Australia’s booming construction and trade industry offers numerous opportunities for skilled workers. Pursuing a trade course in Australia is an excellent way to gain the hands-on skills and qualifications needed for a successful career in fields like carpentry, tiling, bricklaying, civil construction, design, and painting. Here, we'll explore the details of these trade courses, including course duration, skills assessment requirements, fees, and recent updates on the invitation round results for visa applications. All of the below trade courses are assessed by Vetassess.
Carpentry is one of the most sought-after trades in Australia, with demand for skilled carpenters consistently high.
Tiling is a vital trade in the construction industry, especially with the rise in new housing and renovation projects. A Certificate III in Wall and Floor Tiling generally takes 2 years to complete.
Bricklaying is another essential trade, particularly in building new homes and commercial structures. A Certificate III in Bricklaying and Block laying can typically be completed in 2 years.
For those interested in large-scale infrastructure projects, civil construction and design courses are a perfect fit. These courses often take 1 to 2 years to complete and can be pursued through both on-the-job training or formal education.
The demand for professional painters and decorators remains strong in Australia. A Certificate III in Painting and Decorating usually takes 2 to 3 years to complete, providing essential skills in both residential and commercial painting.
This April Fools’ Day, don’t be misled by myths about studying in Australia. Course changes, reduced study loads, or visa misunderstandings can put your future at risk—always get the right advice to stay compliant and on track.
Australia’s international student population is projected to hit record highs in 2025, with strong interest in Nursing, Early Childhood Teaching, and Social Work—fields offering high job demand and societal value. Key regions like South Australia, Victoria, and New South Wales stand out for quality education and employment prospects. The blog also highlights a 15% rise in enrolments since 2019, driven by growth in the VET and higher education sectors. These trends signal strong opportunities for international students pursuing meaningful, in-demand careers.
Explore your future with Australia's 485 Graduate Visa—live, work, and pursue residency after graduation!
Course | Bachelor’s Degree | Master’s Degree | Requirements or Considerations | English Language Proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL) | Tuition Fees (per year for international students) | Top Universities |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Nursing | 3 years | 1-2 years | Clinical placements required; may need specific health immunizations. | Minimum IELTS 6.5; TOEFL 79-93. | AUD $30,000 - $45,000 | University of Sydney, University of Melbourne, Monash University |
Information Technology | 3-4 years | 1-2 years | May require programming skills or prior coursework in IT. | Minimum IELTS 6.5; TOEFL 79-93. | AUD $30,000 - $50,000 | Australian National University, University of New South Wales, University of Melbourne |
Accounting | 3 years | 1-2 years | Need to meet accreditation standards by professional bodies. | Minimum IELTS 6.5; TOEFL 79-93. | AUD $30,000 - $40,000 | University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, University of Queensland |
Engineering (various fields) | 4 years | 1-2 years | Strong background in mathematics and physics required. | Minimum IELTS 6.5; TOEFL 79-93. | AUD $35,000 - $45,000 | University of New South Wales, University of Sydney, Monash University |
Social Work | 4 years | 1-2 years | Practical experience or placements required. | Minimum IELTS 7.0; TOEFL 94-101. | AUD $28,000 - $40,000 | University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, University of Queensland |
Education (various fields) | 4 years | 1-2 years | A police clearance and working with children check required. | Minimum IELTS 7.0; TOEFL 94-101. | AUD $28,000 - $35,000 | University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, Monash University |
Psychology | 3 years | 1-2 years | Requires strong research and psychological theory understanding. | Minimum IELTS 7.0; TOEFL 94-101. | AUD $30,000 - $45,000 | University of Sydney, University of New South Wales, University of Queensland |
Occupational Therapy | 3-4 years | 1-2 years | May require pre-registration or relevant clinical experience. | Minimum IELTS 7.0; TOEFL 94-101. | AUD $30,000 - $45,000 | University of Queensland, University of Sydney, Curtin University |
Architecture | 3-4 years | 2 years | Includes technical and creative coursework, portfolio may be required. | Minimum IELTS 6.5; TOEFL 79-93. | AUD $35,000 - $50,000 | University of Sydney, University of Melbourne, Monash University |
Medicine and Health Sciences | 5-6 years | 2-4 years | Highly competitive entry, includes clinical placements and internships. | Minimum IELTS 7.0; TOEFL 94-101. | AUD $45,000 - $70,000 | University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, Australian National University |
State/Territory | Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated Visa) | Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa) |
---|---|---|
New South Wales (NSW) | Required for some occupations | Required for some occupations and regions |
Victoria (VIC) | Required | Required |
Queensland (QLD) | Not typically required, conditions apply | Required for some occupations and regions |
South Australia (SA) | Not typically required, conditions apply | Required for some occupations and regions |
Western Australia (WA) | Not typically required | Not typically required |
Tasmania (TAS) | Not typically required, conditions apply | Not typically required, conditions apply |
Northern Territory (NT) | Not typically required | Not typically required |
Australian Capital Territory (ACT) | Required, uses Matrix system | Required, uses Matrix system |