Study Options in Australia: Courses & Degrees for International Students

Australia offers a wide range of courses for international students. Admissions are open for the 2026 session.

International students have the following degree options in Australia:

1. Vocational Education and Training (VET) Course

VET courses focus on providing the skills and knowledge that prepare students for the job market. Most VET courses are part of a national training framework (comparable to skill development programs like PMKVY in other countries). They are regularly updated in consultation with relevant industry bodies.

VET covers a diverse range of subjects, from traditional business to the creative industries. These courses are competency-based, meaning you receive your qualification once you achieve the desired skill level.

VET Eligibility includes:

Certificate I-IV Courses: Designed for initial skill training, they provide industry-specific knowledge, communication skills, participation, literacy, numeracy, and teamwork. They can last from a few weeks to six months.
Diploma Course: Prepares students for industry, enterprise, and professional careers. Some diploma courses can be completed at universities, including TAFE institutions. Full-time study typically takes 18 to 24 months.

2. Technical and Further Education (TAFE) Course

TAFE programs provide certified qualifications under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) for a wide range of vocational training across many business sectors. TAFE qualifications range from Certificate I to Certificate IV, Diploma, and Advanced Diploma.

TAFE Diploma and Advanced Diploma programs teach theory and practical skills across a range of technical and/or management tasks. Entry requirements generally do not require prior qualifications beyond English proficiency. Some courses may require work experience or prerequisite subjects.

3. Associate Degree (2 years)

Associate degree programs are undertaken after 12 years of schooling or equivalent education, or after a Certificate III/IV. This is a short higher education program that offers an exit point at the sub-degree level or acts as a pathway to a graduate degree.

4. Bachelor's Degree (3, 4 or 5 years)

Bachelor's degree programs prepare you for professional careers and/or postgraduate studies. Options in Australia include professional degrees, double degrees, soft entrance degrees, and honours degrees. Admission requires a Senior Secondary Certificate (Year 12) or foreign equivalent.

Programs typically take three to four years to complete at university. An Honours Degree can be obtained after one additional year of research.

5. Master's Degree

Postgraduate programs allow students to acquire advanced knowledge and skills in a selected area or professional field.

Coursework Masters: Include coursework, project work, and research. A bachelor's degree or graduate diploma is required for admission.
Professional Masters: Include work-related projects. Relevant qualifications and professional experience are required.
Research Masters: Include research and a written thesis. A Bachelor Degree, early Master's year, Graduate Diploma, or equivalent research experience is required for admission.
MBA: Most MBA programs require a bachelor's degree and work experience. University MBA programs usually last two years.

Opportunities After a Master's Degree

A master's degree from an Australian institution makes a graduate more valuable to employers worldwide. Recent laws also permit Australian institutions to allow work permits for international graduates for up to four years after graduation.

While international students may be eligible to work in Australia after graduation, they should not start studying in Australia for the sole purpose of migration. Australia offers preferential migration treatment for individuals on a skilled occupation list, but the migration process is separate from the student visa process. Studying for a Master's degree in Australia is no guarantee of being able to migrate.

After completing a Master's degree, students can also enrol in a doctoral program, continue their studies, and receive an additional student visa.

6. Doctoral Degree

The Doctoral Degree is the highest degree awarded by Australian Universities. Although primarily a research degree, some programs may have coursework components.

National Facts