Thinking of taking up a hands-on, job-ready career path in Australia? Start by pursuing a few trade courses - the wise choice for international students who are keen on entering job roles in very high demand in the country. These include carpentry, electrical work, plumbing, or automotive repair.

Here, we explore all about trade courses in Australia - what they cover, the top universities offering these courses, their eligibility criteria, tuition fees, job prospects, and annual salary packages - to help you make an informed decision for your future career path.

Why Study Trade Courses in Australia?

Pursuing trade courses in Australia enables students to acquire hands-on skills and secure suitable employment, thereby paving the way for Permanent Residency (PR) in Australia. Here are some more reasons for taking up Australia trade courses:

  • These courses provide opportunities to gain real-world experience through paid apprenticeships in various trades.

  • Australia creates a massive demand for a skilled workforce in various trade jobs across industries, including automotive, construction, electrical, and plumbing.

  • Trade courses are offered at many Australian colleges and universities in an online mode, making them more affordable and popular among international students.

Popular Trade Courses in Australia for Indian Students

Several leading universities and colleges offer the best trade courses in Australia, renowned for their high-quality and industry-aligned curricula. The table below shares some of the most popular trade courses in Australia with their relevant details for easy reference:

Course

Approx Tuition Fee (Annual)

Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology

AUD 17,530

Certificate III in Carpentry

AUD 18,135

Certificate III in Electroinstrumentation

AUD 21,175

Certificate III in Bricklaying

AUD 15,662

Certificate III In Painting and Decorating

AUD 19,010

Related Sources: https://www.tafensw.edu.au/course-areas/automotive/courses/certificate-iii-in-light-vehicle-mechanical-technology--AUR30620-01/offerings/AUR30620-01V02-25CBT-097
https://www.vu.edu.au/courses/certificate-iii-in-carpentry-cpc30220
https://www.cqu.edu.au/courses/705780/certificate-iii-in-instrumentation-and-control#ScCoursePageFeesAndScholarships
https://www.vu.edu.au/courses/certificate-iii-in-bricklaying-and-blocklaying-cpc33020
https://www.tafensw.edu.au/international/courses/certificate-iii-in-painting-and-decorating--CPC30620

List of Top Colleges/Universities Offering Trade Courses in Australia

Some of the best colleges in Australia for trade courses are tabulated below. You can pursue these programs at any of the following top-class institutions in the country:

Eligibility Criteria and Admission Requirements to Study Trade Courses in Australia

Students aspiring to pursue trade courses in Australia must meet specific predefined eligibility criteria for various universities and colleges. Note that every institution may have its admission requirements; hence, it’s best to check with the specific college or university before applying for any of the above Australia trade courses. Some of the standard admission criteria are listed below:

  • Completion of 10+2 or an equivalent international qualification recognised by the the university you are applying to

  • At least a 50% average in the above qualification

  • A minimum overall band score of 5.5 (with no band less than 5.0) on the IELTS Academic test

Related Source: https://www.rmit.edu.au/study-with-us/levels-of-study/vocational-study/diplomas/diploma-of-building-and-construction-building-c5415#admissions

Cost of Studying Trade Courses in Australia for Indian Students

The average trade course fees in Australia are estimated at AUD 21,500 per annum. Note that the fees for every college or university are likely to vary based on several factors. Therefore, check with the institution before applying.

Related Source: https://www.rmit.edu.au/study-with-us/levels-of-study/vocational-study/diplomas/diploma-of-building-and-construction-building-c5415#fees

Visa Requirements for Indian Students to Study in Australia

Indian students aspiring to pursue the trade courses mentioned earlier must first apply for a student visa for Australia. This is the Student Visa (subclass 500), and the Australia student visa application requires submission of the following key documents:

  • Letter of Enrollment from a recognised Australian university or college where you applied for a trade course

  • Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

  • Valid passport

  • Proof of English language proficiency (such as the required IELTS test score)

  • Proof of finances

  • Letter of intent

  • Character certificate

  • Medical report

  • Visa application fee (AUD 1,600 approx)

IDP Education consultants for Australia provide complete assistance and support to apply for an Australia study visa.

Related Source: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/fees-and-charges/current-visa-pricing

Career Opportunities After Completing Trade Courses in Australia

Students completing trade courses in Australia from top colleges in the country are eligible to apply for rewarding job opportunities, such as the ones tabulated below:

Job Role

Average Annual Salary (Approx)

Carpenter

AUD 98,323

Automotive Mechanic

AUD 74,713

Electrician

AUD 139,015

Plumber

AUD 92,981

House Painter

AUD 67,172

Related Sources: https://au.indeed.com/career/carpenter/salaries
https://au.indeed.com/career/automotive-mechanic/salaries?from=top_sb
https://au.indeed.com/career/senior-electrician/salaries
https://au.indeed.com/career/plumber-%2F-pipefitter/salaries
https://au.indeed.com/career/painter%2Flaborer/salaries

Student Essentials Services (SES) by IDP for Studying Abroad

To help Indian students pursue a trade course of their choice at a reputed college or university in Australia, IDP Education offers a host of Student Essentials Services, or SES. These services are exclusively designed to make your study journey abroad as comfortable as possible. Some of the popular student essential services provided by IDP include:

  • Money transfer facility

  • Student banking service

  • Issuance of SIM card

  • Issuance of Forex card

  • Education loans for students

  • Student heath cover

  • Accommodation arrangements

  • Help with finding a guardian for students under 18

  • Student identity card

FAQs on Trade Courses in Australia

1. What are the top-rated trade courses in Australia?

Some of the best trade courses in Australia include:

  • Commercial Cookery

  • Carpentry 

  • Electrical Trade

  • Plumbing

  • Construction Management 

2. Do Australian trade universities offer job placements?

Yes, many Australian trade universities offer job placement opportunities to students graduating with these programs. These universities have strong tie-ups with relevant industries, providing hands-on experiences and internships to students.

3. Are trade courses the best for going to Australia?

Trade courses in Australia offer pathways to skilled jobs and potential permanent residency in the country. Since these trades are in high demand in Australia, professional courses are popular choices for students seeking hands-on experience and career prospects in the country.

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

Every course may have a different duration depending on the institution delivering it, mode of study, and curriculum design. It’s best to check with the specific college that you apply to.

 5. Can a trade course in Australia lead to PR?

Yes, trade courses are a great way to apply for permanent residency in Australia. Since professionals trades are an essential necessity for citizens, trade courses are in high demand and serve as a pathway for potential PR in Australia.

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

Indian students aspiring to pursue trade courses in Australia need to apply for a Student Visa (Subclass 500) which allows you to enroll in Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses. 

Updated on July 8, 2025

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