-term.

Sounds exciting? This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about studying welding courses in Australia.

Why study welding in Australia?

If you’re looking for a trades course and you want to work in construction, welding might be a great choice. But what more could it offer for you? Here are some other reasons that make welding a good prospect: 

• Australia needs more welders

The construction industry is expected to add over 95,000 new jobs by 2029. That means more buildings, more projects, and yep, more welding.

• Welding is on the Skilled Occupation List

That means if you train in welding, you might be able to apply for permanent residency later.

• Diverse career path

With a welding qualification, you can pursue careers in multiple industries, including automotive, shipbuilding, aerospace, and more. This offers flexibility and variety in your employment options.

• It costs less than university and takes less time

TAFE courses in Australia are generally more affordable than traditional university programs and often have shorter durations, so you can enter the workforce sooner.

• You get top-notch training

Australian TAFEs (colleges for trades) teach welding with real tools, workshops, and projects. This hands-on learning means you graduate ready to work and with skills employers want.

Source: Jobs and Skills Australia

Welding courses in Australia

Australia offers several welding courses that vary by skill level, focus, and outcome. Here’s a quick guide:

Certificate II in Engineering Pathways

Key Facts

• Course Duration: 3 months

• Delivery Mode: On Campus

• Fees: $5,425

Course overview

This is an entry-level course that introduces you to basic welding, metal fabrication, and safety. It’s a great starting point if you want to do an apprenticeship later in jobs like welding, boilermaking, fitting and turning, or mechanical work.

Who is it for?

• Students who haven’t finished Year 12 or want to explore trades before committing. 

• No prior qualifications required. 

• It’s great if you’re new to welding or metalwork.

Outcome

Prepares you for entry-level jobs or further study like Certificate III.

Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade (Welding)

Course overview

This is the main trade qualification for welders in Australia. You’ll learn practical welding methods like MIG, TIG, and arc welding, how to read blueprints, and workplace safety. It’s designed to get you job-ready as a professional welder.

Who is it for? 

• Ideal if you have completed Year 10 or 12 or hold a Certificate II in Engineering or similar. 

• For apprentices starting their trade training. Requires good physical fitness and practical skills.

Outcome

Trade qualification that leads to professional welder jobs and skilled migration eligibility.

Diploma of Engineering – Technical

Course overview

The Diploma of Engineering is a great option if you’ve already started in trades like welding and want to take things further. Instead of just learning how to weld, you’ll explore how things are designed, built, and managed in engineering projects. 

You’ll study maths, science, and technical skills that can lead to higher-level roles or future university study.

It’s a smart next step if you’ve done a Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade (Welding) and want to move into more technical or supervisory jobs in the future.

Who is it for? 

• Those who have completed Certificate III or have relevant work experience and want to move into technical, supervisory, or design roles. 

• Usually requires Year 12 or equivalent.

Outcome: Opens doors to management or technical positions, or further engineering study.

Specialised Short Courses (e.g., Pressure Welding, Structural Welding)

Course overview

These short courses focus on advanced welding skills like pressure welding or pipe welding. They help you gain certifications needed for niche or higher-paying welding jobs.

Who is it for? 

• Qualified welders (usually with Certificate III or equivalent) looking to specialise or meet specific job or industry requirements. 

• No formal education needed beyond trade qualifications.

Outcome: Certification for specialised jobs and higher employability in niche areas.

Source: TAFE QLD

TAFE institutions offering welding courses in Australia (by state)

Entry requirements 

• Year 10 completion - This is the minimum for most trade courses like Certificate II and III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade (Welding).

• Year 12 completion - Preferred (but not always required) for higher-level courses like the Diploma of Engineering or university pathway programs.

• Certificate II in Engineering Pathways - Often required if you're applying for Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade (Welding) and you haven’t done an apprenticeship yet.

• Math and English skills - You may need to show you meet minimum literacy and numeracy levels (sometimes through a short test or proof of study).

• Workplace-based training - For Certificate III courses, you usually need to be in a registered apprenticeship or willing to find an employer to train under.

Additional requirements

• Some courses may ask for a language, literacy, and numeracy (LLN) test

• You may need to be physically fit, as welding involves manual tasks.

• For international students: Valid student visa and proof of English proficiency (like IELTS) is required.

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 might have slightly different score requirements. It’s always best to check with your chosen provider or speak to an IDP counsellor to make sure you meet the entry criteria.

What you’ll learn in a welding course

The list below combines core units and skills from several Australian TAFE institutions offering the Certificate II in Engineering Pathways. It gives you a general idea of what you can expect to study in this course.

If you want detailed information about a specific TAFE or to find out which courses are open to international students, our IDP counsellors are here to help. Contact us for free for expert advice tailored to your study goals in Australia.

Core Units

Work safely in manufacturing and engineering
You’ll learn how to follow safety rules, use PPE, and keep yourself and your team safe at work.

Apply workplace health and safety principles
Understand safety laws, risk prevention, and how to spot and fix hazards.

Work sustainably
Learn how to reduce waste, save energy, and protect the environment while you work.

Create a career plan
Explore different engineering and manufacturing roles and map out your next steps.

Plan and complete routine tasks
Learn how to follow instructions and get jobs done the right way, from start to finish.

Undertake a basic engineering project
Work on a hands-on project that brings together all your new skills—just like on a real job site.

Use hand and power tools
Get confident with drills, grinders, welders, and more. These tools become second nature.

Interpret technical drawings
Learn to read and understand blueprints so you can build things accurately.

Measure and cut materials
Take precise measurements and use thermal or mechanical cutting tools like oxy or plasma cutters.

Weld using different techniques
Practice common welding methods like:

• Manual Metal Arc (MMAW)

• Gas Metal Arc (MIG)

• Gas Tungsten Arc (TIG)

• Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW)

Assemble and fabricate metal components
Fit, shape, and weld metal parts together for buildings, machinery, or structural projects.

Apply quality systems and procedures
Make sure your work meets industry standards and know how to fix it if it doesn’t.

Work well with others
Build strong teamwork and communication skills so you can work on big projects with different trades.

Job outcomes and salary after a welding course

Completing a welding course in Australia opens the door to many career paths. As a qualified welder, you could work in construction, manufacturing, mining, shipbuilding, or oil and gas industries. Some common job titles include:

• Structural Welder

• Fabricator

• Pressure Welder

• Metal Technician

• Boilermaker (with extra training)

• Maintenance Welder

Welders are always needed because metalwork is a key part of building everything from bridges and buildings to machinery and vehicles.

Welders earn a solid income. Entry-level welders typically make around AU$55,000 to AU$70,000 a year. 

With experience and specialist skills, salaries can go up to AU$90,000 or more. 

PR pathways for welding graduates

Welding is a skilled trade that’s in demand in Australia. Because of this, welders are listed on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL), which means you can apply for skilled migration visas like the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) or Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190).

These visas are your pathway to permanent residency (PR), allowing you to live and work anywhere in Australia. To strengthen your visa application, you’ll need your welding qualification and some work experience.

If you want up-to-date info on PR options and how to use your welding skills to stay in Australia, our IDP counsellors are ready to guide you through the process.

Ready to study welding in Australia?

Whether you’re after hands-on training, a great career, or a path to permanent residency, welding courses offer exciting opportunities. The demand for skilled welders is growing, and with the right course, you can build a rewarding future here.

If you’re unsure about which course suits you, what the entry requirements are, or how to navigate visa options, IDP counsellors are here to help. 

Contact us today for expert advice tailored to your goals and start planning your bright future in Australia.