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Hello friends! If you're an international student looking to earn a job or permanent residency (PR) by learning vocational skills in Australia, trade courses are a great option. Trade courses for international students in Australia not only teach hands-on skills but also open up pathways to high-demand jobs and PR.
Many trades are included on Australia's Skilled Occupation List (SOL) in 2025, making them attractive for migration. In this blog, we'll cover every detail of trade courses in Australia for international students – courses, fees, requirements, PR options, and dates. Let's understand them step by step.
| Course Name | Industry | Qualification Level | Typical Duration | Estimated Cost (AUD) | PR Pathway Potential | |
| Certificate III in Bricklaying/Blocklaying | Construction | Certificate III | 1-2 years | 18000-30000 | High (SOL-listed) | |
| Certificate III in Carpentry | Construction | Certificate III | 1-2 years | 18000-30000 | High (SOL-listed) | |
| Certificate III in Wall and Floor Tiling | Construction | Certificate III | 1-2 years | 18000-30000 | High (SOL-listed) | |
| Certificate III in Painting and Decorating | Construction | Certificate III | 1-2 years | 18000-30000 | High (SOL-listed) | |
| Certificate III in Plumbing | Construction | Certificate III | 1-2 years | 18000-30000 | High (SOL-listed) | |
| Certificate III in Roof Tiling | Construction | Certificate III | 1-2 years | 18000-30000 | High (SOL-listed) | |
| Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician | Electrical/Mechanical | Certificate III | 1-2 years | 18000-30000 | High (SOL-listed) | |
| Certificate III in Instrumentation and Control | Electrical/Mechanical | Certificate III | 1-2 years | 18000-30000 | Moderate | |
| Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology | Automotive | Certificate III | 1-2 years | 18000-30000 | High (SOL-listed) | |
| Certificate III in Commercial Cookery | Hospitality | Certificate III | 1-2 years | 18000-30000 | High (SOL-listed) | |
| Certificate III in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning | Mechanical | Certificate III | 1-2 years | 18000-30000 | High (SOL-listed) | |
| Certificate III in Hairdressing | Beauty/Personal Services | Certificate III | 1-2 years | 18000-30000 | Moderate | |
| Certificate III in Beauty Services | Beauty/Personal Services | Certificate III | 1-2 years | 18000-30000 | Moderate | |
| Certificate III in Welding | Manufacturing | Certificate III | 1-2 years | 18000-30000 | High (SOL-listed) | |
Trade courses, also known as Vocational Education and Training (VET), focus on practical skills. They are 1-2 years long, at the certificate or diploma level. These are offered by TAFE institutes and private colleges in Australia, such as RMIT, Swinburne, or Victoria University. These courses are easy for international students to complete as trade courses in Australia. Why choose them? Because they make them job-ready. The average salary is AUD 60,000-80,000 annually. Demand is high in the construction, hospitality, and healthcare sectors in 2025.
There are many high-paying trade courses available in Australia. Here's a list of the top 5:
Bricklaying/Blocklaying is a highly sought-after trade course in Australia. It teaches skills for building walls and structures in the construction industry. The Certificate III in Bricklaying/Blocklaying opens a PR pathway for international students.
Carpentry
The Carpentry trade course focuses on wood structures and furniture design. It provides job-ready skills and is popular for PR.
The Wall and Floor Tiling course teaches tile installation and design. This skill is in demand in the construction sector.
The Painting and Decorating course teaches creative and practical skills. It is ideal for interior and exterior design.
The plumbing course focuses on water systems and drainage skills. It is a top choice for PR.
The Roof Tiling course teaches roof installation and repair skills. This is a specialized trade in construction.
Electrotechnology Electrician
The Electrotechnology Electrician course focuses on wiring and electrical systems. It is a high-paying trade.
Course: Certificate III in Electrotechnology (CRICOS: 094831F)
Duration: 2 years
Fees: AUD 15,000-20,000/year
Requirements: IELTS 5.5, TRA required
Jobs: Electrician, Technician (Salary: AUD 75,000+)
Intake: January-July 2025
PR Pathway: Strong in 2025
The Instrumentation and Control course teaches automation and control systems. It prepares students for a career in the technical field.
Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology
The Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology course teaches car repair and maintenance skills. Demand is high in the automotive industry.
Commercial Cookery
The Commercial Cookery course teaches restaurant and hospitality skills. A popular choice for PR.
The Refrigeration and Air Conditioning course focuses on cooling systems. Best for technical jobs.
Hairdressing
The Hairdressing course teaches salon skills and styling. It prepares you for a career in the beauty industry.
Beauty Services
The Beauty Services course teaches makeup and skincare skills. Demand is high in the beauty industry.
Welding courses teach metal joining and fabrication skills. In-demand in construction and manufacturing.
Trade courses in Australia for international students are easy to enter. Basic Requirements:
Choose a CRICOS registered course before applying. New rules in 2025: Students must meet the 48 credit points study requirement.
Trade Course Fees in Australia
Fees are a major factor in budgeting. Trade course fees in Australia average AUD 21,500 per year. Breakdown:
| Trade Course | Duration | Annual Fees (AUD) | CRICOS Code |
| Bricklaying/Blocklaying | 1.5-2 years | 10,000-15,000 | 103839G |
| Carpentry | 1-2 years | 9,000-15,000 | 104839H |
| Wall and Floor Tiling | 1.5-2 years | 10,000-14,000 | 103840B |
| Painting and Decorating | 1-2 years | 9,500-13,000 | 103841A |
| Plumbing | 2 years | 12,000-18,000 | 103842C |
| Roof Tiling | 1-2 years | 10,000-14,000 | 103843D |
| Electrotechnology Electrician | 2 years | 15,000-20,000 | 094831F |
| Instrumentation and Control | 1.5 years | 12,000-16,000 | 095432E |
| Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology | 1-2 years | 11,000-16,000 | 091623A |
| Commercial Cookery | 1-2 years | 10,000-14,000 | 094832G |
| Refrigeration and Air Conditioning | 2 years | 12,000-18,000 | 094833H |
| Hairdressing | 1-1.5 years | 9,000-13,000 | 091624B |
| Beauty Services | 1 year | 8,000-12,000 | 091625C |
| Welding | 1.5-2 years | 11,000-15,000 | 094834J |
Dreaming of PR? Trade courses in Australia for PR are the best route. Trades such as engineering fabricator, boat building, and bricklaying are included on the 2025 SOL. Pathway:
2025 Update: Trades on the Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL) boosted.
Success rate: 70%+ if experience is available.
2025 Intake Dates and Application Tips
Trade courses for international students in Australia have multiple intakes. 2025 Mains:
Summer Intake: January (from January 6).
Winter: June (June 23).
October Intake: October 6 – Late 2025.
Weekly starts at TAFE WA or RMIT. Visa application 3-6 months in advance.
Tip: Seek guidance for admission from experts.
In conclusion, trade courses for international students in Australia in 2025 offer excellent opportunities for career and professional development. Courses such as Bricklaying, Carpentry, Plumbing, Electrotechnology, Commercial Cookery, Hairdressing, and Welding provide students with practical experience and employable skills.
These courses offer higher education as well as professional certifications, making students competitive in the local and international job market. By choosing the right trade course, students can not only develop skills but also move towards a sustainable career and a bright future.
